Simplest way to get MP3 input to GT head unit?

[Fitzchiv]

Hi, have read a few posts in this section but wanted to ask outright; what's the simplest way of getting MP3 connectivity in my GT?

In my last car I ended up buying a JVC head unit with an Aux input, a cheap head to head jack and hey presto - phone/ipod/mp3 simply plug in, switch source to Aux.

Thing is, I don't really want to change the head unit if I can help it this time - I've seen the cables to plug into the multichanger slot, is it as simple as one of those/remove the cup holder section/add a fascia?

cheers

[shiny_car]

Simplest way would be via a 3.5mm adaptor that plugs into the CD changer socket at the back, which is where the blue mini-ISO plug fits. If your car has a CD changer, then you'll be disconnecting it in place of the auxiliary input. If there's no changer, a dummy blue mini-ISO plug should be there. Stuck atop the factory headunit should be a wiring schematic; confirm it shows that the blue mini-ISO terminals are present (ie: confirm your headunit is designed for a CD changer, which it should be).

You can use a Blaupunkt auxiliary adaptor cable; probably the cheapest option. Search ebay or via an ICE store.

You'll need to modify the cable, by adding a switch that 'jumps' the DATA-IN and DATA-OUT terminals. This switches the headunit into CD-changer mode; something you'll need to manually do each time, but no big deal.

Further details in this link (you can ignore the recharger option): auxin

You won't need a new fascia. Just run the cable wherever it's convenient.

[Fitzchiv]

Originally Posted by shiny_car

Simplest way would be via a 3.5mm adaptor that plugs into the CD changer socket at the back, which is where the blue mini-ISO plug fits. If your car has a CD changer, then you'll be disconnecting it in place of the auxiliary input. If there's no changer, a dummy blue mini-ISO plug should be there. Stuck atop the factory headunit should be a wiring schematic; confirm it shows that the blue mini-ISO terminals are present (ie: confirm your headunit is designed for a CD changer, which it should be).

You can use a Blaupunkt auxiliary adaptor cable; probably the cheapest option. Search ebay or via an ICE store.

You'll need to modify the cable, by adding a switch that 'jumps' the DATA-IN and DATA-OUT terminals. This switches the headunit into CD-changer mode; something you'll need to manually do each time, but no big deal.

Further details in this link (you can ignore the recharger option): auxin

You won't need a new fascia. Just run the cable wherever it's convenient.

From what you're saying, and reading that link, I'd have to manually use the "switch" I added to the cable every time I wanted to use Aux in?

[shaun47]

Originally Posted by Fitzchiv

From what you're saying, and reading that link, I'd have to manually use the "switch" I added to the cable every time I wanted to use Aux in?

If you'd like to retain the CD functionality on the headunit yes. Otherwise every time you push SRC it will change between changer and tuner and the CD slot on the headunit itself will become redundant.

[shiny_car]

Shouldn't be a big deal to use the switch (though this may not be your actual concern ).

[Fitzchiv]

Originally Posted by shiny_car

Shouldn't be a big deal to use the switch (though this may not be your actual concern ).

To be honest if I have MP3 functionality I'm unlikely to use the CD player anyway, so no - happy enough really.

My concern is actually in fitting the switch in the first place!

[Fitzchiv]

Chaps, I'm looking at this can anyone advise how difficult it is to fit a switch on this, and also where to buy the switch itself?

Cheers

[shiny_car]

'Easy' or 'difficult' depends on your skills and what tools you have. If in doubt, have a specialist ICE store do the work.

I recommend buying in addition:
1. 2x pins to suit the mini-ISO plug Buy Mini ISO Connector Pins Pack of 10
2. a length of basic figure-8 wiring, like 18ga speakerwire; long enough to go from the plug/behind the headunit to where you want to place the switch
3. a basic toggle switch from any electronics store

Connect pins onto one end of the wire, and insert into the positions in your new adaptor corresponding with DATA-IN/DATA-OUT. Join the other end of the wire to your switch, and mount the switch.

Oh, this thread (Help understanding wiring > blaupunkt 937 + aux) reminded me that the adaptors don't work with all headunits, and only the 'older' versions (ie: with older firmware). So if your GT is something like an '04-'05 build, it should be fine. If it's something like an '08 build, probably not.

[Fitzchiv]

Originally Posted by shiny_car

'Easy' or 'difficult' depends on your skills and what tools you have. If in doubt, have a specialist ICE store do the work.

I recommend buying in addition:
1. 2x pins to suit the mini-ISO plug Buy Mini ISO Connector Pins Pack of 10
2. a length of basic figure-8 wiring, like 18ga speakerwire; long enough to go from the plug/behind the headunit to where you want to place the switch
3. a basic toggle switch from any electronics store

Connect pins onto one end of the wire, and insert into the positions in your new adaptor corresponding with DATA-IN/DATA-OUT. Join the other end of the wire to your switch, and mount the switch.

Oh, this thread (Help understanding wiring > blaupunkt 937 + aux) reminded me that the adaptors don't work with all headunits, and only the 'older' versions (ie: with older firmware). So if your GT is something like an '04-'05 build, it should be fine. If it's something like an '08 build, probably not.

Yeh it's an '08, so looks like this isn't an option then.

[shiny_car]

Hmm, probably not. You could give it a go, but I'd have my doubts.

So in this situation, you probably need to start looking at dedicated auxiliary adaptors, which should be plug-and-play, but much more expensive. Stuff like a Dension Gateway product, or Loudlink. You can find their websites via google, and there should be some discussions in this forum. See what you think, but you may baulk at the cost.

[jwq]

Originally Posted by shiny_car

.... Stuff like a Dension Gateway product, or Loudlink. You can find their websites via google, and there should be some discussions in this forum. See what you think, but you may baulk at the cost.

48 euro's , see here http://www.alfaowner.com/Forum/ice-a...t-937-aux.html (Help understanding wiring > blaupunkt 937 + aux)

[Fitzchiv]

Originally Posted by shiny_car

Hmm, probably not. You could give it a go, but I'd have my doubts.

So in this situation, you probably need to start looking at dedicated auxiliary adaptors, which should be plug-and-play, but much more expensive. Stuff like a Dension Gateway product, or Loudlink. You can find their websites via google, and there should be some discussions in this forum. See what you think, but you may baulk at the cost.

Cheaper than a new HU and less hassle, so I can live with it!

[Fitzchiv]

Originally Posted by jwq

48 euro's , see here http://www.alfaowner.com/Forum/ice-a...t-937-aux.html (Help understanding wiring > blaupunkt 937 + aux)

Take it that just connects into the multichanger input and acts as an SD drive?

[jwq]

Originally Posted by Fitzchiv

Take it that just connects into the multichanger input and acts as an SD drive?

Yep, SD drive + an AUX input for external devices

[Fitzchiv]

Originally Posted by jwq

Yep, SD drive + an AUX input for external devices

And it's pretty much just plug-and-play on the newer head units? I'll get my ordering hat on tonight.

[jwq]

Originally Posted by Fitzchiv

And it's pretty much just plug-and-play on the newer head units? I'll get my ordering hat on tonight.

On any of the units, as it emullates the standard cd-changer (with the exception possibly of the connect nav+ )

[shiny_car]

Looks like a good solution.

[Fitzchiv]

jwq - this looks like the same bit of kit to you? (bit wary with it being fleabay)

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/2708192301...84.m1423.l2649

[jwq]

Originally Posted by Fitzchiv

jwq - this looks like the same bit of kit to you? (bit wary with it being fleabay)

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/2708192301...84.m1423.l2649

Hi, looks the same re. specs etc, only packaging looks different.
However, seller is in China (outside the EU), so will take longer to ship, and you run the risk of having to pay customs duty and import tax if you're unlucky.....

The original seller I posted the link to is in Germany, so should ship much faster, and no customs....
( http://www.ebay.nl/itm/USB-SD-MP3-We...item19c2d367e6 )

edit: P.S the seller also seems to have a shop on UK ebay : http://stores.ebay.co.uk/Tuning-Fanatics-Shop

[Fitzchiv]

Originally Posted by jwq

Hi, looks the same re. specs etc, only packaging looks different.
However, seller is in China (outside the EU), so will take longer to ship, and you run the risk of having to pay customs duty and import tax if you're unlucky.....

The original seller I posted the link to is in Germany, so should ship much faster, and no customs....
( http://www.ebay.nl/itm/USB-SD-MP3-We...item19c2d367e6 )

edit: P.S the seller also seems to have a shop on UK ebay : http://stores.ebay.co.uk/Tuning-Fanatics-Shop

Doesn't make it easy to buy from him this bloke!

[Fitzchiv]

Starting to come round to the idea of just going for a new head unit instead, maybe an Alpine one. If I'm paying £60 for one of these I'd want more flexibility than 8GB memory support

[silver12]

Originally Posted by jwq

Hi, looks the same re. specs etc, only packaging looks different.
However, seller is in China (outside the EU), so will take longer to ship, and you run the risk of having to pay customs duty and import tax if you're unlucky.....

The original seller I posted the link to is in Germany, so should ship much faster, and no customs....
( USB SD MP3 Wechsler CD AUX Adapter Alfa Romeo 147 156 | eBay )

edit: P.S the seller also seems to have a shop on UK ebay : http://stores.ebay.co.uk/Tuning-Fanatics-Shop

I just bought one of these from Tuning Fanatics (£40 + £8 delivery) and I'm very happy with it. It took less than 10 mins to fit to my '06 GT, and it works fine. The steering wheel and head-unit controls treat it just like a CD changer. I've got mine in the glove box with a 8GB SD card (although it will take up to 16GB). Very happy. MP3 in my GT at last!

eBay: Neue und gebrauchte Elektronikartikel, Autos, Kleidung, Sammlerst