So I'm about to throw in the towel on my CarPC project, after being very disappointed by the software out there. To replace it, I'd like to see if I can get the Sync system up and running. I know officially Ford only offers it on some late 08s up to the current models. Anyone know what parts would be needed to add this into an 07? Ideally, I'd like to keep navigation capabilities as well, and it looks like only the 2010 cars offer both together.

Basically the key features I'm looking for is:
- Decent navigation
- Hands free call handling
- iPhone integration for listening to music (I keep it all on the phone)

I was overall pretty impressed with Sync after seeing it in action in a friends Focus.

 

Check with Crutchfield, they have a great selection units that should interest you.

Cheers Al

 

Go with the DNX 5120

 

Hmm, after todays announcement of Google Maps Navigation, I'm probably taking navigation off the list of features I want built into the car.

So, anyone know if it's possible to get the Sync setup without nav into an 07? I'm willing to deal with a bit of hassle to get Sync specifically over another aftermarket headunit.

 

Hey bud, you really can't buy SYNC aftermarket as it is in any 2010 Mustang. That system is tied into basically EVERYTHING electrical in the car. Its more complex than adding a few things. If you want something like that, Pioneer has new headunits that uses the same interface basically, so voice recognition is used for song selections.

 

Cubican retrofit the stereo from a 2009 escape (I think). The 2009 has the 2010 Mustang software on it. What didn't work with the carPC? I'm running RideRunner and it works very well. I'm using iGO8 for my navigation and can't be happier with the system from a software perspective. I'm still working on a skin that looks similar to the Ford Nexgen systems.

 

I've just never been satisfied with the CarPC. I went with the Infill G4 unit, and hardware wise, it's fine. It's even got some additional functions built into the ROM to prevent startup if it is too cold, force a shutdown if the OS hangs, and so on. The software though is bad in a few areas. I've tried both StreetDeck (came with the unit) and Centrafuse. Both offer horrible navigation, no easy way to sync music into the system, and no hands free calling solution that works.

I think in the end, my usage patterns just don't line up well. I'd like GPS grade navigation, not braindead software that tells me to get off every highway exit to just get right back on (Streetdeck), or Centrafuse not having the entire US maps loaded to allow me to route from Texas to Colorado. Beyond that, Centrafuse also has a fuel, bed, and some other icon on the main screen. Pressing any of them dumps to a POI category screen, and gas stations aren't even in the list. And while Centrafuse routes are a tad better, they still fall down next to even a $100 hardware unit from whatever big box electronics store.

I also tend to listen to a lot of podcasts, and currently they just auto sync to my phone. With the CarPC, I'd have to have it quickly sync before I pulled out of the garage, or back on arrival. And to do so, I'd have to script something up, as neither package offered a good syncing solution that I could find. Neither solution offers compatibility with the iPhone or newer iPods, so I'm stuck hooking it up via AUX, and not being able to use the touchscreen in the dash to control playback.

Media playback is ok, but very basic. I was spoiled by features in my old empeg-car player, like the ability to shuffle all music, decide I like a particular artist, and with one button queue up more songs by them. Come up to a band I dislike at that moment? Another button pulls them all out of the playlist. Even better was the ability to drop out of shuffle for a bit to listen to an album in the normal order, then turn shuffle back on.

For all the unique features a CarPC brings, I just don't find myself taking advantage of them. ODB-II integration is kinda cool. Internet access, eh, the iPhone is easier since I don't have to hunt down a WiFi spot and deal with mousing on a touchscreen. DVD/Video playback is a good showoff capability, but not something practical when driving the vehicle. Beyond that, it's still a Windows OS under the hood, ready to be finicky at the drop of a hat due to cheep drivers. Took me a while to break the habit of running windows update and such after having hibernate support die, hardware drop off, and other issues that had me running the restore disc to get back to a sane point.

Ultimately, I just don't want to be stuck in the garage in 100+ summer weather tinkering with a PC that offers me very little benefits wise. If I'm going to be out there sweating, it's going to be something that makes the car scream, and not watching a progress bar go across a screen.

 

You can get a Avic F700BT for as low as $350. Very much worth it in my opinion

 

I can understand your frustration then. I know people are trying to get the G4 to work with RideRunner and a couple other frontends but it is still in the development phase. If I wouldn't have gone the carPC route I would have gone with the F90BT at the time. The Pioneer Z110BT which came out this summer would be my choice today and is probably a closer match to what you have with the infill appearance wise. It has features very similar to SYNC. The pioneer navigation software is iGO and I have this on my carPC and my Windows Mobile phone. The navigation has been great. I originally had Garmin Mobile PC on the CarPC but had issues with it being buggy.

The Z110BT will run you around $1000 - $1200 depending on what accessories you get. You could probably get a good portion of that money back selling the G4. This is also in the price range of getting the 09 escape headunit to work with your 07.

Good luck.

 

The Z110BT looks tempting, especially with the integration with the iPhone for navigation planning.

Out of curiosity, do you have more info on getting the Escape 09 head unit for sync?

I'm still pondering my choices at this point, and might look more into RideRunner. If iGo is being used by the big manufacturers for routing, it sounds like it should be decent. I'm just hesitant to dump more money into the G4 at this point.

(and wow, I need to update my profile picture, car hasn't looked stock in ages)

 

PM Cubican on here. I just double checked his thread and it's a 2010 explorer Nav unit he installed.



http://www.mustangcollective.com/showthread.php?t=27837

 

Deric,

Does this one have the speed sensor issues like the 07-08 nav radio?

 

I don't know since I have a carPC . PM Cubican or maybe he can post up details in this thread.

 

If you can't get Sync, as stated above Pioneer Z110. Also the Kenwood DNX6140 is great for more OEM looking HU, and it has a volume **** versus buttons on most double son units.