FAQ: Hacks & Modification :: READ BEFORE POSTING!

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by **skicrave** on Thu Oct 30, 2008 2:19 am

This topic will have frequently asked questions and answers about everything that has to do with modifying the F-Series. If you have something to add, reply to this post and the index will be updated.

--How This Works--

LOOK HERE BEFORE POSTING!
To search the contents of this page, hold down the CONTROL key (Windows) or COMMAND key (Mac) on your keyboard and press "F". Then type in the main word for what you're looking for (IE, hack, navigation, ipod, bluetooth, etc.) and that word will be highlighted every time it occurs below.

SUBMIT ADDITIONS/CORRECTIONS
If there is something you think should be added or corrected, post a reply to this topic and a moderator will review your request and act if necessary. ANY OTHER REPLIES IN THIS THREAD WILL BE DELETED!

Index
1. Frequently Asked Questions:
a. General Frequently Asked Questions
b. Problem/Troubleshooting Frequently Asked Questions
c. Hack & Modification Frequently Asked Questions
2. Modifications
a. Completed Modifications
b. In-Progress Modifications
c. Requested Modifications

by **skicrave** on Thu Oct 30, 2008 3:50 am

Frequently Asked Questions

Q. How are software modifications made to the F-Series?
A. All software modifications are performed on a separate computer, and then copied over to the F-Series. This was made possible when Pioneer released the first firmware update, which booted the F-Series directly into the Windows CE environment when the update was complete. The folder Pioneer used to access Windows CE was called Testmode, which has led to the phrase Testmode being used to describe accessing the F-Series.

To enter Testmode, follow these instructions:

Download this file.
Place the testmode and MiTACAP folders in the root of your SD card.
Install the SD card in the F-Series SD slot and turn on the ignition.
After a few minutes the system will load and copy some files, when that is done, close the copy window and you have full access to the Windows CE environment.

Q. What is the latest firmware version for the F-Series?
A. The latest official Pioneer firmware version for the US is 2.0. Click here for more information.

Q. How do I reload the 2.0 update if it's already installed?
A. viewtopic.php?p=135213

Q. I need a copy of the stock DATA.zip file, where can I download one?
A. Every firmware upgrade from Pioneer includes a stock copy of the DATA.zip for that firmware release.

Download DATA.zip for US software version 2.0.
Download DATA.zip for EU software version 1.9.

Q. I want to hack the unit but I feel uncomfortable with certain parts.
A. Do not bite off more than you can chew. A mistake with the software of the unit can leave you with a bricked headunit. Most times the mistake can be repaired by restoring your backup, but not always.

If you don't know what you're doing, stick to the completely modified data.zip files posted by other members.

Q. Can the F-Series be bypassed to view video and adjust settings while in motion?
A. Yes, there are two ways to bypass the F-Series:
- Hardware bypass. Click here for more information.
- Software/Hardware bypass. Click here for more information.

Q. How do I change map to display track-up in 2D mode?
A. This can not be done with 8.0.x version of iGO that the F-Series uses. The latest release of iGO, version 8.3 does offer this option, so if Pioneer releases and update with iGO 8.3 then this would be possible. Until then, there's really nothing we can do.

Q. How do I search for a ANY POI within a category, i.e. any gas station nearby?
A. Go to POI screen. Narrow down POI category as possible. Once you are at that category level, click "Search' button. Do not enter POI name and click Done. You will get a list of all POIS for that category.

Q. How do I change the layout of the keyboard?
A. When an on-screen keyboard is present, click the "Keys" button at the bottom and select desired keyboard layout.

Q. Is there a service/repair manual for the F-Series?
A. Yes, and thanks to forum members, you can download it here.

by **skicrave** on Thu Oct 30, 2008 3:53 am

Completed Modifications

- Add Safety Camera Capability
- Remove Beeps When Pressing Keys
- Remove Blue Boxes On Nav Screen (fixed in v2.0)
- Add Branded POI Icons
- Add Voice Guidance Mute Button
- Create Custom Voice Control Skin
- Install iGO8 + Any Country Maps
- Install Speedcam Locations With Warnings
- Add Delete Route Button to Compass
- Replace Red Arrow With Car Image
- US Speed & Elevation Road Signs
- Trip Computer

by **skicrave** on Thu Oct 30, 2008 3:54 am

In-Progress Modifications

- Fixing the Samantha TTS voice
- Enter Service Menu

by **skicrave** on Thu Oct 30, 2008 4:37 am

Requested Modifications

Track up in 2D mode

by **CatchMeIfYouCan631** on Thu Oct 30, 2008 10:58 pm

What hacks can be done to the F series?

This link will tell you everything you need to know if you were to ask this question: http://www.avic411.com/forum/viewtopic.php?t=18327

I want to hack the unit but I feel uncomfortable with certain parts.
Do not bite off more than you can chew. We have members here who are confident with their experience and would gladly help a less experienced member complete a mod. Simply send a PM to one of the hackers and explain where you feel nervous.

by **emu_destroyer** on Thu Nov 13, 2008 7:42 pm

what software do i need to view/change code in the data.zip on my pc?

by **jayrunquist** on Fri Nov 14, 2008 3:28 am

As far as I can tell (by reading here) it won't be a problem that I have a Mac, right? I can just copy that "Testmode" folder to an SD card and insert it in my F90BT, right?

Thanks for all this great info!!!

by **emu_destroyer** on Sat Nov 15, 2008 9:03 am

jayrunquist wrote:As far as I can tell (by reading here) it won't be a problem that I have a Mac, right? I can just copy that "Testmode" folder to an SD card and insert it in my F90BT, right?

Thanks for all this great info!!!

ya. i know for sure this works with macs as well

by **joegr** on Sun Nov 23, 2008 12:54 am

FYI: Connectors and pin-outs

power connector
Mitsumi CCM-G58
http://www.mitsumi.co.jp/Catalog/compo/ ... g57_e.html

1 = Gray = Front Right Speaker +
2 = Violet = Rear Right Speaker +
3 = Gray/Black = Front Right Speaker -
4 = Violet/Black = Rear Right Speaker -
5 = White = Front Left Speaker +
6 = Green = Rear Left Speaker +
7 = White/Black = Front Left Speaker -
8 = Green/Black = Rear Left Speaker -
9 = Light Green = Parking Brake Input
10 = Pink = VSS Input
11 = Violet/White = Reverse Input
12 = Orange/White = Dash Lights Input
13 = Blue = Power Antenna Control Output
14 = Red = Switched Power Input
15 = Black = Ground Input
16 = Yellow = Battery Power Input

Signal connector
JST PADP-24V-1-S
http://www.jst.com/

1 = Yellow/Black = Mute Input
2 = Not Populated = Unknown
3 = Pink = Rear Right Preamp Output +
4 = Not Populated = Unknown
5 = White = Rear Left Preamp Output +
6 = Black = Ground/Sheild for Rear Preamp Outputs
7 = Pink = Front Right Preamp Output +
8 = Not Populated = Safety Bypass (Ground to bypass)
9 = White = Front Left Preamp Output +
10 = Black = Ground/Shield for Front Preamp Outputs
11 = Pink = Right Subwoofer Preamp Output +
12 = Blue/White = Remote Amplifier Power Control Output
13 = White = Left Subwoofer Preamp Output +
14 = Black = Ground/Shield for Subwoofer Outputs
15 = Pink = Right Audio Input +
16 = Black = Ground/Shield for Right Audio Input
17 = White = Left Audio Input +
18 = Black = Ground/Shield for Left Audio Input
19 = Red = Video Input +
20 = Black = Ground/Shield for Video Input
21 = Red = Rear Monitor Video Output +
22 = Black = Ground/Shield for Rear Monitor Video Output
23 = Red = Rear View Camera Video Input +
24 = Black = Ground/Shield for Rear View Video Camera Input

Does anyone know what the two undocumented pins are for?

by **thomashohl** on Sun Dec 14, 2008 9:26 pm

Much better knob for F90BT F900 and F700
http://www.avic411.com/forum/viewtopic.php?t=20147

by **rx50cent** on Sun Jan 04, 2009 1:03 am

quick question, i just had the f900bt installed today and when i insert a 8GB Kingston SDHC card the unit won't recognize it, i tried formatting the SD card to both FAT32 and NTFS and no luck, is 8GB too big for the 900bt?

by **CatchMeIfYouCan631** on Sun Jan 04, 2009 1:47 am

rx50cent wrote:quick question, i just had the f900bt installed today and when i insert a 8GB Kingston SDHC card the unit won't recognize it, i tried formatting the SD card to both FAT32 and NTFS and no luck, is 8GB too big for the 900bt?

Members have reported using a 32gb with no problem at all.

by **BorisM** on Sun Jan 04, 2009 4:56 am

kerosene wrote:format it into fat if you can (might not be able to with vista)

format X: /fs:fat

works in Vista just fine...

by **jmhardy** on Mon Jan 05, 2009 2:19 am

Am I the only one who can't download the "testmode" software at the top of the sticky here? Since all these mods depend on it..it's a little bit of a problem. Basically, I take the link and get to a page that says I'm not authorized. I'm new to this forum so pardon me if this has been asked and answered elsewhere...and thanks to anyone who can assist!