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4X4 ICON 2000 - 2008 The DVD!

Updates  4/17/04 - Subwoofer | 6/8/07 - Service and Auxillary Input Adapter for IPOD or Satellite Radio | 10/12/07 - iPod

Eventually, I reached a point that most of the things I wanted to do to improve off-road performance had been done.  Oh, I am still collecting parts for a belly-up skid conversion and thinking about larger tires and some wheels, but with the number of parts involved and the associated cost, it will be a while longer before I get that extra two inches of break-over clearance.

In the meantime, my ears were tired of listening to the factory AM/FM/Cassette player and speakers... 

When I bought the Jeep, I made a conscious decision to live with the factory "sound system" as long as possible.  In all fairness, it was not too bad.  But in terms of what I was accustomed to at home and in other cars I have owned, it was rubbish.  The amp and speakers clipped at moderate listening levels, no tweeters, no fine EQ adjustment, no auxillary inputs or pre-amp outputs.  It was just enough to get by.  When I sold my last car, it was shipped to California with the Kenwood head unit and BOSE 1401 amp and matched speakers still installed.  I missed that stereo greatly and wanted to replace it exactly.

But time and technology wait for no man.  I was forced to face the fact that there was no aftermarket BOSE system available for a Wrangler.  And CD's have largely replaced cassette tapes as the audio source of choice.  I struggled with getting a unit that would not play tapes for I have a large record collection that I record on tape for the car.  Without a tape player, I would be forced to use CD's.  This represents a fairly large loss for me so my plan was a head unit with AM/FM/Cassette/CD.  What I found was limited.  And in the 1.5 DIN size that fits the Jeep, choices were narrowed even more.  Nothing I saw impressed me enough to buy it.

In the end, I abdicated the cassette feature.  I decided I could get a head unit that accepts auxiliary inputs and if necessary, add an external cassette player.  Optionally, I will re-record my LP's to CD using techniques that sound fairly straightforward, if not a bit tedious.  But anyone who's made tapes knows it's no picnic anyway, so whether it's a CD or a cassette...  My current PC has a CD/DVD burner and I am able to burn copies of CD's that work in a CD player, so at least I can produce CD's in a fashion similar to how I once did tapes until I get the few patch cords and one software package I need to start burning LP's to CD.

Shopping

With the basic requirements out of the way, I next had to consider price.  I decided that if I tapped the used market, and was careful, I might leverage a few hundred dollars into a system that approaches the features and performance I want, but at a price I could afford.  The risks associated with buying a used system are many, and the chances of getting somebody else's junk is pretty good.  So I knew I was gambling if I went this route.

I saw a head unit discussed on Jeeps Unlimited that looked interesting so I went to the Crutchfield web site to check it out. 

I found the specs to be reasonably good.  Next, I searched eBay to see if I could find one in good condition.  Not only did I find the head unit, but I found it for sale with two sets of Infinity component system speakers, complete with all the hardware for installing it in a Jeep!  The person selling it had kept the boxes, instructions, extra hardware, and all the stuff needed to install the unit in a Jeep.  It almost sounded too good to be true.  Here is the listing.

I wrote to the seller and asked all the questions I could think of.  I came away satisfied that it was complete, working, had not been abused, and that it would install in the Jeep without any additional parts or modifications.  I ended up striking a deal with the seller to send me the items for the Buy It Now! price if he ate the shipping.  SOLD!  I was now the proud owner of:

• Pioneer DEH-P77DH AM/FM/CD Head Unit
• Infinity Reference Series 505cs speaker system (midrange and tweeter component system with dual cross-over)
• Infinity Reference Series 4652cfp 4x6 two-way speakers
• Infinity Reference Series 1001t tweeters
• everything to install it in my Jeep.

The package arrived a couple days after Christmas.  I restrained myself through the day. The next day while things were quiet, I went out and installed it in the Jeep.  As this is not an install write-up, I did not take step-by-step install pictures.   But it was not rocket science.  The manuals for the speakers are linked below.  (I could not find an electronic copy of the head unit installation guide.)

Installation

In summary, it just involved removing and replacing front speakers with the 4652cfp's (plug-in).  An adapter plate (provided courtesy of Crutchfield) is installed to mount the 4x6.  There's not much to see since they are covered by the stock factory panels on the lower corners of the dash.

Next I removed and replaced the sound bar speakers with the 505cs's (plug-in).  You can see the depression in the sound bar covering from the previous (Hafler) speaker grills that were installed, and a dusting from an accidental fire extinguisher discharge...

I mounted the 1001t's on the sport bar near the sound bar.  These are temporarily installed.  Later, I will take a hole saw to the sound bar and flush-mount them in the swivel sockets provided, but I just wanted to get the units in place and confirm that they worked.  (Clearly the sport bar covering is dirty - this Jeep is wheeled...).  The wires to the tweeter are covered with harness tubing (1/4").  The base of the tweeter and the wire are anchored with wire-ties.  This gave me some flexibility to aim the tweeter.  The wire is anchored to prevent accidental snags when passengers pass by on their way to the back seat.  Other wires pass by this area (hands-free cell phone, CB external speaker.)   It's a busy little corner...  You can also see the bungee cord that I keep handy for those times when I need to keep my seat belt pulled out on off-camber or steep hills.

Lastly, I removed the factory head unit and placed Pioneer DEH-77DH (it was supplied with the harness adapter allowing direct plug-in).

   

I plugged the inline antenna noise filter between the head unit and the antenna, even though I didn't have noise before.

Truth in advertising, I did have to make up several small segments of wire to enable connection of the speakers to the factory connectors, and to install the two-way cross-over units between the 505cs cross-over and 1001T's.  I opted for a -3db cut on these since they are so close to ear level.  I stuffed the cross-overs in the sound bar, and ran the wires out to the tweeters.

My luck doesn't run strong with stereo installs.  I can handle the wiring, and I have all the tools to bolt everything in place.  But in the past I have often come up short, missing pieces that prevented me from completing an install without a trip to the store.  Or something is wrong with one of the components and I am stuck replacing parts before I can listen to music.  I had no illusions of this install being any different.  It's frustrating to power up and have something go "crackle" that's not supposed to, or better yet (depending on your viewpoint) have nothing happen.

This time I was very fortunate that everything I needed was included, I had spare wire and connectors on hand to fab up the runs to the tweeters, and when everything was hooked up, it worked first try!  It was almost too good to be true.  But there it was, perfectly mounted in the dash and speaker enclosures, sounding awesome, and no problems.  It doesn't get any better than this.

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The unit has a myriad of features.  It took me several days reading the manual and playing with the unit to become familiar with all the things it can do.  My only complaint is that this unit, like most of today's units, cannot be operated easily without reading buttons and displays.  This makes it hard to operate anything more than the volume knob while driving, unless you wait until you stop at a light or pull over.  I miss the stereos that have just a volume knob, equalizer sliders, servo-activated buttons for the device controls, and a layout that can be operated by touch.  C'est La Vie!  This thing rocks, so ergonomics aside, I am a happy camper.

I'm still not sure what I will use the remote control for, but maybe I will figure something out.  Maybe it's for when you're sitting on the beach, or around a campfire and you want to control the tunes without going back to the Jeep?

Future

Of course, like many mods, this one still isn't done - I now need to get a sub-woofer and amp to power it as the component speakers really only handle the mid- and high-range sounds.  That means I have to run down the placement options for the subwoofer, the subwoofer itself, and the amp.  I am thinking of keeping it simple:  small sub (6") and a small amp (50 watts) and running it using the head unit cut filter.  I just can't see putting in a monster subwoofer system in the space (and budget) that I have to work with.

With the addition of a couple relays, I could hook up the security system features too.  That sounds promising and expect to get that done in the next few days...

The unit provides the capability to add auxiliary devices like an IPOD or Satellite Radio.  An input adapter is available to enable these capabilities.

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DEH-P77DH | Infinity 505cs | Infinity 4652cfp | Infinity 1001t | Auxiliary Input and Satellite Radio

Update:  4/17/04  It took more than a couple of days to get the subwoofer selected, purchased and installed.  But it was worth the wait!  I ended up with a 10" subwoofer with its own enclosure and amp - 200 watts!  Bummpph! Ba-bummph!  bump bump ba-bump!

DEH-P77DH | Infinity 505cs | Infinity 4652cfp | Infinity 1001t | Auxiliary Input and Satellite Radio

Update:  6/8/07  On one of my trips, the CD player failed.  The symptoms were not good.  On the way out of the woods the stereo started reporting Error 11 codes.  The manual says this is because of either dirty or bad CD's or an electrical problem.  All the counter measures recommended did not work.  So it went in for service.  I didn't know if this was related or not.  The unit didn't get wet directly.  And the CD that was in the unit played the entire time we were on the trail up until it's failure on the way out.  It is possible that something found it's way in there, but I am not sure it was because of the mud hole.  Still, the timing is suspicious...

I removed the unit from the Jeep.  No signs of any water, mud or other damage.  I took the top cover off and still no obvious signs of damage.  So I will send it to the Pioneer Service Center for evaluation and repair.

One of the Infinity tweeters mounted on the sport bar behind the passenger seat took a direct hit.  The mud was on the outside of the speaker grill with a few small specs reaching the tweeter.  I cleaned the grill the best I could.  It plays fine so far...

The subwoofer was sitting in a damp spot with a small amount of muddy water splashed on the enclosure.  I removed it from the Jeep and  cleaned it up as a part of putting things back together.  It was OK but it was pretty close to the waterline....

Update: 6/22/07

The stereo was taken to a local factory-authorized repair center.  A week later the unit was ready to be picked up.  The problem was that a piece of the one of the CD storage cases (a die-cut-out for the hole in the CD sleeve) found its way into the inside of the CD player!  Clearly, this was not a problem caused by the mud encounter.  I paid for the repair.  The CD case was totaled in the event so I don't have to worry about it happening again.

While the unit was out of the dash, I installed an XM Radio.  This required the addition of an auxiliary input.

RB10 IP-Bus input adapter

I located and ordered the Pioneer CD RB10 - IP-Bus input adapter.

This allows me to plug in using an RCA cable, other devices like an IPOD or Satellite Radio.

DEH-P77DH | Infinity 505cs | Infinity 4652cfp | Infinity 1001t | Auxiliary Input and Satellite Radio

DEH-P77DH | Infinity 505cs | Infinity 4652cfp | Infinity 1001t | Auxiliary Input and Satellite Radio

Features

MOSFET Amplifier: This receiver is equipped with a 45 watts x 4 (peak) MOSFET amplifier for  low distortion, high power output. The amplifier is strong enough to power small subwoofers to moderate volume levels in compact cars and pickups. For higher volume levels from subwoofers, an optional amplifier may be connected to the provided sets of preamp outputs.

Display/Button Illumination: The LED backlit multi-color display illuminates the frequency and CD track/time in white and the mode indicators and the select buttons guide in green. There is a bright blue EQ curve display in the left hand portion of the display that shows the frequency response characteristic of each curve (except the "CUSTOM" curve). The EEQ button illuminates in blue, and all other buttons are backlit with green illumination.

Easy-EQ (EEQ): This feature gives you a 3-Band Parametric EQ with Selectable Q Factor. You may select a low (40, 80, 100 or 160Hz), mid (200, 500, 1k or 2kHz) and high frequency (3k, 8k, 10k or 12kHz) to boost or cut. The Q factor (slope of the boost or cut) may be selected from one of the following four options: 2N (narrow/steep), 1N, 1W and 2W (wide/least steep). Selecting a narrow (steep) Q factor results in frequencies around the center frequency to be affected less by the boost or cut than they are with a wide Q factor. This feature is useful for taming frequency response problems caused by the dimensions, materials and speaker locations of a vehicle. A different "CUSTOM" curve can be set into memory for each source; the built-in CD player and optional CD changer are considered a single source, so they would share the same "CUSTOM" EQ curve.

Preset EQ Curves: This model has "POWERFUL", "NATURAL", "VOCAL", "CUSTOM", "EQ FLAT" and "SUPER BASS" preset EQ curves. The "CUSTOM" curve is one that you create and is stored in memory. There's an EQ curve display in the left hand portion of the display that shows the frequency response characteristic of each curve (except the "CUSTOM" curve; the displayed curve does not change with the settings you make to the custom curve).

F.I.E. (Front Image Enhancer) with Selectable Cutoff Frequency: Enhances the front image by cutting mid and high range frequencies to the rear speakers (and the preouts), limiting their output to low range frequencies. You may select a cutoff frequency of 100, 160 or 250Hz.

Adjustable Loudness: You can select "Low", "Mid" or "High" for different levels of loudness compensation.

Subwoofer/Non-fading Preamplified Outputs: In addition to the front and rear preamp outputs, there is one set of outputs that may be set for "subwoofer" or "non fading" output. When set to "non fading", the signal is full range and the output level is user selectable from 0 to 15. When set to "subwoofer", the outputs are non fading, and they may be set for normal or reverse phase, 50Hz, 80Hz or 125Hz low-pass output, and you can set the level from -6 to +6.

Source Level Adjustment (SLA): This function prevents radical leaps in volume when switching between sources. To use this function, you compare the volume level of the sources (AM, CD/CD changer, AUX) to the FM level, then you adjust the sources level to match that heard when listening to FM. Since the reference level is based on the FM volume, SLA is not possible on FM.

Cellular Mute: Mutes audio when a cellular call is received, then restores the level once the call is over. To use this feature, you must have a cellular phone with a muting output that can be connected to the muting input wire of this unit.

Tuner: This receiver is equipped with Pioneer's proprietary Supertuner III, which provides excellent AM and FM performance.

Rotary Volume Control: A rotary volume control allows for easy volume level adjustment. Normally, the knob protrudes just slightly from the front of the face plate. To make the knob easier to turn, it may be made to stick out further from the face; to make the knob pop out, you simply press and release the knob. When the knob is in the extended position, pressing the knob inward returns the knob to it's normal, low-profile position.

Display Dimming: When the illumination wire of this unit is connected to the headlamp circuit of your vehicle, and you turn your lights on, the display will dim to a preset level. The display brightness is not affected by the vehicle's dimmer control.

CD Insert Auto Turn-on: When unit is off and a CD is inserted it will automatically turn on and play the CD.

Pause: The CD player has a pause feature, which also works for CDs played in optional Pioneer CD changers.

Disc Titling: You can store titles for up to 48 discs (when using a compatible Pioneer CD changer this increases to a total maximum of 100 discs). Each title may be up to 10 letters long.

CD Compatibility: This unit will play prerecorded CDs and finalized CD-Rs. The unit reviewed by Crutchfield played a CD-RW disc, but Pioneer does not claim compatibility with CD-RW discs. Results with CD-RW discs will vary depending on the quality of the discs; there are audio CD-RW discs that this unit will not play.

AUX Title Input: Allows you to input a title for the AUX input function; item 130CDRB10 (or item 130CDRB20), sold separately, is required to use the AUX input feature.

Remote Control Functions

CXB4285 Wireless Remote Dimensions: L=3.630", H=0.261", W=1.559"

Buttons:

• Volume +/-
• Function button: Cycles through functions which allow you to set best station memory, local, CD track scan, CD pause, repeat, random etc
• Audio Button: Allows you to access EQ/Loud/SLA/fader/FIE
• Cursor buttons (up/down/left/right): Used for track/station seek, and to set levels within menus
• Escape/Band button: Cycles through tuner bands and allows you to exit from menu
• CD button: used to select CDs for playback
• Pause button: pauses CD playback
• Tuner button: selects tuner as source
• ATT (Mute) button: reduces volume by 90%

Note: This unit is also compatible with Pioneer's optional steering wheel remote (item 130CDSR77).

Disc Changer Control Features

• Disc skip (forward and reverse)
• Track skip (and audible search) (forward and reverse)
• Direct Disc Access for discs 1-12 (press presets 1-6 for over 2 seconds for discs 7-12)
• Pause
• Repeat Play: One-track Repeat, Disc Repeat and Multi-CD player Repeat (magazine repeat)
• Random Play: disc random play or magazine random play (tracks may be played more than once)
• Scan Play: single disc scan (plays 10 seconds of each track on the disc) and magazine scan (plays 10 seconds of the first track on each disc)
• ITS (Instant Track Selection): up to 24 tracks per disc can be programmed into memory for up to 100 discs
• Disc Title Memory: titles of up to 10 characters each con be entered into memory for up to 100 discs
• Disc Title list: allows you to display disc titles you have input and select from the title list to play desired disc
• CD Text display: when used with a CD Text capable Pioneer CD changer, this unit will display the title of CD Text encoded discs that are played in the changer. 
• CD Sound Quality Adjustment: includes the "COMP" and "DBE" functions. The "COMP" function may be set to one of two levels or off; this function compresses the audio signal to eliminate distortions caused by the imbalances between the loudest and softest sounds when played at high volumes. The "DBE" (dynamic bass emphasis) boosts bass frequencies; the DBE function may be set to one of two levels or off. NOTE: For these features to work, the CD changer must support COMP and DBE functions!
• Manual Note: On page 6, the manual states that it will cover the available functions of this unit when used with a 50-disc changer. This is not the case. The manual fails to mention the 50-disc changer and the available functions.

DFS (Detachable Face Security) Alarm Features

The DFS Alarm feature is defeatable. For those who do not want to use the alarm feature at all, no alarm wires need be connected.

The alarm may be triggered by:

1. Input from door pin switches
2. Sensors (sold separately)
3. Failure to put the face on the unit before the user selectable "Entry Delay Time" (settings range from 0 to 60 seconds in 5 second increments) runs out.
4. Failure to insert and turn the ignition key from "OFF" to "ON" the predetermined number of times (dependent on whether the starter disable function is set to "ON" or "OFF" in the alarm menu.

When triggered, the alarm can respond in three ways:

1. An alternating two tone output can be sent to the car speakers (this feature is defeatable). The level of output sent to the speakers is adjustable.
2. The alarm can trigger a horn, siren, or parking lights relay (not included). The alarm output can be set to send a constant or pulsed output the relay.
3. The alarm can trigger a starter kill relay (not included), so that the vehicle cannot be started. The starter disable is defeatable.

There are four methods of disarming the alarm:

1. The alarm will disarm when the face is placed on  the unit before the user selectable "Entry Delay Time" runs out. This method works regardless of whether the starter disable function is set to "ON" or "OFF" in the alarm menu.
2. If the white/orange wire is connected to the unlock wire of a keyless entry system and the doors are unlocked via the keyless entry system, the alarm will disarm.
3. If the starter disable function is turned off, the alarm may be disarmed by inserting the key into the ignition and turning the key from the "off" position to the "on" before the "Entry Delay Time" runs out.
4. If the starter disable function is turned on, the alarm may be disarmed by inserting the key into the ignition (within the "Entry Delay Time") then the key is turned from "OFF" to "ON" five times within one minute.

There are five alarm wires (white/yellow, brown, white/red, white/orange and blue/brown) hardwired directly to the radio:

• The white/yellow wire is connected to door pin switch wiring (by selecting the appropriate setting in the alarm menu, the white/yellow wire will respond to ground output pin switches or 12V output switches).
• The brown wire can be made to send a constant 12V output to a siren or horn relay (not included) when the alarm is triggered, or it may be used to send a pulsed 12V output to a relay (not included) to flash parking lights (constant or pulsed operation selected in the alarm menu).
• The white/red wire is connected to a negative output sensor wire (sensor not included). This wire allows the DFS Alarm to respond to output from single stage shock, glass break, and microwave sensors.
• The white/orange wire is provided for connection to the unlock wire of keyless entry power door lock systems. When the keyless entry system is used to unlock the doors, the white/orange wire will receive the unlock output of the keyless entry system and the alarm will disarm. By selecting the appropriate setting in the alarm menu, the white/orange wire can be made to respond to ground output or 12v output keyless entry systems.
• The blue/brown wire is used to trigger a relay (not included) for starter kill operation. The blue/brown lead will provide a continuous 12V output while the alarm is sounding and for 30 minutes after initial trigger (up to 5 consecutive triggers).

At least two relays (item 120E5000) will be needed to operate all alarm functions. One relay will be needed to sound a siren, honk the horn, or flash the parking lights. A second relay will be needed for the alarm's starter kill function.

The tweeters that originally came with the 505cs kit were replaced with these.  I used the two-way crossover that came with the 505cs to install these tweeters.

Installation of these speakers required the use of adapter plates (included) to reconfigure the dash mount opening to accept these speakers.