NC AUX harness

[sasha.e]

Hi Guys,

After looking around for a way to connect MP3 Players and other audio devices I found a Harness that connects at the back of the head unit for a reasonable price ($50 Rather than the $200 that GROM charge).

Fairly simple configuration, sold by ASL Automedia (based in Melbourne):
http://www.asllogistics.com/catalog/iPo ... p-221.html

It works very well and can be used alongside a bluetooth dongle (such as the one I bought from Kogan: http://www.kogan.com/au/buy/home-stereo ... oth-audio/) to provide bluetooth connectivity.

[david_syd_au]

Great find.

I too have been looking for a reasonably priced AUX input, without success, and so will order one today.

The bluetooth adapter will allow you to wirelessly stream media content from your phone to the stereo unit, correct? An ideal solution would involve hiding the cable and bluetooth adapter behind/under the dash.
However, how do you power the bluetooth adapter?

Thanks again
David

[david_syd_au]

Order placed for the AUX in cable.
$65, including $15 delivery.
When it arrives and is installed, I will report back with a review.

[sasha.e]

The bluetooth adapter streams music and phone call and contains and inbuilt microphone. It is charged via USB and runs on a rechargable battery.

Due to the microphone I wouldn't mount it under the dash, but rather alongside the 12V socket - that's where I put the 3.5mm Jack.

I will post a photo tonight when the job is complete.

[sasha.e]

This is how I ended setting up the bluetooth and audio jack:

3.5mm plug besides 12V socket
Bluetooth adapter on the left of the steering wheel - attached with magnets

See photos below.

[Mr Morlock]

I would not be using magnets- there has to be a better solution - velcro is a very good product and available in many formats. You could also see if the wire can be re routed to be less visible and what appears to be a zinc plated washer would look better in black plastic. Experts might also comment if magnets might not also have an effect on signals etc.

[kris]

Came across this on the big forum....

Easy Aux jack to 3.5mm or idevice connector.
$15 on amazon but they don't ship to Australia.

Nice and easy, cheap solution, beats the few hundred $ mazda oem ask....
Now, how to get this to Australia or buy similar for price here?
Otherwise i might try the solder #1 to #13

link to thread:
http://forum.miata.net/vb/showthread.php?t=475015
link to product:
http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B006FF ... e=&seller=

[david_syd_au]

Order placed for the AUX in cable.
$65, including $15 delivery.
When it arrives and is installed, I will report back with a review.

Time to report back.

Installing the AUX input took about an hour, although for now I have left the 3.5mm input socket hiding behind the centre console, rather than making a hole and mounting it properly. Attaching a music source to the AUX input works well, with sufficient sound quality for my ears.

To get bluetooth handsfree and auto streaming, I added a Belkin Aircast device (approx $70 delivered), which plugs into the accessory socket for power, and has a 3.5mm plug output which goes into the AUX input socket. The main body of the Belkin Aircast is attached magnetically to a small round base unit which I have attached to the dash, just to the right of the hazard light button, using an adhesive pad. With this setup I have can have a conversation with the hood down at 60'ish km/h. As I don't get many phone calls, I haven't had the opportunity to try it at higher speeds, or with the hood up.

There are a couple of niggles:
- There is noticeable alternator whine in the audio via the Belkin Aircast, which is plugged into the accessory power socket in the dash. This also happens if I play audio from my phone to the AUX input (not using bluetooth), when the phone is powered from the accessory socket.
I suspect there is an earth loop between the earth of that socket, and the earth of the Bose stereo unit, so I will have to get in there and try putting a good earth between those points and see if that improves things. To be done.
- The Belkin unit and my phone do not automatically connect, when the car ignition is turned on. I have to press the button on the front of the Belkin Aircast unit for them to connect. This appears to be by design.
- I sometimes have trouble getting the Belkin Aircat and my phone to connect. However, I believe this is probably an issue with my phone.
- To use the bluetooth, the stereo has to be set to AUX input. So there is no way for it to auto-magically switch from the car radio or CD to bluetooth when a call comes in, you have to hear or see on the phone that a call has come in, and manually switch to AUX from radio or CD. Alternatively, when streaming audio from the phone to AUX, then it all works fine as the switchover is handled by the phone.