Radio switch question?

Dave from MN · 01-05-2008, 12:50 PM

Has anyone made the radio switch from (POS) Magnadyne to Jensen VR185. I see the Magnadyne has 12 pin connector & the Jenson has a 16. I haven't received the Jansen yet but I have a couple of ideas in mind. One is to use the existing connector & splice the Jenson to it. Second is to get a new 12 connector from Radio Shack. Open to suggestions.

Dave from MN · 01-05-2008, 12:50 PM

Has anyone made the radio switch from (POS) Magnadyne to Jensen VR185. I see the Magnadyne has 12 pin connector & the Jenson has a 16. I haven't received the Jansen yet but I have a couple of ideas in mind. One is to use the existing connector & splice the Jenson to it. Second is to get a new 12 connector from Radio Shack. Open to suggestions.

Pusherman · 01-06-2008, 06:11 AM

Dave, don't have an opinion on your connector question, but I am interested whether you currently have Sirius on the Magnadyne and will it 'plug in' to the new Jensen?

My Sirius receiver is on the firewall at my left foot inside the coach. I'd hate to replace the Sirius receiver along with the Magnadyne radio.

Dave from MN · 01-06-2008, 07:38 AM

Pusherman,
No, I don't have a Sirius receiver but if you read up on this web site under the vr185 you will find it is Sirius ready. I'm thinking you can use your same receiver.
http://www.asaelectronics.com/produc...g&catid=jensen
I think the opening in the dash will have to be enlarged. You can find a new VR185 for $99 on ebay. I'm thinking it will be nothing but a great improvement over the Magnadyne.

Pusherman · 01-06-2008, 09:48 AM

I agree on the improvement over the Magnadyne. Mine has already been replaced once.

hamguy · 01-06-2008, 11:14 AM

My original Magnadump radio was replaced with a Kenwood Navigation/Radio system. It wasn't a bad nav system but map upgrades were >$300 and the radio was little better than my original crystal set.

I yanked the nav and replaced with a JVC for ~$200 installed and the Nav unit with a Garmin 2720, also ~$200. Radio is SUPER and the 2720 shines.

The installer can make the wiring conversion with no problems and it is included in the cost to install. If you choose to install, just wire the stubs per the manual. If that is beyind your capability, spend the $$ for installation.

Happy, happy, joy, joy!

Dave from MN · 01-08-2008, 03:46 PM

I switched out the radios today. If the Jensen would have been 1/16 inch higher it would not have fit! Enlarging the opening took the most time. Only 7 leads to splice. No comparison of sound quality. Mama is happy, she loves her music. What junk that Magnadyne was! Only thing it had over this Jensen, is more remote functions.

Y-Guy · 01-08-2008, 06:22 PM

Dave where did you get your Jensen from and if you don't mind how many green backs did it set you back?

SCVJeff · 01-08-2008, 08:21 PM

Dave, did you happen to notice if the Sirius connector is a mini-DIN connector?

Also, what remote functions are missing?

Jeff

Dave from MN · 01-09-2008, 03:57 AM

I bought the Jensen off of ebay for $115 ($99 + 16 shipping) It is listed as a Ford VR185, only because of the connector which you cut off anyway. Also this radio doesn't come with a remote so I ordered one off the Interent. 2 remotes are included. The usual credit card size & one to mount on the steering wheel. Cost $39 plus around $9 for shipping.
http://www.rvcams.com/merchant2/merchant.mvc?Screen=PRO...uct_Code=REMVR185KIT
I looked at the Sirius connector but being I am not using it, I never paid too much attention to what type of connector it is.
The biggest missing feature of the remote is no mute.

Y-Guy · 01-09-2008, 06:28 AM

Thanks Dave!

DonavonP · 01-11-2008, 04:26 AM

Dave, did your radio swap correct the surround sound popping and buzzing?

Dave from MN · 01-11-2008, 05:30 AM

DonavonP,
The surround sound never sounded so good! We can control the bass so we don't sound like there is teenie pops in the coach! Hearing recorded sounds as should be out of both cd & cassette. So far we are very happy with the radio. We will find out tomorrow if the cd player skips going down the road.
Dave