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AMBxx

Member Since: 24 Jul 2016
Location: York
Posts: 1031

2015 Defender 110 Puma 2.2 XS CSW Orkney Grey

Replacement Radio Advice - UPDATE Firmware update fixed it

Any thoughts on a better radio? I currently have the standard Alpine CDE-133BT on my 2015 110 SW.
Problem is that when I use the SatNav on my Windows phone, the sound stops working after a phone call.

All I need it to do is work on bluetooth and FM radio (don't care about DAB or CD). I stream music from phone and use handsfree.

I'd like a straight swap so I don't need to muck about with changing wires or the microphone. There's no subwoofer to worry about.

Less than £100 too if possible!

Any thoughts?

Last edited by AMBxx on 19th Aug 2016 2:30pm. Edited 1 time in total

27th Jul 2016 7:38am

Doubledoom

Member Since: 27 Dec 2015
Location: Suffolk
Posts: 42

2016 Defender 90 Puma 2.2 SW Santorini Black

I replaced the alpine CDE133BT with an alpine CDE195BT. Straight swap.

It was mostly plug and play. The cables were like for like but the cage was different. That added a couple of minutes getting the old cage out. Slotting the 195 in took a little more work as there isnt a lot of space behind when the cables start folding up. Nothing scary but just awkward in having to slide it in and out and try and position the wires so they didnt fold the wrong way.

It is a very nice unit. Has variable colours so you can get it to match your dashboard (if you so wish). Auto plays bluetooth when engine starts which was one of my main reasons for getting it. I didnt want cables from the unit to an ipod or a USB stick sticking out - so have a phone with a 128gb sd card on it with all my music and podcasts. Mediamonkey app keeps the audio app running in a mode to auto start (from where left off) when paired with the car and syncs wirelessly with the pc to update playcounts, playlists and podcasts etc). When the phone rings, the music stops and automatically restarts when complete.

Sound is a little better than the 133 but it is the speakers that are the problem but they are on my list of things to sort. The system will match nicely with the new speakers and sub when done. Main sound improvement is the levelling ability between different sources. Bluetooth is much quieter than radio. There is a +/- 14db adjustment allowance for each source. So, I was able to get proper balance. The 133 didnt allow as great an adjustment and was insufficient to get a matched source level.

Another little niggle with the 133 was that moving the volume up from just 2 to 3 made a significant difference. it was either too quiet or two loud. Ridiculous that the volume would be too loud at setting 3 and that was with maximum decrease on source volume adjustment. The 195 doesnt have that issue. The volume is comfortable around setting 12 and the range is much smoother when moving the volume up/down. Not the big jumps between each level that the 133 had. Adjustments: Startech Steering Wheel | MUD Interior LED lights | Wipac crystal headlights with osram nightbreaker bulbs | Alpine CDE195BT
To do list: Outside rear facing LED lighting | subwoofer and speakers

27th Jul 2016 9:35pm

AMBxx

Member Since: 24 Jul 2016
Location: York
Posts: 1031

Looks good, more than I want to spend at the moment, but maybe later in the year.

I've had an email from Alpine about updating my existing radio. I just need to send it to them and they'll update the software. Will let all know how I get on.

28th Jul 2016 4:49pm

Cold_n_Wet

Member Since: 15 Oct 2012
Location: Bergen
Posts: 244

What update would Alpine apply and what would it do ?

I have the same unit in the MY13 and I could use the skip buttons with my sony Z3 but after upgrading to a Samsung S6 the buttons dont skip songs on the radio any more, a little irritating.

Cheers
Glen "Rafiki" 2007 110 STW - Rolling rebuild.

28th Jul 2016 9:53pm

AMBxx

Member Since: 24 Jul 2016
Location: York
Posts: 1031

It sounds like it's just a software update that they don't want people to do themselves due to possibility of failure breaking the unit.
I'll send mine back this week and let you know how it goes.

31st Jul 2016 7:34pm

bm52

Member Since: 04 Apr 2010
Location: Kent
Posts: 2189

2014 Defender 110 Puma 2.2 XS CSW Havana

watching with interest as I have an S6 as well

31st Jul 2016 8:20pm

Cupboard

Member Since: 21 Mar 2014
Location: Suffolk
Posts: 2971

2011 Defender 110 Puma 2.4 HT Corris Grey

It's well documented that updating the software in the factory Alpine radio with the same model aftermarket Alpine radio breaks it.

1st Aug 2016 6:54am

Morepower

Member Since: 08 Jan 2013
Location: Fife, Scotland
Posts: 630

Yep... It's locked so it can't be upgraded and if you try it disables the bluetooth completely.... Don't ask how I know...

Just replace the unit with something better...

Tim It doesn't matter how bad it is, It can always get worse...

2013 Bowler 110 (Sold)
2016 Bowler 90 Rally Spec (Sold)

2nd Aug 2016 1:12pm

megatoad

Member Since: 07 Jan 2012
Location: Hertfordshire
Posts: 358

2006 Defender 110 Td5 XS CSW Zambezi Silver

I installad a Pioneer MVH-X380BT in my TD5

Its excellent, being Mechless its only about 4" deep.

The noise cancelling microphone is excellent, even mounted on the dash on the ashtray.

I can now chat to the missus while she is driving her tdci with the LR fitted Alpine hands free at the same time as I am driving the TD5.

like you I tend to stream music or the radio from my phone over BT.

I know what you mean about SatNav dropping music audio after a while though. However I have not tried this as yet with the new setup He who dies with the most toys wins

Defender 90 & 110, S1 80", Disco 1, S111 88
LRSOC & CVLRC

3rd Aug 2016 11:31am

AMBxx

Member Since: 24 Jul 2016
Location: York
Posts: 1031

It's in the post. Cost £5 to post to Alpine.
Much cursing of those fiddly little sprung posts before managing to remove. Why can't they just use bent wire like everyone else?

I'll let you know of any improvements once it returns.

Didn't bother to insure!

9th Aug 2016 8:09am

AMBxx

Member Since: 24 Jul 2016
Location: York
Posts: 1031

It works!!!

Good news - managed to test with the new firmware this afternoon. Took a call while using satnav. Spoken directions still worked after the call.
It's on firmware version 1.63.30

No charge from Alpine for postage. Only cost me £5 to send to them. £5 well spent as I no longer need to upgrade the radio.

19th Aug 2016 2:29pm

Si

Member Since: 07 Sep 2015
Location: Hampshire
Posts: 51

Hi,

Could you let me know who you contacted at alpine to arrange this. My unit is on 1.14.0.

Does it know allow skipping of BT tracks from the radio itself?

Many Thanks, ~ Si

20th Aug 2016 11:47am

AMBxx

Member Since: 24 Jul 2016
Location: York
Posts: 1031

All done through support@alpine.co.uk
Very helpful bloke called Carl

Not tested with music yet/

20th Aug 2016 11:55am

Si

Member Since: 07 Sep 2015
Location: Hampshire
Posts: 51

Thanks, dropped them a mail. Might have saved me £170.00

20th Aug 2016 12:05pm

AMBxx

Member Since: 24 Jul 2016
Location: York
Posts: 1031

I've tested with playing music. I'm using a Lumia 950XL, so may not apply to your Android phone.
Next/previous still doesn't work from the radio.
Pause does work, resume doesn't.
Track details can be displayed (not sure if that was there before)

28th Aug 2016 6:15am

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