FlyAudio OEM Lookalike Mazda 3 Unit

[3GFX]

Hello everyone! Yes I know, long time no post :P


I've decided instead of uploading pictures I'd do a quick video on the unit I bought for the car. I decided not to go Caska because I cheaped out the first time with my original DVD unit and I made a promise to myself to by a proper unit the next time around. As always you get what you pay for. One thing you can't always describe through pictures and video is "feel" and this unit feels like quality right down to the look and the buttons, very similar to the OEM quality if not better. Enjoy the video hope I gave a good review.

Cheers!

VIDEO: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dowtW-OVf7c

WHERE I BOUGHT: http://www.caradvanced.com/

[bman13]

You had the Caska unit previously or didn't get it cause you didn't want to cheap out?

[3GFX]

You had the Caska unit previously or didn't get it cause you didn't want to cheap out?

Sorry, what I had meant to say that by comparison the FlyAudio unit is a better unit, but is significantly more expensive. I have not owned a Caska unit but I have tried different versions out and done a lot of research through different forums and such. If it is within someone's budget the FlyAudio unit is the one to buy. The Caska can be $400-700 cheaper so it is a tough call. I went the more expensive route and I am just sharing some insight.

My comment was based with my previous unit which was a simple noname double din dvd unit. It was $200 cheaper brand new than a brand name unit but in the end the remote control stopped working and then the radio. The $200 I saved meant I lost $400 overall. Sometimes you really get what you pay for, and from the lesson I did learn I bought the FlyAudio over the Caska.

[bman13]

Did you maintain your steering wheel controls?

[Soyabean]

great video sportironman. Good to see you post again. I was wondering where you were

[3GFX]

Did you maintain your steering wheel controls?

As stated in the video...yes.


great video sportironman. Good to see you post again. I was wondering where you were

Thanks, its definitely been a while.

[lay624]

Did you get the MZ3D or the MZ3DCAB ?

[hyper7boy]

Wow, the usability looks to be amazing and the screen resolution seems great as well. How accurate is the GPS? I didn't hear you mention that in the video. As well, do have any idea if there are any other stores who sell the Fly Audio Head units? I noticed the store you linked doesn't have one for the 2010's but maybe another one will. I would love to check out the 2010 model if they have one. hopefully I'll see your in person one day. Great Buy!!!!

[bman13]

As stated in the video...yes.


My bad...didn't watch the vid but now someone scanning this thread can get the answer :)

[3GFX]

Did you get the MZ3D or the MZ3DCAB ?

MZ3D, you can tell by the difference in the button layout and the red stripe similar to the oem stereo.


Wow, the usability looks to be amazing and the screen resolution seems great as well. How accurate is the GPS? I didn't hear you mention that in the video. As well, do have any idea if there are any other stores who sell the Fly Audio Head units? I noticed the store you linked doesn't have one for the 2010's but maybe another one will. I would love to check out the 2010 model if they have one. hopefully I'll see your in person one day. Great Buy!!!!

GPS is accurate, aren't they all? :p I'd say within a few feet its accurate.

Supposedly there is a 2010 Mazda 3 unit, I don't know if CarAdvanced can order it for you.

http://www.flyaudio.net/product_id.asp?id=236&xid=1#

[cwp_sedan]

Great review Dave! Any daytime pics of it installed?

[3GFX]

Naw car's too dirty (in/out) to bother ....maybe in the spring.

[bluntman]

Very nice! How easy was the install? Plug and play?

[3GFX]

Plug and play! :)

[gallipd001]

Hey 3gfx does it retain the function of the lcd screen by any chance?

[ROurBOAT]

Hey 3gfx does it retain the function of the lcd screen by any chance?

+1.. watched the entire video but I don't think the LCD screen was on, however on other video's of the same deck the LCD screen seems to be functioning.

[3GFX]

My car is a 2004 so the screen is not retained. 2006 and up the LCD screen is connected in a different manner and will still worknwith this unit.

[prime]

Wow this unit does indeed look promising from that walkthrough. Thanks for putting it up.

[Dave_The_BMXER]

Damn, I like that.

[iGOzoom]

Just emailed the seller to see if the LCD screen will remain function-able 100% on 06+ models just incase anyone is contemplating in buying this unit.

[hyper7boy]

In case anyone was wondering, the site the OP linked does not have any models available for 2010+ 3's. But, I did a quick google search and it looks like they are being manufactured. You just need to find a distributor. As well, from the picture, it seems as though the 2010+ model allows for use of the stock screen, not 100% sure though.

http://www.flyaudio.net/product_id.asp?id=236&xid=1

[prime]

I inquired about a piano black finish but unfortunately they don't carry them. They recommended having it painted professionally after receiving the unit. Sucks.

[DarkKilla]

Hey 3GFX

If you dont mind, could you PM me with the total cost of you purchasing this unit(incl. shipping)?

Also 2 questions, does this unit have pre-outs for subwoofer? If it does, does the unit's setttings have a subwoofer control setting?

Thanks

[n00bMeiSter]

Hey 3GFX

If you dont mind, could you PM me with the total cost of you purchasing this unit(incl. shipping)?

Also 2 questions, does this unit have pre-outs for subwoofer? If it does, does the unit's setttings have a subwoofer control setting?

Thanks


+1 on all those questions.

[bman13]

Just an FYI, we are looking into GB pricing for this unit...

[bluntman]

Just an FYI, we are looking into GB pricing for this unit...

you've peaked my interest...

[3GFX]

Hey 3GFX

If you dont mind, could you PM me with the total cost of you purchasing this unit(incl. shipping)?

Also 2 questions, does this unit have pre-outs for subwoofer? If it does, does the unit's setttings have a subwoofer control setting?

Thanks

Door to door my cost was about $1100 (duty and such in as well)

I don't recall pre outs that were specific (ie subwoofer). One thing I can confirm as that there is not a subwoofer specific setting.


you've peaked my interest...

Glad I did! Its a great unit, something special ya know.

[bukjoe]

Wow.. that unit is beautiful! Does it have a 6 Disc Changer? and was it pretty easy to install? Is it compatible with the Bose Sound System?

[bbell1984]

Just an FYI, we are looking into GB pricing for this unit...

GB from flyaudio, or from car advanced?

(side note) - interested!

[n00bMeiSter]

Door to door my cost was about $1100 (duty and such in as well)

Bman, it may be cheaper to go with that local toronto shop and see if we can get a good GB price.

[DarkKilla]

caradvanced I believe has them on a sale promotion price ($831.67), so maybe a group buy from them now would be cheaper

[Kappa]

cool!

[bman13]

Bman, it may be cheaper to go with that local toronto shop and see if we can get a good GB price.


caradvanced I believe has them on a sale promotion price ($831.67), so maybe a group buy from them now would be cheaper

+1 working on pricing for GB with em and will post it in Caska thread in the next day or so hopefully.

[n00bMeiSter]

Does this unit play music via bluetooth? And if so, do/can the steering wheel controls and the controls on the unit's screen also control the bluetooth playback?

[3GFX]

No, there is no bluetooth playback.

[Ballantrae]

Does it charge the iPod while connected?

[bman13]

http://www.torontomazda3.ca/forum/showthread.php?51503-GI-AFTERMARKET-OEM-LOOK-DECK-FOR-MAZDA-3&p=729854#post729854

[m3m]

Hi All, this guy is local (Keele and Steels) area, take a look at the link
http://www.automotioncanada.com/

[iGOzoom]

Price starts from $1100 based on website description. With foreign exchange being so good right now its way cheaper to order online, even if you do get nailed with custom fees.

[iGOzoom]

I just got my unit today, but I'm having some difficulties finding out how to set it to the correct time and change the temperature from fahrenheit to celsius. 3GFX do you have any idea how to do this?

*EDIT: NVM I found out how to set time and change weather. Deck is awesome and ALL LCD functions remain for 06+

[bbell1984]

I just got my unit today, but I'm having some difficulties finding out how to set it to the correct time and change the temperature from fahrenheit to celsius. 3GFX do you have any idea how to do this?

*EDIT: NVM I found out how to set time and change weather. Deck is awesome and ALL LCD functions remain for 06+
Where'd you order from and what was the final cost?

[bluntman]

The GB for this unit is a bust so I ended up ordering one from the same place. I know this sounds silly, but I am going to miss my clock as I didn't see one on any of the screens of the unit.

[bman13]

The GB for this unit is a bust so I ended up ordering one from the same place. I know this sounds silly, but I am going to miss my clock as I didn't see one on any of the screens of the unit.

look at my latest post in GI thread if you want to potentially still save money.

[iGOzoom]

Where'd you order from and what was the final cost?

Ordered from caradvance.com, check out the GI in Group Buys for prices. My final price came out to $811.78 with custom fees.

[bluntman]

look at my latest post in GI thread if you want to potentially still save money.

Done, thanks!

Although it just looks like wishful thinking.

[bluntman]

@iGozoom and 3GFX, you previously had an LOC installed did you/would you remove it before installing this unit?

[iGOzoom]

What's an LOC?

[bluntman]

A line out converter.

[iGOzoom]

Honest truth I have no idea. All the cords were the same that plugged into this unit. It was strictly plug and play, only extra cords that weren't there before is the GPS and mic cords. Or else everything else is pretty much the same.

[Olestra]

Very nice review and a great looking unit. I'm impressed with the responsiveness of the interface, the dual core sounds like a good choice.
As for the part where running navigation software and MP3 off the SD card causing stuttering, this is probably due to a limitation in the card reader rather than the actual unit. Is it possible to run the Navi + MP3 off USB stick? I'd be curious to see if the stuttering would go away.

Like you suggest though, it's not much of an inconvenience since I imagine most people will run music from a USB key or iPod and use the card reader exclusively for Navi.

[bluntman]

Honest truth I have no idea. All the cords were the same that plugged into this unit. It was strictly plug and play, only extra cords that weren't there before is the GPS and mic cords. Or else everything else is pretty much the same.

I guess you don't have external amps running your speakers?

[bman13]

http://www.torontomazda3.ca/forum/showthread.php?51503-GI-AFTERMARKET-OEM-LOOK-DECK-FOR-MAZDA-3&p=734162&viewfull=1#post734162

Car Advanced has informed me that DEADLINE for GB pricing is April 20th. There is no guarantee you will get the GB price BUT if you delay ordering past April 20th you won't be able to get it for iGOzoom's current sale price.

[bluntman]

Who does CarAdvanced use for shipping? I have my tracking number! :D

So excited.

[iGOzoom]

They used USPS for me. Shipping came quick, was less then a week!

[bluntman]

Hmm, they UPS for mine...it's scheduled to be here on Monday.

[iGOzoom]

Still can't figure out how to set the time properly on the LCD screen :bang

[bman13]

Still can't figure out how to set the time properly on the LCD screen :bang

thought you figured it out?

[iGOzoom]

thought you figured it out?

Thought I had when I found a how to on google. Everything works until the lcd screen starts flashing, but then won't allow me to adjust the time. I think I'm doing something wrong, so I emailed company to see how.

[bluntman]

I called UPS to inquire about the brokerage fee...$92.98.

@#$%

[Ballantrae]

Igozoom and 3GFX, i've found this video: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=M1E5US2GdgY. Can u control your trip computer also?

[bluntman]

My FlyAudio unit arrived this morning at work. I left work a bit early to home and install it. I decided to remove the LOC and connect my amps to the unit's audio outputs after hearing a pronounced hiss coming from the speakers when the unit was on; connecting the amps directly eliminated the hiss. I ran the USB connector to my previously modded ashtray and ran the iPod cable to the LCD pocket from the headunit installation kit I bought to hold my iPhone. Nice unti; everything works fine although I'm still a bit miffed that I don't have a clock in the car.

[iGOzoom]

I have my clock just with the wrong time :bang

[bluntman]

Here's a stupid question...where can I get other GPS software like Tom Tom or Route66?

[3GFX]

torrents are your best bet.

[Ballantrae]

does this work with iphone for ipod hook up?

[bluntman]

It works with the iPhone 4.

[bluntman]

FYI

If anyone is going to install a backup camera with this unit you will need to run two taps from the reverse light (positive), the first one to the lead labelled BACK on the harness and the second one to the (positive/red) camera lead.

Thanks Dan for all your help!

[gallipd001]

Question for those of you who have it installed....it seems as though it has an SD card slot but on the website it doesn't show a slot for one. Does it come with a separate interface for the SD card?

[bluntman]

It's underneath the CARD "button".

[iGOzoom]

What he said ^... If you refer back to the picture I posted you can see the carb button doesn't light up like the rest of the buttons do. Thats where the SD card is located.

[gallipd001]

Awesome thanks guys. Since you both have them in...do you like the unit so far? Worth the money?

[iGOzoom]

Definitely worth the money. Only thing is, well in my case I found it difficult to get used to the touchscreen opposed to the buttons.

[gallipd001]

and the GPS seems to be pretty accurate?

[bluntman]

I think I read somewhere that it's accurate plus or minus 30 feet which is about right because when I sit in my driveway it picks up my location as if I am in my backyard neighbour's driveway...of course when I went to McGuyver's house it dead on.

[gallipd001]

hows the reverse camera been? work seamless?



I think I read somewhere that it's accurate plus or minus 30 feet which is about right because when I sit in my driveway it picks up my location as if I am in my backyard neighbour's driveway...of course when I went to McGuyver's house it dead on.

[gallipd001]

Just ordered my fly audio unit this morning - cant wait to get it.

[bluntman]

hows the reverse camera been? work seamless?

Once I got it correctly wired it has worked flawlessly. The FlyAudio unit even displays red, yellow and green coloured guidelines on the display.


Just ordered my fly audio unit this morning - cant wait to get it.

I will be interesting to see how they send it to you, owners who bought it before me reported that it was sent to them using USPS/CanadaPost, but for mine they used UPS which meant an extra $98 in brokerage fees.

[gallipd001]

Thanks for the heads up on the back-up camera Bluntman - i ordered the same one you posted in the rear view camera install thread.

and for the ordering i requested that it be sent with usps since i noticed some of you guys got dinged with the brokerage fee. I wonder how long it will take to ship..

[bluntman]

Good stuff! BTW, if you need help with the installation of the camera, ask McGuyver, he does quality work!

Make sure you make a backup of the contents of the SD card before you install the unit just in case the card get corrupted.

[gallipd001]

Oh that's an awesome idea about the SD card - i'll definitely do that. And i've also already spoken to McGuyver he is going to do the install for me. Thanks again for the idea.

[gallipd001]

hey guys caradvanced shipped my unit last Wednesday and the tracking number they have given doesnt seem to work. They shipped with USPS. Anyone else have this problem? Should i be concerned?

[bluntman]

Just in case, try the tracking number on the UPS website.

[bman13]

hey guys caradvanced shipped my unit last Wednesday and the tracking number they have given doesnt seem to work. They shipped with USPS. Anyone else have this problem? Should i be concerned?

PM iGOzoom...he had it shipped USPS.

[gallipd001]

Just in case, try the tracking number on the UPS website.

tried that, says it doesn't exist. i'm hoping that its a non-issue. Although, I've never had a tracking number that doesnt work.

[iGOzoom]

Enter your tracking number here:

http://www.usps.com/shipping/trackandconfirm.htm

If it still comes up as inexistent contact caradvanced could be that maybe they typed it to you incorrectly.

[gallipd001]

Thanks igozoom. Just tried that but it still comes up as inexistent. Im hoping it was a typo. I guess i'm just a little uneasy since it was a rather large purchase. :bang


Enter your tracking number here:

http://www.usps.com/shipping/trackandconfirm.htm

If it still comes up as inexistent contact caradvanced could be that maybe they typed it to you incorrectly.

[gallipd001]

still waiting :sad

[iGOzoom]

Did you message caradvance? I found there customer service amazing.

[gallipd001]

Yeah they have been really helpful, unfortunately this really isn't there fault. seems to be an issue with USPS. Ill give it to early next week seeing as majority of places are on holiday schedules now anyway.

[Delete]

so has the clock issue been resolved?

[bman13]

so has the clock issue been resolved?

Yeah, they resolved it.

[Delete]

well, i just ordered one. excited to say the least

[bluntman]

Has anyone changed the FlyAudio logo at boot-up?

[iGOzoom]

was wondering the same thing.. i'd like to change to a personal logo but don't know how

[bluntman]

There's a program that you can download from the FlyAudio website (I forget which one, the Chinese or American site) that will let you do this. It includes some .png files for various auto manufacturers but I can see why one can't use their own graphic instead.

[gallipd001]

I cant seem to figure out how to change the time????? any help would be appreciated!

[GTA Fine Cars Inc.]

For those of you who have this installed. Does the LCD work as it did before you installed the unit ? Can you tell me if the display for the lcd match up ie: Radio on GPS unit shows the same exact station on the small LCD ?

Thanks

[bluntman]

For those of you who have this installed. Does the LCD work as it did before you installed the unit ? Can you tell me if the display for the lcd match up ie: Radio on GPS unit shows the same exact station on the small LCD ?

Thanks

It depends on the model year of the vehicle. On my 2004 (and apparently on some 2005 models) the LCD is connected to the stock headunit instead of to the existing wiring harness. If it is connected to the wiring harness you will maintain the the functions of the LCD.

[iGOzoom]

I cant seem to figure out how to change the time????? any help would be appreciated!

I pm'ed you with how to set the time. And GTA yes the LCD does match the station.

[Delete]

where did people place their gps reciever? I put mine under my passenger seat, obviously it didnt work.

[bluntman]

I opened the dash vent cover.

[Delete]

nevermind i got it working. Does this unit have fuel eco display?

[iGOzoom]

I placed mine under the top center vents.

[Iceman_F1]

Anyone that's been using this deck for any length of time have issues with it flipping to NAV randomly or when on NAV, crashing and restarting itself?

Mine has done this a few times and I'm not 100% sure why.

An example was the first night I was using it, I wanted to test the GPS on the way back from a friends. Part way through the drive, none of the buttons (on the unit or steering wheel) worked and eventually it turned off then back on again. Didn't happen for awhile after that but then happened again. It's intermittent.

The weird part is it's not always based on if I have the NAV on or not as this morning, I didn't have the NAV on (no point on my drive in to work) and I noticed it tried to start the NAV. I tried to switch it back to AV but it was basically frozen. It would let me run the NAV (I had turned off auto-load) but shortly after that it did it's usual reboot.

Wondering if anyone else had this issue. Thinking of it now, it's similar to the issue I had at one point with my old deck and the room fuse but with that, it was only on a big bump and it just shut off the unit and turned it back on. None of this looping on and off stuff.

Only thing that might be different from mine is I did a slight mod to get it working with the BOSE of the speed3. But for this, I just tapped the sub wire (sending constant 12V when the unit is on) and put it into the blue/white wire of the amp turn on. Don't see how that could affect the unit rebooting...

[iGOzoom]

Iceman I was sent a firmware update for the deck after I sold it you which I never got around to doing. PM and I'll forward you the email, maybe its a firmware issue?

I never had that problem occur while I was using the deck. Could it be that maybe you hit a pothole or bump and something came out of place behind the unit?

[bman13]

Iceman I was sent a firmware update for the deck after I sold it you which I never got around to doing. PM and I'll forward you the email, maybe its a firmware issue?

I never had that problem occur while I was using the deck. Could it be that maybe you hit a pothole or bump and something came out of place behind the unit?

Do the firmware update and see what happens....report back findings.

[Iceman_F1]

Do the firmware update and see what happens....report back findings.

Will attempt at some point...hopefully I don't have to completely remove the unit all over again :chuckle

[vik2011]

Im looking to get a dash unit for my 2010 mazda 3, there are some on ebay and autodvdgps.com , has anyone purchased one of these already?

[prot3g3]

unit is awesome!!!
so how about setting the clock? can some one help me out lol.
and is the NAV set to MPH, or is there a way to change it too? thanks for any help!

[Iceman_F1]

unit is awesome!!!
so how about setting the clock? can some one help me out lol.
and is the NAV set to MPH, or is there a way to change it too? thanks for any help!

I was never able to set it up with the flyaudio but from my understanding there are 2 ways to set it.

1) Disconnect your battery (or the top screen) before 1:00 (am or pm, doesn't matter) and then plug it back in at 1:00. This works because the stock LCD after a reset goes to 1:00 (doesn't matter which stereo you have plugged in).

2) Keeping the top LCD plugged in, unplug the FlyAudio unit and plug back in the stock deck (just power, don't need radio or AUX). Use the stock deck to change to the desired time, then plug back in the FlyAudio. This works because the LCD won't reset as long as it has power.

As for the MPH deal, I forget but I was sure you could set somewhere the settings. Mine is going off KM's and I'm pretty sure it's a setting I changed. Just can't recall which setting at the moment. Every time I get a new unit though, I always browse each menu on the unit to get used to the look & feel and set things the way I want it.

[prot3g3]

Alright, i was going to just disconnect my battery if all else failed lol, but good to know it resets to 1!

I'll have to mess around with it to change the MPH to KM/H, still a well built unit..bluetooth is awesome too!

[gallipd001]

the km/h is super easy to change. You'll have to run the navi and go into the settings from the main menu i believe. I believe its the same screen where you can change the voice etc.


Alright, i was going to just disconnect my battery if all else failed lol, but good to know it resets to 1!

I'll have to mess around with it to change the MPH to KM/H, still a well built unit..bluetooth is awesome too!

[Iceman_F1]

Good news and bad news. Good news is the update made a few updates. Bad news is it didn't work :bang

Not super annoying as it doesn't happen all the time. But still can't pinpoint the exact reason.

[bman13]

unit is awesome!!!
so how about setting the clock? can some one help me out lol.
and is the NAV set to MPH, or is there a way to change it too? thanks for any help!

Disconnect LCD like 12:59 and reconnect at 1 (am or pm) and then LCD/clock will be in sync. Easiest solution.

[iGOzoom]

Good news and bad news. Good news is the update made a few updates. Bad news is it didn't work :bang

Not super annoying as it doesn't happen all the time. But still can't pinpoint the exact reason.

Curious as to what the updates were lol

[Iceman_F1]

Curious as to what the updates were lol

Not sure. I know one of the files for sure updated was the OS as the build date changed. But not all build dates changed and I forgot to take a before note. Didn't happen yesterday but happened on Monday...and when it did happen on Monday it was the morning. So not sure what it could really be.

Oh well, I'll just deal with it.

[Iceman_F1]

UPDATE:

Issue seems fine now. After the rare occurrence, and it happening JUST at the end of my trip to Ohio, I realized it only seemed to happen with one specific song. I deleted that song from my iPod and it never happened again on the trip. Seems that one song might have had an issue with it that was sending confusing signals to the deck and it kept crashing. But because when it came back up to the same song, it just kept happening until my friend unplugged the ipod and it worked again.

[Delete]

So I tried putting a dvd in last night and all it kept doing was moving the disc in and out. Did it about 3 times then it stops, and a black screen with a picture of a disc in a drive shows up. What's wrong?

[3GFX]

For anyone looking I'm selling my unit http://www.torontomazda3.ca/forum/showthread.php?57009-FS-FLYAUDIO-HU-FOR-SALE

Nothing wrong, unit is pretty much new, I'm just selling the car and such a wonderful unit deserves a nice new home.

[Saars]

Just wondering if anyone with this unti has an amp/subwoofer hooked up to it? Is it the same as if connecting an amp to the stock head unit? Any way of controlling the sub from the unit?

Thanks

[Bomber-Stud]

Just wondering if anyone with this unti has an amp/subwoofer hooked up to it? Is it the same as if connecting an amp to the stock head unit? Any way of controlling the sub from the unit?

Thanks

+1

[bluntman]

The stock headunit doesn't have pre-outs so you'll need a line-out converter if you want to add an amp or two. The FlyAudio unit has pre-outs (front and rear, I don't recall it if includes a sub-out) right on the back of the unit.

[prot3g3]

+1

I have my subs hooked up thu the pre outs. And control the bass through the H.U

[fuhreakz]

It works with the iPhone 4.

Does it play music over bluetooth with the iphone 4 ?

[morbid]

hi i am looking for flyaudio wire harness for mazda 3 2010.i have 1 HU but without those wiring.please kindly PM me if any of u guys have those available

[3GFX]

There is no harness, it's plug and play into the stock harness.

[morbid]

but from what i saw, the HU do came with harnesses in box.cables for ipod,usb, rear view camera and etc.there is also a special cable to connect its power plug to our stock radio harness,right?

[greatcat]

Let me know the machine's model, ie.75** or 80** or 70**, I might have them in stock

[morbid]

its flyaudio E7584NAVI..hope u can help