Quadcam

My 94 (or 95) Caravan went into the shop today because the stock radio wasn't working. They said that they could get me a replacement from the wreckers for $90, but I'm not paying that for a simple tape deck and a clock. I've also wanted to get a proper deck ever since I had the van anyway (at least 13 years now) but haven't got around to it.

So, I'm looking for some assistance in choosing a good deck that I will be able to use in my van. I'm pretty sure that I can get a kit for virtually any deck so that it fits; am I right in this assumption?

Features-
I don't care about satellite radio
I need something that I can plug my Zune into

I don't mind spending around $300 CDN

I've only looked at Alpine so far. Oh yes, one thing that would be nice, although I doubt it's possible, is that I could control the deck. I enter my van from the back and sit at the very back (I'm physically handicapped and require the use of a wheelchair), so I didn't know if there was something with an RF remote control that I could use with my limited dexterity. Ultimately I would also like to be able to be able to control my Zune from the back of the van, but that would probably require a cable to be run all the way to where I sit.

I know my questions and preferences aren't "conventional" because of my disability, but your advice is greatly appreciated.

If you need any other info please ask.

Thank You Very Much,

fresh1

iTrader: (2)

look for a deck with an auxillary jack in the front and then just get a long aux cable to plug into your headphone jack on the zune. its possible to make them but thats too much time and work, much easier to buy one. computer stores or the source or something like that should sell them, and if I remember my old woody they should sell some long enough to reach. hope I don't offend you when I say this but JVC and Pioneer make remotes that I think should be easier for you to use because the volume buttons are pretty well space out, I particularly like Pioneer.

The JVC's are at the lower end of the price point spectrum, Pioneer is mid way up the scale. The aux cable should be pretty cheap, and you might have one around the house. I got mine from an old computer speaker setup after I hooked up the 30 watt sub to a 600 watt amp, that was a good time lol

Hope that helps you out bro

Synyster_13

i'm not familiar with the "zune" but i do know that there are pioneer decks with direct rear usb input and you can control what ever you hook up to the rear usb with the remote.. and i do imagine that you would be able to find a long enough usb cable to run to the rear of the van if needed but you could also just leave the zune in the glove box and still be able to control it from the rear of the van via the remote

Quadcam

Thanks for the quick reply.

Do the remotes for the head units use a RF signal, or is it dependent upon each model? I wouldn't be able to direct it at the unit, so RF is a must.

Thanks again.

Synyster_13

i don't believe so.. i owned a couple different pioneer HU's and they both had the same remote and i definitely did find that when it was pointed to far off the target it didn't work.. but i may be wrong.. i looked everywhere i could think of to try and find this information for you but nowhere would say whether or not the remotes used an RF signal.. someone more knowledgable may be able to answer this question better than I however.. but i think a long auxilary cable would be the best answer for you

braunsHizzle

Hello, I had my JVC KD-R300 hooked up to my old 1998 Dodge Caravan SE last month, took it out as the van sold, I still have the connector from factory to deck and deck in mint, selling cheap. I'm not sure rigt now if your van has the same factory harness as the 98' I'll look it up for ya. Deck is mint, comes with remove, has CD, and AUX port but no USB.

Anywho if your interested I can give it to ya cheap, just bought a new one that supports my iPhone today.


EDIT: If your make is Dodge, the harness I have already hooked up is for 1984-05 Dodge Caravan, I can send photos if needed. I hope you find what suits you best

Sikk Nation

iTrader: (1)

Drop Mr2Nr a line he has some sweet pricing on the Eclipse cd5030 and is a forum sponsor with a fantastic reputation.

Quadcam

Getting an extension cable for the remote is an excellent idea. Is this possible for all remotes? I really think the best option for myself is to get an extension USB cable for my Zune, and another extension for the remote. I just don't think I would be able to see the display on the deck clearly from the back of the van, so I would need both the remote and my Zune with me so I can utilize the display on my Zune, showing me what's playing.

Does that make sense, and would it work?

Sorry for the questions, but I'm more knowledgeable with home audio and my home theater, rather than car audio .

Thank you very much.

MR2NR

iTrader: (66)

I will help you as best as I can right now. I am posted to Whister as part of the Olympic Security Contingent as Asset Protection. I am around at some rather odd hours though. Here is a couple question to help guide me to appropriate choice for you and your needs.

(1) now that Bluetooth is law in Ontario is this a feature that you would require. It is indeed very handy, I use it and recommend it highly.
(2) a remote control, a rather simple device running on batteries to allow backseat users to operate the head unit.
(3) a good cd player or just a ok cd player.
(4) yes to the idea of a rear USB that you can add a extension to.
(5) yes to the Eclipse CD5030 that has already been recommended.

ECLIPSE CD/USB Multi-Source Receiver/ Built-in A2DP Bluetooth wireless technology CD5030 | Fujitsu Ten

Quadcam

Hello,

-Yes Bluetooth would come in handy for those driving me.
-because of my dexterity I wouldn't be able to direct the remote to the unit, so as another user suggested, it would be better if I could connect the remote via an extension cable to the deck so it's nondirectional.
-I don't mind paying for a good CD player (around $300 would be my limit).
-I would like to be able to control my Zune from my lap, so I would require an extension USB cable to the back of the van to enable me to do so.

You are very succinct, which is okay, but I don't know if that's everything you wanted to know :-)? If there's anything else please let me know.

Thank you