DIY Alpine + Focal instead of Hymer Zenec option. Am I crazy ?

[StephDeLux]

Hi

Nearing the time of placing the order for our MH, I'm going over the extras to select. On the topic of radio + nav + cameras, Hymer has a pretty expensive extra at 3,000€ that includes everything including a dual-view rear camera and a camera over the waste water pipe that might indeed prove handy.

Only problem, besides the price, is that the Zenec unit has a dreadful reputation and I'd like to have a front camera as well. While I'm at it, I appreciate a good sounding stereo.

So the plan I'm thinking of is this:

- Alpine ILX-702D multimedia 7" head unit
- Alpine cameras rear, front and over the waste water pipe. Their cameras are HDR and seem pretty good, including several view modes that might prove useful
- Alpine custom amplifier KTP 445a
- Focal speakers ISU165, sub woofer Ibus 2.0 and sound deadening in the doors

Video on the Alpine cameras:



I'm pretty sure I can fit that myself.

The whole thing is going to cost a bit less than 2,000€. Still pretty expensive, I know, but I reckon should be better than the Hymer option.

Has anyone tried to do something like that? Am I crazy to consider it?

Thanks!

 

[Just smiffy]

I think your spot on.... the gear you’ve suggested is good quality tried and tested equipment and if you can fit your self will be a better installation... please take photos of your progress on fitting as many on here will very much appreciate the information....

And welcome to the forum...

 

[Steve and Denise]

We have a Zenec unit absolutely no back up in the UK, if it fails again it will be replaced with a Kenwood.

 

[Jenben]

Sounds a good plan. We have the Zenec and it’s OK but not worth the price they charge - it came as part of a special edition pack so didn’t have a choice.

One thing to watch though is if you have the Multimedia package it includes a surround sound amplifier. This cuts the head unit connection to all the front speakers and powers them itself when you turn on the tv. This might complicate your installation a bit.

 

[Lenny HB]

Did mine myself see here, added a front camera later in the thread.

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[Bustup15]

Anyone had the Zenec unit out of the dash to add an extra camera to the spare input - nothing obvious to me to access it? I thought it would be accessed via the tilt up tablet holder that has a couple of visible screws underneath but its still locked in when they are removed?
Dethleffs Alpa I on a Ducato base

 

[Lenny HB]

Anyone had the Zenec unit out of the dash to add an extra camera to the spare input - nothing obvious to me to access it? I thought it would be accessed via the tilt up tablet holder that has a couple of visible screws underneath but its still locked in when they are removed?
Dethleffs Alpa I on a Ducato base

Easy with the right tools.

 

[Steve and Denise]

Anyone had the Zenec unit out of the dash to add an extra camera to the spare input - nothing obvious to me to access it? I thought it would be accessed via the tilt up tablet holder that has a couple of visible screws underneath but its still locked in when they are removed?
Dethleffs Alpa I on a Ducato base

At the bottom edge of the Zenec push a plastic lever in at 45 degrees then lift carefully this will release the unit so you can draw it out.
Or at least that is how I got mine out.

 

[Speve]

Anyone had the Zenec unit out of the dash to add an extra camera to the spare input - nothing obvious to me to access it? I thought it would be accessed via the tilt up tablet holder that has a couple of visible screws underneath but its still locked in when they are removed?
Dethleffs Alpa I on a Ducato base

Yes you need to put a long bar (I used a screwdriver) Dow through the air vents each side and keeping it upright pull towards you this in pops the vents allowing access to the sides of head unit, from there I prised it out it does come out with a rush if you are not careful so take a bit of time with it there are cables for extra things all labelled.

 

[Detnor]

I've had the Zenec for 2 years and it is ok but that is about it. As Steve has said, support is non existent and Hymer refer you back to Zenec. I use an old tablet for satnav.
One day I might wire it to the hab battery, the Merc cab switch powers between ignition and non ignition to the engine battery

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[StephDeLux]

Sounds a good plan. We have the Zenec and it’s OK but not worth the price they charge - it came as part of a special edition pack so didn’t have a choice.

One thing to watch though is if you have the Multimedia package it includes a surround sound amplifier. This cuts the head unit connection to all the front speakers and powers them itself when you turn on the tv. This might complicate your installation a bit.

No plan to take the multimedia package, for basically the same reasons.
We are films and series addicts, but I think the Broken Link Removed has great potential for that.

Thanks all for your helpful replies

 

[sallylillian]

Zenec is total crap, have only used mine in the Flair for Nav once, never again.

 

[Bustup15]

At the bottom edge of the Zenec push a plastic lever in at 45 degrees then lift carefully this will release the unit so you can draw it out.
Or at least that is how I got mine out.

@Steve and Denise
Thanks for that. Unit came out in one piece!
Thought that would be the biggest problem sorted but now need to find a cable route without dismantling the complete cab!

 

[Steve and Denise]

@Steve and Denise
Thanks for that. Unit came out in one piece!
Thought that would be the biggest problem sorted but now need to find a cable route without dismantling the complete cab!

Our video cable went down to a box ie pre amp then the cable went to the off side RH floor height then to the rear and up to roof height after the hab door.