Thread: Adding a selectable AUX input to a single CD Player (Visteon 6500 model)

In a separate thread (http://www.aulro.com/afvb/communicat...ng-cables.html) the user “diesel” explained in detail how to add an AUX input into a CD changer/cassette player. However, most of the Discovery 2a models (2002 – 2004 models) are equipped with single-CD players (Visteon 6500 model).


Unfortunately its main board is different from previous models, and as such, “diesel”’s mod cannot be applied on this model.

While not elegant as “diesel”’s mod, I have worked out a way to add a selectable AUX input for the above model. In the below mentioned method, the AUX input shares the CD audio inputs.

Required bits and pieces:

• Torx screwdriver
• Soldering gun
• Colour-coded wire (in 5 colours for easy identification)
• 3.5mm switch-mode earphone socket
• Blank CD and CD-burning software

Step 1: Opening up the unit.
You will find that the top cover (as well as other components) is screwed together using Torx screws. Using your Torx screwdriver, unscrew the top cover.


Beneath the top cover, you will find the CD driver unit, which also attached to the main unit using four Torx screws. Carefully remove the CD driver unit. The CD driver unit is connected to the main board using a 14-pin ribbon cable, as shown below.






Step 2: Identifying Audio Input Lines.

There are various internet sources that you can easily find the pin layout for this ribbon cable. Among other inputs, what matters to us here are the left and right audio input lines and the common ground. As outlined in the following diagram, pin 12 and 14 represent the left and right audio inputs and pin 13 is the common ground.



As shown below, line 14 is marked in red. So, we splice aux inputs into lines 12, 13, and 14, as outlined in the next section.




Step 3: Connecting a 3.5 switch-mode earphone socket.

I split 12th, 13th and 14th wires from the ribbon cable and, cut them in the middle, as follows.



Then, they are soldered to the switch-mode earphone socket as follows. I bought this socket from Jaycar (model PS0133 -- 3.5mm Stereo SWITCHED PCB Socket - Jaycar Electronics) Pin layout of this socket is also given below.





The patched up cable should be wrapped up with insulation tape very carefully, because there is very small space between main unit and cd driver and this cable is pressed between these two parts. I have covered individual soldering points and then covered the whole ribbon again.




Step 4: Install the Earphone Socket.

This is really upto your preference. I have used one of the spare push-button switches on the front panel.




I made a 7mm drill hole in on the switches and screwed the socket on it. If you prefer, you can install it on the front panel of the CD player itself. However, it is a bit crowded and have to be extremely careful about the vertical circuit board behind the front side of the player. So, I decided not to do that and opted for the spare switch button.

Step 5: Creating a Silent CD

In order to play the audio from your ipod (or similar source), we need to trick the CD player into thinking it's playing a CD. The main unit doesn't know that the audio is really being supplied by your ipod (or similar source) instead of the CD driver unit.

When an ipod or other audio input is plugged to the switch-mode socket, it disconnects the input from the CD driver unit and connects to your input. If you do not want to use a regular audio CD in the drive all the time, you can create your own silent CD. A silent CD is just a regular CD, which comprises of a track with no sound. You can download a .wav file from Silent CD and burn it into a CD in audio CD format. I used iTunes on a mac. Windows computers also have software that are capable of doing this.

An Excellent how to do Torbay. Thanks for sharing.

Just a thought from an electronics noob, but at a guess there must be a wire or 2 in that ribbon cable which pass a signal to the radio when a CD is inserted. If you could replicate this with another switch then you may be able to get around having the blank cd. Not terribly well explained but I hope you get the idea.

Cheers

Steve