Nice work.
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.
Removal of the head unit.
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.
How the locking mechanism works
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.
The cable I used was a bit on the large side but I had it lying around.
Showing how the switching works, when the plug is inserted it raises the contacts.
Socket location.
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.
Socket screwed in place.
Wiring up the head unit
The blue connector is what you require
CD Audio pin out on the back of the head unit
Wires cut - Input into head unit from the socket
The other end of the above cut wires - CD player to Socket
All Finished
Nice work.
I was only just thinking if there was a way to do something like this as well.I have an Alpine head unit with a 6 stacker but its just not enough.Would this work the same way with my ipod as well on my head unit?
Cheers
Chris
Nice work Matt,
As you have an ES, you also have the factory fitted radio system with subwoofer.
The majority of units sold here will have the Eurovox head unit with cassette deck. But again it will either have the CD changer connection in the form of a round plug & the later ones will have a connector at the back.
I think as long as you have he function to select the CD, you would be able to do sometning similar to this.
Again good work.
http://vault.alpine-usa.com/products...20CVA-1004.pdf
Looks like there's already an aux input on your headunit. Pg 50 & 51 of the manual shows the connectors. Pgs 37 and 38 are missing and they show how to activate the Aux in. My guess is press and hold MUTE/SET UP for 2 seconds then preset 5 and follow your nose from there. Press MUTE/Set UP again to return back to the normal menus.
All you should need is a male 3.5mm headphone to male RCA connector to hook your ipod up.
There is a way without hacking cables, some basic soldering skills are needed & everything works as normal–plus you don't have to play CDs to listen to your Ipod, you can even remove your CD changer.
The following is snippet from the thread I started HERE:
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'.
Click me for the entire thread with pics.
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.
Click here for the link to the pdf showing the Ipod input mod.
Brill write up works a treat in mine!
Search AULRO.com ONLY! |
Search All the Web! |
---|
|
|
Bookmarks