PAL Upgrade

Upgrading the original PAL to

Version 2

(updated 12/3/15)

Original PALs AVAILABLE! - see below!

Because the Version 2 PALs are difficult to obtain right now, the alternative method of obtaining one is buying an original PAL and upgrading it to Version 2. The circuit board in the original PAL (GM part number 17800593) is identical to the Version 2 PALs, so the PAL modules look identical. But there are three main differences between the Version 2 kit and original PAL kit available from GM dealers and other online sources:

1. The Module Software - The original PAL software is version C4509051. If you have an original PAL, you can easily check the version by getting into the Settings Menu and pressing the Version button. This software will only work in C6 Corvettes with a factory Nav radio and XM (except for 2011 and later C6s that have the newer USB interface). Version 2 software adds new features like the PAUSE button, Direct Mode, Auxiliary Input, and new display options. It will also work in all C6 non-Nav radios and C6's with or without XM.

2. The Installation Harness - The installation harness included in the original PAL kit forces you to install the PAL by removing the center console, the Nav radio, and splicing in the "dreaded" XM wire into the factory wiring harness near the clutch pedal. It's an awful job, and one that is pretty much irreversible because you have cut into the factory wiring harness. I would not recommend this to anyone wanting to install a PAL in their own car, or even paying someone else to do it. The Version 2 harnesses are simple - they easily connect at the XM receiver location by unplugging the XM receiver and connecting the new harness in between the factory connector and the receiver. It just takes a few minutes and it's completely reversible. If you have an '05, the XM connector is likely already there even if you don't have the XM receiver. If you have an '06 or '07, with no XM, the installation does require the removal of the center console, but there is no need to splice in the "XM wire" with the Version 2 software. For '08s and later, all C6s have an XM receiver. In almost ALL cases, you will want one of my installation harnesses!

3. The iPod cable - The white iPod cable included in the original PAL kit is 4' long and it's a good quality cable. The reason for its short length is because the original PAL kit is designed to mount the PAL module underneath the amplifier in the passenger side fuse panel and the iPod cable reaches only the glove box. But there are two problems with it. The first problem is that it will charge only the early and mid-generation iPods which used a 12 volt Firewire charging system. The later iPods and all iPhones use a 5 volt USB charging system. So if you have one of the later iPods or iPhones, the white cable will not charge your device. The PAL will work fine, but it won't charge. Some of the mid-generation iPods like my Generation 3 ipod Nano will charge with either system, so the white cable works fine with it.

The other problem with the white cable is that it is too short to reach from the XM receiver area where the Version 2 PAL module is located (using my harness) to the center console area in coupes and Z06's. The XM receiver is located above the left rear wheel well in coupes and Z06's, while it is located behind the waterfall between the seats in a convertible. So the 4' white cable is fine for a convertible, but it is not long enough to reach the center console area for the coupes and Z06's.

The Version 2 PAL kits included an 8' long black iPod cable with a small 12 volt/5 volt converter built in, with slightly different wiring to get the 5 volt charging source to the correct pin on the iPod connector. This allows the PAL to charge all of the late iPods and iPhones as well as the mid-generation iPods that can use the 5 volt USB charging. It will not, however, charge the very earliest iPods that require the 12 volt Firewire charging only.

If you have a convertible, you can use the 4' white cable just fine, as long as you also have one of the early or mid-generation iPods (like my 3rd generation Nano). Again, the white cable will work fine with ANY iPod or iPhone, but it won't charge the later ones.

Since I am now completely out of the 8' long 5 volt cables, the only solution is to use the original OEM cables, which fortunately are a better quality anyway. For coupes and Z06's I still have some 6' cable extensions that can be used with the 4' OEM cables. For charging the latest iPods and iPhones, you can buy charging adapters like the Scosche Passport for under $20. Click HERE for a link to them on amazon.com. Another excellent solution is to find an older iPod like the 3rd Generation iPod Nano see in the photo below and use that as your music storage device with the PAL. I use them in each of my GMC trucks, SUVs, and my Z06. They work great and you can find good used 3rd Gen Nanos for about $75 bucks on eBay and other online sources. Later Nanos require 5 volt USB charging only, which the OEM PAL iPod cable can't provide.

CLICK HERE for charging alternatives

So here's how to obtain a Version 2 PAL:

STEP ONE:

First, find yourself an original PAL kit. Be sure it is GM part number 17800593 - there are lots of different PALs for different GM vehicles - you want the Corvette version only. On eBay, try searching for "Corvette PAL" or "Corvette Personal Audio Link", but be sure the part number is 17800593.

The "going" price for a new PAL is around $330, so if you can get one for less you've found a bargain.

For anyone interested in a PAL, I'd recommend you grab one of these while you can!

BUT, PLEASE NOTE THIS!!

Mediatronics threw us a "monkey wrench" with some of the latest Corvette PALs. They are identical in every way as the old 17800593, but they left off the software update flash pins on the circuit boards. Here's a photo showing the difference:

The board on the left is one of the new PAL circuit boards. All of the previous Corvette PAL boards look like the one on the right.

What this means is that to upgrade the software on the new PALs, I have to solder on the flash pins before I can upgrade the software. Without the upgraded software you won't have all of the best features of the PAL, including the use of the auxiliary input RCA jacks on the module. So on these particular new PALs, I've got to increase my software upgrade charge from $35 to $50. What a bummer! It's a PITA!

You'll likely find, however, that most of the PALs from a dealer DO have the flash pins. You can easily check by simply removing the four Phillips screws from the bottom of the PAL module and inspecting the circuit board.

There is also one other alternative, but please read the following carefully. The Chevy Colorado and GMC Canyon pickup truck PAL kits also use a Class 2 PAL which can be used with the C6 Corvette. The Colorado/Canyon PAL kit is GM part number 19245156 and there are still a few of these left at dealers in the U.S. But it appears that Mediatronics shipped some of the Colorado PAL modules with a modified circuit board in them. I just received a Colorado PAL for upgrading and the owner was very fortunate because his module did NOT have the modified board. So if you're lucky enough to find an older one on the shelf, the Colorado PAL will work. I suggest you read about the PAL circuit boards on this link:

http://www.kawal.net/PAL circuit board.htm

Ask what the return policy is in case you end up with a modified PAL circuit board, since these will NOT work in a Corvette.

If you have a C6 with a non-Nav radio or no XM, they may tell you the 17800593 will not work with your car, but ignore their warning - the Version 2 software upgrade will make it work.

STEP TWO:

Find your best deal for one in stock and have them direct ship it to me to save you the double shipping cost. Have them ship it to you, c/o Ray Kawal, at my address below so I know who it belongs to when I receive it or at least have them put a note in it with your name on it. Or, you can have them ship it to you, then you can ship me the PAL module and the OEM installation harness out of the original package.

Email me so I know what's coming, and also to provide me with details about your car. What year is it, what radio, do you have XM or at least the XM connector, coupe or convertible, and what iPod will you be using it with? These details are needed so I can provide you with the correct software in the module, the correct literature and installation guides, and the correct installation harness.

Once I know exactly what you want, I'll point you to my Ordering Page where you can order the installation cable and the software upgrade.

As soon as I receive the original PAL kit, I can upgrade it the same day and ship your Version 2 PAL kit via Priority Mail the next day. You'll have it 2-3 days later.

Good luck on your shopping,

Ray Kawal
268 Lakeview Drive
Sequim, WA 98382
(360) 683-3027

Click here for a page describing the operation of the Nav version software

Click here for a page describing the operation of the non-Nav version software

Click here for an Apple site for identifying your iPod

Click here for an Ordering Page for the new PAL kits, components, and other harnesses

Click here for a description of some of the installation harnesses