After Market Navigation Choices
#23
Junior Member
Thread Starter
Hey everyone, I just got the Advent OE Navigation unit for my 2011 F150 FX4 and thought I would post my thoughts on the unit and also some pictures. I would be happy to answer any questions anyone has regarding this unit. I have only had the unit for a week now, so I am sure I haven't got to all the functions just yet.
Purchase
I purchased my unit from Walt at ADCMobile.com. I was very happy with the purchase and Walt answered all my questions and concerns about the unit that I had. I did some looking as far as price goes for this unit and with Walt's support, free backsplash screens with your order I came to the conclusion that ADCMobile was the best option to go with for the unit.
Installation
As far as my installation goes, it was not bad at all. Walt sent me his video link with the full installation which helped me once I had the radio out of my vehicle. His video of removing the radio was a little different since I have the FX4 model and have the full center console. To remove the radio you have to unbolt the whole center unit and pull it back to access the side vent screws. I did not do anything with removing the air bags as I was able to pop the right side vent trim piece off enough by removing the bottom screw to get the radio out. Once I had the radio out, Walts installation video guided me step by step through the whole process. I actually made some documentation of the step by step process that Walt did in his video if anyone is interested, I would be happy to send it over. In difficulty on a scale of 1 to 10, I would give the installation a 4 and mainly that is due to having remove the whole center console. It took me about 2.5 hours from start to finish but that is taking my time to be sure not to break off any clips or plastic trim pieces.
Pro's
- Sound quality is much better with this head unit. I do have after market speakers in my truck but the overall quality is allot better.
- The hard buttons on top of the screen make navigating through the unit a breeze. Most touch screens it is a task to get from the Navigation to the radio to XM and so forth. With these hard buttons, navigating from one function to the next is a breeze and quick.
- Navigation app on the unit is spot on so far. I have only used it a couple times but so far the maps and directions have been spot on. It does take a little bit to get all the settings for the navigation correct such as the voice volume, voice choice (found the default voice to have a lisp). Once these are set though it is in my opinion as good as a Garmin.
- The look of the unit non shy of stock looking. I have had multiple people already ask me how much and why I paid to add a stock NAV unit in my truck. You really can't tell that this unit is not from Ford directly and meant to be in the truck.
- I also really enjoy the equalizer function on the unit. I think this adds allot of options for sound. I have already done some personal presets and enjoy switching between them depending how much bass, treble and so forth I want at that particular time.
Cons
- XM quality, so I am really not sure if it is the XM Tuner or the unit but thought I would mention it. I see a couple things with the XM quality that I wouldn't mind seeing improved. The first is the XM volume compared to the radio volume. When I switch between XM and Radio, the XM volume is about 5 - 6 volume clicks quieter. So when I switch to XM I have to turn the volume up and when I switch back to radio I have to quickly turn it down as it will be extremely loud. The second issue is as some people have already stated that when you switch over to XM anytime it will always start on the preview channel. Wish it would remain on the channel you last left on like the stock radio did. Also it would be nice if when switching XM channels with your steering wheel controls it would jump XM bands so you get the full range of presets for all the XM bands.
- Steering wheel control hang up button for phone app on the unit. I am currently using the Bluetooth Phone application on the unit over SYNC to give it a try. I wish the hang up button would work when using it but it does not and when pressed just calls up SYNC. I am sure this is due to SYNC and the units application not being able to use the same button but just would be nice to not have to hit the hang up button on the screen and to be able to hit the steering wheel button. I still have not decided which is better the SYNC Bluetooth or the units.
Hopefully my review is not to long but thought I would give as much information as possible for those looking to purchase this Advent unit. I am sure I forgot some stuff so if you do have any questions again don't hesitate to PM me.
Purchase
I purchased my unit from Walt at ADCMobile.com. I was very happy with the purchase and Walt answered all my questions and concerns about the unit that I had. I did some looking as far as price goes for this unit and with Walt's support, free backsplash screens with your order I came to the conclusion that ADCMobile was the best option to go with for the unit.
Installation
As far as my installation goes, it was not bad at all. Walt sent me his video link with the full installation which helped me once I had the radio out of my vehicle. His video of removing the radio was a little different since I have the FX4 model and have the full center console. To remove the radio you have to unbolt the whole center unit and pull it back to access the side vent screws. I did not do anything with removing the air bags as I was able to pop the right side vent trim piece off enough by removing the bottom screw to get the radio out. Once I had the radio out, Walts installation video guided me step by step through the whole process. I actually made some documentation of the step by step process that Walt did in his video if anyone is interested, I would be happy to send it over. In difficulty on a scale of 1 to 10, I would give the installation a 4 and mainly that is due to having remove the whole center console. It took me about 2.5 hours from start to finish but that is taking my time to be sure not to break off any clips or plastic trim pieces.
Pro's
- Sound quality is much better with this head unit. I do have after market speakers in my truck but the overall quality is allot better.
- The hard buttons on top of the screen make navigating through the unit a breeze. Most touch screens it is a task to get from the Navigation to the radio to XM and so forth. With these hard buttons, navigating from one function to the next is a breeze and quick.
- Navigation app on the unit is spot on so far. I have only used it a couple times but so far the maps and directions have been spot on. It does take a little bit to get all the settings for the navigation correct such as the voice volume, voice choice (found the default voice to have a lisp). Once these are set though it is in my opinion as good as a Garmin.
- The look of the unit non shy of stock looking. I have had multiple people already ask me how much and why I paid to add a stock NAV unit in my truck. You really can't tell that this unit is not from Ford directly and meant to be in the truck.
- I also really enjoy the equalizer function on the unit. I think this adds allot of options for sound. I have already done some personal presets and enjoy switching between them depending how much bass, treble and so forth I want at that particular time.
Cons
- XM quality, so I am really not sure if it is the XM Tuner or the unit but thought I would mention it. I see a couple things with the XM quality that I wouldn't mind seeing improved. The first is the XM volume compared to the radio volume. When I switch between XM and Radio, the XM volume is about 5 - 6 volume clicks quieter. So when I switch to XM I have to turn the volume up and when I switch back to radio I have to quickly turn it down as it will be extremely loud. The second issue is as some people have already stated that when you switch over to XM anytime it will always start on the preview channel. Wish it would remain on the channel you last left on like the stock radio did. Also it would be nice if when switching XM channels with your steering wheel controls it would jump XM bands so you get the full range of presets for all the XM bands.
- Steering wheel control hang up button for phone app on the unit. I am currently using the Bluetooth Phone application on the unit over SYNC to give it a try. I wish the hang up button would work when using it but it does not and when pressed just calls up SYNC. I am sure this is due to SYNC and the units application not being able to use the same button but just would be nice to not have to hit the hang up button on the screen and to be able to hit the steering wheel button. I still have not decided which is better the SYNC Bluetooth or the units.
Hopefully my review is not to long but thought I would give as much information as possible for those looking to purchase this Advent unit. I am sure I forgot some stuff so if you do have any questions again don't hesitate to PM me.
#24
That looks great Jhop!
I'm hoping to do something similar, upgrading my truck to a nav system. Right now i can install a Carplay unit with a dash kit and back up camera for around $500 if I do it myself, I'm trying to keep it under $700.00 give or take.
I'm hoping to do something similar, upgrading my truck to a nav system. Right now i can install a Carplay unit with a dash kit and back up camera for around $500 if I do it myself, I'm trying to keep it under $700.00 give or take.
Last edited by Aragost; 02-24-2015 at 08:00 AM.
#25
JHoppFX4 congrats on the new Nav unit install...know your liking it over stock no doubt. I upgraded my factory HU back last fall to a Kenwood Nav HU and had to purchase a Sirius XM tuner to go -w- the new HU. My apologies as I didn't see where you specified if you had to add in the Sirius unit or not to your new Nav HU.
Anyway after my install I was experiencing the same audio quality with Sirius XM as you described. After some internet research I found that over the years Sirius XM has been slowly compressing their signal in most channels due to bandwidth constrictions which results in poor sound quality while using Sirius/XM. At first I thought it was the tuner, but as I said before I found that they are compressing most if not all of their broadcasts. Point being, their is nothing wrong with your new HU.
Anyway after my install I was experiencing the same audio quality with Sirius XM as you described. After some internet research I found that over the years Sirius XM has been slowly compressing their signal in most channels due to bandwidth constrictions which results in poor sound quality while using Sirius/XM. At first I thought it was the tuner, but as I said before I found that they are compressing most if not all of their broadcasts. Point being, their is nothing wrong with your new HU.
#26
Senior Member
iTrader: (1)
JHoppFX4 congrats on the new Nav unit install...know your liking it over stock no doubt. I upgraded my factory HU back last fall to a Kenwood Nav HU and had to purchase a Sirius XM tuner to go -w- the new HU. My apologies as I didn't see where you specified if you had to add in the Sirius unit or not to your new Nav HU.
Anyway after my install I was experiencing the same audio quality with Sirius XM as you described. After some internet research I found that over the years Sirius XM has been slowly compressing their signal in most channels due to bandwidth constrictions which results in poor sound quality while using Sirius/XM. At first I thought it was the tuner, but as I said before I found that they are compressing most if not all of their broadcasts. Point being, their is nothing wrong with your new HU.
Anyway after my install I was experiencing the same audio quality with Sirius XM as you described. After some internet research I found that over the years Sirius XM has been slowly compressing their signal in most channels due to bandwidth constrictions which results in poor sound quality while using Sirius/XM. At first I thought it was the tuner, but as I said before I found that they are compressing most if not all of their broadcasts. Point being, their is nothing wrong with your new HU.
When I replace my 2011 factory HU I had to by an external Sirius tuner also. Sirius is built in to the factory HU. It is not a separate unit.
#27
Thought i'd share what I ended up doing with my 2011 F-150. I decided I wanted to keep everything under $500 and go from having a non touch screen dash to a touch screen with GPS etc set-up. So far I am loving the decision, for just around $360.00 I was able to add to my truck a GPS, Pandora Link, touchscreen, rear backup camera, and keep the steering wheel controls!
I purchased everything off of Amazon and did the install myself, which is a first for me as I have never messed around with car stereos before. It was all relatively easy thanks to all the "how-to" videos I found on youtube. Anyway here is a list of what I got in case anyone else wants to ever add a system like this on the cheap. For the price, I am very happy.
• Metra 40-CR10 Chrysler 2002 Antenna Adapter Cable
• Jensen VX7020 6.2-Inch TFT with GPS/Bluetooth/Pandora/Mic/USB
• TaoTronics® Rear View Backup Camera Bar
• Metra Axxess ASWC-1 Universal Steering Wheel Control Interface
• Stereo Wire Harness Ford F-150
• Scosche Dash Kit for 2009 (fit great in my 2011) Ford F-150 Double Din
I purchased everything off of Amazon and did the install myself, which is a first for me as I have never messed around with car stereos before. It was all relatively easy thanks to all the "how-to" videos I found on youtube. Anyway here is a list of what I got in case anyone else wants to ever add a system like this on the cheap. For the price, I am very happy.
• Metra 40-CR10 Chrysler 2002 Antenna Adapter Cable
• Jensen VX7020 6.2-Inch TFT with GPS/Bluetooth/Pandora/Mic/USB
• TaoTronics® Rear View Backup Camera Bar
• Metra Axxess ASWC-1 Universal Steering Wheel Control Interface
• Stereo Wire Harness Ford F-150
• Scosche Dash Kit for 2009 (fit great in my 2011) Ford F-150 Double Din
#28
Senior Member
iTrader: (1)
Thought i'd share what I ended up doing with my 2011 F-150. I decided I wanted to keep everything under $500 and go from having a non touch screen dash to a touch screen with GPS etc set-up. So far I am loving the decision, for just around $360.00 I was able to add to my truck a GPS, Pandora Link, touchscreen, rear backup camera, and keep the steering wheel controls!
I purchased everything off of Amazon and did the install myself, which is a first for me as I have never messed around with car stereos before. It was all relatively easy thanks to all the "how-to" videos I found on youtube. Anyway here is a list of what I got in case anyone else wants to ever add a system like this on the cheap. For the price, I am very happy.
• Metra 40-CR10 Chrysler 2002 Antenna Adapter Cable
• Jensen VX7020 6.2-Inch TFT with GPS/Bluetooth/Pandora/Mic/USB
• TaoTronics® Rear View Backup Camera Bar
• Metra Axxess ASWC-1 Universal Steering Wheel Control Interface
• Stereo Wire Harness Ford F-150
• Scosche Dash Kit for 2009 (fit great in my 2011) Ford F-150 Double Din
I purchased everything off of Amazon and did the install myself, which is a first for me as I have never messed around with car stereos before. It was all relatively easy thanks to all the "how-to" videos I found on youtube. Anyway here is a list of what I got in case anyone else wants to ever add a system like this on the cheap. For the price, I am very happy.
• Metra 40-CR10 Chrysler 2002 Antenna Adapter Cable
• Jensen VX7020 6.2-Inch TFT with GPS/Bluetooth/Pandora/Mic/USB
• TaoTronics® Rear View Backup Camera Bar
• Metra Axxess ASWC-1 Universal Steering Wheel Control Interface
• Stereo Wire Harness Ford F-150
• Scosche Dash Kit for 2009 (fit great in my 2011) Ford F-150 Double Din
#29
#30
Upgrade 2012 F-150 Nav system
Thought i'd share what I ended up doing with my 2011 F-150. I decided I wanted to keep everything under $500 and go from having a non touch screen dash to a touch screen with GPS etc set-up. So far I am loving the decision, for just around $360.00 I was able to add to my truck a GPS, Pandora Link, touchscreen, rear backup camera, and keep the steering wheel controls!
I purchased everything off of Amazon and did the install myself, which is a first for me as I have never messed around with car stereos before. It was all relatively easy thanks to all the "how-to" videos I found on youtube. Anyway here is a list of what I got in case anyone else wants to ever add a system like this on the cheap. For the price, I am very happy.
• Metra 40-CR10 Chrysler 2002 Antenna Adapter Cable
• Jensen VX7020 6.2-Inch TFT with GPS/Bluetooth/Pandora/Mic/USB
• TaoTronics® Rear View Backup Camera Bar
• Metra Axxess ASWC-1 Universal Steering Wheel Control Interface
• Stereo Wire Harness Ford F-150
• Scosche Dash Kit for 2009 (fit great in my 2011) Ford F-150 Double Din
I purchased everything off of Amazon and did the install myself, which is a first for me as I have never messed around with car stereos before. It was all relatively easy thanks to all the "how-to" videos I found on youtube. Anyway here is a list of what I got in case anyone else wants to ever add a system like this on the cheap. For the price, I am very happy.
• Metra 40-CR10 Chrysler 2002 Antenna Adapter Cable
• Jensen VX7020 6.2-Inch TFT with GPS/Bluetooth/Pandora/Mic/USB
• TaoTronics® Rear View Backup Camera Bar
• Metra Axxess ASWC-1 Universal Steering Wheel Control Interface
• Stereo Wire Harness Ford F-150
• Scosche Dash Kit for 2009 (fit great in my 2011) Ford F-150 Double Din
1) Are you still happy with the unit?
2) I have a Sync. Is the wiring pretty simple to the Sync? Which harness did you purchase to interface with Sync.?
3) I already have a Sirius XM antenna. I assume that antenna would plug into the receiver or the Sirius interface box correct?
4) Would you rather have a 7020 or a 7022?
5) Any other info I should know?
Thanks.
Dennis Sherman