SELECTABLE Ipod/Aux input for stnd D2 head unit instructions (no hacking of cables)

[diesel]

Hi all,

After getting bored of changing CDs etc. I wanted to add an input for an Ipod or media player to the standard head unit on my D2. I wanted to keep the head unit & not have to replace it unnecessarily.

After some research I found that people were splicing the CD changers audio cables, not ideal–you have to have a CD playing & it mutes when changing discs.

So... I removed my head unit, opened her up & did a little research.

Today, I finally put the head unit back with my 'Ipod input' nicely added to the face & selectable. By this I mean I can have the cable connected or not & still select all functions–CD, FM, AM & Tape (never been used!).

How? Well, I select my input by pressing the AM button, simple. With the cable connected I hear my Ipod, with it removed I hear AM, something I never use anyway. This way the cable can be left in place...
I have all audio controls, fade, balance, bass, treble etc. & it sounds great.

If anyone is interested I can take some time to post instructions. It's not difficult if you can use a soldering iron. You also don't have to add the input to the face but it is a nice touch.

[DBKDISCO]

please add the instructions I would love to use my IPOD without changing the standard unit

[slug_burner]

please add the instructions I would love to use my IPOD without changing the standard unit

I'll second that

[diesel]

Wow, that was quick. I wasn't sure how useful the info would be.

I will put details up, I will have to do some diagrams and adapt photos. As always, didn't take many.
You will see from instructions that it's not difficult at all once you have the necessary info. Just to be clear, this is only an audio input at this stage but looks & works great. The unit is all logic controlled so any 'hacks' or 'mods' to try & fool the system just don't work.

Here's a pic of mine in place.

Discovery standard head unit | Flickr - Photo Sharing! (http://www.flickr.com/photos/where_now/7293114310/)

[4runnernomore]

Please do.

cheers, Chris

[diesel]

Sorry for the delay, I've not had time to do a write up of any kind so here is some quick info:

I put my input on the face of the head unit, looks stock but is a little awkward with a jack plugged in. I will put another input maybe above the cigi power plug.
Had another thought also but will require some more research, a Bluetooth input internally... We will see.

Quick instructions:

Remove your head unit & disconnect
Remove the top plate, 2 screws
Remove the cassette unit, 4 screws then lifts out
You will now see the circuit board clearly, look for an ic with the following numbers: (IC202) TEA6320
You will connect your ipod input to pins 11 & 22 via the small capacitor. pin 11 is left channel, pin 22 is right channel.
I will attach a photo showing my soldered connection & where to cut the track.
If you trace back from pin 11 & 22 you will see a small surface mount capacitor (a little brown rectangle), you can soldier to the top of this, your audio must go 'through' this to the IC. (if this makes sense)...
The track that goes from this soldered side to a small hole (this passes the circuit to the other side of the board) must be cut. I connected my jack plug to this too so it would still play 'am' if nothing was plugged in.
I used 'bread board' cables to connect to the board, they are thin & have a solid end (as in photo).


Quick I know, but I'm sure once head unit out you will see how easy (but fiddly) it is.
Please note that I accept no responsibility if something goes wrong. This does work & sounds great. The small tracks are delicate so take care, it is worth it, I no longer have any CDs in the changer–not required so might remove it.
Everything still works as it should with the addition of an ipod input.
You can of course use the input for anything:
Satnav audio, TV screen...

My AM button is now reffered to as 'Audio Mod'. :)

[clubagreenie]

Nice work. Though if, like me you find yourself half way across the Simpson and every form of audio craps out bar the radio you'll wish you disabled AM by the time you get out. Try 4 days of nothing but tennis on the radio.

pop, pop, pop, pop, cheer
repeat
repeat
repeat...

[diesel]

At least now there is another source of audio, be it from a mobile, ipod, media player etc.
So when you do the Simpson again you should be entertained. :)

The other thing is the CD player is mechanical and low down just where water would get to first. Modern media is electronic, I have a small media player in the top roof pocket with the cable down inside the 'A' pillar. If that gets drowned I know I'm probably stuck!
It's a little 5v unit that feeds the head rest screens and can supply audio to my modded head unit. A USB stick full of entertainment. :)

P.S. For the mod, the IC your looking for is located towards the top left looking from the front.
I used a switched 3.5 mm jack from Jaycar, if nothing is plugged in the unit operates as normal.

[banarcus]

Well done diesel, you have done what people who own Land Rovers all around the world want out of their OEM stereo. That place in the US actually makes a killing from doing this. You could go into business here in Australia.

[diesel]

Well done diesel, you have done what people who own Land Rovers all around the world want out of their OEM stereo. That place in the US actually makes a killing from doing this. You could go into business here in Australia.

Thank you, hopefully it will make people less likely to cut up their dash or fit head units that look out of place & lose things like steering wheel controls & rear audio controls.
Not too sure about offering a service but I'd be happy to help anyone who needs more detailed info. :)

[jessie_xa]

Hi Diesel,

Just came across your post from another mod on the stereo. i like the idea that we can leave our oem radio in and still have the am side (i dont leason to am) good for resale.

I have couple of questions, i gather you used a switching socket to have the am working once you disconnect the mp3/ipod and where have you connected the other wires i.e. the earth or sheilding wire or are they connected back to the chasse of the radio via the socket?

will be doing this soon as like clubagreenie i also did a big trip last year and wished that i had something better than cd's to listen too.


jessie
CJ Wagons

[clubagreenie]

I' didn't even have CD's, try two weeks of live davis cup on the radio...

[hellashort]

Hi Diesel

I am keen to try and replicate what you have done here and I was wondering if there was anything special I should do with connect the wires to the socket. For example where is the earth or neutral of the socket connected to? Will just any earth point do or is there somewhere more ideal?

By the way, great idea. It looks factory.

Nigel

[diesel]

Hi jessie_xa & hellashort,

It's great someone else is doing this, I thought no one was interested. It's a shame to swap out the standard unit when its so capable.

I did use a switched socket, this means you have AM as usual unless you plug in the Ipod or other audio device, it then switches to the input.
I will draw up a diagram & post, easier than explaining. Plus, it will be here for everyone.
Its a real easy mod that even someone not confident in electronics could do.

I should have it up later tonight or in the morning... :D

[hellashort]

Are you kidding mate you have stumbled across the holy grail of owning older cars - getting modern sources to go through the factory stereo. I think a large number of people will be interested however like me, gave up looking for a easy solution to the harmon kardon stereo.

Like Ken Block you could well end up making a lot of people happy :-)

Cheers

[jessie_xa]

Thanks Diesel,

cant wait, all i need now is a nice little mp3 player. look out ebay here i come....

[diesel]

Thanks Diesel,

cant wait, all i need now is a nice little mp3 player. look out ebay here i come....

Sorry, not forgot...
I'm putting together a step by step pdf with a few pics that can be shared & sent to whoever wants it. Almost finished. It will be up here soon. :cool:

[Banjo_pluker]

bump very keen to see work pdf

great work

[diesel]

Here is a pdf I put together, it shows the modification to the head unit step by step. If anything needs changing or adding please let me know. It has been a few weeks since I did the mod and did not take many photos.
Please distribute the info so it can help everybody who needs it.

I do have a high print quality version also, but it's 4.5MB.

For anyone wanting to thank me, buy a scratchy and donate the winnings to a childrens charity.

[jessie_xa]

Here is a pdf I put together, it shows the modification to the head unit step by step. If anything needs changing or adding please let me know. It has been a few weeks since I did the mod and did not take many photos.
Please distribute the info so it can help everybody who needs it.

I do have a high print quality version also, but it's 4.5MB.

For anyone wanting to thank me, buy a scratchy and donate the winnings to a childrens charity.


Thanks Diesel,

just need to find the time now to pull ilt out and mod the radio, thanks for the instructions

jessie
cj wagons

[Banjo_pluker]

That is awesome.

I was worried about were to cut the track, the first pic I took as cutting the IC due to the cut here with a black line on the IC.

When I get my D2a next month (all going well!) I will take detailed pics and send them to you when I do it.

I like the idea of putting the jack somewhere else like in the other MP3 post I read today!!

good work all

[Marshall]

Please excuse my ignorance, is the D2 head unit an Alpine? I have a P38 and was hoping the PCB may be similar so I could do the same.
Also, what would it take to replace the jack with USB?
I know you can get a jack to USB adapter, but I would like to put a USB port instead of the jack on the facia. Would this be possible?

[hellashort]

Marvin you are a out and out champion. I hope the WFP is ok as we like their work, so the next mouths we feed will be for you.

I will get back to you on how it goes. Thanks again for your patience with us and your diligence in the write up.

Nigel

[diesel]

Thank you all. I know my original post was a little vague.

The unit is Alpine, I'm not sure about the P38 head unit though. A quick look should verify if they use the same IC, which to be honest is most likely. Just follow the pins as in the instructions to the little capacitor and connect there.

A USB would be a no-go on this head unit, unless a 3rd party device was used to connect the USB (or blutooth, another idea I had) then give us the audio out to connect as this mod.

Good move hellashort, appreciated.

M

[hellashort]

Ok well I performed the change and put the socket in pretty much the same location even. Everything works although I must have done something wrong. The music sounds more or less fine with only a bit of bass missing but the voices of the singers appears to be filtered out a bit. Kind of sounds like it has a hall effect turned on.

So will pull it all apart tomorrow night and see if anything is no quite right. It is still very handy but I would like a bit more faithful sound if I could. Either way it will get use.

You were not kidding about the solder points :( they were so tiny.

[diesel]

Ok well I performed the change and put the socket in pretty much the same location even. Everything works although I must have done something wrong. The music sounds more or less fine with only a bit of bass missing but the voices of the singers appears to be filtered out a bit. Kind of sounds like it has a hall effect turned on.

So will pull it all apart tomorrow night and see if anything is no quite right. It is still very handy but I would like a bit more faithful sound if I could. Either way it will get use.

You were not kidding about the solder points they were so tiny.

Double check you cut the track, it is a pain to cut without being tempted to apply pressure and skipping the knife across the board. This would cause weird audio.
When working it sounds great, so perfect audio is what your after.

If there are still problems, when its out take a photo. We can try to trouble shoot.

M

[hellashort]

Thanks for the advice mate but it turns out I am a bit special. I went back to it today and tested it all and found the solder to GND was dry. So to avoid making a mess I picked another GND off the cap nearby and that was that.

Without a word of a lie I almost shed a tear. After mucking around with tiny solder points, a head unit that wouldn't give a tape back and a hateful dashboard; only then to hear perfectly clear music with a wide dynamic range coming from my laptop through the headunit. The neighbours 3 doors down must have heard me cheering and beating my chest.

That was worth every second of the pain just to know now my wife and I don't have to burn CDs EVER!!!!

Cheers.

[diesel]

Glad you got it sorted, it really is worth getting the soldiering iron out for. Plus, I'm glad you agree, it sounds awesome. :)

Maybe we could add this mod to The Good Oil...

[jessie_xa]

Hi Marvin

Well i did it, 2 hours of prep, and about an hour to solder, test and put back in (over 2 days). your right would be better to have a connection on the rear of the unit rather than putting the jack in the front panel of the unit, will do this on the next one.

I dont have a ipod or mp3 play and the only thing i got is a walkman (tape player if you cant remember) for the test. the sound from this was better than the tape player in the unit. i have since discovered my phone has a 3.5 jack and im loading it now with music.

again thanks for the mod, no more jumping cd's while 4wding :)

ps i used cat 5 cable, pulled 2 strands out and used a pair for the ground and used the other 2 pairs to the switching jack, left the outer sheath on for protection. ive got pics where i placed it if you are interested.


jessie
cj wagons

[Banjo_pluker]

If your willing to share I am interested to see were you placed it.

Good idea on the cat 5 cable, I have that spare too!!!

[jessie_xa]

No Probs, will get them up tommorrow


jessie




If your willing to share I am interested to see were you placed it.

Good idea on the cat 5 cable, I have that spare too!!!

[cjc_td5]

Thanks Diesel, looks excellent, though the thought of soldering something that small does look daunting for someone like me who likes using a big hammer for his projects:D.

Any idea if the same principal will work on a Visteon 6500 single CD head unit as was standard on a D2a? The CD units on these die eventually and I am keen to get some MP3 connectivity to avoid carrying CDs around.

Cheers,
CC

[diesel]

Thanks Diesel, looks excellent, though the thought of soldering something that small does look daunting for someone like me who likes using a big hammer for his projects:D.

Any idea if the same principal will work on a Visteon 6500 single CD head unit as was standard on a D2a? The CD units on these die eventually and I am keen to get some MP3 connectivity to avoid carrying CDs around.

Cheers,
CC

I've had a quick look but can't find any information on the 6500. I will keep looking.

M

[jwb]

Hi Diesel and thank you for the great write up. Can you show how to wire the switching socket please... which of the wires from the circuit board go to which terminal on the switch. Or did I miss that somewhere else?

[jessie_xa]

Hi pics as requested, where the cable comes for the IC you can see a mark where the pcb from the tape deck is sitting on the cable, you might like to run it through the centre of the board as there is more room under the tape deck.

http://www.aulro.com/app/showgallery.php?cat=1228

Marvin your welcome to use photos if you need to expand your help file.


jessie


If your willing to share I am interested to see were you placed it.

Good idea on the cat 5 cable, I have that spare too!!!

[diesel]

Hi jwb, I will add the pin connections for the socket. Truth is I could not remember when I did the write up!! The socket listed does have a clear window so you can see which pins to connect.

jessie_xa, thanks for the offer of using pics. I will add some for sure as soon I get chance to update it (hopefully later this week).

Cheers all.

M

[Krayzie Keegs]

Boys LOVE this thread I have been thinking about doing this for over a year CD player never realy worked when i got it (think the old disconnected phone hands free did that)

I too was hopeful of having a usb port but mainly want it for the PC I have mounted on the dash could never work ou why a 1999 modle dose not have a AV but a 1996 D1 has, but I dont have a CDL lever either.

I am on Night shift next week think i'll give it a go

[Krayzie Keegs]

Did anyone remember the socket wiring I have all my bits pulled the radio out just need to start soldering it looks like you all had 4 pins on the socket the one I picked up only has 3 is this right

[jessie_xa]

Hi Krayzie keegs,

you should have a switching socket with 5 pins,
1 common
2 for (1 each) left and right in, to leg 11&22
2 for (1 each) left and right back to the IC

with no plug in the socket the socket is closed and the circuit allows am to be heard, when you put the plug in it opens the circuit cutting the am signal and accepting the input signal or nothing if you dont have your player plugged in.

hope this helps

jessie
cj wagons




Did anyone remember the socket wiring I have all my bits pulled the radio out just need to start soldering it looks like you all had 4 pins on the socket the one I picked up only has 3 is this right

[Krayzie Keegs]

Thanks mate I worked that out after I send that post found a few pics we could add to that manual



http://www.aulro.com/afvb/webkit-fake-url://4EA7AF43-795E-400E-85ED-1A9B470F70D8/imagejpeg
http://www.aulro.com/afvb/webkit-fake-url://0BB0C8D9-9BE1-4010-9A9F-57DB7F8B5E65/imagejpeg

[Krayzie Keegs]

Try again


51566
51567

[diesel]

Sorry, could not reply in time...
Great pic, i must update the how to guide soon using the feedback from here. Of camping this weekend so will be next week.
M

[Little Rock Disco]

Sorry for the delay, I've not had time to do a write up of any kind so here is some quick info:

I put my input on the face of the head unit, looks stock but is a little awkward with a jack plugged in. I will put another input maybe above the cigi power plug.
Had another thought also but will require some more research, a Bluetooth input internally... We will see.

Quick instructions:

Remove your head unit & disconnect
Remove the top plate, 2 screws
Remove the cassette unit, 4 screws then lifts out
You will now see the circuit board clearly, look for an ic with the following numbers: (IC202) TEA6320
You will connect your ipod input to pins 11 & 22 via the small capacitor. pin 11 is left channel, pin 22 is right channel.
I will attach a photo showing my soldered connection & where to cut the track.
If you trace back from pin 11 & 22 you will see a small surface mount capacitor (a little brown rectangle), you can soldier to the top of this, your audio must go 'through' this to the IC. (if this makes sense)...
The track that goes from this soldered side to a small hole (this passes the circuit to the other side of the board) must be cut. I connected my jack plug to this too so it would still play 'am' if nothing was plugged in.
I used 'bread board' cables to connect to the board, they are thin & have a solid end (as in photo).


Quick I know, but I'm sure once head unit out you will see how easy (but fiddly) it is.
Please note that I accept no responsibility if something goes wrong. This does work & sounds great. The small tracks are delicate so take care, it is worth it, I no longer have any CDs in the changer–not required so might remove it.
Everything still works as it should with the addition of an ipod input.
You can of course use the input for anything:
Satnav audio, TV screen...

My AM button is now reffered to as 'Audio Mod'. :)
Diesel, this post was the reason I joined AULRO. I searched the US Rover boards and could not find this information anywhere. I actually live less than 140 miles from the place in the US that does this and just could not justify the price he charges. I knew the method to add an AUX input had to be simple and I can't thank you enough!

I was already thinking about a Bluetooth solution that required an AUX input and now that I have seen your solution, my mind has been racing on how to integrate a Belkin AirCast Auto HandsFree unit internally.

Thanks again for your generosity

[johnkimble]

Hello,

I followed the tutorial and finished the solder job. The stereo works fine (CD, FM, AM). When I plug my MP3 into the jack the AM cuts off and I can hear my audio in both left and right channels, but the audio volume is very very low. Could this be due to a bad ground? All solder connections and cuts look fine, the same goes for the solder on the 3.5mm jack. Any suggestions?

[Warrzone]

Amazing work guys !!! One question can I do this with my factory single cd player head unit which doesnt have a tape function what so ever?

[iansoady]

I've wanted to do this for ages and finally bit the bullet yesterday. All went very well but I was a bit daunted by the tiny size of the solder points. I chickened out and took the earth to a nice big one on the other side of the chassis. I also managed to crack to front transparent plate when drilling it for the socket.......

I didn't bother with a switched socket as AM is useless here in the UK, but with growing use of digital (DAB) radio will be able to use a receiver with the mod.

Many many thanks and have made a suitable donation to a local charity.

[diesel]

I'm glad this mod is still being used, it is a daunting task when you first look at whats involved, but once started it really is easy.
I still occasionally receive thank you emails from folks who carried out this mod, just glad I could help. :)

I really must update the instructions, try to make them easier to follow...

When drilling the front of the unit, very slow & steady is the way.

Cheers,:)

[slug_burner]

Hello,

I followed the tutorial and finished the solder job. The stereo works fine (CD, FM, AM). When I plug my MP3 into the jack the AM cuts off and I can hear my audio in both left and right channels, but the audio volume is very very low. Could this be due to a bad ground? All solder connections and cuts look fine, the same goes for the solder on the 3.5mm jack. Any suggestions?

Do you have volume control on the MP3 player? Try your earphone output and see if that works better, you should be able to change the output level with the volume control. The aux out put is normally at a fixed level which should be more than enough to drive the head unit.

[blazing]

Great post

[type2meister]

Great thread! Going to carry this out soon here (in Canada) but thought I'd ask...has anybody successfully added Bluetooth? Was thinking that would be the cats meow...
Thanks!

[tarfside]

Hi there,

Has anyone tried this mod with the Eurovox unit? Any advice?

[Doctorjon]

Diesel, this post was the reason I joined AULRO. I searched the US Rover boards and could not find this information anywhere. I actually live less than 140 miles from the place in the US that does this and just could not justify the price he charges. I knew the method to add an AUX input had to be simple and I can't thank you enough!

I was already thinking about a Bluetooth solution that required an AUX input and now that I have seen your solution, my mind has been racing on how to integrate a Belkin AirCast Auto HandsFree unit internally.

Thanks again for your generosity

I'm with you Little Rock, this is why I'm here. Thanks Diesel. Trying this before a big trip in a few weeks.

[loanrangie]

Would it not just be better to get a new head unit with all the mod cons already installed ?

[swb88in]

- I bought an extension 3.5 jack cable.
- Cut it in half (so I now have a male and female socket).
- Soldered is as instructed.
- guided the 2 wires through the dash into the glove box.

Well, . . it works, I have a real nice sound.
I used an old iPhone to test it.

Problem is with the steering wheel controls I can’t skip numbers.
If I want to skip the display of the radio shows following message; 'SEEK >>'.
So it moves a few seconds forward in the song I think and is not skipping.

I checked the wiring and it is correct.

Is this due to the old iPhone or did I miss something?


Hope somebody can help me out.

Regards from the Netherlands ;-)
Hans

[PhilipA]

Would it not just be better to get a new head unit with all the mod cons already installed ?


Ditto, I replaced my single disc Eurovox player and multi disc under seat DVD unit ( both US as the disc laser was gone in both) with a sub $200 Pioneer with all the mod cons.

Those old units would now be at the end of their life. I can understand someone with a RRC that they feel is going to be worth something , but a D2?
Regards PhilipA
This thread has prompted me to give away my old Single Disc, DVD stacker,screen and headphones so look in Give Aways if you are interested.
The screen has brackets and mouldings.

[Bayer]

Hi! Does anyone know what pin numbers on IC are used as Tape input?