Mondego

Hello everbody,

I have just joined this site today to share some knowledge of a recently completed small project, a radio upgrade in my MK4 Mondeo.

I am not sure if there is a better place to post this?

I have completed the install fully: the steering controls working, reversing camera (fully auto - screen switches to reversing camera when reverse is selected) DVB TV, Bluetooth, SD card reader (unit is currently recieveing a software update to sort an SD problem), SAT NAV, USB readers, DVD player. I think that's it?!

There isn't much info on installing these online, I just battled through.

If anyone finds this post, who is doing an Xtrons DVD install (not just Mondeo, Focus will take this same unit, maybe more models?) I can answer any questions to hopefully help.

A lot of the wiring seen in the pictures below is to switch and supply power to reversing cam, forward facing fish-eye 1080p road cam, TV aerial amp and various phone/USB chargers inside the glove box, which is where hard drives/USB and iPod connections have been located.

Lee Grout

You should be able to add pics. 'copy' from photobucket then Click the 'insert image' button and it should do it!

Mondego

Thanks, I'll give that a go. The few pics show access level, and general dash during install. When the unit comes back from the update, I'll try a link to a youtube video of everthing working.

Mondego

I added a few progress pictures, I'll add more real soon.

Glenn_

iTrader: (1)

Looks interesting.

Mondego

Thanks Glenn.

Your Sierra looks pretty damn interesting too!

A few years back these cheap Chinese DVD units weren't so refined. Software and hardware issues. They've pretty much ironed these issues out these days, and people are beginning to realise that spending only a few hundred pounds on a unit like this is very efficient.

The only real problem I have had is the SD card reader slot, as mentioned above, the unit has been sent back for this update yesterday.

The other top makes (Alpine, Kenwood etc) sell this type of thing, and not much change back from Ł1000. Pay for what you get, but these cheap units really do the trick for these cheap cars!

RichieST

iTrader: (2)

Any more progress with this? Only thing I would suggest is using some insulated crimps. I can see those touching and blowing fuses!

Mondego

Yeah, thanks for asking, Richie.

The company where I bought the head unit have kinda treated me a bit shit, with the unit software update (for the SD slot to work faster). When I called about the return (about 10 days ago), they said it would be a 3 day turn-around, then a few days later I called and they said the engineer was on fcuking holiday until July 3rd (tomorrow). So it's looking like Thurs/Fri this week before I get this gaping hole in my dash filled again.

I demanded a new unit, already with the update, and they keep mine, but none have arrived with the current version.

For sure. I had these spades kicing about, anything suspect I have shrink tubed!

Since I was too tight to go buy some insulated ones, and had the tubing already.

I'll bang together a quick vid of everything working (again!), hopefully end of this week....

Glenn_

iTrader: (1)

Shit news.I hate been messed aboout.

Do you own a BMW Alpina??

Mondego

Yeah, paying decent cash, then a piss take - no good.

I spoke to them again yesterday (3rd), and all seemed just as care-free regarding my order.

I spoke to the engineer and he said he had been "landed in it" by office staff who promised loads of customers (receiveing the same updates to their head units) the return of their units BEFORE the engineer even got back from hols!

Anyway, I got a text last night with a DPD tracking number, I am guessing it's the head unit!

I wish I had the Alpina now, but I'll be getting it next year, a D5. I am lucky enough to be a Rope Access Tech, so also lucky enough to have the chance to buy an Alpina.

I think there will be one more MK4 Mondeo before the D5 though....

Glenn_

iTrader: (1)

My mate has a B3 alpina.

Mondego

Sweet. I need one.

Glenn_

iTrader: (1)

Why do you need one lol.

Mondego

Not sure, just gotta have it. The Alpina D5 is just insane, almost M5 performance out of a diesel, capable of late forties MPG return. It's ridiculous really.

Got the stereo back today, just finished getting it installed again. I'll get a video done tomorrow some point. The OS UI (user interface) has been completely changed, the Sat Nav software is now really nice, instead of just nice. All menus etc are faster too. And the SD slot is now working perfectly.

Glenn_

iTrader: (1)

Cool and cool.Im just a ford man through and through.

Mondego

This MK4 Mondeo is my 4th Ford. First a 1.6 Capri, then a RS Fiesta MK2, then a Focus 1.8 TDDi.

They will always win the "General" category, and win by MILES does a Ford. And that is FACT! Ain't that right?!

Glenn_

iTrader: (1)

I love my fords matey.Ive driven loads of different cars(im a mechanic).I just like the history behind ford and the motor history too.Ok there are better cars out there but with ford they have built some good cars and rhe parts are cheap.

Daviet

If you had bought one of them you wouldn't still be waiting 3 weeks after this post was started to have a working stereo....

Mondego

Did you just pick a post at random to quote, or maybe you just forgot what you had previously read?!

I had it working perfectly long before I decided to sent it for an update. I didn't have to send it, only issue was the SD slot (which most Ł800 + stereos don't even have, nor do most have FULL iPod control, or reversing cam, or TV, or DVD...) performing a bit slow, but working. (this point was covered in the paragraph directly above the one you quoted me on, and throughout the entire thread).

Cheap car, cheap stereo. (also previously mentioned)

Pay for what you get. (also previously mentioned)

Kinda leaves me with only one thing to say really: "No shit, Sherlock".

Besides, next year I'll ask Alpina to add one to my D5 spec at the factory.

Daviet

calm down dear ...

shauns

Just because something is a well known brand does nt mean you get better service...........believe me big brands can still be shite at resolving problems.

Mondego

@shauns: For sure, you said it. I wasn't into spending a fortune on a stereo for an old Mondeo anyway. And this one really does the trick well, at a quarter of the price of say an Alpine. Little back-up from China but that was the risk I was willing to take, which paid off when I successfully installed it back at the start of June (and later decided to go for the SD update!).

The biggest problem, when I decided to take the update, was the service from the retailer. They were just a bit lazy and lacking customer care.

Xtrons, the Chinese stereo manufacturer, have done a great job, it works very well indeed. Still need to do a quick vid of it back in again.