Bluetooth Audio and Handsfree - The Poor Mans fix

[D90]

I have had my new v8 D3 for just over 1 month and loving it. One extra that i wanted to add was bluetooth audio streaming for my music and secondly handsfree function for calls. (My rear aux input had terrible feedback and level issues)
My first thought was to install a whole new head unit... To hard as its a HSE with HK Amp.
Second was to install a parrot type bluetooth kit. After getting some quotes it was to much $$$ for me to justify to the wife $800 for a mk9000i installed.
So i thought it do it the cheap and $18 later I'm really happy.
I purchased a bluetooth car kit on eBay that plugs straight into the cigarette lighter with an 3.5mm aux output... [/URL]
That was the easy bit.
I then took the head unit out and cut the existing 3.5mm AUX input and soldered in a replacement cable with a female end. I ran this end out near the cigarette lighter to plug the bluetooth unit into.
This was my first attempt at soldering so i was a bit worried... but i must have cut the right cables because it all worked great. Had it for a week now and works great with my wife's iPhone and my LG G3. Streams music great and feedback and volume issues i had with the AUX line have gone. Microphone seems to work fine for calls, I haven't had anyone complain yet. Thought id share as it was a very easy fix to my problem and pretty much serves the exact same function as the $800 parrot kit... all for $16
Picture of the install here. [url]https://www.dropbox.com/s/k70oa3v7ok03xav/20150216_182602.jpg'dl=0 (http://www.ebay.com.au/itm/Car-3-5mm-A2DP-Bluetooth-Handsfree-Stereo-Hifi-Music-MP3-Player-Adapter-/121566685255?)

[AnD3rew]

Thanks, that's pretty cool, do you have a link to the Bluetooth unit you bought on eBay? That looks pretty neat.

[D90]

http://www.ebay.com.au/itm/Car-3-5mm-A2DP-Bluetooth-Handsfree-Stereo-Hifi-Music-MP3-Player-Adapter-/121566685255?

There are quite a few different types available but this is the one I got. It has 2.1amp usb port as well which is handy.

[4evershiva]

Thanks D90. Where can I find the instructions to remove the head unit? The aux input is usually situated behind the centre glove box, how to identify which cable is it, do I then cut the aux input and solder with a replacement female unit? If this is right, where can I get the replacement female end of the cable?

[90 Rangie]

Thanks D90 did you actually try this bluetooth unit by pluginging it straight into the AUX plug behind middle glove box ?

[D90]

Thanks D90. Where can I find the instructions to remove the head unit? The aux input is usually situated behind the centre glove box, how to identify which cable is it, do I then cut the aux input and solder with a replacement female unit? If this is right, where can I get the replacement female end of the cable?

http://www.disco3.co.uk/forum/topic68458.html
I got most of the info from this thread. They talk about accessing the three cables in the passenger footwell but I though it was easier to do it where they enter the head unit.
I also used this diagram as a reference to what wires to cut. I cut the wires to pins 6,7 & 8 @ about the 5cm mark after the come out of the head unit. That's were I soldered the new cable in.
You can get the new cable from dicksmith or any audio store. Its just and extension cable with male connection at one and female at the other. I had one at home.
Just cut it in half to expose the L and R wires (usually red and white) and a ground shield. Solder these in and you should be good to go.

[D90]

Thanks D90 did you actually try this bluetooth unit by pluginging it straight into the AUX plug behind middle glove box ?

No I didn't, my rear AUX input was very dodgy hence I went down this path.
It would work fine and the cable would be a good length to go into the AUX input. The speaker for hands free wouldn't work though I suspect.

[PeterOZ]

it looks ok. I am currently using a FM modulator which plugs into the phone then into the aux port. Works ok but can get interference
from time to time.

Not keen on pulling the dash apart if I can help it so will try it through aux port to start with using an extender cable.

silver you can get parts like audio connectors etc from Jaycar.

[ytt105]

Could you please explain how this works in regard to telephone calls.

Eg. When a call comes in, do you answer via this unit and hear the caller thru the stereo, (automatically or do you need to change to AUX In), do you talk to this unit or is there a remote microphone.

When you call, do you call via your phone or something on the unit, how does the listening and talking work, (ie. as per above?)

Regards
Trev

[D90]

it looks ok. I am currently using a FM modulator which plugs into the phone then into the aux port. Works ok but can get interference
from time to time.

Not keen on pulling the dash apart if I can help it so will try it through aux port to start with using an extender cable.

silver you can get parts like audio connectors etc from Jaycar.


Peter you may be better off with one of these if your using the rear input... Amazon.com: Mpow® Streambot One Plus Bluetooth 4.0 Hands-Free Car Kit / Bluetooth Audio Music Receiver for Car Stereo Supports AptX, with 3.5 mm Aux Input Jack, Dual Port USB Car Charger and for Apple iPhone 6, 6 Plus 5 5S 5C 4S 4, iPad 4 3 2, iPod, BlackBerry, Samsung Galaxy S5 S4 S3 and other Android Smartphones: Cell Phones & Accessories@@AMEPARAM@@http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/41qDNz0YZfL.@@AMEPARAM@@41qDNz0YZfL

[D90]

Could you please explain how this works in regard to telephone calls.

Eg. When a call comes in, do you answer via this unit and hear the caller thru the stereo, (automatically or do you need to change to AUX In), do you talk to this unit or is there a remote microphone.

When you call, do you call via your phone or something on the unit, how does the listening and talking work, (ie. as per above?)

Regards
Trev

Stereo needs to be on AUX for sound to come through speakers. If phone rings when on radio just switch to AUX and hit the middle button on the unit to answer. Unit has built in mic, no remote mic.
Haven't tried accessing voice commands on the phone from the unit. maybe holding the middle button will activate Siri. If that doesn't work your using the phone for dialling. When not driving of course:cool:

[Epic pooh]

I'm using a wifi streaming hub that supports AirPlay and it's plugged into the aux port. Level is ok (am going to wire in an adjustable inline signal booster) and quality is good. I did this because then my phone calls come via my existing parrot which results in the phone auto muting the song, switching the call to the parrot and head unit into phone mode then when the call ends the song resumes without me needing to touch anything ! Avoids the problems with two bluetooth devices etc for those who may have factory bluetooth or a parrot like mine.

[D90]

Happy to switch to AUX manually and save 780 bucks! I'm sure I'll need the $$ with my wish list!

[jonesfam]

I went even cheaper & got a Bluetooth Buddy.
Just clips on the sun visor & I can answer the phone or make calls.
Useless for music.
Jonesfam

[xoph44]

Hi
Along the same lines, I have an aftermarket Alpine roof mounted DVD player (circa 2007?) that is wired to the AUX replacing inputs from either AUX socket.
Head unit is mounted in upper glovebox. Are there switches available that would allow me to reinstate the AUX inputs if I can find where they have disconnected it?

Cheers

Chris

[D90]

You could tap into the three AUX wires behind the factory head unit. Only one AUX input would work at a time obviously.
Does the head unit in the glove box not have an AUX input on the front? If so does this work with your current setup.

[PeterOZ]

Peter you may be better off with one of these if your using the rear input... Amazon.com: Mpow® Streambot One Plus Bluetooth 4.0 Hands-Free Car Kit / Bluetooth Audio Music Receiver for Car Stereo Supports AptX, with 3.5 mm Aux Input Jack, Dual Port USB Car Charger and for Apple iPhone 6, 6 Plus 5 5S 5C 4S 4, iPad 4 3 2, iPod, BlackBerry, Samsung Galaxy S5 S4 S3 and other Android Smartphones: Cell Phones & Accessories (http://www.amazon.com/Mpow-Streambot-Hands-Free-BlackBerry-Smartphones/dp/B00QRQOLOW/ref=sr_1_7?ie=UTF8&qid=1424136604&sr=8-7&keywords=BLUETOOTH+3.5MM)

similar to what I have now, not overly impressed with it.

saw this on fleabay but not sure of the legalities of having this thing fitted to your steering wheel.

http://www.ebay.com.au/itm/Brand-New-Wheel-Bluetooth-Car-Kit-Handsfree-Wireless-Headphones-FM-MP3-Player/131419676631?_trksid=p2047675.c100010.m2109&_trkparms=aid%3D555012%26algo%3DPW.MBE%26ao%3D1%26 asc%3D20140122130056%26meid%3D5db14360c0b442dba62b 5516165132d3%26pid%3D100010%26rk%3D11%26rkt%3D23%2 6sd%3D131254292646#ht_4144wt_1088

Any thoughts?

[D90]

similar to what I have now, not overly impressed with it.
Not FM modulation though. The one on amazon is the same as my unit without the need for an extension cable to reach the rear aux input.

[PeterOZ]

current one goes through one of two FM channels, 89.7Mhz is one freq from memory.

Stereo jack plugs into the phone that goes to the unit.

I have a separate Blue Ant unit on the visor for handsfree phone.

All rather cumbersome. I only use the streaming if there is somebody in pax seat to play DJ! :cool:

A unit that is on the steering wheel could be ideal if it is legal.

Based on what I saw on the description on the one in fleabay it connect bluetooth to the phone and via FM link to the car audio on a selected FM station.

Now what the quality of that link will be audio hifi wise is debatable. Perhaps good enough.

I might sacrifice the $30 and see how it performs, if no good I'll resell it. :angel:

[D90]

Direct connection to the AUX input is a better quality audio connection than FM modulation.
Both the one on eBay and Amazon use a direct connection to the AUX input of the car and Bluetooth to the phone.
If you using the standard AUX connection at the rear I think the Amazon type one would be the best. It would replace both of your blueant and FM modulation.
Plenty of options!! 😉

[Disco-tastic]

Old thread, i know, but I just installed an AUX cable next to the right hand 12V socket, and bought this Bluetooth Unit (http://www.ebay.com.au/itm/Hands-free-NFC-Bluetooth-4-0-Car-Kit-Stereo-Audio-Music-Receiver-3-5mm-Aux-Jack/262034174140?_trksid=p2047675.c100005.m1851&_trkparms=aid%3D222007%26algo%3DSIC.MBE%26ao%3D1%2 6asc%3D20140106155344%26meid%3D9948fa3db7f44c2cb6f c2ff1944f02a2%26pid%3D100005%26rk%3D4%26rkt%3D6%26 sd%3D381510477396) (still to be delivered). My plan is to mount it on the dash and run the cable behind the trim down to the 12V and Aux plug. I'll give some feedback once it's delivered (2 weeks).

Cheers

Dan

[Disco-tastic]

Bluetooth came yesterday and fittedt it today. Took about 30 mins for me to decide where to install it, and 10 to install :p

Nice bug buttons, clear audio and, apparently the mic is nice and clear. I ran the cables behind the dash trim, but it has a magnetic back that sticks to the dash, so you can easily remove the unit.

The supplied 12v plug has a 1.0A and 2.1A plug too!

It doesn't tell you whos calling, and you still need to press aux and then the handsfree unit if you're listening to the radio, but at $23 its pretty good!

Cheers

Dan

[~Rich~]

I bought this one on Amazon:
I had read good reviews on it.
Amazon.com: [Forbes recommend]iClever Himbox HB01 Bluetooth 4.0 Hands-Free Car Kit with 3.5mm Aux Jack, Multi-Point Access, Siri / Voice Activation, Dual USB Charger & Magnetic Base, Updated Aluminum Ring - Black: Cell Phones & Accessories@@AMEPARAM@@http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/41V1j0H06bL.@@AMEPARAM@@41V1j0H06bL

Works really well, audio quality of playing music off iPhone is excellent.