Connecting USB/mp3 to a 159 with satnav

[Stansfield]

Hi everone,

I just got a 2006 Alfa 159 with the satnav radio, and I desperately need to be able to connect my USB stick with mp3s, or my iPod (with a jack, not the iPod connector), and preferably also have a Bluetooth connection for my phone (just for phone support, not for playing music).
Does anyone know some solution which actually works? i.e. works with the steering wheel controls, shows mp3 titles (or at least file names) on one of the LCDs..

I've heard of Dension, and I've also found this: Alfa Romeo USB/SD MP3 Interface Model V*::*ALFA ROMEO*::*XCarLink
but neither of them says it works with the satnav 159 radio. FYI that's my radio here: http://www.superalfa.pl/foto/fotki/b...4014958286.JPG

I'd appreciate any advice in the matter thanks!

[Stansfield]

C'mon, anyone? O don't believe everyone listens only to CDs and the radio these days

[Stjerneglis]

I thought 159s with satnav radio (Blue&Me Nav) has USB port in the glove compartment? Mine has...

[Stansfield]

Originally Posted by Stjerneglis

I thought 159s with satnav radio (Blue&Me Nav) has USB port in the glove compartment? Mine has...

yeah, the one with B&M, and mine's without :/ just the standard satnav..

[WhiteBear]

Stansfield, i'm scaning the forum with almost the same problem: only i have std HU, which don't even play mp3 cds. what's your solution? did you find one?
PS i have 2006 Brera

[paulmacs]

get a parrot mk9200

[159_kid]

i have the standard cd unit in my 159 and recently purchased a dension 100 unit which allows me to connect an ipod to the headunit and keep the steering wheel controls and displays track name on the lcd info unit in the dash

[Stansfield]

Originally Posted by WhiteBear

Stansfield, i'm scaning the forum with almost the same problem: only i have std HU, which don't even play mp3 cds. what's your solution? did you find one?
PS i have 2006 Brera

Got a solution for the Satnav radio: Loudlink mp3 CD Changer Emulator for Alfa Romeo 159, BRERA, SPIDER ConnectNAV+ /AUX [LLK-B08X] - 157.50*EUR : Loudlink, - The new generation of CD changers for Fiat, Alfa Romeo, Lancia, Maserati, Porsche - SSD Mp3 player with iPhone, iPod compatible

Been using it for several months now, works quite fine, just freezes sometimes (after a quick power-out, like when starting the car). Waiting for a firmware update fixing it..

[Matthew159]

I have also found this DMC USB SD Adapter MP3 Wechsler Alfa 147 156 159 166 GT su eBay.it Radios, DVD-Player -Wechsler, Auto-Hi-Fi Navigation, Auto Motorrad Teile

Any idea if compatible with Sat Nav Connect + ? Site says it's ok, have asked the retailer too...seems a bargain at 49euros!!!

[Stansfield]

Originally Posted by msmangosi

I have also found this DMC USB SD Adapter MP3 Wechsler Alfa 147 156 159 166 GT su eBay.it Radios, DVD-Player -Wechsler, Auto-Hi-Fi Navigation, Auto Motorrad Teile

Any idea if compatible with Sat Nav Connect + ? Site says it's ok, have asked the retailer too...seems a bargain at 49euros!!!

looks good.. with this price it's worth trying. works with USB while mine doesn't, and at 1/3 of the price.. I say you try it out and let us know

[Matthew159]

Vendor says it's compatible.....may give it a go! Off ebay so can always give bad mark if it doesn't work!!!

[jar.w]

Originally Posted by msmangosi

Vendor says it's compatible.....may give it a go! Off ebay so can always give bad mark if it doesn't work!!!

I was wandering through different Alfa-Forums and finally came across your post. I've also been searching for an alternative for installing a CD-Changer in my ConnectNav+ system (without Blue&ME). Loudlink was my main option - seems robust and working but is indeed pricey. Therefore i searched more and after your discovery decided to go for the same device - http://cgi.ebay.pl/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?...#ht_2702wt_650
Hope it works, will post after recieving it

[Matthew159]

Cool - keep the post updated. Still haven't ordered mine yet but will shortly!

[Mark_S]

I would also appreciate knowing the outcome of this exercise and whether this Ebay sourced is the suitable alternative that we all hope it is!

[Mark_S]

Originally Posted by jar.w

I was wandering through different Alfa-Forums and finally came across your post. I've also been searching for an alternative for installing a CD-Changer in my ConnectNav+ system (without Blue&ME). Loudlink was my main option - seems robust and working but is indeed pricey. Therefore i searched more and after your discovery decided to go for the same device - http://cgi.ebay.pl/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?...#ht_2702wt_650
Hope it works, will post after recieving it

Did you get hold of one of these, and did it do everything that it said it would? I would appreciate any feedback you may have on it?

Thanks

[jar.w]

Originally Posted by Mark_S

Did you get hold of one of these, and did it do everything that it said it would? I would appreciate any feedback you may have on it?

Thanks

Hi,
It's been a while since I recieved my package and at last had some time to install it in my ConnectNav system.
The device I finally recieved from the seller was a Yatour USB/SD/AUX-IN interface - slightly different than the DMC offered on eBay auction but said to be compatible with 159's Audio System. Package contained CDC connection cable (6-pin, AFAIR), mentioned interface, 3,5" M-M jack cable and manual.
Installation was quick - the main and only problem is getting the CN+ out from the dashboard but then it's pretty simple. The connecting cable included is long enough so the interface can be stored in the compartment on passenger's side or - as in my case - in the net to the left from passenger's legs. The device works as is supposed to. Jack-in is perfect for iPods or other non standard sources, SD and USB also work as intended. CN controls and buttons on the steering wheel work well. Yatour is bit fussy with some MP3-codecs, sometimes "underwater" sound come from the speakers instead of music - I'll have to make some tests to determine which settings actually cause that.

[Mark_S]

Originally Posted by jar.w

Hi,
It's been a while since I recieved my package and at last had some time to install it in my ConnectNav system.
The device I finally recieved from the seller was a Yatour USB/SD/AUX-IN interface - slightly different than the DMC offered on eBay auction but said to be compatible with 159's Audio System. Package contained CDC connection cable (6-pin, AFAIR), mentioned interface, 3,5" M-M jack cable and manual.
Installation was quick - the main and only problem is getting the CN+ out from the dashboard but then it's pretty simple. The connecting cable included is long enough so the interface can be stored in the compartment on passenger's side or - as in my case - in the net to the left from passenger's legs. The device works as is supposed to. Jack-in is perfect for iPods or other non standard sources, SD and USB also work as intended. CN controls and buttons on the steering wheel work well. Yatour is bit fussy with some MP3-codecs, sometimes "underwater" sound come from the speakers instead of music - I'll have to make some tests to determine which settings actually cause that.

Do you still retain control over the CD Changer or is that cut out of the system? Sounds promising though!

[jar.w]

Originally Posted by Mark_S

Do you still retain control over the CD Changer or is that cut out of the system? Sounds promising though!

Unfortunately I have no regular CD Changer in my audio system, that's why such interface was a must.
Nevertheless on producer's website - Yatour-Digital CD Changer,Digital Music Changer,iPod Adapter,Intelligent Parking Assist,AMI,KVW - Products - Yatour Car Digital CD Changer - on shown installation diagram there is a small switch capable of accepting the signal both from the MP3-changer as well as regular CD-device. It seems like "switching-cable" differs from the one I recieved originally with Yatour but maybe the seller has such in offer.
Moreover - during installation on the CD-changer cable I found 2 little antenna-like plugs kept in rubber covers that were not shown on the installation diagram. When left unconnected the system works but in background can be heard sort of digital drops - no matter what source (digital or analog) you choose. Connecting both plugs helps to overcome this annoying problem.

[Mark_S]

Originally Posted by jar.w

Unfortunately I have no regular CD Changer in my audio system, that's why such interface was a must.
Nevertheless on producer's website - Yatour-Digital CD Changer,Digital Music Changer,iPod Adapter,Intelligent Parking Assist,AMI,KVW - Products - Yatour Car Digital CD Changer - on shown installation diagram there is a small switch capable of accepting the signal both from the MP3-changer as well as regular CD-device. It seems like "switching-cable" differs from the one I recieved originally with Yatour but maybe the seller has such in offer.
Moreover - during installation on the CD-changer cable I found 2 little antenna-like plugs kept in rubber covers that were not shown on the installation diagram. When left unconnected the system works but in background can be heard sort of digital drops - no matter what source (digital or analog) you choose. Connecting both plugs helps to overcome this annoying problem.

Mmm I see, I wonder if the switch is accessible when this has been conected up into back of the Connect Nav, if its not accesible (ie behind the dash) then its as good as useless! Regarding the anntena like plugs, could they be some sort or earth screening?

[jar.w]

Originally Posted by Mark_S

Mmm I see, I wonder if the switch is accessible when this has been conected up into back of the Connect Nav, if its not accesible (ie behind the dash) then its as good as useless! Regarding the anntena like plugs, could they be some sort or earth screening?

I assume the switch is supposed to be installed in an easy accessible place e.g. passenger's compartment. ConnectNav+ is fitted in really tight slot with closed rear and cables need to be carefully arranged - it's uncomfortable in installation thus definiately designed for occasional access.
Regarding these additional plugs - I haven't found any tips yet but how hook them up, earth screening was my only supposition. Nonetheless it solved the problem.

[Mark_S]

So worth it in your opinion then?

[jar.w]

Originally Posted by Mark_S

So worth it in your opinion then?

For me it is. Since I had no regular CD-changer at last I can stop juggling Navi- and AudioCDs, moreover AUX-in is definiately a missing option for ConnectNav+.
This is a budget option (3x cheaper compared to Loudlink) so I realize that firmware / mp3 support may be buggy. I need to use it for a longer period to judge it right.

UPDATE: Yesterday I made 400km trip using Yatour along with built-in Navi. MP3 changer was driven by an SDHC card - everything run flawlessly, no problems encountered. I think my previous issues may have been caused by using pendrive via USB - maybe this connection type is a bit buggy.
ConnectNav+ is capable of handling 10 "virtual cd's" but every one can contain up to 99 tracks - that is the only limitation. Despite I prepared more catalogues these were not available for playing.

[Mark_S]

Originally Posted by jar.w

For me it is. Since I had no regular CD-changer at last I can stop juggling Navi- and AudioCDs, moreover AUX-in is definiately a missing option for ConnectNav+.
This is a budget option (3x cheaper compared to Loudlink) so I realize that firmware / mp3 support may be buggy. I need to use it for a longer period to judge it right.

UPDATE: Yesterday I made 400km trip using Yatour along with built-in Navi. MP3 changer was driven by an SDHC card - everything run flawlessly, no problems encountered. I think my previous issues may have been caused by using pendrive via USB - maybe this connection type is a bit buggy.
ConnectNav+ is capable of handling 10 "virtual cd's" but every one can contain up to 99 tracks - that is the only limitation. Despite I prepared more catalogues these were not available for playing.

I will have to find out whether or not the switch to use the existing CDC is fitted into an accessible part of the Yatour loom? I will investigate further. The loudlink version must have physical switch as well I would imagine?

[donaby]

I have also installed the yatour USB/SD device succesfully. However, I could not find anywhere suitable to attach the ground wires. How did you connect these? I am attaching to the standard connect navi headunit.

thanks

[stottt]

Originally Posted by jar.w

Installation was quick - the main and only problem is getting the CN+ out from the dashboard but then it's pretty simple.

Any tips on this ? I gather it's an awkward little critter to remove and as I'm just about to start scratching my head about it any tips would be gratefully received

Cheers