Parrot Asteroid Classic (Head Unit)

[mattjm321]

I currently have a crappy Kenwood head unit that I don't like. However, I like the storage bin below the single DIN. On a whim, I just ordered a Parrot Asteroid Classic off Amazon for $279. I wasn't really concerned with nav because I always use my iPhone and Proclip USA holster (I think I attached the right picture). I don't plan on upgrading from my iPhone 4s anytime soon.

I haven't seen anyone on here try one of these yet. It should be here by Friday. Will report back for any of those interested.

This it what it looks like installed in an old SC 911.

Stock photo

 

[Texas993]

I have one in my Mercedes. Love it. Upgrade the software as soon as you install it, and it will work just fine. The older OS versions are glitchy and cause the unit to get poor reviews.

BTW, I purchased mine a few weeks ago from Frys Electronics for $199. I think they were on clearance.

 

[OregonLC]

Double Din Asteroid Smart looks interesting. Wonder if it will live up to it's promise or if it will be a dud like the AppRadio.

 

[bamabrock]

Double Din Asteroid Smart looks interesting. Wonder if it will live up to it's promise or if it will be a dud like the AppRadio.

I just installed the appradio 2 and it is awesome if you have an android phone with the arliberator app.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OYFTjMkBCpY

 

[davegonz]

AppRadio 1 or 2?

 

[mister bean]

Double Din Asteroid Smart looks interesting. Wonder if it will live up to it's promise or if it will be a dud like the AppRadio.

Looks interesting, but I like having some hard controls, even if it's just for volume and power.

 

[OregonLC]

AppRadio 1 or 2?

AppRadio 1. Buggy POS.

Looks interesting, but I like having some hard controls, even if it's just for volume and power.

I agree. Menus are great with a mouse but not when driving.

 

[mattjm321]

It was on my doorstep after work today. I pulled the dash apart for the install - unfortunately the face plate is oversized and won't fit neatly behind the dash. The only solution would be to leave it sticking out. The faceplate itself would be an ugly 1/4 to 1/3 inch out. I briefly considered cutting the dash before I started looking up replacement dash part prices...

Disappointed. I'll be shipping it back (unless someone on here wants to buy it?)

Back to the drawing board. I looked over the Appradio 2 and didn't really like it. As mentioned above, Parrot will soon be releasing a double DIN head unit. I might try it too. Hopefully it won't also stick out.

I really want to find something OEM looking because I can't stand the "bedazzled" look of the Kenwood/Pioneer/Alpine etc.

Scion? I like the looks of this one. Not sure about mismatched colors.

I'm sure this has been covered in other threads? Anybody know what I should be looking for?

 

[OregonLC]

Anyone looked at the KVT-516? Mount it high and the screen would pop up above the dash top actually putting in your field of view. And you'd have a single DIN spot left for cb, switches, cubby, ham, etc.

 

[RobRed]

Neg on pop up screens i Say again neg on popup screens.

Any amount of offroad use will not be good for it (real world experience). The "ledge" of the dash pad comes out a fair bit above the radio slot. The opened pop-up screen might not clear it vertically... more over I find myself tilting up the pioneer screen I have which could'nt happen on the pop-up.

 

[OregonLC]

Neg on pop up screens i Say again neg on popup screens.

Any amount of offroad use will not be good for it (real world experience). The "ledge" of the dash pad comes out a fair bit above the radio slot. The opened pop-up screen might not clear it vertically... more over I find myself tilting up the pioneer screen I have which could'nt happen on the pop-up.

That's the nice thing about the KVT is that you can set both pitch and extension. So you can reduce glare and get it up into field of view. I hear you on the off road forces on the mechanism, but it feels pretty rugged. And after seeing how my iPad behaves on a 6" RAM mount bolted to a flimsy vehicle specific mount I don't think there's that much force on them. The screens are pretty light weight.

I'm more hung up on the Kenwood boot time and UI.

Z-action mechanism: http://www.crutchfield.com/App/Mobile/App/Product/Item/Research.aspx?i=113KVT516&tp=20217

 

[mattjm321]

Ditto the "ledge." That was the biggest problem.

I like the looks of these:

They might have the same overhang problem. I'll look online to see if I can find some measurements.

Has anyone put an iPad mini in their dash yet? I could see it having obvious drawbacks...