CASKA 3635 OEM-style DVD GPS - any installed or organizing group buy on this forum??

[uoftguy]

ok so first off, that doesnt sound to good with regards to your first deck. did it cause any further damage with your car of just the decK. Do you think i should hold off on the Caska then? i was really interested in it. one question though... it was never discussed if the AUX in the arm rest worked withj the new deck. does anyone know if it does because then the one that mdass52 has would work fine with an ipod. just because having the cable hidden looks alot nicer then the front Aux these two decks come with. Anyways im srry to hear that mdass52, thanks for the information tho. hope the new deck works alot better and give us up dates as it goes with the shiping and install etc. and if you could provide the link to the new decks website that would be awesome. thanks

Hello guys...I think we are getting our units confused. I originally started this thread to find out if there were any group buys going on for the Caska 3635 unit or if any one had any experience with them. The unit that mdass52 and lilgreek purchased is not the Caska 3635. Its a different unit all together...same idea but different unit.

The authentic Caska 3635 has ipod control from the touch screen. Centre arm rest AUX in is not functional after you install a Caska 3635 unless you get 'creative'. By this I mean there is an extra RCA (red, white, yellow) input in the back of the unit to use as you see fit. With the right cables, you can convert this into a 3.5mm jack to be used in the same way the center arm rest AUX is used. To go further, you can take this conversion cable and try to splice it into the AUX in the centre arm rest to keep things completely stock.

The Caska has an integrated Canbus feature that also keeps the LCD on top of the HU functional. e.g centre of lcd will still display HU mode, left of display will still display clock/fuel data. Right of the screen will still show climate control but this is the same for most units, not just the Caska 3635.

For these added functions, you are paying a premium of around $300...a Caska with shipping to Canada is $790USD.

[zakman]

For these added functions, you are paying a premium of around $300...a Caska with shipping to Canada is $790USD.

i tryed your link at the very first page of this thread and it did not work. mind trying to throw it up again or where you got that price from. Thanks for the info on the center console. getting creative should be to hard if it had to be done. thanks for the info.

[Iceman_F1]

ya i no what you mean... but im simply talking about the regular AUX plug in the centre console of like for example a 2008 gs. im fine with changing the song etc with the actual ipod but i dont want a stupid AUX cable sticking out the front of the unit like photo's earlier in the thread. i no it maybe weird but keeping it as clean as possible is kinda how i like it. i dunno.

but ya updates with the new unit when it comes in would be great and like i said before a link to the site it came from and some info would be great.

I have a Pioneer F700BT with iPod connector

I guess it depends. If I remember right, the AUX plug is a different connector in the back of the stereo. As such, the GPS unit I have didn't use that connector. But I believe it has a place in the front to connect it to so you don't lose an AUX plug, but it's not hidden away. Different units could do it different ways so maybe this one is different. But judging from the picture that RJ3 posted, even his unit doesn't use the AUX plug.

[Iceman_F1]

By this I mean there is an extra RCA (red, white, yellow) input in the back of the unit to use as you see fit.

This is actually how the unit I have works for the ipod connection (Pioneer F700BT). I has those cables that you could use for something, but if you get the iPod connector, it uses those plugs for audio & video and then a USB connection to do all the controls/interface stuff. A bit weird, but I guess each company does it different ways.

Sorry if this is getting off hand. I've been watching the thread since it's interesting to see other nav units and thought I'd provide a bit of input from what I saw with my unit...

[uoftguy]

i tryed your link at the very first page of this thread and it did not work. mind trying to throw it up again or where you got that price from. Thanks for the info on the center console. getting creative should be to hard if it had to be done. thanks for the info.

hhmmm...thats odd

Anyway try this one:
http://coagent.manufacturer.globalso...4/Homepage.htm

and www.autodvdgps.com for prices

[uoftguy]

and www.autodvdgps.com for prices

Sorry, forgot to mention the caska is this sites model number QL-MZD903. Been sold out for the past 3 weeks but they are getting new stock in feb2-4. They told me they can get silver but just recently said they can no longer get that color unless there is a volume buy of 30 or more.

I have a black one on order. I bought some matte black vinyl and will wrap my silver AC control panel to try to match it. Probably should waited till the unit came before i bought the vinyl..but oh well...it was like $10. Will probably have to buy new vinyl as the matte black in the mazda 3's are closer to a dark grey.

fyi...you don't have to order expensive vinyl off ebay from decal shops and shit...you know where a good source for vinyl is? freaking craft stores! lol! Stores like Michael's sell vinyl films and so does the craft section at walmart (brand name of vinyl is Cricut). Felt like *** in the craft section but whatever...beats paying $35 on ebay.

[lilgreek]

Hello guys...I think we are getting our units confused. I originally started this thread to find out if there were any group buys going on for the Caska 3635 unit or if any one had any experience with them. The unit that mdass52 and lilgreek purchased is not the Caska 3635. Its a different unit all together...same idea but different unit.

The authentic Caska 3635 has ipod control from the touch screen. Centre arm rest AUX in is not functional after you install a Caska 3635 unless you get 'creative'. By this I mean there is an extra RCA (red, white, yellow) input in the back of the unit to use as you see fit. With the right cables, you can convert this into a 3.5mm jack to be used in the same way the center arm rest AUX is used. To go further, you can take this conversion cable and try to splice it into the AUX in the centre arm rest to keep things completely stock.

The Caska has an integrated Canbus feature that also keeps the LCD on top of the HU functional. e.g centre of lcd will still display HU mode, left of display will still display clock/fuel data. Right of the screen will still show climate control but this is the same for most units, not just the Caska 3635.

For these added functions, you are paying a premium of around $300...a Caska with shipping to Canada is $790USD.

Sorry we jacked your thread man, I guess we looped all in-dash touchscreens to this thread.

Just an update on mine....so far so good. I dont have any issues to report but lol everytime I drive I say a lil prayer hoping it doesnt go on me lol...

Seriously though, I love it and I am happy with my purchase

[uoftguy]

Sorry we jacked your thread man, I guess we looped all in-dash touchscreens to this thread.

Just an update on mine....so far so good. I dont have any issues to report but lol everytime I drive I say a lil prayer hoping it doesnt go on me lol...

Seriously though, I love it and I am happy with my purchase

No apology needed at all man. I was hoping to get input on all DVD Nav units! Glad to hear things are working out for you.

My unit just shipped out yesterday. I'm hoping it gets here as fast as yours did. I'll let everyone know how my experience goes.

[bbell1984]

No apology needed at all man. I was hoping to get input on all DVD Nav units! Glad to hear things are working out for you.

My unit just shipped out yesterday. I'm hoping it gets here as fast as yours did. I'll let everyone know how my experience goes.

Who did you order yours from?
Also, the Caska only has nav if you order it as an option correct?
what was your final damage for the unit?

[uoftguy]

Who did you order yours from?
Also, the Caska only has nav if you order it as an option correct?
what was your final damage for the unit?

Got it from www.autodvdgps.com. They just got them back in stock and they sell out quick.

The unit comes complete with Nav functions. You need SD card with Route 66 or iGo maps to make Nav work. The sites sell them for $15 (pretty cheap cuz they are probably bootleg) but most places include them free if you ask.

Final damage was ugly...$720 plus $70 shipping. Plus i got a backup camera for $70 so the total was $860 USD. Pricey but when you compare them to non-oem style units at BB or FS, its not terrible. I just hope this unit is worth what i paid.

Ebay sells this unit for $1k CDN (with out camera) so i think the site i got from is the best deal available aside from finding a group buy. There's currently a group on the other forum for $695 but I personally don't like the idea of sending my money to a stranger on a forum to buy my product for me (unless I live in the same city as him and know him). I'd rather pay the extra $95 and get an invoice from the seller with my name on it for potential warranty and car insurance issues.

[bbell1984]

http://www.autodvdgps.com/newest-car...cdc-p-487.html

Is this the unit you bought?

[zakman]

uoftguy... when you go to that web site and click on the mazda on the left side there are like 4 head units for the mazda 3... priced at 280, 395, 720 ( assuming thats urs) and 940. are these all made by Caska because i cant find on any of them what brand they are. Either im blind or missing something here. im confused.

by the way great websites and thansk for finding all this info and sharing it. great help.

[uoftguy]

uoftguy... when you go to that web site and click on the mazda on the left side there are like 4 head units for the mazda 3... priced at 280, 395, 720 ( assuming thats urs) and 940. are these all made by Caska because i cant find on any of them what brand they are. Either im blind or missing something here. im confused.

by the way great websites and thansk for finding all this info and sharing it. great help.

Hey, no problem...that's what forums are for. Yes, the one priced at $720 is the Caska 3635. They've confirmed this to me by email. You can tell by how the unit physically looks as well. Also, the GUI is a give away. It's typical for these overseas sites to just apply their own model numbers to the unit and not mention the actual manufacturer's like Eonon or Caska, etc. A website www.caradvanced.com also does this...maybe to confuse people who price shop, i dunno.

The people at this company have been very straight up with me so far. They've offered to refund my money on numerous occasions because they felt bad for making wait so long and they couldn't get a custom silver one for me...so I don't think they are out to rip me off.

I'm 99% sure I'm getting what I paid for. If I'm wrong, I will be very surprised and on the next flight to Shenzhen, China to kick some ones ass! JK

[uoftguy]

Yes, the one priced at $720 is the Caska 3635.

Sorry, I didn't answer your question properly. The one i bought is made by Caksa. The others are not.
There is a Youtube review of the $940 one (in 3 parts I think). It works well too but I don't think think it does anything the Caska can't.

[zakman]

Sorry, I didn't answer your question properly. The one i bought is made by Caksa. The others are not.
There is a Youtube review of the $940 one (in 3 parts I think). It works well too but I don't think think it does anything the Caska can't.

thanks for the clearing that up uoftguy. im gonna look further into the one you got. from wat i have read here and one my own im thinking trusting the Caska is smartest.

[bbell1984]

Could you provide me the email address you used.
I tried emailing them and haven't gotten anything back yet.
thanks
brian

[uoftguy]

thanks for the clearing that up uoftguy. im gonna look further into the one you got. from wat i have read here and one my own im thinking trusting the Caska is smartest.

Yeah I think its a sound choice. Please do your own decision though...I don't want people making decisions just based on what I say. If you want to get a good idea of the operation of a caska unit...youtube Caskaworld. The caska company put a two part video up going through the functions of their unit. Video is of the old GUI though. At the end of part 2, they show a preview of the currenty GUI that you see on the autodvdgps.com site.

according to DHL, my unit has left processing in Hong Kong now...so I assume its on a plane over the Ocean.

[uoftguy]

Could you provide me the email address you used.
I tried emailing them and haven't gotten anything back yet.
thanks
brian

Not sure if you were asking me but if you were, the email I've been using is service@autodvdgps.com
Keep in mind they are 14 hrs ahead. I started the chain of conversation with them through the live chat feature on their site. If you're on the site in the evenings, it will usually be their office hours and the live chat will be functional

[jackey]

Hey do u guys know if I could add amplifier to this unit?

[uoftguy]

Hey do u guys know if I could add amplifier to this unit?

Believe so. There's a bundle of RCA cables set up for and amp (FR, FL, RR, RL and sub out plus there's an AMP-C wire which i assume is 12V out to single you amp to turn on).

You can add an amp to really any system, even the stock if you get LOC.

[uoftguy]

Well, I finally got my unit. Its frickin amazing. I'll start with the only two negatives that I found:

(1) You lose you AUX out. The unit has RCA in BUT the ipod in shares this harness point so you can either have RCA or ipod in. I chose ipod in so i no longer have an AUX in option. Also the unit takes some time maybe 30s to a min to link to your ipod when you want to play music...guess its reading folders and playlist and shit.
(2) If you are an iphone user, you can not play music through the unit at the same time you have the iphone paired by bluetooth! This really does suck for me cuz i listen to my iphone music all the time in the car. I'll have to play and research more...i think it has more to do with the iphone than the caska unit.

Aside from those two issues, the unit is great. I also lucked out cuz I got the first batch of 3635G units which is the newest GUI...its more bluish than yellow like the previous one.
LCD functions work perfectly including clock and fuel data
Install is plug n play but its a pain fitting all the new harness and wiring in behind the unit!
My reverse camera is roughed in but not installed yet because i can't find a convenient reverse circuit to tap into near the front of the car. If anyone can help me, I'd appreciate it....FYI fuse 79 is not a reverse circuit...i thought it was but its powered on all the time with ACC power. I need a circuit that just comes on when in reverse.
Sound seems better than stock but not by much.
Shipping was impressive too...it left China sunday night my time and DHL made the first delivery attemp on wednesday afternoon! That's crazy fast.

The unit is black and does not match my silver 07speed3 interior...BUT i found matching paint that is perfect (SEM MEDIUM TITANIUM METALLIC 39253)...label on the can says "Bumper Coater - Renews Original Bumper Appearance". The guy did a test piece at the store and it matched color and finish perfect.

Not much more to say...feel free to ask me any questions. Good luck to all with whatever you decide to buy.

[jackey]

Can't you use RCA splitter to get another RCA?

Does the unit support playing songs from IPhone through bluetooth? I think that might be the reason why you can't connect both at the same time.

[uoftguy]

Can't you use RCA splitter to get another RCA?

Does the unit support playing songs from IPhone through bluetooth? I think that might be the reason why you can't connect both at the same time.

No, there's no way to split the harness connection on the back to allow for ipod and RCA in. I'll have to review the other cables...it could be there's another input that I missed.

It does support playing songs through BT but all you can do is play/FF/RR/stop...you don't see all your playlists and stuff through BT...I wonder if i can turn off songs through BT on my phone and get BT and iphone music control at the same time??

On a side note, the GPS is sweet! I have the iGo gps maps...i hear they are much better than the Route66 Maps that most people get.

[Iceman_F1]

No, there's no way to split the harness connection on the back to allow for ipod and RCA in. I'll have to review the other cables...it could be there's another input that I missed.

It does support playing songs through BT but all you can do is play/FF/RR/stop...you don't see all your playlists and stuff through BT...I wonder if i can turn off songs through BT on my phone and get BT and iphone music control at the same time??

On a side note, the GPS is sweet! I have the iGo gps maps...i hear they are much better than the Route66 Maps that most people get.

Yeah, iGo is on the Pioneer. Really happy with those maps compared to the others I've seen.

[uoftguy]

...one more negative, I can't seem to get my iphone to play video to my HU. I hear sound when i play the video but not video. I've heard that newer apple devices have some compatibility issues with Caska units. For me, this isnt a show stopper but I thought I would mention it incase it might be some for people considering the unit.

I'm gonna get my hands on a friends older ipod and test it out.