Head Unit - Anyone seen this one before?

[Snodlander Lurker Find all posts View Profile Close Snodlander]

Hi All,

I've got a 2009 150 series Kakadu, the one with the maps DVD drive under the passenger seat. My maps DVD drive has bit the dust. I tried a couple of replacements (not easy to find) but they didn't do the job, so I'm looking to just replace the whole head unit instead.
I've found this one from a place in Brizzy https://www.ecvisionsound.com/produc...13-vx-altitude which looks mint, but it's clearly some no-name brand from China being flogged from an Aussie auto AV company. I emailed them and they reckon it will work perfectly fine with the cameras, the steering controls, the amp, etc. and all the kit I'd need is included and it's all pretty much plug and play.
I'm wondering if there's anyone in here who has heard of this company, or better yet bought and installed the unit before?

I'm based in the UK (shipped my car over with me) so spending $2200 on a new head unit plus another $250 to ship it over here isn't something I'm keen to do lightly.
Yes, I've already tried a bunch of car AV places locally, but none of them have a unit which can integrate with the cameras properly, or sit in the right place, etc.

Thanks in advance.

[wv1 Junior Member Find all posts View Profile Close wv1]

Just buy direct from Aliexpress. Lot cheaper.

[Snodlander Lurker Find all posts View Profile Close Snodlander]

Just buy direct from Aliexpress. Lot cheaper.

Buy cheap, pay twice. That's usually how it goes.

I had to try replacing the original maps DVD drive via AliExpress as there was nowhere else that I could find them. The units which shipped over however, despite saying they were the same part, simply didn't work. I'm not about to buy anything from them again if I can help it.

[Rednip Lurker Find all posts View Profile Close Rednip]

Give EC a very wide berth………
I bought a head unit from them almost a year ago, it was problematic from day one and they have been very elusive and selective in their responses. Absolutely hopeless. I’m very suspicious about their feedback as I’m positive I’m not the only one…………..

Some good news, I’ve used these products, integrated, well thought out with quick, informative support
lots of ongoing support with software upgrades plus loads of YouTube videos
https://vhedia.com.au/product-catego...0-landcruiser/

Good luck

[Snodlander Lurker Find all posts View Profile Close Snodlander]

Give EC a very wide berth………
I bought a head unit from them almost a year ago, it was problematic from day one and they have been very elusive and selective in their responses. Absolutely hopeless. I’m very suspicious about their feedback as I’m positive I’m not the only one…………..

Some good news, I’ve used these products, integrated, well thought out with quick, informative support
lots of ongoing support with software upgrades plus loads of YouTube videos
https://vhedia.com.au/product-catego...0-landcruiser/

Good luck

Thanks Rednip for the insight. Out of interest, which head unit did you buy from them?
I did take a brief look at the Vehedia units when I was searching initially. I kinda discounted them because I've got a 2009 Kakadu, with 3x factory cameras. As far as I can make out there aren't any units which can run the 3x cameras as they don't know when I'm traveling forwards vs backwards. I've also got the factory amplifier, which makes things a little trickier.
You've confirmed my biggest concern though, being the willingness of the company to communicate and provide assistance when there's an issue.
I might have to give them a miss and give Vehedia a call instead.

Cheers.

[Rednip Lurker Find all posts View Profile Close Rednip]

Hi
I think you’ll find Vhedia have a number of scenarios that can accomodate most set ups, they’ve always responded to me very quickly. My unit has at least one extra camera connection for caravans etc (can’t remember off the top of my head) as standard my VX has four camera plus a 360 function and all work fine with this unit
Funnily enough I’ve fitted this unit only a few hours earlier today https://vhedia.com.au/product/toyota...nit-2017-2023/
Just got to do some fine tuning regarding set up, basically everything worked straight out of the box
All pretty straight forward, I always lurk on sellers, ask them questions and watch their feedback, support and YouTube videos. These guys have delivered on all fronts. Once you become a customer they send you a number of useful links as well as software updates, regarding their videos watch them a few times and familiarise yourself with everything before you start
I always use insulating tape on push connections (usb to usb etc) and Velcro for fixing and routing cables

[carco Advanced Member Find all posts View Profile Close carco]

I don’t know if the Kakadu has a different layout to the GXL?
I fitted a VHedia unit to my 2012 GXL, we have to relocate the trip computer unlike later models. Bastard of a job, hazard switch has to move and factory wiring is too short, so a multi pin extension is used. Dreadful thing and the hazard switch aperture is just wrong.
I found all these head unit upgrades use similar China sourced fascia’s and their quality is quite poor. Can’t compare to the Toyota fascia, and it doesn’t matter which company you decide to use.
Once it’s in and working, you tend not to notice the crocked vents etc.

Also bought one for the kid’s 200 and it’s a much easier instal, but similar quality plastics.
Plenty of video inputs, my main gripe is neither use the Toyota microphone. They either use a crappy clip on external thing or the tiny one built into the head unit. Either way phone conversations are crook.
The YouTube instructions are often outdated so you will need some skills when sorting through the various harnesses. In both my purchases, I had to buy missing cables/harnesses from jarcar in order to complete the instal. VHedia did on send the missing items but that’s no help when your car’s dash is in bits for a week.
I can’t recommend Bauemer, they didn’t supply as advertised and had to be returned, most unsatisfactory.