PCM 2.1 Options

[mgstu]

Hi All,
This is my first post and I am sorry to resurrect this topic, although I do have a question I have not seen asked:
Can I anyone tell me the latest versions for PCM 2.1?

I have the following:
Software version 4.0
- Phone not found therefore NA
- PCM, no target, actual = 05395BD1/4505
- System Software, no target, actual = 05462AD1/4605
- Amplifier, no target, actual = 00017600/3105
- Navigation, no target, actual = 00174434/4305

Can anyone explain how I recognise whether this is A, B or C please? One option I am looking at is updating Maps, but I am not clear which version I have and which I need to update to 2013 maps.

Also is the fact there are no targets shown a problem?

Incidentally I also have the nav DVD removal problem discussed in this topic, when I pressed eject the light flashes but the disc does not appear. After some patience and a few attempts I managed to get the DVD out of the Navigation system and it appears to be Porsche original dated 05.2006, with the following serial numbers - 997.642.255.04. Which explains why I appear to be driving "off road" so often!

Reading other posts there seems to be mixed information regarding the virtues and risks involved with updating software for use with newer maps, as well as the high costs involved.

I have the same dilemma as I am sure many others have had regarding whether to spend money on an old but fully integrated system PCM 2.1, possibly adding a Denison Gateway 500 SBT, or replace it with a new all singing and dancing touchscreen double din unit. I am thinking of a Kenwood unit possibly the new DNX7250DAB or Pioneer AVIC-F60DAB which both seem to rate highly in reviews.

If anyone has replaced their PCM 2.1 lately can they please let me know what they replaced it with and what their experience has been to date do you have any regrets, what have you lost regards integration, ie radio station in info screen, navigation in info screen, use of steering wheel buttons for phone pick-up/hang-up etc.

I am in the South East so if you have a recommendation regards fitting that would also be a great help.

Many thanks for any comments or information.
Martin

[gaxor]

This is the conversion I have had installed



Bought from here

http://www.caraudiodirect.co.uk/head-units/double-...

Fitted by RoadRadio in Crawley

You also need the NavTV unit to interconnect with the Optic databus, it also enables the steering wheel controls if you have them

Gary

Edited by gaxor on Tuesday 29th April 12:35

Edited by gaxor on Tuesday 29th April 12:36

[mgstu]

Hi Gary
thanks very much for the Alpine unit information - the fitting looks like a nice job too. Are you pleased with it, it all works well - in particular Bluetooth, Navigation and iPhone integration for playlists etc. Also you mention retaining the steering wheel controls, which controls will still work as I have been told the only one that can be retained is volume? The only other two that I think may be easily applicable without the PCM are Telephone pick-up / hang-up - do you know if the Alpine interface supports these two as well?
Many thanks
Martin

[andyglos]

Hi Gary,

Looks like a great install. I guess you lose the nav and radio info in the central drivers information display? Are any other functions lost? Do you mind sharing how much the fitting was?

Finally do you have an official warranty? If so, any idea on the view of your OPC about the after market fit? I know when I did similar with my 996 the OPC was happy if I just put the original PCM on the seat come warranty renewal time.

Thanks

Andy

[gaxor]

mgstu said:

Hi Gary
thanks very much for the Alpine unit information - the fitting looks like a nice job too. Are you pleased with it, it all works well - in particular Bluetooth, Navigation and iPhone integration for playlists etc. Also you mention retaining the steering wheel controls, which controls will still work as I have been told the only one that can be retained is volume? The only other two that I think may be easily applicable without the PCM are Telephone pick-up / hang-up - do you know if the Alpine interface supports these two as well?
Many thanks
Martin

The volume, page select, and scroll functions all work on the steering wheel, but you are right the telephone controls do not do anything now. The unit works very well, The SatNav has full post code functionality, and is esentially TomTom software (At least the graphics and motorway junction photos look the same). Bluetooth is excellent, with the added ability now to stream music from my phone, as well as play from my iPod. There is also a memory card adapter on the glovebox lead. All the play music functions on the iPod menu offer all the same functions as the iPod itself, complete with album artwork.

[gaxor]

andyglos said:

Hi Gary,

Looks like a great install. I guess you lose the nav and radio info in the central drivers information display? Are any other functions lost? Do you mind sharing how much the fitting was?

Finally do you have an official warranty? If so, any idea on the view of your OPC about the after market fit? I know when I did similar with my 996 the OPC was happy if I just put the original PCM on the seat come warranty renewal time.

Thanks

Andy

Yes you do lose those functions, as well as a few of the set-up functions such as controlling the door locking/alarm beeping settings, which I believe can still be set via any dealer. Everything else (memory seats, reversing door mirror TPMS etc. all work via the dashboard display as before. So no real loss of functionality. I have deliberately removed my car from the Porsche warranty system, I got very disillusioned at the level of restrictions, so I use an independent warranty. The car is a 997.1 Turbo so the engine risk is much lower than the Carrera 3.8.

It cost about £100 to fit I seem to remember.

Gary

[andyglos]

Thanks for the response. I have a 997.1T too, it looks as though I will take this route also once the official warranty expires.

Andy