What Is The Best Touchscreen Radio For My Mk2.5 Focus?

[jinjoh_ninjoh]

Hi all,

So I'm looking at getting a new touchscreen radio for my focus and just wondered what's the best one for the money? I'm looking around £300

Any help and advice would be much appreciated [emoji106]

Cheers

Sam

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[Eddieboi]

Do you plan to use your phone with your radio?

I've just got myself a pioneer AVH X8700BT touch screen stereo so I can use my iPhone in the car safely and with ease.

Also bear in mind the double din fitting kit, stalk adaptor if you plan to use steering controls, and aerial adaptor cost as well which could come to around £100.

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[jinjoh_ninjoh]

Cheers, yeah I'm looking to use my iPhone and have something with sat nav on it maybe? But that can used with through the radio as I constantly run out of mobile data haha

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[Eddieboi]

I would recommend this CarPlay stereo Pioneer SPH-DA120 as it has CarPlay from Apple but depends on what model of iPhone you have whether you can use it.

If your total budget is £300 then you will need to get a stereo that works with the iPhone instead of a CarPlay one if that makes sense.

Sat nav wise it will cost more to have that with the stereo or to even buy the option.

Also do your research in what fitting kit and other parts you will need to fix your new stereo once you decide what to get

Car audio centre is a good site to look at so have browse to get an idea.

Also don't go to Halfords to get parts you need lol

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[Lenny]

+1

Pioneer are the best have an AVH-8600BT myself,

Auto acoustic calibration via microphone 👍

I can loan self calibration mic. If required as not worth purchasing two if you can borrow one.

Also see install guide for aftermarket headunit:

http://www.fordownersclub.com/forums/topic/63689-guide-fitting-aftermarket-headunit-mk25-focus-2008-2011/

[Eddieboi]

+1

Pioneer are the best have an AVH-8600BT myself,

Auto acoustic calibration via microphone

I can loan self calibration mic. If required

see install guide for aftermarket headunit:

http://www.fordownersclub.com/forums/topic/63689-guide-fitting-aftermarket-headunit-mk25-focus-2008-2011/

Awesome. I havnt installed my X8700 yet as I'm waiting for the fitting kit,stalk adaptor and aerial part.

Can't wait to get it into my fiesta 08. Your guide also helps to give me some idea of how to install it despite me having a fiesta.

Can't wait to use my stereo read some good reviews on it. Just gotta work out where to put the mic that came with the stereo lol

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[Lenny]

Awesome. I havnt installed my X8700 yet as I'm waiting for the fitting kit,stalk adaptor and aerial part.

Can't wait to get it into my fiesta 08. Your guide also helps to give me some idea of how to install it despite me having a fiesta.

Can't wait to use my stereo read some good reviews on it. Just gotta work out where to put the mic that came with the stereo lol

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cheers

route the Mic down the drivers side A pillar,

The self calibration mic plugs in the front temporally,

Fits to drivers headrest

The headunit then counts down for you to exit the vehicle while it checks the interior of the vehicle and adjusts the volume to each speaker accordingly to optimize audio output.

If you would like a lend when headunit is installed let me know as it makes a good difference.

I've also fitted a 10" monitor

link: http://www.fordownersclub.com/forums/topic/67763-guide-fitting-flip-down-roof-monitor-dvd-to-focus-mk2-mk25/

In car WiFi, DVB tuner with live pause&record 😀

I also had PlayStation 2 fitted but later removed the ps2 going for amazon Fire stick will work with wifi router👍

Removable amplifier panel guide:

http://www.fordownersclub.com/forums/topic/63695-guide-fitting-custom-amp-sub-enclosure-mk2-mk25-focus-2005-2011/

Reverse Camera guide:

http://www.fordownersclub.com/forums/topic/65470-guide-fitting-reverse-camera-mk25-focus-2008-2011/

Discreet Dual camera DVR dashcam system Guide:

http://www.fordownersclub.com/forums/topic/65147-guide-fitting-dual-camera-dvr-system-focus-mk2-mk25/?p=438442

[Eddieboi]

Is it easy to install the mic wiring? I've watched some videos where the panel needs to be removed and cable threaded through somehow to the back of the stereo or where ever it goes lol

I have the stock ford stereo mic but do want to replace it with the one that came with the X8700.

Ps Sam/Jin your probably getting some more ideas now lol

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[jinjoh_ninjoh]

I certainly am, I'm just going to sit back and read everything and wrote everything down :)

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[Lenny]

Is it easy to install the mic wiring? I've watched some videos where the panel needs to be removed and cable threaded through somehow to the back of the stereo or where ever it goes lol

I have the stock ford stereo mic but do want to replace it with the one that came with the X8700.

Ps Sam/Jin your probably getting some more ideas now lol

If the rubber door seal comes out easily;

Route the cable inside the pillar via that,

The mic is like a headphone plug,

Goes in back of stereo.

You could go to D.I.Y store and purchase some baby duity garden strimmer line.

It's plastic line heavy duty stuff is pretty solid.

Tape mic plug on to end of it and push the line through the under side of the dashboard until you reach the headunit

Pull through with cable attached.

If installing an amplifier or amplifiers I can also help

I've done all my work myself and experience in a few cars.

[Eddieboi]

That is impressive I must say lol

Mic wise I should be ok got the general idea of what to do. Although I didn't see any mic connected to my stereo when I pulled it out to check. Got the Sony 6000CD one in at the moment and only saw the arial and connection harness on the stereo.

Will take a good look when it comes to installing when I get round to do that lol

Went to local car audio shop to get the right pieces I needed as I wasn't sure what to order off the site I brought the stereo from.

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[Lenny]

That is impressive I must say lol

Mic wise I should be ok got the general idea of what to do. Although I didn't see any mic connected to my stereo when I pulled it out to check. Got the Sony 6000CD one in at the moment and only saw the arial and connection harness on the stereo.

Will take a good look when it comes to installing when I get round to do that lol

Went to local car audio shop to get the right pieces I needed as I wasn't sure what to order off the site I brought the stereo from.

the factory fitted mic is wired in to the headunit as part of the iso block of cables.

The factory mic loom will be redundant when you install the new headunit with iso adaptor; the cables won't be used by the headunit loom.

You can fit the pioneer mic.

Behind the factory grill to appear stock but the factory mic won't work with aftermarket.

Separate question:

Have you purchased a steering stalk adaptor?

And I'm happy to help should you need any advice.

[Eddieboi]

Cool makes it easy. So I just leave the stock mic where it is as sounds of it I can't detach it fully lol

Got the fitting kit, adaptor stalk on order. Already have the patch lead

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[Lenny]

Cool makes it easy. So I just leave the stock mic where it is as sounds of it I can't detach it fully lol

Got the fitting kit, adaptor stalk on order. Already have the patch lead

Sweet.

The stock mic will be fine where it is and won't affect anything aftermarket.

[Eddieboi]

Just realised I got 2 USB extension cables to connect to the back of my new stereo and work out where I'm gonna place em lol

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[Lenny]

Just realised I got 2 USB extension cables to connect to the back of my new stereo and work out where I'm gonna place em lol

USB Port 01

Is also used for updating Firmware via memory stick,

The focus has a 12v socket inside the armrest storage area aswell as next to the gear stick,

I replaced the one inside the armrest with a USB and 3.5mm Auxiliary input plugged in to USB Port 02

If fitting the additional Apple or Android cable; it will require the use of USB 01 to function correctly.

As result I've connected the usb extension cable to headunit with the socket in passenger footwell.

The Apple cable is plugged in to the socket there.

I can then unplug and install software via memory stick if required without removing anything.

The Apple plug is fitted inside the armrest where the phone can be discreetly connected out of sight and all appears factory.

I later purchased a sticky back pouch to stick inside the armrest storage area to hold the phone while connected

Also picked up a short mini usb cable which takes up minimum space inside centre armrest for connecting mp3 or android device.

Hopefully gives you ideas for the usb's

You also have a HDMI input,

No cable supplied but it's worth fitting a 1 metre HDMI extension cable while there for later expansion.

Such as an amazon Fire Stick or Android device.

There's also

RCA input

and

RCA output

I've connected a two way splitter to the RCA input

one source is TV tuner

other source is the rear DVD player in roof if games playing.

The RCA output from headunit is connected to the rear monitor,

This allows the headunit to mirror image on both screens

or

play the DVD on screen in the back while you listen to music in the front.

Back passengers can use headphones for video.

The headunit can do both at the same time.

[Lenny]

[Eddieboi]

I have a 6 plus iPhone so just a matter of connecting the USB extension cables in the right USB socket.

I assume the cables have some kind of identification of which is 01?

I think I have a way of where to put the USB connection ends. Will involve taking off plastic part that surrounds the gear stick area as there's a gap at the back to thread cables through.

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[Lenny]

I have a 6 plus iPhone so just a matter of connecting the USB extension cables in the right USB socket.

I assume the cables have some kind of identification of which is 01?

I think I have a way of where to put the USB connection ends. Will involve taking off plastic part that surrounds the gear stick area as there's a gap at the back to thread cables through.

I don't have an iPhone myself I'm android to the death

But my now wife then girlfriend has an iPhone 4 which is why I got the specific cable,

The cable has two plugs one is usb and the other is a media plug which enables CarPlay to fully function reading text messages and answering your questions aswell as streaming media,

It's worth checking if the same cable is available for the 5s prior to fitting to be able to enjoy all features.

The usb sockets are stamped

01 and 02

The manual also has labels for you to attach to both cables

Removing centre console will give you good space,

You may like to fit rear footwell lighting while you have the centre console out,

See Guide:

http://www.fordownersclub.com/forums/topic/34704-guide-fitting-footwell-lighting-to-your-ford/page__fromsearch__1

A Haynes manual for your model of fiesta would be a very good investment and available quite cheap on eBay,

It shows how to remove every part of the car and what size torx bits required aswell as there locations,

Saves breaking anything,

I'd be lost without mine for the mk2 focus.

here's one on ebay: http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/131149618787

[Eddieboi]

Cool. Don't think I'll need that cable as the iPhone 6 Plus uses the new lightning cable so from what I've read it's a matter of just connecting lightning cable to USB extension cable (ideally 01).

Will need to check the pioneer manual to see which USB port each cable should go into lol

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[Lenny]

Cool. Don't think I'll need that cable as the iPhone 6 Plus uses the new lightning cable so from what I've read it's a matter of just connecting lightning cable to USB extension cable (ideally 01).

Will need to check the pioneer manual to see which USB port each cable should go into lol

That's even better if you Don t need to purchase an additional cable as they can be expensive the iPhone 4 cable was 45 GBP at the time,

Had I wanted android version it was 99GBP as it has an additional processor box in middle

I spent six months from September last year to February of this year researching and gathering up all parts to overhaul the full audio entertainment system in my focus,

I then took a week off work stripped out interior and fitted everything across six days,

The headunit itself took alot of writing down and drawing diagrams to ensure all correct and nothing left out; so I know what your going through at present ☺

I've bywired front Speakers,

There normally connected to a 4 channel amplifier which is fitted to a removable panel in the boot,

If I need to fold down rear seat to carry large items; the amplifier panel u nplugs and lifts out in seconds along with the sub,

I've run feeds from the headunit speaker outputs to a socket in the boot compartment,

So unplug from amplifier and plug in to headunit,

Keeps the music going while carrying cargo

[Eddieboi]

Am I safe to assume when I install the stereo I just need to connect stalk adaptor to stereo and connect to the car loom?

I'm wondering if I need to use the wiring harness that came with the pioneer stereo.

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[Lenny]

Am I safe to assume when I install the stereo I just need to connect stalk adaptor to stereo and connect to the car loom?

I'm wondering if I need to use the wiring harness that came with the pioneer stereo.

The wiring will be:

ISO adaptor cable plugs in to factory loom.

Pioneer headunit cable plugs in to ISO socket.

Steering stalk adaptor from plugs from stalk to headunit.

I used Haynes manual and spade connectors to hard wire the Pioneer loom directly to the factory loom;

which eliminated the bulky adapters,

But if not fitting multiple RCA cables for amplifiers then you should have sufficient space for the iso block

[Eddieboi]

Yup I'm lost lol

I don't plan to install any RCA cables yet etc...would need to save up up first to install a new speaker system etc lol

Just confused since I've watched a few videos on YouTube where a wiring harness was being used.

So made me unsure how to connect the stalk adaptor etc.

I kinda assumed this:

Stereo/stalk adaptor/car loom and plus whatever I have to do with the patch lead

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[Lenny]

Yup I'm lost lol

I don't plan to install any RCA cables yet etc...would need to save up up first to install a new speaker system etc lol

Just confused since I've watched a few videos on YouTube where a wiring harness was being used.

So made me unsure how to connect the stalk adaptor etc.

I kinda assumed this:

Stereo/stalk adaptor/car loom and plus whatever I have to do with the patch lead

The stereo cable plugs in to an iso socket.

The factory loom isint an iso socket.

So you fit the patch cable or "iso adaptor cable" between the factory loom and the pioneer loom which makes it all work.

Separate to this;

Is the steering stalk adaptor.

The adaptor plugs in to steering control unit

gives you a 3.5mm headphone plug which goes in rear of Pioneer stereo.

Aerial adaptor.

plugs in to factory socket making it a male plug for rear of stereo.