z120bt Bluetooth Mic

I just installed a z120bt and I love the unit with one exception, the bluetooth. I use bluetooth all the time but for some reason everyone I talk to says it is very unclear. I have the mic run up the passengers side and into the headliner and mounted on top of the rearview mirror. I am wondering if this has anything to do with my mic placement. Does anyone have a z120bt or z110bt and have good call quality with bluetooth? If so where is your mic placed? I am willing to try anything I can here before I return the unit, but bad quality bluetooth is just a non-starter for me.

My 2010 tacoma had factory bluetooth and it was perfect but I swapped the headunit and the pioneer quality is subpar at best.

 

I've usually had pretty good luck with the pioneer bluetooth. I usually mount the mic where the A pillar meets the head liner, try that it might help.

 

Thanks I was thinking about moving it to the drivers side a pillar where it meets the headliner to see if that does anything to help.

 

I have been playing around with moving the mic all over the place and it is better getting it off the rearview mirror but I still hear some interference or something every now and again. I ran the bluetooth wire up the A Pillar and it is right next to the GPS antenna, could that cause interference with the bluetooth mic?

Also, my voice sounds muffled and I am not sure why. Any ideas?

 

I'm new here but where is the factory mic located? I'm planning to install a similar Pioneer NAV this weekend and would like to get it in the right spot as well.

 

Its on top of the rearview mirror which is where I initially located my aftermarket one and the quality was terrible. I am in the process of moving it to see if it is any better elsewhere. The center command console (where the temp is) seems to be the best right now, but no where near stellar by any means.

 

do you have the single or the dual microphone from pioneer?

 

I have a single microphone. Are the dual mics better?

Also, someone suggested that I turn the z120bt screen off while talking on the bluetooth and I tried this. It makes almost all of the background noise disappear. Any idea why turning the screen off would fix this and is there a way to permanently fix it so I do not have to turn my screen off every time I get a call?

 

The dual mic is much better in my experience, honestly I though that they did away with the single all together, guess not. The reason the back round noise goes away is because you are eliminating the EMI (electro-magnetic interference). As for getting this to go away completely I'm not really sure. I would try calling pioneer tech support. You can also call 1800-tech-car. That's pioneer's installer help line, but they might not help you. You may need to BS them and tell them that you work for a shop, just pick one that's around you that sells pioneer and say you work there....Didn't hear that from me though

 

Can you send me a link to the dual mic you are referring to? I may give it a try. I am assuming it is a parrot?

Called tech support, they were unaware of the EMI interference. Go figure. Although they did acknowledge many calls on poor bluetooth quality.

 

Does anyone know of a way to use the OEM bluetooth mic with an aftermarket unit? I have the 2010 JBL tacoma that came with bluetooth and it was crystal clear. I am wondering if I can try and use that mic with my pioneer HU and see if it is any better as pioneer is saying the new mics may be too sensitive and thats why it is picking up EMI. I doubt this is the case but want to try it before I spend even more money and buy a new one.

 

I tried to find a link for it for you, but couldn't. All of the new pioneer single din radios with BT built in come with them. Maybe call pioneer again and tell them that you want that mic.

 

Just out of curiosity what phone are you using with the 120bt?

 

I am primarily using an HTC EVO, but also tried a HTC Incredible and had the same issues.

I spoke to pioneer and the guy did not have a part number but said it was a parrot dual mic. I then called parrot and ordered part # PI020106AA pic here


the price was $5.50 shipped. I was shocked at the price so I figured I would take a shot for that price. These dual mics are supposed to be better so why not. Cant imagine it will be worse than it is now.

 

Sorry forgot the link.

http://www.parrotshopping.com/us/p_parrot_item.aspx?i=203437

Daudio, this look similar to the one you got?

 

Yup! that's the exact one. Hopefully that helps.

 

how did this work out for you? i just purchased a z120bt. i also own a EVO... so this is not good news for me right now... hopefully you can help me with your experience on the matter.

thanks

 

It made no difference at all. The bluetooth on the z120bt is terrible and if you are expcting to use it alot I suggest returning it and getting a different unit, perhaps a kenwood. I have gone round and round with Pioneer and they acknowledge an issue but not to the extent that it really is. Also, they have done nothing to try and fix it.

I have had a lot of headunits with bluetooth over the years and the z120bt is by far the worst. I disabled the BT on the unit and just use my handset for calls now.

The only thing I have done that somewhat helped, and it is not enough for me, is to turn off the screen on the nav during calls as it limits the EMI and reduces the static a bit. Still not great but it may make it atleast usable for you. It was no where near what I needed it to be as I talk to clients on my phone all the time.

How has your quality been?

 

i bought all my stuff for my new system on black friday and then on sunday i left for a 3 1/2 week trip for work... so im going to be able to install this around xmass. so im not sure if i will be able to bring this back in time. other than bluetooth how do you like your 120bt?

 

Other than bluetooth it is a solid unit, but to me the poor bluetooth quality makes this unit not worth even considering.

Let me know how your unit install goes and how the BT sounds for you.