Electronics, Hacks & Do It YourSelf Tips – Page 45 – Automotive & Home Blog, Information & Reviews

Car radios , when to upgrade and what is needed:

You should consider upgrading your car radio when it is missing a feature you need. For example, you need to add Bluetooth for calls and streaming, Navigation GPS, DVD player, aux in, CD player, Mp3 capabilities or you want to add more power to the existing radio.
Here is an example of a Double DIN Pioneer radio, which would add a ton of features to your car, along with navigation GPS.

Along with the radio, you will need a dash kit to make it fit into your car if it is not a standard din or double din size. Din size openings are 7 x 2 high and double din openings are 7 x 4 high. If you have these standard sizes, you can just buy any standard din or double din radio.

Some examples of DIN size radios below

Some examples of Double DIN size radios are below

A dash kit is usually needed to fit any radio into NON standard openings. These kits are specific to make, models and years. Be sure to pick the right one and check for compatibility. They come in all shape and sizes.

There are also less expensive dash kits which will cover a wide range of vehicles. (for example, a honda kit which will cover the majority of Hondas). Since these kits are so universal, it is also less money.

If you have steering wheel controls in your car, find a radio with steering wheel controls and then you will need a steering wheel interface to retain it also. This is optional

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What is the purpose of Remote Starts and why do you need it?
Remote starts allow you to start your car remotely. In the comfort of your home or work. It will warm up your car in the winter, or it will cool your interior in the summer. Never get into a cold or hot car again. Also, if your car has ice on the windows, you can remote start the car with the heater on and after the car warms up, you can simply push the ice off the windows (no more scrapping!)

Most new cars will have immobilizer bypasses, you will need to bypass this security feature to install a remote start. There are modules to do this. This is required for almost all cars built in the last 10 years or so. Be prepared for this and the added cost. Some work on data, and can simply plug into the remote start. Using data, you can save the time and avoid additional wiring.

Some of these bypass modules will require a programmer, since they come blank

However, there are universal type bypasses which will cover one manufacturer and should cover most cars, (for example, one for honda, etc) – and those do not require the purchase of a separate programmer.

Ford, GM, Honda, Hyundai, Mazda, Toyota and related models 2001 to date. The ADS-KO covers most older cars in that group.

There are also units which are plug and play for many type of vehicles. They are more expensive, but they come with a plug and play harness which is great for novices or beginners. The majority or all of the installation simply “Y” and plugs into existing harnesses. Be sure to check model and compatibility before choosing an unit.

If the main remote start is capable, remote starts can be programmed to start by a cellular phone app. This allows you to send a remote start command when you are in a concrete building, on an airplane, underground in the subway or anywhere as long as you have a wifi or cell connection to your phone. If the system has an alarm, it will also page your phone when your car alarm goes off.

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