Discovery 2 wired Aux/Mp3 audio input for $10
The issue for me has been how to connect an Mp3 player to the Disco Stereo.
I tried the FM transmitters but the dynamic range was poor and the constant retuning for a clear frequency drove me insane.
I tried the tape adaptors which was better but sound quality was still dodgy, I'm not sure if its just a crap tape deck or if my heads are dodgy and I presume because its not grounded the mobile phone cased interference.
The solution I have had in my mind for sometime was to use the CD inputs as the Mp3 input, but I searched the Internet for someone who had done this before but i came up blank. I did find a few adaptors available but all were $$$$.
The stumbling block for this project has been trying to find the CD audio wires, I searched the electrical diagrams on the RAVE CD and couldn’t make head not tail of them and then by pure chance looking for something else I found the pin outs of the connectors on the stereo.
There are a few limitations with this install
It can only be used if you have the CD stacker installed, if you don’t have the CD stacker then you cannot select “CD” as an input on the head unit.
It isn’t a separate input, it just uses the CD audio input and the head unit thinks its playing a CD and will continue going through playing the CD’s in the stacker.
3x different scenarios for doing this
1. Disconnect the CD audio inputs and wire directly to MP3.
2. Wire a switch ( 4 Pole Double Throw) to select input from CD and MP3
3. Or use a switched head phone socket that will switch to the Mp3 when the plug is inserted.
I used the 3rd option but now I think I should have taken the 2nd option?
Parts I used.
Jaycar CAT. NO. PS0192 $2.95
6.5MM STEREO INSULATED DPST SWITCHED SOCKET
Jaycar CAT. NO. PP0176 $2.50
6.5MM STEREO RIGHT ANGLE PLUG
Twin core shielded Audio Cable
Heatshrink
Wiring Diagram.
http://www.weaselsnout.net/web/home....ARR-84K7EB.jpg
Removal of the head unit.
http://www.weaselsnout.net/web/home....ARR-84K5XB.jpg
I made up the keys to remove the head unit by cutting down a couple of computer case blanking plates using a pair of tin snips.
http://www.weaselsnout.net/web/home....ARR-84K5XF.jpg
How the locking mechanism works
http://www.weaselsnout.net/web/home....ARR-84K5XG.jpg
I found that the head unit on the first removal was wedged in tight and needed a little bit of prizing with a screw driver to release. There is a rubber grommet at the rear that seems to stick fast.
Wiring up the socket.
http://www.weaselsnout.net/web/home....ARR-84K5XP.jpg
The cable I used was a bit on the large side but I had it lying around.
http://www.weaselsnout.net/web/home....ARR-84K5XR.jpg
Showing how the switching works, when the plug is inserted it raises the contacts.
Socket location.
http://www.weaselsnout.net/web/home....ARR-84K5XN.jpg
I spent ages looking for a suitable location for the socket in the end I chose here its easy to access you can reach up between the transmission tunnel and console.
http://www.weaselsnout.net/web/home....ARR-84K5XS.jpg
Socket screwed in place.
Wiring up the head unit
http://www.weaselsnout.net/web/home....ARR-84K5XH.jpg
The blue connector is what you require
http://www.weaselsnout.net/web/home....ARR-84K7EC.jpg
CD Audio pin out on the back of the head unit
http://www.weaselsnout.net/web/home....ARR-84K5XU.jpg
Wires cut - Input into head unit from the socket
http://www.weaselsnout.net/web/home....ARR-84K5XY.jpg
The other end of the above cut wires - CD player to Socket
All Finished
http://www.weaselsnout.net/web/home....ARR-84K5Y4.jpg
