1. When connected through bluetooth audio, is there a split-second 'skip' or 'silence' every 30 or so seconds when the music is playing? I connected using a Samsung vibrant and am wondering if it is the phone or the unit

I'm affraid it may be the unit. I do experience that skip you're talking about so it can't be our phones...

2. When listening to the radio the volume increases and decreases randomly - I'm assuming because it switches from Stereo to Mono - do you have the same issue?

I don't listen to the radio such as FM AM, sorry can't help you there. The other modes doesn't seem to increase & decrease.

3. Is there a way to update the user interface to a newer version?

I've asked two sellers about this and unfortunately they both said they do not have an update for the time being. It's all on the manufacturer, they load all the software. Also, we may have to send out unit back to China for the upgrade.. If they do get one, they would notify me.

 

Has anyone got this unit to work with the DIY Steering wheel audio controls? Is it a direct plug in or is the some re-wiring that needs to be done?

 

When you gamble on these off brand and or generic brands from china... you usually lose when you start to pop the questions "why, how and where" they just shove anything in there that they find compatible and the cheapest, don't matter if integrates properly or not.

 

Since I never received an answer for these questions, I'll answer them myself.

Yes - got it to work
Yes - Direct plug in once connected to there harness
No - re-wiring not needed other than the initial connections

 

Does that front USB port provide power to devices as well?

 

As far as I know, the usb port is only to be used with USB drives. I tried it with my phone (Samsung Vibrant) and my phone didn't recognize it didn't connect or charge.

 

Shame, was hoping to charge my phone on that front USB from time to time. Can you also confirm -- there's the front USB port but from OP's post it sounds like there's also a dedicated iPod hookup for the back, is that right?

 

Yes, there is a dedicated iPod hookup cable as well as an iPod mode on the unit.

 

how is the remote that come with it?
Can all the features operated with the remote alone? I like to sit back and use the remote control when driving.

Also, anyone tried this Chinese unit that seems different?
Car DVD Player TV BT GPS Navigation for Honda NEW FIT | eBay

I like the volume control nob on it. really not into button pressing on the dash.

 

The remote that comes with it can operate all the features of the head unit. I wish the had the Chinese head unit that you linked when I purchased mine - I agree I'd rather have a volume knob instead of buttons.

 

So after having this over a year.... how about an update?

 

Surprisingly after a year the unit still works 100%. The only thing I don't like it that I'll never be able to update the firmware for new or updated features because as far as I know there is no way to. The unit does freeze a handful of times but all in all it works great.

 

Same here, it's been working pretty good, just haven't figured out how to update the firmware if there is even an update for it. The one thing that has een bothering me is the clock. Every time I set it, it show the incorrect time an hour later. It looks like it tries to read the time from radio stations but usually get it wrong. I've changed the configuration but it does not seem to stick. Has anyone else with this unit solved the clock issue?

 

is there a DST setting? (daylight savings time)

 

Anyone remember the password to access the setup for these units?

 

I am looking at this one (right hand version though) http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=260806357714&fromMakeTrack=true but it doesn't look like igo 8. On your igo 8 can you get access to the TMC port. I use and external BT GPS/TMC receiver on my pocket PC navigators. I might add picture of my current 'add-on' solution. I drive my wife all over the UK and need very flexible navigation system.

how do I add photos? when I try to add image it asks for an URL