Are MH Manufacturer's Keeping Up With Technology?

[Lug_Nut]

Newmar and other motorhome makers may not be offering the latest technologies when it comes to driving convenience and safety. For a couple of years now the auto industry has started to phase in hands free cellular phone convenience. Most higher end automomibles today offer Bluetooth wireless intregation between your cell phone and your vehicle providing seamless hands free operation.

Most higher end cellular phones are Bluetooth equipped today and there are add on adaptors to convert some non-equpped models to allow their use.

How does it work?

Well, when you enter your vehicle your radio audio system automatically becomes your cell phone interface. Your cell rings, the radio automatically mutes, you activate the answering sequence by touching a button and your on the phone. You hear the calling party through your existing vehicle speakers and your response and voice is picked up through a built in microphone.

If it would be desired in a car would it be in a motorhome?

Let's see, 30 some thousand pounds moving at 60 MPH, the driver's left hand ready at the compression brake and occasionally operating the directional signal. The right hand guiding the rig through a rain soaked landscape over a narrow bridge. And the cell phone rings!
Wow! Maybe there is an application here.

Several MH builders are using radios/nav.systems that are capable of Bluetooth operation if so enabled. Take the Pioneer model AVIC-Z1, found on some maker's models including the MADP, EXDP and LADP. (I'm sure on the EX and believe same is on the MA and LA) for '07.

How would it work on this model if it were enabled?

Well, the AVIC-Z1 is a touch screen controlled system, therefore when you receive an inbound call an icon would appear on the screen. If you wish to take the call you only need to touch the icon and you are connected through your audio system.
If you wish to make a call, you can select from your phone list which is automatically transmitted from your phone to the nav screen. If you just want to manually enter a number you pull up a screen that shows all the regular phone buttons for you to use the touch screen and call.
Actually, not to add confussion, but you can operate all of this by voice command. ie: "call home" "call 911" "call Jerry Smith" etc.

Going to be late to your destination or lost?

Touch the destination icon and it will connect you with them by phone.

Can I do that if I buy a motorhome with this radio/nav in it?

I don't think so. I don't believe the MH builders are specifying the added module to enable it. I may be wrong, but if they were, don't you think they would advertise it as a standard feature?

So how expensive is it?

The AVIC-Z1 requires Pioneer part number ND-BT1 plug-in module added to it.
Now here's the cost to have all this. $120 is the list price of this piece.

Hopefully MH builders will go for this, and maybe have. I know if I get one on my next coach it will be there. The safety aspect alone is good reason that it should be included where possible on every rig sold.
Have engine problem, flat tire or other emergency need?

Touch the emergency button which will then display all the local facilities. Select to best for your needs and it will connect you by cell immediately.

[Lug_Nut]

Newmar and other motorhome makers may not be offering the latest technologies when it comes to driving convenience and safety. For a couple of years now the auto industry has started to phase in hands free cellular phone convenience. Most higher end automomibles today offer Bluetooth wireless intregation between your cell phone and your vehicle providing seamless hands free operation.

Most higher end cellular phones are Bluetooth equipped today and there are add on adaptors to convert some non-equpped models to allow their use.

How does it work?

Well, when you enter your vehicle your radio audio system automatically becomes your cell phone interface. Your cell rings, the radio automatically mutes, you activate the answering sequence by touching a button and your on the phone. You hear the calling party through your existing vehicle speakers and your response and voice is picked up through a built in microphone.

If it would be desired in a car would it be in a motorhome?

Let's see, 30 some thousand pounds moving at 60 MPH, the driver's left hand ready at the compression brake and occasionally operating the directional signal. The right hand guiding the rig through a rain soaked landscape over a narrow bridge. And the cell phone rings!
Wow! Maybe there is an application here.

Several MH builders are using radios/nav.systems that are capable of Bluetooth operation if so enabled. Take the Pioneer model AVIC-Z1, found on some maker's models including the MADP, EXDP and LADP. (I'm sure on the EX and believe same is on the MA and LA) for '07.

How would it work on this model if it were enabled?

Well, the AVIC-Z1 is a touch screen controlled system, therefore when you receive an inbound call an icon would appear on the screen. If you wish to take the call you only need to touch the icon and you are connected through your audio system.
If you wish to make a call, you can select from your phone list which is automatically transmitted from your phone to the nav screen. If you just want to manually enter a number you pull up a screen that shows all the regular phone buttons for you to use the touch screen and call.
Actually, not to add confussion, but you can operate all of this by voice command. ie: "call home" "call 911" "call Jerry Smith" etc.

Going to be late to your destination or lost?

Touch the destination icon and it will connect you with them by phone.

Can I do that if I buy a motorhome with this radio/nav in it?

I don't think so. I don't believe the MH builders are specifying the added module to enable it. I may be wrong, but if they were, don't you think they would advertise it as a standard feature?

So how expensive is it?

The AVIC-Z1 requires Pioneer part number ND-BT1 plug-in module added to it.
Now here's the cost to have all this. $120 is the list price of this piece.

Hopefully MH builders will go for this, and maybe have. I know if I get one on my next coach it will be there. The safety aspect alone is good reason that it should be included where possible on every rig sold.
Have engine problem, flat tire or other emergency need?

Touch the emergency button which will then display all the local facilities. Select to best for your needs and it will connect you by cell immediately.

[rebelsbeach]

Peter,I'm glad on one hand the Z1 has the capability to interface with Blue Tooth technology, but on the other hand,I'm not sure:
1) I want to be talking to "anyone" while I'm driving the coach down the road as it's certainly not like driving an SUV,as it's much larger and more complex to operate.

2) I'm not sure I'd want the whole coach to hear or be burdened by my conversations.

If I were in the position to be traveling alone,which I do from time to time,it's certainly something I would use more as it's certainly safer when traveling alone...

Bottom line....I WILL be spending the extra money to enable it...

[rebelsbeach]

Now about the MH manufacturers staying up with current day technology....

I was troubled during a recent visit to the Winnebago factory to see them still using RG-59 coax connectors for everything....I know it's a "cost" thing,but audio video cables or S-video cables are so much more efficient...
Seems to me I remember the "same type" of mixer box in the MADP tha Winniebago uses....Why not get with the program and do something better?

I might be pleasantly surprised in my Essex, IF they've changed it....

[Dav5942]

No, where are the wireless tv's, automatic oil change systems, etc.?