Considering Raytel Tell5000vi - Need Input...

[RockyLane]

I am also interested in the PAC system. Do you have to buy both the Tell-5000VI and the Tell-5VID as a complete system or will it work just with the Tell-5000VI ??

Thanks

[amadeus303]

Hey guys... I don't have a Ridgeline (although I do like them quite a bit - a friend of mine has one), but I came across this thread while I was randomly surfing around. I have a 2005 Acura TSX w/ navigation, and have installed a Raytel Tellphone 5000vi bluetooth system in my car. Just thought I'd share some notes for those of you interested...

There are 2 modules/components to the 5000vi --- the bluetooth module, and the video interface module. The control module is exactly what you would get if you purchased the "regular" Tellphone 5000 system sans the LCD screen that comes packaged with it. In the "regular" system, the BT module is linked directly with the LCD. In the "vi" version, the BT module is linked to the interface, which must be connected to an RGB converter in order to be displayed on the factory/OEM nav screen.

You cannot interface the 5000vi directly with Honda's nav system, nor can you use many of the various RGB converters available on the market. For whatever reason, when PAC designed the video interface for Raytel, it made it such that it only works with PAC's proprietary RGB converter. In other words, if you want to get the 5000vi to work in your vehicle, you must pick up PAC's VCI-HON1 converter (VCI-x + Honda specific navigation harness). The VCI-HON1 allows for 2 inputs, so you can use it for a backup cam (if you don't have a factory one installed), or any other video source input.

If you'd like to integrate the BT kit with your stereo system and avoid splicing any wires, you can pick up a Drive & Talk harness from Raytel's/PAC's business partner. You can also pick up a Quick Connect harness (Parrot Kits and Quick Connect Harness Adapters) for a Parrot kit --- they provide instructions on how to "adapt" their harness to a Raytel kit. It involves splicing, but only on their harness.

For this reason, this whole system is VERY pricey. Depending on where you purchase your items, you're looking at ~$300 for the 5000vi, ~$150 for the harness to allow muting and output through the speakers, ~$300 for the PAC VCI-HON1 RGB converter... and that doesn't include little supplies here and there to help install the parts such as mounting hardware or velcro for the RGB converter, additional wiring if you'd like to run a switch, etc.

I was somewhat of a "beta tester" for Raytel with this unit, as I was an early adopter of the product... I've spent countless hours and emails with the product designer and marketing department, and expressed a lot of disappointment that this unit can only be used optimally w/ PAC products. As an example, there are several Acura/Honda specific RGB converters that cost ~$150; conversely, PAC's Acura/Honda RGB converter is $300+. To PAC's credit (I stress PAC and NOT Raytel), they "made it right" for me from a cost perspective. The unfortunate thing is that I can't give the 5000vi a glowing endorsement.

It does operate well and accomplishes what it says... call quality is pretty good on both ends, and it is, to my knowledge, the only BT kit that allows for display on an OEM navigation screen. That was big for me because I wanted a clean, factory-like install. It also has great features that make "customizing" it a breeze. My biggest gripe, aside from price, is the fact that they use a CR2477 lithium battery for the remote control as opposed to allowing it to be hardwired (like all of their other offerings). This means that you'll always have a need to buy a battery at some point in time... and the CR2477 size (classified as a watch battery) is not common in grocery stores, camera shops, etc. I had to order some in bulk from Welcome to BatteryJunction.com - our prices won't leave you drained!.

Hope that helps some of you. As I said, I don't have a RL, so I won't be frequenting this site much (if at all). However, if anyone has any questions, feel free to post here or drop me PM.

Cheers,
Mike