sound system upgrade

[nayther]

I started a thread a few weeks ago about upgrading my head unit to include DVD. Scrapped that idea and went to a Sony unit with aux. input and new separate DVD player. Was also looking for RF remote so it can be adjusted from afar (campfire) but had no luck on anything decent. However this unit is Bluetooth compatible and wouldn't you know it, "there's an app for that". When I read the owner's manual they described the app so I downloaded it to my iphone and VOILA! I now have a fully functioning remote that works 50' from the head unit! Plus the unit has multiple outputs for "front/rear" so I can use the fader to adjust inside/outside volume bias. And it can stream music from my phone as well as connect via USB. All this for $130.00 on Amazon.

Here's the unit I bought clicky

Now I'm ugrading the POS speaker they put in that they call a "subwoofer" to a 10" Blaupunkt that I had laying around, not too tough except trying to build a box behind it all through a 9" hole under the refer! Final report when I finish the sub install tonight.

The real kicker is that now I can connect the TV output to the stereo for better sound inside and outside when we're watching SX in the desert via the projector!

[nayther]

Was playing around a bit last night with the new stereo, sure like the way it sounds inside, can't wait to get it all tuned in this weekend.

Will have to check out that airport express, might come in handy at home too.

[micahmiles]

I use an Apple airport express on my Voltage garage radio that drives the outdoor speakers, for $70 you can get up to 300' range, put another one on the main audio system and you can have every speaker in the toy hauler playing the same tunes with independent volume control by zone.

Super simple setup just plug the airport express into the auxiliary input, create network and hit AirPlay.

[2BlueHeelers]

nayther wrote:

2BlueHeelers wrote:
Installed mine today and I am VERY happy with the range. In the picture below the blue blotch is the radio location and the orange arc is my reception point. This is with the RV doors closed and through multiple walls in the house. Id say about 30' through the house and greater outside the house. Probably 60-70' I was in the middle of the street and against my lot line w/o losing connection.



This will be awesome in the dez! The app works well too even on an IPad. Great find nayther!

glad you like it! Looks like your experiment was a little more scientific than mine.

I was not as specific about some of the dropouts I experienced inside the house but dismissed them due to the number of walls. I did test an Android device yesterday (Galaxy Note4)and its performance was significantly less impressive, about half the area.

[nayther]

2BlueHeelers wrote:
Installed mine today and I am VERY happy with the range. In the picture below the blue blotch is the radio location and the orange arc is my reception point. This is with the RV doors closed and through multiple walls in the house. Id say about 30' through the house and greater outside the house. Probably 60-70' I was in the middle of the street and against my lot line w/o losing connection.



This will be awesome in the dez! The app works well too even on an IPad. Great find nayther!

glad you like it! Looks like your experiment was a little more scientific than mine.

[2BlueHeelers]

Installed mine today and I am VERY happy with the range. In the picture below the blue blotch is the radio location and the orange arc is my reception point. This is with the RV doors closed and through multiple walls in the house. Id say about 30' through the house and greater outside the house. Probably 60-70' I was in the middle of the street and against my lot line w/o losing connection.



This will be awesome in the dez! The app works well too even on an IPad. Great find nayther!

[nayther]

2BlueHeelers wrote:

nayther wrote:

2BlueHeelers wrote:

nayther wrote:

2BlueHeelers wrote:

nayther wrote:

They say 50' Dave but I haven't tested it yet, 30' should be enough though.

Let us know how well/far the Bluetooth penetrates the toy hauler walls.

sure will just as soon as I can take it out..........which is uncertain now that desert season is over.

Any update on the strength of the Bluetooth signal through the walls of your TH? I want to buy one, just need to know its range is better that the dongle I am using now. I have a trip next weekend and I am ready to buy with your report 🙂

50' would be stretching it, that was in my driveway with the ramp down (only access when the TH is stored is through the back) so might be less when its all closed up. Finally taking it out 7.25 to Kennedy Meadows so will have a chance to see how it works in "the real world"

20 feet is what I get with This little number now outside the hauler, all doors shut. But its a PITA an needs regular charging. I think I will spring for the Sony and hope for the best as I am camping the same weekend as you are. We can compare notes after. Are you pleased with the app? what is the name of that app?

overall very pleased with the head unit, just recommended it to a friend. App is called Song Pal on my iphone.

[2BlueHeelers]

nayther wrote:

2BlueHeelers wrote:

nayther wrote:

2BlueHeelers wrote:

nayther wrote:

They say 50' Dave but I haven't tested it yet, 30' should be enough though.

Let us know how well/far the Bluetooth penetrates the toy hauler walls.

sure will just as soon as I can take it out..........which is uncertain now that desert season is over.

Any update on the strength of the Bluetooth signal through the walls of your TH? I want to buy one, just need to know its range is better that the dongle I am using now. I have a trip next weekend and I am ready to buy with your report 🙂

50' would be stretching it, that was in my driveway with the ramp down (only access when the TH is stored is through the back) so might be less when its all closed up. Finally taking it out 7.25 to Kennedy Meadows so will have a chance to see how it works in "the real world"

20 feet is what I get with This little number now outside the hauler, all doors shut. But its a PITA an needs regular charging. I think I will spring for the Sony and hope for the best as I am camping the same weekend as you are. We can compare notes after. Are you pleased with the app? what is the name of that app?

[nayther]

2BlueHeelers wrote:

nayther wrote:

2BlueHeelers wrote:

nayther wrote:

They say 50' Dave but I haven't tested it yet, 30' should be enough though.

Let us know how well/far the Bluetooth penetrates the toy hauler walls.

sure will just as soon as I can take it out..........which is uncertain now that desert season is over.

Any update on the strength of the Bluetooth signal through the walls of your TH? I want to buy one, just need to know its range is better that the dongle I am using now. I have a trip next weekend and I am ready to buy with your report 🙂

50' would be stretching it, that was in my driveway with the ramp down (only access when the TH is stored is through the back) so might be less when its all closed up. Finally taking it out 7.25 to Kennedy Meadows so will have a chance to see how it works in "the real world"

[2BlueHeelers]

nayther wrote:

2BlueHeelers wrote:

nayther wrote:

They say 50' Dave but I haven't tested it yet, 30' should be enough though.

Let us know how well/far the Bluetooth penetrates the toy hauler walls.

sure will just as soon as I can take it out..........which is uncertain now that desert season is over.

Any update on the strength of the Bluetooth signal through the walls of your TH? I want to buy one, just need to know its range is better that the dongle I am using now. I have a trip next weekend and I am ready to buy with your report 🙂

[nayther]

jackxclan wrote:
I like that deck I see money being spent on the outside juke box.
:B

it is a VERY nice head unit. I did not know it had all the features it does until I opened it up. There is a multi step equalizer that has an amazing affect on the sound as well as high and low pass filters, sound enhancers, Mega Bass boost, etc. all built in. 1/2 of this******I don't understand but it is fun to play with! And all for $130.00!

[jackxclan]

I like that deck I see money being spent on the outside juke box.
:B

[mrw8i]

DW and I have blue tooth intercom system between our helmets when in the RZR. Works great. A few times we have ridden in different SxS at the same time. Normally can talk to her up to about 100' away if there are no obstructions.

As for noise police issues. Not going to be in the desert. Each circle of RVs are friends and have similar tastes - rarely can you hear or for that matter see the next group of campers.

[nayther]

Bedlam wrote:
The season is not over, you just have to visit the higher elevations where the temperatures are still reasonable. Even Tahachapi Pass may still offer you some good riding around Jawbone Canyon...

True, might make a Big Bear weekend or Kennedy Meadows but at KM they've closed the overflow camping areas and officially the campgrounds are limited to 20' RV, though I've had my BIL's 27' fifth wheel there before.

[Bedlam]

The season is not over, you just have to visit the higher elevations where the temperatures are still reasonable. Even Tahachapi Pass may still offer you some good riding around Jawbone Canyon...