Concertone

Might as well kick this off again.

From the old site:

concertone...(sigh)

Printed from: Wildcat Owners Forum - wildcatonline.com
Topic URL: http://68.15.40.218/wildcat/forum/topic.asp?TOPIC_ID=3408
Printed on: 04/07/2008

Topic:

Topic author: 3littlecoasties
Subject: concertone...(sigh)
Posted on: 04/03/2008 4:59:44 PM
Message:

Ok, not to kick a dead horse or anything here. But I thought I read earlier that FR has a new concertone out. I just called my dealer and asked them to order a new one because I'll be pulling the Cat out of storage here next week. Has anyone had better luck with the new and improved model??

Thanks in advance.
Eric

2007 WC 32 QBBS
2004 F250 6.0 PSD
Husky 16K Air Box Slider

Replies:

Reply author: scott__z
Replied on: 04/04/2008 12:44:17 AM
Message:

No. My original one was a model ZX500. When it failed, FR sent me a new model ZX550. The first new one was defective out of the box. Just got a second new one and will install it in the next few days. Hope it works. I don't know what the difference is between the ZX500 and ZX550; they look exactly the same.


Scott, Alta, & Kodiak (choc lab)
Rocky Mountains
2007 Wildcat 29RLBS
2000 F350 7.3, Auto, Lariat. John Wood modifications: transmission, Airdog, ITP reg return, AC single shot injectors, DP Tuner.

Photos at: http://picasaweb.google.com/esz999

Reply author: farmerforever
Replied on: 04/04/2008 11:58:08 AM
Message:

Just got my Cat back from the shop. They told me that they don't even have the zx500 or zx550 anymore...I got the new zx600. Looks good and seems to work really good!


2007 Silverado 2500HD 6.0 - Z71 - 6 speed Auto Hydro Tranny - 3.75 rear end
2007 Wildcat 32QBBS
2000 VIP 20' Valiant 4.3 Mercruiser w/Alpha drive

Reply author: 3littlecoasties
Replied on: 04/04/2008 5:33:44 PM
Message:

Thanks!! I'll be sure to ask for the 600 model when they call me to say it's in!!
Eric

I just received my second replacement, seems to work ok for now. FYI the ZX600 and ZX550 seem to be the same. Mine says ZX600 on the front panel, but the label on the back says ZX550. The original unit was a ZX500. Don't know what the difference is. The only thing I have noticed is that some of the remote buttons function differently. They include an amendment to the operators booklet that explains the different functions.

Here is a little information for those that are new to the Wildcat and Concertone. First of all, you have our sympathy, we have all addressed problems with these things so don't hesitate to ask.

* The Concertone is a AM/FM/WX radio, CD player, DVD player, and TV Tuner. It also has a couple of aux inputs so you can listen to your iPod, XM radio, etc.

*Technically, if the Concertone always worked properly, you would not need a TV, only a monitor. The difference is that a TV is a monitor with a built in tuner; a monitor does not have a tuner. Knowing the Concertone's lack of reliability, you would be best advised to purchase a Digital TV (can't buy anything else now) and I would recommend one with a built in DVD player to give you backup when the Concertone fails.

*The Concertone TV Tuner is not a digital tuner, so it will turn into a pumpkin Feb 2009. There are converter boxes available, but I have not looked into them and don't know if a 12VDC version is available. I solved the problem by installing a 27" LCD digital ready, HDTV. I now use my TV as the tuner instead of the Concertone. Problem solved.

*Please remember that Digital TV (tuning) and High Definition TV (HDTV) are two totally separate, independent functions. Digital TV refers to the modulation method of the RF signal; Over the Air (OTA) TV; ie: what you get from the antenna. HDTV refers to the quality of the picture. By February 2009, all OTA TV signals will be digital; some will be HD, some will not. Just like your cable channels, some are HD, some are not.

*FR has a very poor record with their RF (TV coax) connectors. If you have a bad picture, start inspecting and repairing these connectors.

This should get the discussion rolling.

I have a schematic of the 29RLBS audio/video wiring. Does not apply to other models, but will get you started. PM me with your e-mail address for a copy.

scottz wrote:*Please remember that Digital TV (tuning) and High Definition TV (HDTV) are two totally separate, independent functions.

To clarify, HDTV is one of the screen formats of digital TV, but not all digital TV is HD. They are not totally seperate.

I just want to add that the new ZX600 models do NOT have built in tuners for the TV.

They are weatherband/AM-FM/ DVD-CD players, but do not have the TV mode like the older models.




Steve

Did your WC come with a flat panel TV with a built in digital tuner? That seems to be the way around the concertone tuner deletion.

jetskier wrote:Did your WC come with a flat panel TV with a built in digital tuner? That seems to be the way around the concertone tuner deletion.

Nope.......came with no TV.

huntr70 wrote:I just want to add that the new ZX600 models do NOT have built in tuners for the TV.
They are weatherband/AM-FM/ DVD-CD players, but do not have the TV mode like the older models.
Steve

Just installed one yesterday, it does have a tuner. It says ZX600 on the front cover and ZX550 on a label on the rear.

jetskier wrote:Did your WC come with a flat panel TV with a built in digital tuner? That seems to be the way around the concertone tuner deletion.

No, I had to put it in.

jetskier wrote:

scottz wrote:*Please remember that Digital TV (tuning) and High Definition TV (HDTV) are two totally separate, independent functions.

To clarify, HDTV is one of the screen formats of digital TV, but not all digital TV is HD. They are not totally seperate.

Your right, you can't have HDTV unless you have digital, however, just because you have digital does not mean you have HDTV. I just tossed that in because so many people confuse digital with HDTV.

Maybe I'm showing my age and getting confused with digital, HDTV, OTV etc etc....I just wish FR would install some darn thing that works so I can just play DVD's for the kids and not listen to them goind "dad, the movie's not working" as I sit back by the the campfire with a cold one Oh well, maybe the third, fourth or fifth time will be the charm?? I'll let you know what happens....

I'm thinking seriously of ditching the Concertone if it fails again. There are plenty of 12VDC units out there. The problem is finding one that will work with all our speakers, surround sound and then wiring the darn thing up. I can do it if I can find the right unit.

Might as well put Concertone in this category.

I use a XBOX, To play movies / games , and just use the Concertone for the surround sound, So far my C-tone hasn't glitched yet just using it like that. I'd figure using the c-tone CD player is whats generating so much heat inside the box.... ?