U connect ?s

[1sicsrt]

Does the factory U-connect / bluetooth have to run through the factory deck? I don't have the u-connect but want to add it, but also want to add an aftermarket GPS. Is this possible?

[mnunes]

The factory uconnect system interfaces directly to the stock radio. Since it's made specifically for this system I don't know if it can be retrofitted onto a non-DCX system (although *possibly* into another Alpine system).

The issue is that there's software (firmware, really) running in the head unit that knows what to do with the signals coming from the u-connect system. A non-factory radio wouldn't have all the same intefacing.