Audiosources.net AS-7609 8" touchscreen navi stereo

[p_ferlow]

http://audiosources.net/viewproduct.asp?id=1146

Quoted $320 plus $70 s&h plus $10gps map to Canada.

Anybody have this unit and how do you like it? Only issue I can see is it doesn't have display night time dimming like the AS-7608 V5. I wonder if it is too bright at night or if it's ok and if so ok at night is it bright enough in the day?

Other than that seems good, does usb sticks to 64gb, ipod direct control, sdram to 64gb, divx, etc. Rear cam was $48 extra for Jetta specific model.

DVB-T digital tuner waste of time, N America has ATSC bs system. Why do we always not go with what 3/4 of the planet uses??

Pics or video of your installed AS-7609 pls.

------------------
There are similar cheaper on ebay such as eonon or erisin but only 4gb or 8gb usb stick, etc. Too small.

This 7609 has good looking buttons too, not like the older units with the chrome buttons. This looks more OEM.

Thoughts?

[p_ferlow]

It's in German but two videos:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fzpdV9SpvI4

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yyTlfD6lPEg part2

All the other ones I've seen can't read more than 32gb usb sticks/sd ram cards.

[arismkv]

hmm

[v408w]

use common sense, the directions were obviousley written by a chinese guy, cheap import > short lifespan and terrible radio. I would say not to waste your money.

[p_ferlow]

Well... I ordered one.

Big thread, gotta start somewhere: http://www.golfmk5.com/forums/showth...00995&page=143
They've resolved most if not all of the bugs with AS-7608 Version5 and I believe 7609 shares same hardware except for front face/screen.

Some neat options including windows CE mods such as:
http://www.wincepatch.com
Adding internet browser and wifi stick capability. RNS510 can't do that.

I should have it in less than a week. Will do youtube videos for the installation process and functionality.

[Ferd Burfel]

I have a somewhat similar unit, the Otto Navi OEM copy.

It works pretty well, the GPS is great and very accurate. With the WinCE stuff it has some quirks. Like if you're using a SD card or a USB stick, when you browse directories on the card it stops whatever song is playing. Most others don't, as USB and SD can read and write at the same time. Units like a Pioneer let you browse for music WHILE still playing a song.

The radio works great for me, no signal problems. Even picks up HD radio tag information.

The Bluetooth sync works without a problem, but the microphone stinks. I can hear people just fine, but they complain I sound tinny and far away.

The wiring and install for mine was simple, plug and play. It came with a wiring harness that matched up perfectly with my stock wiring. The biggest pain is running the iPod and USB cables into the glove box if you try that. I mounted the GPS antennae in the dash right behind the radio and have had absolutely no signal problems. Make sure you use a very durable adhesive to mount it. It's going to get very hot, so a weak adhesive will melt and the antennae will fall. The GPS information is going to be on an SD card. If you remove the SD card, you'll lose the maps. They don't install onto the unit, they load every time you start the car from the SD card. So make sure to make a backup copy of the info to your computer, otherwise if the card gets damaged or lost you'll lose the GPS funtion. The radio itself fits perfectly and looks OEM. The dealer guys were shocked it wasn't VW OEM.

Even though I have a different unit you're probably going to have nearly identical functionality to mine. It's a fantastic upgrade over the stock radio, no question about it. But it is going to load a little slower than you expect. WinCE is stable (contrary to what you might hear), but you trade some speed for that stability. Be careful modding it, as this company is clearly foreign and won't be much good in helping you restore any previous functionality.

Beside owning my Jetta, I'm a computer IT specialist. Gadgets like these (and WinCE) are my bread and butter. It's a solid OS for these radios, but be EXTREMELY careful with mods and changes if you aren't a computer person. You'll find out the hard way those websites won't offer you much help if you brick the thing. I also hope you don't get burned by the foreign seller. And I disagree a bit with the other guy, just because it is a "cheap import" doesn't mean it will suck. Stuff like this is easy to make now, so cheap price doesn't mean bad product. I wouldn't be worried about the quality, I'd be worried about actually getting it or it getting damaged during shipping.

Even though your brand is different, it'll most likely be exactly like mine. I hope it works out for you

P.S.
Here is the link to the one I got: http://ottonavi.com/product/volkswag...vigation-radio

[Cowboy Dan]

Are these non-oem units able to work with the steering wheel controls?

[Ferd Burfel]

Neither of these say so, but they do specifically say they DO NOT work with premium audio in the car. So I'd really say that no, you'd lose steering wheel controls.

[p_ferlow]

Best to contact the manufacturer. Talk to Anny export@audiosources.net It's my understanding that the controls all work on my 09' with the in-dash 6disc changer. The CAN decoder is built into the stereo.

[Marek K]

they do specifically say they DO NOT work with premium audio in the car. So I'd really say that no, you'd lose steering wheel controls.

It's my understanding that the controls all work on my 09' with the in-dash 6disc changer. The CAN decoder is built into the stereo.

I'm considering some kind of a navi upgrade for my wife's 2009 Jetta, which currently has the OEM stereo with the 6-CD changer (no navi, no steering wheel controls). It was my impression that this is what the "premium audio" is. The RNS-510 navi system with steering wheel controls is, well, the RNS-510. No?

Another problem with all of these aftermarket units is, no satellite radio capability. Sirius is expensive, but we've sure gotten used to it. Understanding that sat radio is pretty much a North American thing.

[skyline513]

Interface looks very similar to the waywell units.. I had one of those and it worked just okay. But if I was ever going to get nav for one of my cars again, it would be factory nav or none at all.

[AsymmetricalDichotomy]

Looks odd to me. If it works for you though, more power to ya. I went with latest revision RCD-510 and I got a free GPS when I bought my Conti's, so everything's covered.

[AKdub914]

its a trap!


they didn't even spell "vehicle" correctly

[dunhamjr]

Well... I ordered one.

reply back here. let us know how it works out.

[Marek K]

reply back here. let us know how it works out.

Yes. And also tell us what kind of car you have (year and trim level), and what kind of stock audio system.

[Ferd Burfel]

Interface looks very similar to the waywell units.. I had one of those and it worked just okay. But if I was ever going to get nav for one of my cars again, it would be factory nav or none at all.

The problem with OEM is the cost. The OEM units are great, but they don't do a whole lot more than the aftermarket ones mentioned here. And they cost 2x to 3x more.

And I don't have the Audiosources one, but the OttoNavi unit in my car works fine. I have a 2007 Jetta 2.5. No special packages or add-ons that I haven't done myself.

[AsymmetricalDichotomy]

The problem with OEM is the cost. The OEM units are great, but they don't do a whole lot more than the aftermarket ones mentioned here. And they cost 2x to 3x more.

And I don't have the Audiosources one, but the OttoNavi unit in my car works fine. I have a 2007 Jetta 2.5. No special packages or add-ons that I haven't done myself.

You can pick up an RCD-510 for $300. I picked up the latest revision with HD radio with the Phone button for $500. That's not much more at all than after market. This is a direct OEM fit, finish, and I didn't have to mess with anything to get steering controls to work. Now the RNS-510, the best option is to find one used. If you're comparing OEM and aftermarket by dealership OEM prices, obviously it'll lose in a comparison every time. What items from a dealer aren't higher priced than other places?

[arismkv]

Semting had something similar but the steering buttons i hear worked.

[Ferd Burfel]

You can pick up an RCD-510 for $300. I picked up the latest revision with HD radio with the Phone button for $500. That's not much more at all than after market. This is a direct OEM fit, finish, and I didn't have to mess with anything to get steering controls to work. Now the RNS-510, the best option is to find one used. If you're comparing OEM and aftermarket by dealership OEM prices, obviously it'll lose in a comparison every time. What items from a dealer aren't higher priced than other places?

I gotcha man. I'm not arguing with you. I'm just posting my experience. I found the cheap ones ($300-$500) to be shipped from Chinese companies/eBay accounts. I had a TERRIBLE experience getting computer parts this way once, so I didn't want to mess with it again. I also found most of the ones that cheap didn't have the GPS.

I also got mine for $500 and it too has perfect OEM fit and finish. The wiring harness was plug and play with the stock, no wiring necessary. I don't have steering controls, so I can't speak to that.

on finding the OEM solution for $500. When I was shopping I couldn't find one that was true OEM that did everything I wanted and beat the price from the other place. Happy hunting to all looking for these stereos.

[bkortee]

I wonder if anyone could get an ipad to work as their in dash. I remember seeing a video a while back of one being installed in a corolla i believe it was. That would be worth the $$

[raffiqo]

I bought one of these units back almost 4 months ago i paid $408 for it shipped to my door. it came with the Igo8 navigation maps preloaded on 2 Gb sd card which was a mistake coz the maps were outdated they were from 07 i had to buy another 4 GB sd card and installed igo primo 1.2 which is awesome compared to igo8. overall the unit built quality is great just as good as OEM. so far the only problem I'm having is with the SD card once in awhile it locks up trying to read a 16GB SD card i have to eject the card and reinsert it back to get around the problem other than that so far so good.

[ToeMoss]

Looks odd to me. If it works for you though, more power to ya. I went with latest revision RCD-510 and I got a free GPS when I bought my Conti's, so everything's covered.

I missed out on that deal, and last I heard it's a seasonal/yearly promotion.

[p_ferlow]

Guys, just got it delivered by DHL. I ordered it 7 days ago. Pretty quick turnaround from China.
$320usd for unit, $10usd for map Canada (4gb microsd), $70 DHL 2-3day to Canada plus paypal fee 4%. $416usd delivered. They put $75 audio/video equip on receipt so $20 tax/duty.

The units looks real nice. I'm prob gonna install it tonight and post up a youtube video of the installation as well as the functionality. I'll be sure to post the link here later.

I dunno if this link is gonna work for you?


It's my understanding this one is new hardware compared to waywell units. Runs windows CE 6.0, sdram up to 64gb, usb stick up to 64gb, etc. So reads media with higher capacity than previous units. We'll see how it works.

[arismkv]

More pics. Keep us updated.

[raffiqo]

i got the exact same unit it still has the screen protector on the screen the maps are no good they are old I'm talking 07 old you can install igo primo 2.1 you have to buy a 4 gb sd card tho.

[arismkv]

i got the exact same unit it still has the screen protector on the screen the maps are no good they are old I'm talking 07 old you can install igo primo 2.1 you have to buy a 4 gb sd card tho.

How do you like it?

[raffiqo]

How do you like it?

I bought one of these units back almost 4 months ago i paid $408 for it shipped to my door. it came with the Igo8 navigation maps preloaded on 2 Gb sd card which was a mistake coz the maps were outdated they were from 07 i had to buy another 4 GB sd card and installed igo primo 1.2 which is awesome compared to igo8. overall the unit built quality is great just as good as OEM. so far the only problem I'm having is with the SD card once in awhile it locks up trying to read a 16GB SD card i have to eject the card and reinsert it back to get around the problem other than that so far so good.

[arismkv]

I bought one of these units back almost 4 months ago i paid $408 for it shipped to my door. it came with the Igo8 navigation maps preloaded on 2 Gb sd card which was a mistake coz the maps were outdated they were from 07 i had to buy another 4 GB sd card and installed igo primo 1.2 which is awesome compared to igo8. overall the unit built quality is great just as good as OEM. so far the only problem I'm having is with the SD card once in awhile it locks up trying to read a 16GB SD card i have to eject the card and reinsert it back to get around the problem other than that so far so good.

Do u have steering wheel controls? Do they work with this?
Does it have ac/heat options?
Rear camera?

Thanx

[raffiqo]

the steering wheel controls work including the blue tooth phone button i have iphone 3g it shows all my contact numbers and names received/missed calls. i did not get the other option with my unit it dose have the rear camera option for additional cost and ac/heat and rear optical parking assistant options for additional cost you can ask "Mindrunner" HERE they have a thread on GOLFMKV.COM site.

[JAMIEMK3]

150 pages... I didn't realize that these are as popular as the waywell.

[p_ferlow]

Ok, here's the youtube video of installation and basic functionality. Should of polished up the video more but hey... it was damn late last night and took forever to upload. If it's too long just fast forward. LOL

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ennV-...ature=youtu.be

AM radio gets nothing but static, not sure if it's because I only used the white antenna connector, maybe I need to get a 2 into 1 adapter? Haven't played it on the road driving yet, just in my workshop.

Only other issue I noticed is it can only go 3 or 4 levels of folders on the usb stick, maybe same for sdram. Got 64gb stick on it, works fine. Even plays the itunes crap .m4a files without issue. Video off usb also works great. Sound quality is very nice. No hissing.

[aeproberts21]

What inputs and outputs does it have on the rear? Can it output to an amp and sub more easily than the stock unit?

[p_ferlow]

Tons if I/O's.

Aux in, rear video cam in, two headrest monitor outputs (if you have them), front/rear rca's, subwoofer rca. USB and ipod cables from rear, go into glovebox. I'm prob missing some. It has lots man.

[v408w]

It looks good. Looking forward to future success. I will order in 2 months if you like it still. How is the screen quality

Sent from my HTC Sensation

[p_ferlow]

It's as hi-res as they get. Very nice. Only negative is its fairly reflective due to gloss finish vs matte but even bright sun fairly readable. I'll do another vid once I get the sdram loaded and figure it all out.

EDIT:

So far here are some of the formats I've tried off the 64gb usb stick:

Videos
mov - NO, doesn't work
wmv - NO, doesn't work
mkv - NO, doesn't work
avi - YES, works
1) avi with divx 768kbps video 96kbps mp3 audio works great
2) avi with divx HD 1500kbps video 192kbps mp3 audio DOESN'T WORK

mpeg - YES, works
mp4 (mpeg4) - problematic... sometimes NO, sometimes YES but no audio.... looking into it (off usb stick)

Perhaps what it needs is VLC player for windows ce 6.0?

Audio
m4a (itunes) - YES, works
mp3 - YES, works


From iphone
AAC - YES, works

Note: shows songs on iphone by genre, album, track, etc. YES, it charges the device as it plays.


Steering Controls
Once on stereo mode (buttons) the volume works up/down, track up/down works but not FF or RW if you hold them down like OE stereo. No biggie. Phone button works. Paired up both our iphones. Haven't tried a call yet for mic quality.


NAVI
Has turn by turn instructions but volume way low, have to go into settings and adjust that higher while stereo is playing. Kind of cuts out front speakers temporarily to give voice instructions.

I only got Canada map. They want $50 delivered for sdram with USA maps. Anybody know where to get USA maps? Can you put USA on Canada map sdram card? sdram that came with it is 4gb. Haven't pulled it out and put in my laptop to check what's on it and how much space is available.

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www.youtubedownloadersite.com has software where you can get your fav music videos, or whatever and download them to FLV (flash video) files on your HD. Then use something like AVS video converter to convert them to something the stereo can digest. Kind of cool to watch and listen to videos vs just mp3 tunes. Someone should come up with a cool visualizer to go with the music on this deck.

So on white FAKRA adapter FM is barely ok (stereo turns on and off on occasion). From what I've read apparently the VAG dual fakra diversity antennas are setup such that one is AM/FM and other AM filtered with only FM. Maybe I'm plugged into the FM one so crap AM reception. I did end up ordering a dual FAKRA antenna adapter here: http://www.discountcarstereo.com/BAADIN2F.html I'll let you guys know how good it works.