Magnadyne GPS pigtail

[dklane012]

This weekend I was able to play around with the stereo - the GPS wasn't working since I got the unit, so while I was installing the SiriusXM tuner I tried to get the GPS unit working. Seems like there is either a short in the pigtail or a problem with the card reader. The iGo directory isn't seen unless I am holding the card into the reader - typical with cheap card readers in my experience - like the kind installed into netbooks and low end HP/Dell/Samsung/etc. laptops.

So, I called Magnadyne and asked to see if they would just swap out the head unit for me - I offered to provide a credit card number - because I really loathe dealing with a dealer. Long story short, they said they wouldn't do it. I read on other threads that others have gotten them to do this, any tips?

The unit isn't the greatest, but all the features combined add up to a pretty unique unit - all the mainstream manufacturers seem to have dropped 5.1 channel sound - but the GPS when I did get it to work seemed pretty kludgy. I would at least like to give it a fair shot before scrapping it and losing the surround sound, though.

Tip on getting the swap out appreciated...

[gerrym51]

Originally Posted by dklane012

This weekend I was able to play around with the stereo - the GPS wasn't working since I got the unit, so while I was installing the SiriusXM tuner I tried to get the GPS unit working. Seems like there is either a short in the pigtail or a problem with the card reader. The iGo directory isn't seen unless I am holding the card into the reader - typical with cheap card readers in my experience - like the kind installed into netbooks and low end HP/Dell/Samsung/etc. laptops.

So, I called Magnadyne and asked to see if they would just swap out the head unit for me - I offered to provide a credit card number - because I really loathe dealing with a dealer. Long story short, they said they wouldn't do it. I read on other threads that others have gotten them to do this, any tips?

The unit isn't the greatest, but all the features combined add up to a pretty unique unit - all the mainstream manufacturers seem to have dropped 5.1 channel sound - but the GPS when I did get it to work seemed pretty kludgy. I would at least like to give it a fair shot before scrapping it and losing the surround sound, though.

Tip on getting the swap out appreciated...

search rvbill3 posts. forest river takes the sirrus link out. you have to re-establish. bill did all this awhile ago you should be able to find it.

[DebbieMH]

We relaxed our Magnadyne with a Kenwood unit. We still have the Surround sound, FYI.

[RvBill3]

I had problems with the iPod interface on my radio right from the start. They sent a new cable and still had problems. When I called back they offered to swap units. I did have to give a credit card to insure I would return defective unit (never charged). Don't think I did anything special to get the replacement.

I have to admit the unit takes some work to learn all the features but after using for a year now I am happy enough with it to not spend money on a replacement.

[dklane012]

So, the SiriusXM tuner that I installed works great, the radio is great, the iPod connector works, the channels all work - AM/FM/Weather Band. This unit DOES NOT have a built in SiriusXM tuner - you need to add one yourself for $50. This unit is the only current type of head unit I can find with an actual 50 watt x 5 channel setup - Kenwood, Pioneer, etc. all have gone to the 4.1 - you may still have surround sound, but the center channel is missing and you either need an amplifier that artificially brings the center back or you disconnect the center - either way, it isn't real 5.1 surround, which really isn't a huge deal, but still would be a nice to have.

The problem is that the dongle that contains the GPS SD card either has a short in it or the reader itself has a problem. Rather than deal with the dealer whose staff's technical skills are pretty pathetic, lets just say, all I really wanted was a replacement radio sent and then I'll send it back - so I called Magnadyne and got the stiff arm. Hopefully BClem sees the thread and sends a note, otherwise I have to get on a month long wait list with the dealer and then have to explain to the service folks what the problem is, THEN get the replacement radio. Kind of ridiculous for something I spent $70k on - if this was a $70k car purchase the service folks would bend over backwards to help and this frustrates me. Especially when I get the feeling that I'll have to fight with the dealer over getting it replaced.

[RvBill3]

dklane012,

I sent you a PM with contact info I used to get my radio replaced by Magnadyne.

[bclemens]

This is the contact Magnadyne said I could post publicly.

contact the Magnadyne factory direct and ask to speak to their technical sales specialist Mark Jones or Mike Thrush at 800 638-3600.