Automotive Data Solutions revealed new tentative ship dates and revised features for some of its key upcoming modules. It is also shipping a new iDatalink Maestro kit with plans for several more this year.
The newest kit is the Maestro KIT-CHA1 for replacing the factory radio in Dodge Charger/Challenger and Chrysler 300 vehicles. It works with model years 2015 and up for both the 4-inch and 8-inch factory radios. The kit requires use with shallow mount aftermarket radios.
Where previously, iDatalink offered the firmware to integrate the shallow mount radios in these vehicles, the new kit adds a media hub and metal brackets. It also comes with an installation T-harness and antenna adapter. It works with the iDatalink Maestro RR or RR2 to retain factory features when replacing the radio.
Maestro’s Three New Modules
Maestro also revealed new details on the upcoming Maestro A2B and new ship dates for other modules for amplifier and radio replacement.
Targeted for late summer or fall is the AR2. It is a universal amplifier replacement interface that now is compatible with just about all brands of amplifiers and Digital Signal Processors, versus the original Maestro AR, which worked with select compatible aftermarket amplifiers only.
The new AR2 can be flashed from a smartphone as well as a desktop computer. It allows the replacement of a factory premium audio system or the installation of amplifiers and DSPs to non-amplified audio systems. It connects directly to the factory amplifier or radio using existing T-harnesses for the AR and DSR1.
The AR2 will be compatible with both AR-compatible amplifiers and DSPs as well as any amplifier using standard analog RCA outputs or a digital Toslink connection. Pricing will be announced.
Joining this is the Maestro A2B. A few changes have been made to the module since it was pre-announced earlier this year. The new A2B is basically an AR2 that can accept a digital signal instead of an analog signal. Some automakers are switching to a digital A2B bus system including Ford. The Maestro A2B module accommodates these and will be compatible initially with 2018 and up Ford vehicles with the Bang & Oufsen audio system and the Lincoln Revel.
The ADS-A2B is web programmable and has a built in Bluetooth adapter that supports wireless programming for mobile devices. The A2B will use its own selection of T-harnesses for specific applications as they become available. Pricing will be announced.
Finally, with a new target shipment date of fall, the Maestro SR is an entry level radio replacement interface at a tentative target price of $140 (plus T-harness sold separately). It retains steering wheel controls, vehicle settings menus, and factory backup cameras with multi-camera views on select vehicles (additional accessories may be required).
The Maestro SR has a built-in Bluetooth adapter and supports wireless programming for mobile devices (when used with the ADS Weblink Desktop or Weblink Mobile applications). The SR is compatible with a new line of MSR vehicle-specific T-harnesses.
More Maestro Kits
iDatalink is also planning additional new car specific Maestro radio replacement kits to be released over the next six months. These include the VW1 kit that will cover 2018 and up VW Atlas, Atlas Cross Sport, Tiguan, Golf, Jetta and Taos vehicles. Also, later this year, three additional Ford kits are expected including one for the 2020 and up Transit. Joining these will be the FLX1 for the Ford Flex and the EXP1 for the Explorer. Both are specific to models with the 4-inch factory screen.
source: https://www.ceoutlook.com/2023/06/26/new-idatalink-maestro-products-due/
