Build and install your own AUX Cable!

[Guiseley]

All - Not sure anyone is reading this topic anymore - but after reading this (and pvr's topic too) I took the plunge and took my tools to my precious interior - and much to the wife's surprise it all works - not too many spare bits left at the end - and nothing marked

Thanks for giving me the inspiration to take the plunge.

your car did look a bit sorry without its radio hehe, well done

Well it would have been done earlier if you fine chaps hadn't insisted I come out to play last Sunday :lol: - Just done the Sound Mod too - looking forward to giving that a trial round N Wales in a couple of weeks!

 

[sk93]

I'm still reading this thread



Glad you got it done and it sounds good!

 

[Siftah]

I've just happened across this and thought it'd be useful to other DIY'ers: http://www.dealextreme.com/details.dx/sku.34654

Be easy to stick the USB end of the socket into a car charger like this one, perhaps keep it all behind the dash where it's nice and tidy and then use the line-out part of the cable to feed into the stereo?

 

[Tweed]

I've just happened across this and thought it'd be useful to other DIY'ers: http://www.dealextreme.com/details.dx/sku.34654

Be easy to stick the USB end of the socket into a car charger like this one, perhaps keep it all behind the dash where it's nice and tidy and then use the line-out part of the cable to feed into the stereo?

I've butchered a dock extender cable to get the 30-pin iPod connector and am planning to use this info, this thread and a bit of help from Siftah to make a completely integrated aux-in charging dock

Essentially mimicing that lead, really!

 

[Siftah]

I've butchered a dock extender cable to get the 30-pin iPod connector and am planning to use this info, this thread and a bit of help from Siftah to make a completely integrated aux-in charging dock

Essentially mimicing that lead, really!

Ah! You've gone totally old-skool on it's ass

 

[sk93]

glad it worked out jeff spangle... guess people should avoid the incartunes cable?

 

[sk93]

One thing I would like to share is the problem of what to play in order to test the install, which track/artist/genre to choose.

Didn't take me long to be honest...

... Fortunate Son, Creedance Clearwater Revival.

http://www.z4-forum.com/forum/viewtopic.php?f=5&t=17147&p=251129&hilit=driving+track#p251129

 

[petach]

Halfords defeated after 2hrs!

Due to Parkinsons, have a very shaky left hand, so couldn't attempt vent removal. Took car to Halfords today to have the top end Parrot kit fitted. Went away for several coffees, a look around Comet, Argos, Currys etc. On my return 2hrs later, two guys in my car with a collection of screwdrivers, string, plastic wedges. They could not remove the vents. I had a bash too, no joy. Came away minus Parrot. Who's not a pretty boy then? They didn't get my joke that "Surely Toucan do it"?

 

[Siftah]

Halfords defeated after 2hrs!

Due to Parkinsons, have a very shaky left hand, so couldn't attempt vent removal. Took car to Halfords today to have the top end Parrot kit fitted. Went away for several coffees, a look around Comet, Argos, Currys etc. On my return 2hrs later, two guys in my car with a collection of screwdrivers, string, plastic wedges. They could not remove the vents. I had a bash too, no joy. Came away minus Parrot. Who's not a pretty boy then? They didn't get my joke that "Surely Toucan do it"?

Not massively surprised that it defeated Halfwits

Perhaps print out the instructions in this thread and give them those? It's actually incredibly simple once you read those - two small prongs and jobs a good 'un, out within 20 seconds

 

[sk93]

Halfords defeated after 2hrs!

Due to Parkinsons, have a very shaky left hand, so couldn't attempt vent removal. Took car to Halfords today to have the top end Parrot kit fitted. Went away for several coffees, a look around Comet, Argos, Currys etc. On my return 2hrs later, two guys in my car with a collection of screwdrivers, string, plastic wedges. They could not remove the vents. I had a bash too, no joy. Came away minus Parrot. Who's not a pretty boy then? They didn't get my joke that "Surely Toucan do it"?

Not massively surprised that it defeated Halfwits

Perhaps print out the instructions in this thread and give them those? It's actually incredibly simple once you read those - two small prongs and jobs a good 'un, out within 20 seconds

i think if you can get those barstools out in 20 seconds, you deserve a freakin medal!
I've done it several times now, and every time it takes a good 10 minutes! lol

 

[Siftah]

i think if you can get those barstools out in 20 seconds, you deserve a freakin medal!
I've done it several times now, and every time it takes a good 10 minutes! lol

Hmm, maybe a minute, definitely not as long as 10 minutes

Sounds like a good game to play on the Summer meet in the Lakes! Quickest time without scratches wins something!

 

[sk93]

lol i think so

 

[hopalong64]

If I fit this to my '53 Z4 2.5 SE, how do I control the track selection etc? Does it need to be controlled from my iphone, or will the track names etc appear on the head unit display (BMW Business CD) ??
Also, will I lose the 6 disc changer capability by plugging in the aux cable?

Thanks

 

[Siftah]

If I fit this to my '53 Z4 2.5 SE, how do I control the track selection etc? Does it need to be controlled from my iphone, or will the track names etc appear on the head unit display (BMW Business CD) ??

It has to be controlled by the phone - this is just an audio-in port, there's no integration with the stereo at all. For that you'd need to look at the Denison, Intravee or similar units.

Also, will I lose the 6 disc changer capability by plugging in the aux cable?
Thanks

Nope, this is an additional input which you can select seperately, you can retain the CD Changer.

 

[Dr _Rod]

Hi all this is my first post, I taken the step and bought myself a 2.2i 2005 SE black 38K on the clock 2 owners and some nice toys, very pleased. I put some pictures up soon!!

Considered it a BMW I think it rattles more than I expected but when the top down and the right foot is heavy I forgive the rattles and issues.

Great thread thanks – I have an Audi A4 Tdi as well and the info on sites are a lot poorer in comparison – excellent site

Question time

I thought I follow the instructions and give it ago regarding building the aux cable.

Did my Maplin buying and soldering and I got the aux line working but the sound quality is poor very little bass it sound distant, I altered the setting on the stereo some improvement but still poor, I tried it with another MP3 player and the same poor quality!! What have I done wrong is it a pin numbering issue?

One confused newbie Z4 owner !!!

 

[sk93]

Are your capacitors polarised, and if so, are they the wrong way round?

 

[PawnSacrifice]

... Fortunate Son, Creedance Clearwater Revival.

Excellent

There have been a couple music threads... I find them by searching for "Credence" - because I always misspell "Creedence".

 

[sk93]

.... I find them by searching for "Credence" - because I always misspell "Creedence".

+1

 

[Dr _Rod]

Hi

Thanks for the reply

I order the capacitors from Maplin I believe they are not polarized. Are they?

2x 0.22uf Capacitors - Maplin Part No: WW56L - £1.12

Any other potential areas I need to look at ?

Thanks

 

[Siftah]

I order the capacitors from Maplin I believe they are not polarized. Are they?
2x 0.22uf Capacitors - Maplin Part No: WW56L - £1.12

As a rule yes, all capacitors are. I think the only exception is the polybox ones which aren't: link with more info here!

Any other potential areas I need to look at ?
Thanks

Double checking the pins and making sure all your joints are good - my final product was lousy audio quality too, suspect it's because of the caps I used being polybox and not tantalum but I've not gotten round to rebuilding it yet!