OEM Looking DVD in dash help! [Archive]

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3GFX

10-27-2010, 07:51 PM

So after some disappointment I didn't order a Caska 3635. It doesn't work with 2004 and 2005 Mazda 3's. So I've now come to looking for other units.

I'm looking for anyone and everyone's experiences and advice. At the moment I'm looking at the QL-MZD501 unit from autodvdgps.com

http://www.autodvdgps.com/0409-mazda-3-dvd-player-gps-navigation-system-7-digital-touchscreen-ipod-ready-steering-wheel-control-bluetooth-p-523.html#real_p

Any suggestions or advice?

I'm looking for steering wheel controls that work with the unit and potentially even the LCD but mainly just the steering wheel controls.

HELP!

eguiyab

10-27-2010, 09:12 PM

the unit looks decent, and I can totally understand wanting it to look as OEM as possible, but I think quality wise you might still be better off going mainstream aftermarket.
More options, ability to have quality reviews prior to purchase, and my big one was... when im done with the 3, you can still move it to another car.
Aside from the fact that im sure the alpines/pioneers/sony's/etc etc have better engineering behind them...
just my .2 cents.

eguiyab

10-27-2010, 09:14 PM

I'm looking for steering wheel controls that work with the unit and potentially even the LCD but mainly just the steering wheel controls.

HELP!

Oh, and a PAC swi - * can deal with the steering wheel issue. I've got one for my pioneer, and granted its not as instant as the OEM deck, but it still works pretty good.

prime

10-27-2010, 11:22 PM

Edit: Nevermind, I suppose CASKA units aren't compatible at all with 04-05. I thought you meant what you ordered wasn't a CASKA.

3GFX

10-28-2010, 12:17 AM

I think I might actually suck it up and spring from some quality....

http://www.caradvanced.com/products/For-Mazda3-Digital-Touch-Screen-GPS-DVD-Bluetooth-Radio-Ipod-ready%2C-etc.html

This unit seems to do quite well.

3GFX

10-28-2010, 11:47 AM

http://www.caradvanced.com/products/For-Mazda3-Digital-Touch-Screen-GPS-DVD-Bluetooth-Radio-Ipod-ready%2C-etc.html?setCurrencyId=4

This unit seems almost as good (if not better than) the Caska models.

I am seriously interested in the CarAdvanced unit but I need to know 100% that the steering wheel controls on a 2004 Mazda 3 will work with the unit. Can anyone confirm this for me?

I also want to know that if I do not connect the stock LCD screen to the unit, the unit will still function properly.

HELP!!!! :)

jonjon72

10-28-2010, 11:53 AM

Looks like a good unit.....but, did you notice the last comment about the person with an 04 and the LCD not working?

3GFX

10-28-2010, 12:11 PM

The 04 LCD doesn't work with any unit. I'm over it...I just want the steering wheel controls.

seelsy

10-28-2010, 12:29 PM

i emailed the website, apparently the unit is self learning the the steering wheel controls, but i asked about the 09 so im not sure aboout the 04

htc***

10-28-2010, 05:07 PM

See this thread before you buy it or check with him about his warranty/repair his DVD/GPS

http://www.torontomazda3.ca/forum/showthread.php?47986-Chinese-DVD-GPS-stuck-at-Mazda-logo

3GFX

10-28-2010, 10:37 PM

Yea I think I'm gonna spring for the CarAdvanced unit.

I don't get a remote control but the interface and seller seem more up the ally of quality.

Secondly the steering wheel controls will work (I'm not worried about the LCD).

07m3gt

10-29-2010, 12:06 AM

Thats kind of expensive for a non caska imo, if i had an 04/05 i would go with one of those ebay units for like 500 just my :.02

seelsy

10-29-2010, 01:30 AM

this unit is non caska, but it seems like a higher quality item, you can switch between orange and blue interface, keeps the lcd, learns ur steering wheel, even has an internal trip computer. Even the people who bought it say good things. Also the seller is in the states so warranty would most likely be easier than dealing with china.

bluemazda3

10-29-2010, 02:55 PM

Good luck Dave.. tell us what its like!

HedonisT

10-30-2010, 08:16 PM

This looks very much like Caska but it's called DSS.
Don't know if they will send it to Canada but you can try to get in touch with em.

DSS (http://www.ppcaraudio.com/multimedia-mazda-p-437.html?language=en)

prime

10-31-2010, 02:24 AM

^ At the title it says:

Multimedia equipment with GPS for MAZDA 3
[caska CA3635]

I think it's the same and also the INFO button doesn't work for '04 which might mean it has the same problems OP originally had...

3GFX

11-01-2010, 11:43 AM

Thats kind of expensive for a non caska imo, if i had an 04/05 i would go with one of those ebay units for like 500 just my :.02

The other units seem to have some serious issues. The interface looks a little shotty as well. Sometimes you really get what you pay for. I spent $400 2 ish years ago on a regular double DIN DVD system for the car and its not really what I want. This time I'll spend a little more for the quality.

this unit is non caska, but it seems like a higher quality item, you can switch between orange and blue interface, keeps the lcd, learns ur steering wheel, even has an internal trip computer. Even the people who bought it say good things. Also the seller is in the states so warranty would most likely be easier than dealing with china.

From what I saw these features are pretty good, the OS is good as well as the functionality and look of the interface. It lacks a remote and the Mic isn't built into the system which are my only gripes. The seller was AMAZING to deal with (really good communication). I bought Thursday last week and it should be here by wednesday. I'm hoping that there will never be any issues but they would definitely be easier to get in touch with rather than a China manufacturer.

This looks very much like Caska but it's called DSS.
Don't know if they will send it to Canada but you can try to get in touch with em.

DSS (http://www.ppcaraudio.com/multimedia-mazda-p-437.html?language=en)

Yea, those still seemed a little cheap, I did consider it though.

^ At the title it says:

Multimedia equipment with GPS for MAZDA 3
[caska CA3635]

I think it's the same and also the INFO button doesn't work for '04 which might mean it has the same problems OP originally had...

DSS and Caska actually have the same unit, just different interfaces. This one in the link is actually an older interface.

I'll post some pics and let you guys know how it is once I get it .... hopefully soon :)

bluemazda3

11-01-2010, 12:40 PM

:pop

3GFX

11-05-2010, 07:08 PM

I've received the unit....it was over 900$ with duty and taxes :(

Worth it?

YES!!!

The unit has great sound and looks, the screen has amazing definition and the GUI is awesome. When I get some time I'll take some decent pictures and post them. It was a little pricey in the end but you get what you pay for and I think this unit is great.

jonjon72

11-05-2010, 07:14 PM

Default User

11-05-2010, 07:42 PM

bluemazda3

11-05-2010, 08:01 PM

good stuff!!! congrats

prime

11-06-2010, 08:13 PM

Glad to see you're happy with your purchase!
:) *jealous*

Post pics!

chuck

11-07-2010, 12:58 AM

Sounds great, cant wait for the pics!

tpakar21

11-07-2010, 08:58 PM

i think i got the same in dash, i got it last monday :) and the unit is very nice

jonjon72

11-07-2010, 09:59 PM

:ttiwwp

bman13

11-07-2010, 10:06 PM

:ttiwwp

+1,000,000

bluemazda3

11-07-2010, 10:48 PM

+2,000,000

tpakar21

11-07-2010, 10:48 PM

here are some pictures that i got from my phone, sorry for the crappy quality

http://i1121.photobucket.com/albums/l506/tpakar21/IMG00116-20101102-1809.jpg

http://i1121.photobucket.com/albums/l506/tpakar21/IMG00115-20101101-1915.jpg

http://i1121.photobucket.com/albums/l506/tpakar21/IMG00117-20101102-1810.jpg

bluemazda3

11-07-2010, 11:52 PM

good stuff AJ...

AshMarks

11-08-2010, 04:44 PM

We need a video of you using it !!

Did you do the install yourself.. The interface looks good. How do you find the response time on the controls ?

tpakar21

11-08-2010, 05:09 PM

i got no time to take a vid of that, sorry
no, i had them to install it, but i saw how they did it and its pretty basic and i have to add some plugs that i want at the back so i have to take it out and install it by myself

it does have a calibration, so i dont think you're gonna have a problem on response time

the only problem is, at the beginning when i tried to change the time, it always restart by itself, but i kinda fixed it by restarting it and not fixing the time and left it overnight, then the next day i try to change the time and it didnt happen anymore, but all in all everything is perfect, everything is working

zakman

11-08-2010, 08:14 PM

that looks soo nice and all the features are amazing. mazda should just sell this in the car

Stoked

11-30-2010, 04:38 AM

ok so im wondering this again.... im pretty sure the reason why the lcd doesnt work is because the lcd connections changed over the first few years. is it possible to switch in a later model's lcd? has anyone looked into that?

GTA Fine Cars Inc.

01-08-2011, 10:36 AM

If you are talking about the small LCD screen that typically shows the clock, tempature etc .. This will not working after installing the unit. I'm not expert but it something to do with not having the CAN-BUS function in the unit. So if you can live without that function the unit is pretty good. I know reading some other posts that there is another unit ( CASKA ) which will allow the small LCD unit to continue to work. However, the CASKA unit is quite more expensive. Just curious, how much did you buy this unit with shipping ?

ok so im wondering this again.... im pretty sure the reason why the lcd doesnt work is because the lcd connections changed over the first few years. is it possible to switch in a later model's lcd? has anyone looked into that?

mtull394

01-16-2011, 09:44 PM

I have this same unit, the calibration is just for contact on the LCD
its a pretty good unit but response time really isn't that great
the biggest downfall I must say is the for the ipod connection
you cant use the ipod to control the songs just the LCD and you cant search songs or anything, so when you have a specific song you want to listen to thats dead bottom of a list, it will take you forever to get to it!!

DaveIrwin24

01-17-2011, 08:19 PM

i just purchased a unit off of autodvdgps.com : http://www.autodvdgps.com/2010-mazda3-dvd-player-with-gps-navigation-and-7-touchscreen-bluetooth-p-972.html?zenid=eke53st457jk04teh7a1184o51

installed myself, really easy... the unit came with can-bus so i was able to use my steering wheel controls and my main lcd still works, it displays navi/usb/bt/dvd/usb now. im new to modding. Features are great, bluetooth works great, gps is great.. had to load the maps/igo program onto an sd card myself, unit does take a little longer to load up in the mornings.. anyways i was a little iffy on purchasing a unit off this site, did a little research on the unit but went out on a limb. These units are worth every penny...

mtull394

01-18-2011, 12:51 AM

hows the response time? any lag?

DaveIrwin24

01-18-2011, 10:47 AM

The only issue I've had so far is it freezes up a little sometimes..when the nav is running and I get a call the bluetooth takes 5 seconds to pop up onto the screen so I can press answer.. And when I have my sd card in the gps slot and try and play music off of it on the media player it's lags a little bit so I just have my USB plugged in and listen to music off of that with no issues. Just gotta be patient with it and know how to work around the kinks

Pokaroo Kris

11-29-2012, 11:01 AM

S.F.W.

11-29-2012, 01:55 PM

I know this is an old thread, but I wanted to know if anyone has had any luck with the QL-MZD501 model for the 04-09 models. I'm looking into purchasing it now because the website says they've updated it to support the CAN-BUS for LCD functionality. And from what I read between the Caska and the Qualir is that the Qualir has a subwoofer output. Only thing I will miss by putting ANY aftermarket deck is the AUX input in the armrest...unless I get a kit to keep it.

Anyway, I was rambling....So anyone get it recently? Reviews?

Sure you lose your Auxport, but you gain a dedicated ipod connection, and a usb connection. Given they are in the glove box, so not quite as convenient, but the sound quality will be better.

Pokaroo Kris

11-29-2012, 03:42 PM

Sure you lose your Auxport, but you gain a dedicated ipod connection, and a usb connection. Given they are in the glove box, so not quite as convenient, but the sound quality will be better.

True. But from what I understand, when you connect through the dedicated iPod/iPhone connection, you can only play what's on your play list. If you have any radio apps to get radio stations from other countries and what-not, they don't play through the connection....correct me if I'm wrong...for ex. I have an app on my iPhone called SHOUTcast so I can get radio stations from Trinidad. Will I still be able to hear that through the iPod connection?

S.F.W.

11-29-2012, 03:49 PM

True. But from what I understand, when you connect through the dedicated iPod/iPhone connection, you can only play what's on your play list. If you have any radio apps to get radio stations from other countries and what-not, they don't play through the connection....correct me if I'm wrong...for ex. I have an app on my iPhone called SHOUTcast so I can get radio stations from Trinidad. Will I still be able to hear that through the iPod connection?
you are correct, functions like Shoutcast will not play through. If that is a feature that is important to you, perhaps you should investigate the Pioneer Appradio2 .

Pokaroo Kris

12-02-2012, 03:43 PM

you are correct, functions like Shoutcast will not play through. If that is a feature that is important to you, perhaps you should investigate the Pioneer Appradio2 .

Well I finally was able to look up the Appradio. After looking at Pioneers website almost al the new decks have the appradio. Unfortunately, appradio can only access compatible apps, not all apps. But thanks for the idea though. Got me looking into a pioneer double din deck now

Lockdown

12-02-2012, 05:23 PM

Jail broken iPhones or modified androids can access all apps

McGuyver_3

12-02-2012, 06:13 PM

I know this is an old thread, but I wanted to know if anyone has had any luck with the QL-MZD501 model for the 04-09 models. I'm looking into purchasing it now because the website says they've updated it to support the CAN-BUS for LCD functionality. And from what I read between the Caska and the Qualir is that the Qualir has a subwoofer output. Only thing I will miss by putting ANY aftermarket deck is the AUX input in the armrest...unless I get a kit to keep it.

Anyway, I was rambling....So anyone get it recently? Reviews?

IIRC, there is an option to retain your factory aux in.
I am pretty sure I did a car not to long ago and it had that option. Was a gen 2 but he had 2 different cables and only 1 fit so this leads me to believe that cable was probably for a first gen.

Pokaroo Kris

12-03-2012, 03:49 PM

IIRC, there is an option to retain your factory aux in.
I am pretty sure I did a car not to long ago and it had that option. Was a gen 2 but he had 2 different cables and only 1 fit so this leads me to believe that cable was probably for a first gen.

Hmmmmm....the plot thickens....

Krazee

04-05-2013, 05:14 PM

U need an RCA to 3.5 mm jack and a male to female stereo cable (3.5 mm jack). The rca goes into the back of unit as input and the male to female goes along with the console wires and taps into the console aux harness and done. I did it on my 2008.5 hatch