installed beatsonic nav-dvd-bypass
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Joined: Oct 2001
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From: CT
installed beatsonic nav-dvd-bypass
just finished installing the Beat Sonic DVD/Nav bypass in my 2015 GS350. The actual procedure is well described on their website with written instructions and video. I had to email for clarification because the 2015 requires an additional wiring harness.
The good:
the install is relatively straightforward although terrifying. The trim plate surrounding the head unit removes easily with a panel remover. The clips are quite tight. Radio comes out after removing only 2 easily accessible bolts.
All the connectors are are relatively accessible but are jammed into a small area. Make sure to put several layers of towels on the console to prevent damage. The loose head unit moves around quite a bit with sharp metal edges. The install is essentially removing plugs from the unit and inserting them into the supplied harness.
The bad:
once all the connections are made, replacing the radio becomes difficult with the addition of the new harness and components. I had to try several times. Pushing things back in place made me concerned that some connection could be damaged or dislodged. Ultimately all went back together with no evidence I was ever there.
The results:
the steering wheel volume control activates/deactivates the system. When starting the car and driving, the audio and navigation functions as it always has. Completely transparent. Toggling the volume control on the steering wheel, up/down/up/down at a normal cadence activates the Beat Sonic system with a short beep audible tone. Once active, all greyed out functions become active. Address book can be accessed, menu items can be changed, etc. DVDs can be played. I can finally listen to my audio DVD while moving!! Video DVDs will also play but that would just be dumb. The activation can be timed so it automatically reverts back or it can be done manually.
Downside: Navigation is suspended while the Beat Sonic is active. The website states DVDs will play without activating the system, but not 2015-2017 GS 350s. I guess the rest of the Lexus community can listen to DVD audio and use navigation.
Haven’t used it for long enough to formulate an informed opinion, but I do find it useful.
The good:
the install is relatively straightforward although terrifying. The trim plate surrounding the head unit removes easily with a panel remover. The clips are quite tight. Radio comes out after removing only 2 easily accessible bolts.
All the connectors are are relatively accessible but are jammed into a small area. Make sure to put several layers of towels on the console to prevent damage. The loose head unit moves around quite a bit with sharp metal edges. The install is essentially removing plugs from the unit and inserting them into the supplied harness.
The bad:
once all the connections are made, replacing the radio becomes difficult with the addition of the new harness and components. I had to try several times. Pushing things back in place made me concerned that some connection could be damaged or dislodged. Ultimately all went back together with no evidence I was ever there.
The results:
the steering wheel volume control activates/deactivates the system. When starting the car and driving, the audio and navigation functions as it always has. Completely transparent. Toggling the volume control on the steering wheel, up/down/up/down at a normal cadence activates the Beat Sonic system with a short beep audible tone. Once active, all greyed out functions become active. Address book can be accessed, menu items can be changed, etc. DVDs can be played. I can finally listen to my audio DVD while moving!! Video DVDs will also play but that would just be dumb. The activation can be timed so it automatically reverts back or it can be done manually.
Downside: Navigation is suspended while the Beat Sonic is active. The website states DVDs will play without activating the system, but not 2015-2017 GS 350s. I guess the rest of the Lexus community can listen to DVD audio and use navigation.
Haven’t used it for long enough to formulate an informed opinion, but I do find it useful.
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senapeSC
Lexus Audio, Video, Security & Electronics
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Jul 30, 2013 06:07 AM
