GoldenDog

Has anybody used one of the 2016 Pioneer NEX radios with this setup? It looks like they have the same functionality now as the Kenwoods (but without a legal warning that has to be manually dismissed every time you start the truck). Looking for experiences (good or bad) with the Pioneers.

Is it safe to say that the bugs are mostly worked out for this? The HVAC controls for remote start was a big one for me that looks like is resolved. I was also concerned about access to the outside temp, but it looks like you can just turn an HVAC **** to get the HVAC screen up temporarily to show it (at least on the Kenwoods - hopefully on the Pioneer, too). My only other hangup is probably the mic since it sounds like I would have to install the one that comes with the radio if I ditch Sync (and I don't know why else I would consider keeping Sync).

poskwally

So, it's taken me a long time to get the extra funds to take on this project but I finally got the Maestro RR, K150, and a Kenwood deck. I have a couple of questions. Why does the Maestro need the blu/wht remote (amp turn on) power wire connected to it? Wouldn't it turn on/off based off the red (ignition/acc) wire? If it needs to be connected to the Maestro, how would I go about connecting an amp when I get a sub? Can I just leave it disconnected and ready to hook up to the sub in the future? Also, I was planning on tying the lt green (e-brake) wire directly to the black ground wire and wasn't planning on connecting the pur/wht (reverse) because my backup camera is in the rearview mirror. Do I really need to connect these to the Maestro or would it be OK to do as I originally planned? I'm thinking everything will be just fine if I leave these 3 wires disconnected, I just wanted some opinions from more experienced people.

orntar

You don't need to connect the amp turn on wire to the rr. I did not and all is fine. If you have a factory amp, that may be different. However, even if you do connect it, you can tap off of it for your aftermarket amps.

As for the green wire - yes, connect it to ground.

If you are not using the head unit for back up view, you do not need to connect the reverse trigger.

cwdaniel

Just finished having the kit installed in my 2013. I am impressed with the look and design. Looks like it belongs in the dash, unlike other offerings. Having the display at an appropriate height is nice. My head unit is a basic CD player as I'm only concerned with music. Not all the bells and whistles on other units. So I'm not using all the capabilities available.

So far my only complaint is the the rotary ***** on the HVAC and the absence of any explanation of their reconfigured function. The lack of a stop point and an indication of position sucks. However I think I discovered a hidden (unexplained) indicator of the temp ****. When turned, the indicator lights of the other buttons seen to track the ***** movement temporarily. Not and elegant solution, but it's at least something. Certainly not useful when your eyes should be on the road.

Is this the normal intended function, or did my installer miss something?

The push buttons in the center of the ***** apparently are used for features I don't have in my truck. Had to read this thread to find that out. Again, why no explanation in the kit? Or even on the Maestro site?

So nice having the ridiculous OEM stereo replaced. JL Audio speakers and a sub driven by an Alpine amp. Glorious!

orntar

Yes, without a compatible head unit, that is how the ***** work. The fan is indicated by the speed you can hear it running. The temp is indicted by the leds. Maestro does explain this in the generated documents when it was installed. The installer should have given them to you.

And yes, the buttons bring up the hvac info on compatible head units, so they will do nothing on yours.

You can go to Maestro site and generate new documents yourself.

cwdaniel

I haven't been able to zero in on something that does that on their site. Any clues?

orntar

You have to go thru all the pick boxes to customize your vehicle and radio - then select the owners guide pdf.

When I did it this is in the pdf...

Climate Controls
The climate controls on the K150 dash kit
function like the factory climate controls.
The OEM screen is no longer present, so it
is no longer able to display the temperature
**** position. Temperature level will now be
displayed on LEDs between the temperature
and fan speed *****. The LEDs will illuminate
in a progressive arch clockwise as the
temperature is increased and retract as the
temperature is decreased. The temperature
will only be displayed this way when it is
adjusted and for a few seconds afterward.
The temperature can be displayed at any
time by pressing the center of the temperature
or fan speed *****. .

orntar

I have a AVIC-6200Nex head unit, and it is miles ahead of the Kenwood head unit it replaced. It is so much faster at everything. The Hvac (and sync, etc.) integration is snappy and good looking.

I can't speak for remote start, however.

Enginner5

Does the factory back up camera work ok through the head unit?

orntar

I have an aftermarket camera, but I would assume it works fine.