This week I decided to change the headunit in my 09 i30cw from the factory PA-710 to the strange FD-01 headunit available only what seems to be in Australia only.
I bought mine from a wrecker and was lucky to get one in good condition. I'll explain the key differences between the two units and the positives and negatives between the two.
Standard PA-710 Headunit
PROS:
- Very tidy screen information layout (Black bar at the top clearly displaying Outside Temp, Function and Clock in AM/PM or 24hr time)
- The screen is few tiny millimeters larger (no one would usually notice this)
- Preset station buttons show programmed station of each button
- Writing on buttons is large and easy to read
- Quickly changes between songs and song title without delay
- Doesn't require a security code to be put in when the battery in your car goes flat
- Consistent font with capital letters only when needed (Being very picky)
CONS:
- To use iPod / iPhone you need the special Hyundai cable (with USB and 3.5mm connection)
- No charging of iPod / iPhone
- By selecting Random play on the headunit doesn't mean it will change your iPod / iPhone to random, yet it will pick its own songs and find you listening to the same songs over and over again)
- Sounds quality is very boomy and adjusting Bass and Treble settings doesn't do a lot.
- No Bluetooth Connectivity
Strange Aussie FD-01 Headunit
PROS:
- Bluetooth connects quickly everytime
- Changing between different phones is easy (via Bluetooth)
- iPod / iPhone will charge while connected
- Does not require you to purchase a special connection cord. The standard iPod / iPhone cord that came with your phone does the job. (If you try to use the cord that goes with the PA-710, it wont work and you will get a connection error)
- When selecting Random play, the headunit ACTUALLY uses the Random function built into your iPod / iPhone so you wont be listening to the same songs over and over.
- Sound quality seems to have improved with the sound settings making quite a difference. (Still of course not on par with brand name aftermarket units)
- Hands free seems to work quite well and I havent had any complaints from people not being able to hear me at the other end.
CONS:
- Some clown thought a headunit specifically designed for an i30 needed a security code in case another i30 owner stole it from you.
- Display is a few tiny millimeters smaller (as mentioned before any normal person wouldn't notice this)
- Because you have gained Bluetooth connectivity you can no longer have a Clock and Outside Temp showing at the same time. (You can simply change between the two by pressing DISP)
- Display does not have the clean fresh look of the PA-710, although layout is still similar font sizes are not as well proportioned
- Preset Radio station buttons no longer have the station above them (most likely because the screen is that smigg smaller in width)
- Writing on buttons is smaller when compared to the PA-710, but still clear and easy to read (Again being a bit picky)
- Changing of song titles when using an iPod / iPhone is a bit slow (you could have changed 3 songs and its still catching up)
- Use of capital letters when it isnt necessary (Again being very picky)
SO with that all out of the way I have decided to keep the strange FD-01 headunit and deal with the fact that the screen is a tiny bit smaller and not as nicely layed out, in return getting satisfactory sound quality and Bluetooth connectivity.
LOST OUTSIDE TEMP DISPLAY?
AND for people who already have the strange FD-01 headunit that seems to have popped out of nowhere in Australia you may be missing a feature... OUTSIDE TEMP.
Here is now to easily get it turned on without a trip to the dealer and a stupid explanation that your car isn't equipped with this feature.
What you need:
- An AUX cable
Method:
- Insert AUX cable into the AUX port (you can remove your USB cable for the time being)
- If the headunit hasn't already changed to AUX, select AUX
- Press and hold 1 and 4 at the same time
- "Temperature Use" will now be displayed
- You have now successfully activated the Outside Temperature display
You can now change between CLOCK / OUTSIDE TEMP / SCREEN OFF by pressing the DISP button
If you would like to check the firmware version of the FD-01...
- Insert AUX cable into the AUX port (you can remove your USB cable for the time being)
- If the headunit hasn't already changed to AUX, select AUX
- Press and hold 1 and 6 at the same time
- You will see the following screen displayed
Also to 'Test' your screen for dead pixels use the following combination:
- Press and hold 1 and 5 at the same time (screen will flicker for a few seconds) - This is pretty much pointless.
Anyway I hope I've delivered an informative post...
