• About Us
    • Careers
      • Vancouver Job Opportunity
      • Victoria Job Opportunity
    • Ralph’s Radio History
  • Brands
    • Brax, Helix and Match
    • Escort Radar Solutions
    • Focal
    • JL Audio
      • JL Audio Car Audio
      • JL Audio Marine
    • Kenwood
  • Why Choose Ralphs
  • Meet The Team
    • Vancouver Team
    • Victoria Team
  • Testimonials
    • Vancouver
    • Victoria
  • Hours And Directions
  • Contact Us
  • Pay Online

Ralphs Radio Ltd.

Vancouver: 604-879-4281 | Victoria: 250-386-7100
Corporate Login
  • Facebook
  • Instagram
  • Pinterest
  • Twitter
  • YouTube
  • Home
  • Vehicle Upgrades
    • Advanced Camera Systems
    • Apple CarPlay
    • Android Auto
    • Backup Cameras
    • Backup Sensors
    • Blind Spot Systems
    • Car Audio
    • Cell Phone Integration
    • Collision Avoidance Systems
    • Driver Safety Products
    • Lighting
    • Motorcycle Audio
    • Powersports Audio And Lighting
    • Radar And Laser Detectors
    • Rear Seat Entertainment
    • Remote Car Starters
      • Remote Start Systems
    • Vehicle Security
  • Marine Audio
  • Communications
    • TELUS Mobility
    • Satellite Communications
    • Wireless Data Modems
  • ID Sign Boxes
  • Articles
    • Featured Installations
    • Backup Safety
    • Bluetooth
    • Car Audio
    • Navigation
    • Remote Car Starter
    • Satellite Radio
    • Smartphone Integration
  • Gallery
You Are Here: Ralphs Radio Ltd. Car Audio Advanced Source Unit Integration
Advanced Source Unit Integration

April 23, 2018 By BestCarAudio.com

Advanced Source Unit Integration

Source Unit IntegrationIf you ask someone in the mobile electronics industry what “source unit integration” means, they’ll probably tell you about making an aftermarket radio fit into the dash of a vehicle and allowing it to send audio to the speakers. For decades, this has been the extent of the task.

Physical Source Unit Integration

Source Unit Integration
Extreme Audio Installed a radio in a Mercedes Benz CLK350 using a dash kit.

Mounting a new radio in the dash of most vehicles involves the purchase of a mounting kit. These kits are designed to accept a new radio and mount to the vehicle using factory fastener locations. Depending on the application, these kits can be as simple as a trim ring or set of panels for either side of the radio. In complex applications, the kit may include an entirely new trim panel and provisions to work with the factory climate controls, hazard switches, passenger airbag status displays and, of course, air vents.

Electrical Interface

Source Unit Integration
This wire harness is typical of a basic electrical integration interface.

Even the simplest of radio installations requires a wire harness adapter. These adapters include a plug that is a direct connection to the factory radio wire harness. Your installer will connect the plug to your new radio to provide power, ground, accessory and speaker connections.

In some more-complex applications, an interface is required to change the signal coming out of the radio into something that will work with a factory amplifier. Vehicles with factory-installed Bose sound systems are a common example of vehicles that need more-elaborate interfaces.

A second challenge is vehicles that use data communication with the radio to perform simple functions. Many Chrysler radios require a CAN bus interface to provide an accessory output to turn on an aftermarket radio.

Function Integration

Source Unit IntegrationAs far back as the early 1980s (and maybe further), automakers started including buttons on the steering wheel that would mimic the volume, source selection and tracking functions of those on the radio. These buttons allow the driver to keep his or her hands on the steering wheel while adjusting the audio system. Of course, any feature that promotes ease of use and safety is adopted quickly across the industry.

In the mid 1990s, aftermarket radio manufacturers added a data input connection on the back of their radios that would allow an external interface to translate commands from the factory steering wheel controls into messages that the radio could understand.

Advanced Vehicle Integration Solutions

Source Unit IntegrationAs automakers evolve the functionality of their infotainment systems, the aftermarket has forged forward with ways to work with those features and technologies. Once climate controls, vehicle configuration settings and integrated entertainment solutions like Ford Sync, Chrysler Uconnect and OnStar became part of the “radio,” upgrading factory source units became exceedingly difficult.

iDatalink in Montreal, Quebec, recognized this challenge and set to work on creating an interface solution that would allow compatible aftermarket source units to work with these new technologies. In 2015, iDatalink launched Maestro in partnership with Kenwood. Shortly after, Alpine, Pioneer and JVC soon adopted support for this vehicle integration technology.

What is iDatalink Maestro?

Source Unit IntegrationThe iDatalink guys are best known for their remote car starter systems and data interface solutions. Their expertise in working with vehicle data networks translates directly to integration with infotainment systems. Maestro launched with two product solutions: a steering wheel control interface called the SW and a data interface called the RR. SW stands for steering wheel and RR for radio replacement. The SW product is pretty straightforward, while the RR is quite complex. Let’s look at what RR offers.

Maestro RR – Radio Replacement Interface

Source Unit IntegrationThe Maestro RR is like a steering wheel interface on steroids. The system provides bidirectional communication with various vehicle functions. When an RR is used with a compatible aftermarket radio, factory entertainment systems like Sync and uConnect become part of the aftermarket radio. The driver can adjust vehicle settings, including keyless entry options, lighting controls, factory remote control functions, door lock functionality and more. The specific features and functions depend on the vehicle and the make and model of radio you choose.

The second part of the RR solution is integration with factory safety systems like parking sensors, collision avoidance systems, blind spot monitoring and cross-traffic alerts. The Maestro unit routes alerts from these systems through the factory-installed chime speaker. In some applications, the system directs alerts to an appropriate sound system speaker. Additional features include compatibility with factory backup camera systems and satellite radio receivers.

Additional Vehicle Information Features

Because the Maestro RR communicates with the vehicle on the CAN data network, it has access to a massive amount of information. The RR includes a vehicle information screen that shows battery voltage, tire pressure sensor information, door status and even diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs for short). In most applications, the system can clear DTC codes as well.

Maestro RR includes a Performance Gauges screen that will show information like vehicle speed, engine RPM, air intake temperature, turbo or supercharger boost pressure, fuel levels, and more. You can configure up to five gauges for display at any time. A new Track Pack feature will record 0–60 times, ¼-mile times and braking distance. The Track Pack stores the last five runs, so you can compare your driving style or changes to the vehicle.

Applications and Compatibility

Source Unit Integration
Integration specialists like Mobile Edge can help educate you on the Maestro RR features available for your vehicle.

Keep in mind that, not every function we have mentioned is available for every vehicle. For example, if you don’t have a factory-installed tire pressure monitoring system, your new radio certainly won’t be able to display tire pressure information. Your local mobile enhancement retailer can help you choose a radio with the features and functions you want and let you know what compatibility is available from the Maestro RR.

Make Technology Work for You

If you have a vehicle that doesn’t have Apple CarPlay or Android Auto, visit your local mobile enhancement retailer and ask about upgrading to the latest infotainment technologies. They can provide you with details on everything required to integrate that new source unit into your vehicle and, of course, let you know what bonus features and functions a Maestro RR offers.

This article is written and produced by the team at www.BestCarAudio.com. Reproduction or use of any kind is prohibited without the express written permission of 1sixty8 media.

Filed Under: Car Audio, Resource Library

About BestCarAudio.com

BestCarAudio.com is a showcase for the very best mobile electronics retailers in the world and a place to educate and inform interested consumers about existing and emerging technologies.

Porsche Stereo Upgrades Are a Specialty at Ralph’s Radio

Porsche

Whether you own a mint Porsche 911 993, a 5-year-old Boxster or a brand-new Cayman, the car audio upgrade veterans at … [Read More...]

Vancouver Client Upgrades 2018 Mercedes-Benz Sprinter Audio System

Sprinter Upgrade

A client from Vancouver recently visited Ralph’s Radio to inquire about options for upgrading the audio system in his … [Read More...]

Product Spotlight: Helix M Six DSP Car Audio Amplifier

Helix M Six DSP

It should come as no surprise that the Ralph’s Radio staff is fond of digital signal processors. A DSP’s ability to … [Read More...]

Your Car Audio Budget Deserves a Solid Plan

Planning Your Car Audio Purchasing Budget

A significant car audio system upgrade takes four items: a budget, great gear, expert installation and proper … [Read More...]

Chevrolet Camaros Get a Boost from Audio, Accessory Upgrades

Audio and Accessory Upgrades for the Chevy Camaro

Just as we’ve looked at the Mustang in the past, it’s now time to check out the car audio and convenience upgrades … [Read More...]

More About Car Audio

Search our site with any combination of CATEGORIES, TAGS, or KEYWORDS

  • Category

  • Tags

  • Sort Order

  • Keyword

  • » Reset

Proud to Be A

Living Wage Employer

About Us

Ralph’s Radio Ltd traces its roots back to 1949, when it had its beginnings installing and repairing AM car radios. Our … [Read More...]

Why Choose Ralph’s Radio?

Why Choose Us

Ralph’s Radio is a very different kind of company. Many times our clients want to know, "Why choose Ralph's Radio?" We … [Read More...]

Subscribe to Website

Enter your email address to subscribe to this website and receive notifications of new posts by email.

TV

  • TELUS TV

Location

Get directions to...

Vancouver Store Victoria Store

Vancouver Hours

SundayClosed
Monday9:00 AM - 5:30 PM
Tuesday9:00 AM - 5:30 PM
Wednesday9:00 AM - 5:30 PM
Thursday9:00 AM - 5:30 PM
Friday9:00 AM - 5:30 PM
Saturday9:30 AM - 5:30 PM

Victoria Hours

SundayClosed
Monday9:00 AM - 5:30 PM
Tuesday9:00 AM - 5:30 PM
Wednesday9:00 AM - 5:30 PM
Thursday9:00 AM - 5:30 PM
Friday9:00 AM - 5:30 PM
SaturdayClosed

Copyright © 2025 Ralph's Radio · Privacy Policy · Website by 1sixty8 media, inc. · Log in