Truck Electronics - Integrating With OEM Part 1 - Truck Tronics

  |   new Truck Electronics chevy Stereo Head Units
Do you hate the inexpensive looks of the factory CD player that is in the center of your dash, but like how the factory audio system functions and sounds? Good news, there are interfaces available that allow you to keep the factory OnStar and Bose systems, and give you the freedom to replace that tired-looking head unit without compromising the other components. Many of these systems allow the aftermarket head unit to maintain the use of factory operations, such as the OnStar integration devices that override the stereo and play through the front speakers while muting the new head unit. Also, these devices will not damage or interrupt the factory data bus systems in late-model vehicles that have warning chimes, audible turn signals, and other factory sounds. Steering Wheel Controls
There are interfaces for steering-wheel controls that allow you to upgrade your factory stereo to aftermarket and still keep those functioning as normal. These interfaces work on most vehicles and with most aftermarket receivers. If the steering-wheel control uses a dual-wire Controller Area Network (CAN) bus to control the factory radio, there is an add-on module that will interpret the data protocols from the steering wheel to a usable signal and send commands to the other interface. The module will not interrupt or disable the vehicle data bus. You can also convert your steering wheel to a multiple-function control. These interfaces maintain normal control and operation of the factory stereo, but will allow you to control most other audio and video products that have an infrared remote (IR) control. This way, you don't have to worry about losing the DVD player remote, and you can control the video system without taking attention away from the road. Video
You essentially have a monitor when you upgrade to the factory navigation, but it will only display the navigation maps, preset stations, CD choices, and maybe the audio system setup. Why not add an interface to allow you use the screen as a video source? Designed as back-up camera interfaces-our guess is for legal purposes-these are externally wired and basically interrupt the video signals going from the GPS device to the display. The audio is then transmitted through an FM modulator, so you can do audio and video with the flip of a switch. Depending on which function you want it to carry out, the make and model of your truck, and/or the make and model of your aftermarket product, there are several avenues to explore when upgrading your system. And, this issue: we didn't even try to tackle the available OEM audio interfaces available that resolve the problems of upgrading the amplifiers and speakers in your system. With the complexity of the electronics equipment used in newer vehicles, installing aftermarket product has become more dependent on interface products. But, as you've just read, there are solutions for just about anything. You just spent thousands at the dealer for a navigation system and audio upgrade package, or maybe you bought a predetermined option for the steering-wheel controls or aesthetics. Whatever the case, now you want more-whether it is iPod connectivity or an amp and speaker upgrade. If you just spent big dough at the dealer, you probably don't want to replace all of the factory equipment with aftermarket. So, what options do you have? Actually, there are several options. Interface and OEM integration products supply the aftermarket ways to connect your factory system with aftermarket audio equipment. Interface devices communicate information from one system to another, and in a sense, work together. There are a variety of areas where interfaces can be used, some of which can be seen below. Conversely, OEM integration devices give you the freedom to upgrade and/or replace items with what you really want-choices of high quality and performance aftermarket audio. The following is a brief overview of the many interface products available for your truck's A/V system. IPods
Since you have spent time downloading your favorite songs onto your iPod, or some other portable digital music player, why not take this playlist to your truck? There are a lot of iPod interfaces on the market and most of them will connect, control, charge, and play your iPod through your head unit. These interfaces work on most vehicles-and most are brand specific-in conjunction with factory head units, operating like a CD changer. If you have an aftermarket head unit with a touch-screen monitor, some interfaces will allow you to operate the iPod on the screen just like you would on the iPod itself. The iPod and MP3 craze has created this consumer-driven change for the auto industry. By the end of 2007, GM is said to have an iPod adapter on 56 of its models, while Ford will have auxiliary input jacks on 14 of its models and incorporate TripTune to allow drivers to play iPods stored in the vehicle's glovebox. Every Dodge Ram pickup has a standard auxiliary stereo input jack for an iPod or portable music device located on the front panel.