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Here are some aftermarket Plug-N-Play GPS head unit options

64K views 97 replies 16 participants last post by  mr_et2  
#1 · (Edited)
I am in the process of replacing the stock head unit in my Jeep. I have been looking around trying to find one I want and can afford. I have pretty much narrowed the search to MYGIG head units of various models( RBZ/RER/RHR/RHB ). I much prefer that factory fit and appearance over aftermarket. On modern vehicles I also prefer the plug-n-play ability of OE vs all the harnesses, fillers, etc... required for aftermarket not to mention loss of features( like F-R fade )that sometimes come with them.

ANYWAY... :blah:

Unfortunately, new units are crazy stuipid $$$ and I am leery of used so I have held off buying and have been scouring the internet for the best deal from a reputable seller. While doing that I came across some a few other options for people wanting to do what I am who prefer new to used. These are aftermarket head units( one is authorized Chrysler supplier )that look and fit like OEM ones and are plug-n-play. They seem to get good reviews as well. Prices are much less than new OE MYGIG's and they are NAV head units like I want. There are some negatives however which I will list below.

FWIW to anyone I thought I would post this info...

_______________________________________________________________

OPTION I - OttoNavi Navigation Head Unit For Jeep Patriot:
MFG's web site = http://ottonavi.com/
Model Number = DG08UN-58796GPS
Fits Models = 2009-2011 Patriot( verify other year fitment with the mfg )

Features:
AM/FM/CD/DVD( MP4, DIVX, AVI, DVD, VCD, MP3, (CD), CD-RW, JPEG
TV( PAL/NTSC )
GPS Navigation( Map System Used ? )
Video( two video output/ one channel video input /AUX audio R/L input[RCA] )
Bluetooth Hands-Free Calling( built in mic )
IPod
USB/SD Slot
Steering Wheel Control Compatibility( Yes )
Remote Control
6" Touch Screen( Digital 800*480 )
Backup Camera Capable( Yes )
And more...

IMPORTANT NOTE - This head unit will NOT work if you have the Premium Sound system( 9 speaker systems ). It only works on vehicles with the standard 4 speaker systems. I contacted the mfg about one for the 9 speaker systems to see if they had one or were ever going to offer one and was told emphatically NO. I would have bought one of these if they had one for Premium Sound.

UPDATE 04/15/2013 - IMPORTANT NOTE 2 - Make sure if ordering this head unit from OttoNavi to be very clear that they MUST provide you with a LOW SPEED CANBUS module NOT a high speed module or the head unit will not work in a Patriot or Compass. Another member ordered one( see later pages in this thread )and ended up returning it because OttoNavi couldn't get the right CANBUS moduel to him. They kept giving him the wrong CANBUS module. The head unit will work with the right module( have seen video of this radio working in low speed vehicles like a Chrysler 200 )but you need to be able to get it from OttoNavi or the radio is useless. It does not appear OttoNavi has very good Customer Service so be careful.

Image


I have seen these run from $450-$600 new. $599 from mfg direct. View the mfg's site for more info and more photos.

_________________________________________________________________

NOTE - the following head unit is made by Astrium. They actually are an authorized radio builder for Chrysler on units sold outside the US( units will still work here ). These are actually the same basic head units we get. They are not allowed to use the MOPAR or Chrysler brand logos. They are sold as MOPAR units outside the US though( so they say ).

OPTION II - Astrium Navigation Head Unit For Jeep Patriot:
MFG's web site = http://www.astrium-electronics.com/
Model Number = GEE-0809
Fits Models = 2010-2013 Patriot

NOTE - They also make another head unit that is physically identical to the GEE-0809 shown below called the GEE-3012. That head unit is NOT compatible with a Patriot as it is for high speed CANBUS models only. The Patriot requires the GEE-0809 as it is a low speed CANBUS model.

Features:
6.5 inch High Definition 800*480 TFT touch screen (16:9);
Touch screen lifetime: >100 millions single point touch;
DVD/VCD/CD/MP4/MP3/WMA/JPEG/CD/CD-R/CD-RW/JPEG;
Slimmest DVD Loader; Highest automobile class;
GPS Navigation powered by iGo( iGo8 )and NAVTEQ;
Text-to-Speech for spoken street names (“Turn right on Broadway”)
SIRF Prima TT440 Chipset
8GB Flash INAND
256MB SDRAM
ublox LEA-6R GPS Module
High quality FM/AM radio with RDS, 60 presets memory;
Support USB/SD card playback;
High Speed USB 2.0
Support iPod Nano; iPod Classic; iTouch; iPhone; Support Stereo L/R Audio
DOLBY Digital Effect Processing;
Parrot Bluetooth Hands-free; MIC built-in
Display Clock/Time when radio is off;
Dual Zone Feature: play music or video while navigation running;
Volume/Bass/Treble/Fade/Balance electronics control;
Supreme Electronics and Mechanical Anti-shock Protection;
AUX Input at front; One channel Video input; Two channels Audio input
Support Rear View Camera( YES );
DSP Preset EQ / Rock / Jazz / Classic / Pop ;
Video System: NTSC / PAL / AUTO;
4 x 45W high power output;
iPod ready;
Working Voltage 11V-14V DC;
Working Current Max 15A;
Meet FCC, FDA Electromagnetic Standards
And more...

IMPORTANT NOTE - This unit WILL work with Premium Sound but it will NOT work with SiriusXM SAT Radio. Sirius can not even be added from what I see as these units are built for use where that is not used the info says. Also, no RCA audio/video output for rear headrest/roof monitors.

UPDATE 04/15/2013 - IMPORTANT NOTE 2 - Make sure if ordering this head unit from an authorized Astrium retailer( mfg does not sell direct to consumers despite it looking that way on their web site )to be very clear that they MUST provide you with the most up to date nav system SD card. Make sure you tell them if the SD card is a Transcend 8GB SDHC card and contains iGO8 version 8.3.5.151770 to get you a new SD card with a fixed version of iGo 8.3.5.151770. There was a problem with the SD cards themselves and/or the nav software version that came with my unit( I bought a GEE-0809 - see later in thread )that resulted in freezes of the nav system at times. The nav software mfg has come out with a fix just recently( late March 2013 )that involved me having to return the SD card to the seller. I am awaiting my new SD card right now. So do yourself a favor and make sure this has been addressed if you buy one of these head units. GREAT head unit otherwise and highly recommend them. iG0 8 is awesome when it doesn't freeze so once I have the fixed version it will be great as well.

UPDATE 06/07/2013 - I have the updated/fixed new SD card and all the issues with freeze ups are gone. The iGO8 version is still 8.3.5.151770 so I don't know if just the SD card was bad or if it was the software too? The new SD card is not from the same mfg as the original. Whatever the case it is fixed and the nav system in this head unit is AMAZING!!!!

Image


I have seen these run from $900-$1000 new( E-Bay/Amazon ). You can also view this auction on E-Bay for videos on the various features. Actually, I HIGHLY RECOMMEND this E-Bay seller( trustigoelectronics ). Derek and Willie have been excellent. I have received unbeatable customer service from them. They answer every question in a timely manner and follow through on everything they say. If you are after an Astrium head unit I definitely recommend you buy it from trustigoelectronics. If you do have any issues these guys go above and beyond to make things right!...

http://www.ebay.com/itm/2007-08-09-...=1&asc=14133&meid=5519144109125132352&pid=100015&prg=1085&rk=1&sd=160949863680&

_________________________________________________________________

UPDATE 04/15/2013 - NEW OTPTION

OPTION III - SimpleSoft Navigation Head Unit For Jeep Patriot:
MFG's web site = http://www.simplesoftusa.com
Model Number = E8074-1( may not be mfg's #? )
Fits Models = 2011-2012 Patriot

  • For Jeep Compass Latitude(2011-2012),Compass 4X2 (2011-2012),Commander(2010), Patriot 4WD (2011-2012) with standard sound system or factory Amplifier, plug & play installation. Windows CE 6.0 / 600Mhz CPU / 128MB RAM. 1-year limited parts and labor warranty.
  • 6.5" digital high definition (800x480) TFT touchscreen display. Supports Sirius Radio (Optional adapter is needed; SCC1 and subscription are required and sold separately.)
  • Built-in iPod control (audio only)/ charging on supported iPod/iPhone models; Built-in USB flash drive support for audio playback. Built-in 9-band equalizer with DSP (digital signal processing).
  • Built-in Bluetooth hands free ; Address book synchronizes with supported phones.
  • DVD playback/AM/FM/iPod Audio Control/USB Audio Playback/Bluetooth Hands Free/Rear Seat LCD(optional) Support/Backup Camera(optional)
  • iGo Primo2 GPS software. US&Canada Map Included



The mfg's web site does not actually show a model as of the posting of this thread update( 04/15/2013 )for any Chrysler products but it does appear they offer them. They are sold on Amazon.com for $599...

[ame]http://www.amazon.com/Replacement-Touchscreen-Navigation-2011-2012-Installation/dp/B00A5WMNQM[/ame]

Hope this helps someone out. :smiley_thumbs_up:
 
#3 ·
UPDATE: Looks like the difference between the 2 models is one is a low speed CANBUS and the other is a high speed CANBUS.

GEE-0809 = Low Speed CANBUS( WILL work with Patriot & Compass )
GEE-3012 = High Speed CANBUS( will NOT work with Patriot/Compass )

No other differences feature wise between them. I am still trying to get in touch with the company with a few other questions. I finally got the info above from a seller and that was a chore I think due to language issues( English vs French Canadian ).

I am trying to find out more about the backup camera. It appears this unit does not need to have a dealer activate the backup camera feature with the scan tool like you do with a regular MYGIG on vehicles that do not already have one. It comes ready to go.

The other backup camera issue I am trying to find out about is what cameras can be used( i.e. factory, MOPAR, aftermarket, ??? ). The seller where I got the info above is telling me I MUST use the Astrium backup camera as it uses a unique connector. I think this is wrong. From everything I have read about these radios( i.e. non US Chrysler/MOPAR head unit builders )these are basically exactly the same as we get factory just no SiriusXM( NAV is a little different I think too ). In the photos I have seen, it looks to me like the camera plugs into the stock location like a regular MYGIG would using the factory connector and socket? The Astrium cameras apear to have that OE connector on them too. If that is the case I should be able to use that $70 aftermarket harness I found that plugs into the OE connector on the head unit and then allows an aftermarket camera with an RCA connector to plug into it.

So, as I get more info I will post. I am starting to lean towards one of these Astrium units. Oh, and it appears there is a 1 year warranty on them too which is better than zero or just 90 days on a used MYGIG.
 
#4 · (Edited)
More...

I am still waiting to hear back from the mfg( Astrium )so I can ask some questions. Have been looking at the units more and it looks like there are some subtle button differences on the front vs the 730N RER/RHR and 430N RHB models but overall it is the same layout. The back looks to be the 430 RHB configuration and not the 730N RER/RHR like I 1st thought.

Front Views...

Astrium GEE-0809 Low Speed CANBUS( Jeep Patriot & Compass ):
Image


MYGIG 730N RER:
Image


MYGIG 730N RHR:
Image


MYGIG 430N RHB:
Image


Rear Views...

Astrium GEE-0809 Low Speed CANBUS( Jeep Patriot & Compass ):
Image


MYGIG 730N RER:
Image


MYGIG 730N RHR:
Image


MYGIG 430N RHB:
Image


As you can see the fronts are all the same basic face plate with the various buttons just doing different things. The rear of the Astrium to me appears to be the 430N RHB shown with different antenna inputs in the same spots( there is another 430N RHB that has an even different back - 2 small connector sockets like the small white one side by side = white and black ). Note how the Astrium even has the socket on the back for the MOPAR UConnect microphone you use with the 730N RER/RHR and 430N RHB( small one between the 2 wide gray sockets )even though it has a built in microphone.

The backup cameras sold to go with this head unit are these shown below. I believe they use the OE pins in the OE gray socket on the left so I should be able to use that harness I found to use the camera I want with the RCA tip?

Image


Will update as I get more info.
 
#5 ·
Excellent info thanks.

Can you confirm if they have line-level/ RCA outputs for amplifier/sub and even better whether they have internal crossover setting for these line-level?

Also I thought since they are aftermarket, the whole CAN-BUs thing wouldnt matter. Just give them 12v, and acc trigger on and they would be all GO. Its only the crappy stock decks that try to talk can-bus that are particular at bus seed? yes/no?
 
#7 · (Edited)
I hadn't seen that one before but it is like the OttoNavi one in the 1st post I did in that it will not work with vehicles with Premium Sound( 9 speaker system ). Look down near the bottom in the blue area where they show all the photos. Look to the very bottom right corner under the GPS antenna and wiring adapater photos. There is a warning message about it. Unless you have a stock 4-speaker setup don't get it as it does not support the amp/9 speaker setup.

Looks like it is a Chinese operated/owned( Hong Kong )company. Granted much of everything we can buy these days comes from China( even the Astrium radios are made there I believe at least in part )but I get leary of stuff from compaines totally from there as they are usually pretty cheap. Once I started reading the info and saw the obvious difficulty with the language that points to an Asian influence( not meant racist just factual )I looked for that and found the info in the Company Profile details. I wouldn't get it but it does have some good features if it is a quality product.

For others to see...

AutoTron Head Unit:
Image

Image


The Astrium units aren't really aftermarket. Not in the traditional sense like the OttoNavi one I showed and you came up with from AutoTron. Astrium actually makes the non US versions of the MOPAR radios( which is what these are as I understand it ). They are in the same overall chasis and use the same connector plugs and such and apparantly a lot of the same internals as it does matter with their units as far as CANBUS speeds. I "think" how it works is they make the MOPAR ones exactly the same but can( and do )also make their own version to sell under their own name which is what the ones I show are? They have different button functions on the front, different software inside, and a different nav system but the case, connectors, and some of the internals are OE. Hope that is clear? Hard to explain and not fully sure it is all accurate either. My head hurts trying to figure it out. :doh:

The Astrium ones do not have any RCA in/out on the back. Just standard OE sockets. This is what is delaying my purchase of this unit as I really want a backup camera and I am getting the run around on how it actually hooks in as there are no rear video inputs on it. I have been sending nice and polite e-mails with very detailed questions to the mfg and to the seller I found trying to clear up a few questions. They respond fairly quick but all I get back is one or two words in answer( vague at best )and half the questions get ignored so I have to keep replying and reasking to get a little more info bit by bit. It is driving me NUTS!

Look at this photo again that I had added above. It is the back of the unit and shows what is there. No RCA in/out of any type( or SiriusXM capability ). Just the standard Factory/MOPAR MYGIG 430N RHB setup. It definitely is going to require an adapter from the mfg or aftermarket( I know of one )that will hook into the factory location( I believe the left hand side of the 3 socket gray plug but not sure )to run a camera. Maybe a factory or MOPAR camera would work as well...

Astrium GEE-0809 Rear View:
Image


As far as the other video questions the best I can say is look at the mfg's info and see or try yourself to contact them and ask( good luck ). This is all the info from the mfg's site( http://astrium-electronics.com/jeep-dodge-chrsyler-gee-0809.html )

Specifications:
•6.5 inch High Definition 800*480 TFT touch screen (16:9);
•Touch screen lifetime: >100 millions single point touch;
•DVD/VCD/CD/MP4/MP3/WMA/JPEG/CD/CD-R/CD-RW/JPEG;
•Slimmest DVD Loader; Highest automobile class;
•GPS Navigation powered by iGo and NAVTEQ;
•Text-to-Speech for spoken street names (“Turn right on Broadway”)
•SIRF Prima TT440 Chipset
•8GB Flash INAND
•256MB SDRAM
•ublox LEA-6R GPS Module
•High quality FM/AM radio with RDS, 60 presets memory;
•Support USB/SD card playback;
•High Speed USB 2.0
•Support iPod Nano; iPod Classic; iTouch; iPhone; Support Stereo L/R Audio
•DOLBY Digital Effect Processing;
•Parrot Bluetooth Hands-free; MIC built-in
•Display Clock/Time when radio is off;
•Dual Zone Feature: play music or video while navigation running;
•Volume/Bass/Treble/Fade/Balance electronics control;
•Supreme Electronics and Mechanical Anti-shock Protection;
•AUX Input at front; One channel Video input; Two channels Audio input
•Support Rear View Camera(Camera optional);
•DSP Preset EQ / Rock / Jazz / Classic / Pop ;
•Video System: NTSC / PAL / AUTO;
•4 x 45W high power output;
•iPod ready;
•Working Voltage 11V-14V DC;
•Working Current Max 15A;
•Meet FCC, FDA Electromagnetic Standards

This is the back of the OttoNavi unit I showed but again it does not work with the factory Premium Sound system so you need the standard 4-speaker system for it to work. It shows some various input on the back. You can view the mfg's site for more info on what it can do than I listed( http://ottonavi.com/?q=node/179 )...

Image


Hope it helps. Best I can do.
 
#8 ·
UPDATE( Again :D ):

I decided to go with the Astrium GEE-0809. I just finished paying for it( OUCH! ). Unit plus a 3 year extended( repair/replace/refund)warranty delivered was $1100. More than I wanted to spend but I just didn't want to mess with used units and no warranty or limited warranty( 30 days ). I would have prefered a new MYGIG RHR but just too $$$ and this is from an authorized Chrysler head unit builder.

I still haven't solved the backup camera dilema???:doh: In the end I had the seller send me one of his cameras( the small one on the right in the picture above )so I can see how it hooks up. I am also getting the aftermarket camera I wanted with the harness I found that plugs into MYGIG head units allowing you to plug aftermarket cameras w/ RCA to plug into the harness and run through the OE socket on the head unit. I am going to see if it will work with this new unit? If not I will have to live with the camera I get. I have never had such a problem getting such a simple answer( i.e. how does the camera hook up on these Astrium head units ).

Now the waiting begins...
 
#9 ·
Wow thats $$$$$$
I seen a ton on eBay for around $300-400 shipped range with all the bells and whistles.
 
#10 · (Edited)
Tons of NAV units( I assume you mean MYGIG's )for $300-$400? I have looked for weeks on there and the prices I found for units that weren't damaged and came from an established seller you could track some sales history on were $850-$1300 for used units depending on what model you got and how old it was. These either had no warranty at all or very short ones like 30 days. Now MYGIG's that are not NAV units like the RBZ is a different story. $300-$500 is the going rate for a decent one. I don't see how you found an RER/RHR/RHB for $300-$400 that wasn't badly damaged or hot or something.

Don't forget this is a new head unit from an authorized Chrysler builder, with a 3 year extended repair( 1st option )/replace( if not repairable )/refund( my full purchase price back if it can't be fixed or replaced )warranty, and it also includes shipping. Price for the head unit is comparable to a lot of the better aftermarket head units and it comes in the factory case with factory hookups. No need for adapater harnesses or anything( backup camera aside ). $1100 is not cheap but it isn't actually all that bad for what I got either.
 
#12 ·
Now you have me confused, whats the difference?
 
#13 · (Edited)
There are many, MANY, different Medie Center( MYGIG )head units offered. They don't all have the same options. Some have GPS(NAV)and some don't. Some have built in UConnect modules and some don't. Some are SiriusXM capable and some aren't. Etc... Also, there are high speed CANBUS and low speed CANBUS versions of the same model and they are specific to a vehicle type. The Patriot uses a low speed CANBUS and it just so happens they are the expensive ones. The high speed versions sell for hundreds less but can not be used in a Patriot. I did notice the big price difference when I was looking for them. You may have been fooled by the high vs low speed price difference.

To get a MYGIG that is similar to the one I got you would need to get a 730N RER, a 730N RHR, or a 430N RHB Low Speed CANBUS model and they run $850+ for a good used one. Those are the 3 MYGIG's that offer NAV that work in the Patriot that I was looking at. All you need with one of those is a UConnect microphone( UConnect module is built in )and some type of backup camera setup( MOPAR kit w/ dealer flash, aftermarket camera w/ harness like I found w/ dealer flash, or an aftermarket camera kit w/ lockpick )to make it work.

The Low Speed CANBUS RBZ( not sure of the ###N for them )is a touch screen unit like the others but it is not NAV capable at all. It can use UConnect but you need to get a seperate module kit w/ harness and microphone and it is expensive. These run $300-$500+( higher end for good used ones )but when you add the UConnect module kit it almost puts you up to the NAV unit price range. They too can use the backup camera but it is the same as I talk of above in that you need to get stuff for it to work.

Many different head units that can be used from Chrysler and they are all different in some way. $300-$400 for one with all the bells and whistles would be a freakin steal. The head unit I got is from a company that is an authorized builder for Chrysler and actually makes non-US units for MOPAR. The unit I got comes in what looks to be the OE 430N RHB case with all the OE hookups and such. Has some different software in it vs a MYGIG, and the buttons do different functions vs the OE head unit, but it is very much plug n play and use all the factory stuff without a bunch of harnesses and adapters( backup camera is another story ).

I know my posts above are long but if you read through it is all explained and I even show photos of the differences.
 
#14 ·
#15 ·
Nothing per say but you are comparing a cheap Chinese head unit to OE/OE quality head units. IMO comparing that head unit to the MYGIG head units or the Astrium/OttoNavi head units is like comparing a cheap $1 McDonalds cheeseburger to a nice, angus beef, burger you buy at a high end restaurant or make at home. Just not even comparable. Both eat but one definitely is better than the other.

Just the unit itself looks cheap compared to the OE ones and the systems I looked at IMO. I wouldn't buy that personally. I had no clue that is what you were talking about.
 
#16 ·
I originally had a similar unit in my car until it was stolen in dirty Jersey about 9 years ago. Insurance bought a new one for me, another cheap no brand all in one unit and I've had it 8 years now with no issues or problems. I wouldn't go as far as using that burger analogy - I've used both cheap units and OEM units - and there have been only small differences IMHO.
 
#17 · (Edited)
To each his own. I buy products of a quality level that makes me comfortable. I would not be comfortable buying that head unit.

If you don't think the burger anology applies( I do )maybe this will one make you happy...

Lots of people run the cheapest conventional oil they can find in their vehicles. It works and can do the job even if just adequately. Others, like myself, prefer to use premium synthetic oil and know we have a quality oil in there. Just a better product.

That radio is WalMart special $0.99 a qt stuff IMO.


:beerchug:
 
#18 ·
Meh - using sub-par oil in your engine can reduce the engines life. A Radio/GPS/DVD etc brand choice is not functionally necessary therefor your choice of the high end or low end option are purely cosmetic and has nothing to do with the functionality of the vehicle. My off brand headunit cost a fraction of the price of the OEM or top of the line unit. Both play CD's/DVD's, both tell you where to go, both play radio stations, both can display a backup camera, etc.
 
#19 · (Edited)
Sorry but I disagree 100% with you. The difference between the MYGIG's and the head units I have posted up vs the one you did is far from just cosmetic. Yes, they all have DVD and Nav and such but there is more to it than that. All cars can be driven and have engines, transmissions, wheels, etc... Even you would have to agree however that not all cars are of the same quality and it is more than just looks that seperate them from each other.

The quality of components used, the quality of the build, the sound, the speed( and even accuracy )of the NAV system, how well Bluetooth works, and on and on and on is different in the head units I have listed vs the one you show I guarantee it. Just no way a $399 head unit from China is the same quality as the MYGIG's and these other ones( may be closer to the OttoNavi one but I would still wager that one is leaps and bounds better too ). There is a lot more to a sophisticated electrical unit like these than just how they look and the features they have. How it is put together( build quality )and the quality of the components used to make it are huge.

Just to illustrate my point I took the time to do up a comparison of the main info given on each unit. It isn't all there but the big stuff is. Now, a lot of the info to compare the 2 is not available so I have no clue just how much you get with that China model you found? When you can compare them as a rule the Astrium comes out on top. I would also like to point out that the Astrium head unit supports the factory Premium Sound 9 speaker system and we don't know that the China one will? Very important for guys like me with Premium Sound. The OttoNavi unit for instance does not work with it.

Anyway...

Image


This is my last post about all of this. I made this thread to give people other options over the MYGIG upgrades that are of the same quality. I really don't want to turn it into a pee'ing contest over the merits of using cheaper China head units vs more expensive OE MYGIG's and OE Quality head units. The simple fact is they are not the same thing. It is an apples to oranges comaprison. Use what works for you and I will use what works for me. Fair enough? No hard feelings or anything just don't want to ruin the thread any further. Glad to keep discussing via PM or if you start your own thread about the model you found.
 
#20 ·
To clarify on a few things.

Shipping is included in many of these auctions and many like mine, shipped from the USA in 2 days. I did have a limited warranty on my HU (which was actually 5 years) and it was through the reseller to send to their USA location for either a fix or replacement.

My headunit can play every audio file type including the Apple AAC format (not listed on the Jeep unit). I can also play DIVIX movies and I have had zero problems playing the burned DVD+RW/CD+RW MP3/ACC/etc discs in my HU including burned movies. Video playback is the same and subtitles work.

I have had no issue with my GPS versus any other GPS unit and most every option is the same as the Jeep version. My device allows any MP3 device to connect to it. Etc.

Please remember that both units originate in China - the Jeep OEM one however was made with most likely better parts and stricter tolerances over the non-OEM unit. Lots of mis-information in that side by side and there is a bunch of speculation twisted into a marketing spot for the OEM unit based off of this mis-information.
 
#21 · (Edited)
I see you can't respect my request not to keep taking this thread off track and do this via PM if you wish to continue. So be it.

1 - Don't talk about your head unit as if that is what I was talking about above with that China one you posted. I have no clue what you have for a head unit as you haven't provided brand/model details of what you have. I posted a comparison of the unit I got with the one you posted about in this thread for $399 off E-Bay. I don't know anything about your head unit. You should have posted the info on your head unit and what it cost from the start if your argument is based off your experience with it.

You are all over the place on this. One minute all these cheap units are great and as good as what I got but when I show that to be untrue, at least in regards to the cheap China model you posted a link to on E-Bay, suddenly you defend your comments based on a specific model you have not the one you posted about. I can't follow you from one post to another and be accurate in my responses if you do that. No one can.

2 - Shipping was NOT included in the one you posted. You need to start being specific and not just throwing out general comments. I am very specific about the units I posted about and what they do and what they cost. You keep jumping all over the place to justify your views. BE SPECIFIC about the model(s) you are talking about like I have been or your arguments are just that, arguments, and nothing more.

3 - That is great your head unit plays all that stuff. The China one you showed only plays what I posted in the comparison( based off available product details )which means the one I got plays more. Pretty simple. Not talking about your head unit here. Again, I don't even know what you have?

4 - The head unit you posted about was made by a Company from China, ships from China, and requires shipping back to China for repairs. It comes with a 1 year warranty with no extended warranty offered( you pay for repairs after 1 year is spelled out in the auction details ). The head unit I got is made by a company from Canada, part or all of it is made in China to OE spec's approved by Chrysler, it ships from Canada, and it goes to Canada for repair not China. I have a 3 year extended repair/replace/refund warranty after the 1 year standard warranty is up. If you want to talk head units mfg'd, shipped, and/or warrantied from/in the US post about those not some cheapo China crap.

5 - GPS may work the same as far as they all take you from point A to Point B but all GPS unit features and performance are not the same. There are many different companies that provide the software that runs them and there are different map companies as well. GPS features vary from model to model. Completely false argument on your part to try and justify the cheaper units by saying GPS is GPS. It is not that simple. Not with auto units and not portable/handheld.

6 - There is no misinformation in the side by side comparison above. NONE! That is uncalled for by you. I am offended that you would imply I am trying to mislead people here. All I did was copy the info Astrium and that E-Bay seller listed for spec's/features and what they cost on the 2 specific models I compared. Everything I posted can be verified on the mfg's site and the seller's E-Bay site. I am simply stating the facts about the unit's spec's and features and my personal preference as far as quality and OE vs aftermarket. If anyone is trying to market anything or sway people it is you as you attempt to convince people a cheapo $399 China head unit is the equivalent of OE/OE Quality head units just because it has similar features.

I have nothing against aftermarket head units. Lots of good ones out there( Pioneer, Alpine, Jensen, Sony, Kenwood, etc... ). I am talking about the head units I posted about in the 1st few posts I made vs cheap China crap like the one you posted. I wanted a direct repalcement for my OE radio without needing dash fillers and a bunch of harnesses to hook it all up which rules out 99.9% of aftermarket head units. There is also the issues of the Premium Sound in my vehicle. It creates a lot of issues finding a radio that will work with it or allow full function with it. Not all aftermarket head units can work with it( at all )or only offer partial function( no front to rear fade for example ).

I will ask again that you please refrain from ruining this thread any further. If you wish to discuss the merits of cheaper aftermarket head units vs OE units go for it. Just start your own thread. If you wish to continue this with me please do so via PM. I started this thread as a resource for others looking for direct OE quality replacements for the factory radio's without having to spend the big $$$ for MYGIG's.

Enough already. I am not trying to be a jerk here but this is really getting old. :icon_rolleyes:
 
#23 ·
The one I posted was an example - there are hundreds of different HU's for sale on eBay, Amazon, etc. For me even a basic generic aftermarket unit will functionally do the same exact thing as the two high end units you are discussing.

http://www.ebay.com/itm/In-dash-7-T...-Backup-Camera-/230781240724?pt=Car_Audio_In_Dash_Receivers&hash=item35bba24594

This one is $207.98 shipped via USPS 2 day air from California to my house and that includes shipping, a free BU camera, and an extended 3 year warranty that is serviced in the USA. Seems to be a darn good option for those whom would like to spend 1/4 of the price as the two you are comparing. Remember after all - this thread is talking about aftermarket GPS head units after all.
 
#24 · (Edited)
That is far from plug n play and again this thread is about OE equivalent replacements similar to MYGIG's not just standard aftermarket ones.

To remind you here is my opening statement from the post I started the thread with...

"I am in the process of replacing the stock head unit in my Jeep. I have been looking around trying to find one I want and can afford. I have pretty much narrowed the search to MYGIG head units of various models( RBZ/RER/RHR/RHB ). I much prefer that factory fit and appearance over aftermarket. On modern vehicles I also prefer the plugnplay ability of OE vs all the harnesses, fillers, etc... required for aftermarket not to mention loss of features( like F-R fade )that sometimes come with them.

ANYWAY...

Unfortunately, new units are crazy stuipid $$$ and I am leery of used so I have held off buying and have been scouring the internet for the best deal from a reputable seller. While doing that I came across 2 other options for people wanting to do what I am who prefer new to used. These are aftermarket head units( one is authorized Chrysler supplier )that look and fit like OEM ones and are plugnplay. They seem to get good reviews as well. Prices are much less than new OE MYGIG's and they are both NAV head units. There are some negatives however which I will list below.

FWIW to anyone I thought I would post this info..."



I am done. :doh:
 
#25 ·
NHP, thanks for creating this thread. I've been looking into replacing my head unit as well and I didn't know these Astriums even existed. Big help!
 
#26 · (Edited)
I had never heard of them either to be honest. You can find reviews for them on Toyota's, GM's, Ford's, etc... but not MOPAR? The best part about them is they are an authorized Chrysler builder so the quality is there with the MYGIG's for 50%+ less.

I have known about the OttoNavi ones for a few years but not Astrium. I have seen the Toyota ones before and some GM ones. I just never knew who made them. Now I do.

My head unit is due in on Friday. I plan on doing the install next week probably weather permitting. Possibly this weekend but I doubt it as I want all the parts on hand so I only have to tear into it one time. I am still unsure on the backup camera as to what one I will use. I need to see the one that I have coming and decide if I will use it and if not then I need to see if I can use an aftermarket one and if so I then have to pick one. OY!

It is still a mess here following last weekends massive blizzard so I am not doing it any time too soon. However, I do want it done before I go to NY(taking my 88 year old Dad to the Baseball HOF to see Ted Williams display )in March so I can use the NAV.

When I get it done I will post up a how to and a review of the unit plus some videos.
 
#28 · (Edited)
The head unit and backup camera arrived today so it was very fast shipping from Canada. Opened it up and checked it out and found that it actually has a Chrysler/Jeep/Dodge/MOPAR owner's manual with it just like a factory MYGIG would. The manual is for a 430 REN not the 430N RHB like I expected however. The 430 REN does not have nav so not sure what the manual would do for me?

Another issue is the manual is in either Chinese or Japanese. :doh: Contacted the seller to try and get an English version. Hopefully the head unit is not set to Chinese/Japanese or I will never figure out how to change the language on it.

Just waiting for the 2 wiring adapters I ordered( for antenna and then for backup camera )which are shipped and on the way to try and do more of a custom install. Should be putting it in next week.

I will post a new thread with a How To once it is in complete with photos and videos.
 
#29 ·
And I can see there are others like miketata that feel like me as well.

Another issue is the manual is in either Chinese or Japanese. :doh: Contacted the seller to try and get an English version. Hopefully the head unit is not set to Chinese/Japanese or I will never figure out how to change the language on it.
I can see that, just like the very cheap units, the same issue - all made in China with Chinese directions. Hopefully they can send you Engrish directions.
 
#31 ·
UPDATE:

Even though it is past 9PM on a Friday night the seller already responded to my querry about an English user guide for the head unit. He sent 3 different format versions of it( so I could open at least one )so I have something right now. He even sent some other info such as how to update the maps and software too.

That right there is some excellent service. While the hard copy should have been English to start with I understand errors happen. It is how they are dealt with that matters to me. I fully expected it to be Monday after 9AM before even hearing back let alone getting the manual PDF tonight.

Two big :smiley_thumbs_up: