Long time forum lurker. I recently got myself an NA 1990 Mx5 and thought id start contributing to the forum. First post. Be nice.
My Mx is a pristine mint condition example that came with a full documented history (i was literally handed a folder with every receipt for every service or purchase over the last 20 years for the car)
The intent is to keep it in stock condition but i like my music and really wanted to be able to hook up an iPhone (i did actually consider finding the original OEM CD player but its proven too difficult). After much research i purchase the Tranzit from iSimple. The Tranzit is an FM Modulator, not to be confused with an FM Transmitter! You can get this from the US for around $80USD, a pro version can be had which includes steering controls but i got mine from Ryda just in case it wasn't what i expected.
Info on the Tranzit: http://www.mobileelectronics.com.au/reviews/isimple_tranzit_ipod_iphone_integration/
Ryda and Strathfield both sell the same unit with Strathfield advertising $250 for the unit with installation. I bought it for $150 from Ryda with the intent of installing it myself.
Im relatively handy with tools and its by no means a terribly difficult installation to perform so if you're comfortable around the dash of a car have a go! usual caveats apply, please perform this at your own risk.
1. Firstly, you'll need to get to the back of the stock radio. I used this excellent guide over at miata.net (http://www.miata.net/garage/miata_radio_removal.html)
2. Once you've got access to the back of the radio the Tranzit needs to be connected to 12DC power. I used a cable splicer and connected it to the BLUE cable running off the Cig lighter. Perfect!
3. Next you'll need to find a ground to connect to. There's a ground cable behind the dash that is connected to the back of the radio, simply connect the ground cable to this same point.
4. The Tranzit needs to plug into the antenna port on the back of the radio, this is the key difference between a modulator and a transmitter. The Tranzit sends the signal straight to the radio via the antenna port. The cars antenna piggy backs into the Tranzit.
The rest is pretty straight forward and the instructions are self explanatory. I ran both the iPhone cable and the On/Off switch through the center console to the armrest storage box.
Total time of installation 30mins.
It was raining over the weekend so i didnt take the car out for a test but from within the Car-park entrance (i drove there to allow me to re-program all the radio stations) the quality was great and im very happy. Its definitely worth considering as an alternative to replacing the whole head-unit.
