Foretravel Owners' Forum

Foretravel Motorhome Forums => Foretravel Tech Talk => Topic started by: PatC on January 12, 2011, 05:44:45 pm

Title: Changing out radio on older uni-home
Post by: PatC on January 12, 2011, 05:44:45 pm
Has anyone changed out a radio on a U225 or U240?  Did you have to replace the Sony ISO DIN case?  I have a new Pioneer radio/CD player but I need to remove the rear of the ISO case for wire access.  The old Sony radio just slide in and connected automatically.  Exactly what to do?
Title: Re: Changing out radio on older uni-home
Post by: Gary Bouland (RIP) on January 12, 2011, 06:49:44 pm
Pat, I replaced the original radio with a pioneer.  I did have to remove the old mount and install the DIN mount that came with the radio, then splice in all speaker wires.  It also has a plug in the rear for my IPOD>
Title: Re: Changing out radio on older uni-home
Post by: Kent Speers on January 12, 2011, 06:54:45 pm
Has anyone changed out a radio on a U225 or U240?  Did you have to replace the Sony ISO DIN case?  I have a new Pioneer radio/CD player but I need to remove the rear of the ISO case for wire access.  The old Sony radio just slide in and connected automatically.  Exactly what to do?

Pat, I have changed out three radio in this vintage of Grand Villa. I changed the case even though I replaced the radios with new Sonys.  The new Sonys didn't use the DIN of the original. I found it easiest to remove the CRT and mount for the Audit system and the heater control unit. Its just easier to rewire everything in a clear space. I used crimp fasteners and wired the radio into the house batteries since I use the chassis sound system for the TV and movies. The whole job takes less than an hour. Its not that much of a project.
Title: Re: Changing out radio on older uni-home
Post by: aspenpilot on January 12, 2011, 07:07:01 pm
Hi Pat,

Usually, the DIN chassis of modern radios are designed to fit a specific Brand/Model of radio.  For example, if you replaced a Sony Model 100 with a Sony Model 200 or Kenwood Model 100, the chassis would need to be replaced.  This is required because the receptacle on the back of the radio which plugs into the chassis is usually different between models.  I'm changing the radio on my coach this Saturday (Older Sony to newer Sony,) and I am planning on the need to replace the chassis.  Not sure how old your current radio is, but replacing a chassis is very simple and straight forward.  With all of the wires connected to a circuit board on the back of the chassis, you'll be back listening to your favorite in no time.  Hope this helps.
Title: Re: Changing out radio on older uni-home
Post by: Don Hay on January 12, 2011, 07:46:33 pm
Pat,

I just replaced my Sony with a Pioneer about 3 weeks ago.  In order to get the old chassis (frame that holds the radio) out, you have to insert a "key" on each side to back off the detents in the chassis.  The key is a flat tool about 4 inches long, 1/4" wide and 1/16" thick.  Perhaps they are in your glove compartment.  Your new Pioneer will come with its own set of keys, specific for that chassis.  I couldn't find my keys, so I had Keith Risch at Encore RV remove the old radio and install the new one.
Title: Re: Changing out radio on older uni-home
Post by: John S on January 12, 2011, 08:47:25 pm
On my 99 I put in a sony and had to splice the wires since it was different. It worked fine but it was a pain to do.  DOn is correct, you can use a key to pull the radio out of the slot as well.
Title: Re: Changing out radio on older uni-home
Post by: PatC on January 20, 2011, 03:51:48 pm
It is all done.  Both DIN chassis were extremely tight.  New Pioneer in place, and DW can plug in her Ipod. 

But found out that there was nothing wrong with old radio.  It had a well hidden fuse which was blown, three fuses all together.  The main 5 amp fuse was okay???  But the 10 amp Bosch (glass) fuse between it and the radio was blown???  Makes no sense except someone must have done it on purpose.  Two for main power and one for clock and accessory power.  Don't know what caused that, but the radio was dead until we found the fuse holder buried and tried a new fuse.  But the new radio works great, plays CDs, and everything else.  And has a great AM tuner to boot!  Need to have AM for me to be able to hear NPR.
Title: Re: Changing out radio on older uni-home
Post by: alandodson on January 28, 2011, 02:40:50 pm
My Sony radio worked fine; but we wanted to play discs.  Being mechanically and electronically challenged I have almost all work on my motor home done by people who know what they are doing.  I bought a new radio including installation at a Fry's store.  Install took less than 1/2 hour and works fine.
I admire those who do what I can't.
Alan and Bobbie Dodson
1991 Foretravel GV 280
2000 Jeep Wrangler   
Title: Re: Changing out radio on older uni-home
Post by: jeff on January 28, 2011, 06:33:11 pm
Alan,

Ditto.....most of the time I have no idea what these strange people are discussing... :P :P :))
Title: Re: Changing out radio on older uni-home
Post by: PatC on January 28, 2011, 06:40:39 pm
Install took less than 1/2 hour and works fine.
 
Except for removing the monitor, that is how long it took my son to do it.  But every wire was marked what it was for.  I was quite impressed!!!