Custom Aux-In Module
#1176
Originally Posted by rollerbldes
On the installation of the auxmod.. especially of the secret nut... I wonder is it safe to just remove the metal plate once you remove the plastic under the steering wheel to get more access? Because the nut you need to remove is to the right and way way inside from the "2 bolts that are not it".
And yes, I put it back on.
![Yesnod](https://www.rx8club.com/images/smilies/yesnod.gif)
#1179
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You don't have to go trough all this trouble!
I was able to just make the nut loose with grips and undo it with my bare fingers.
Just lay on your back on the floor and it is easy to reach!
By the way, i just installed mine last weekend and it works fine! thanks Overload!
I found you have to pull quite hard on the face of the radio to remove it! It is "clamped" at many placed all around it and i was afraid to break the faceplate!
Also, the connectors behind my radio did not pull out very much, i had a hard time reaching them behind the radio and i do not have very big hands! They aren't easily disconnected either! i needed to use my screwdriver to push the "tab".
fortunately, it onnly takes time but it really is not complicated !
I was able to just make the nut loose with grips and undo it with my bare fingers.
Just lay on your back on the floor and it is easy to reach!
By the way, i just installed mine last weekend and it works fine! thanks Overload!
I found you have to pull quite hard on the face of the radio to remove it! It is "clamped" at many placed all around it and i was afraid to break the faceplate!
Also, the connectors behind my radio did not pull out very much, i had a hard time reaching them behind the radio and i do not have very big hands! They aren't easily disconnected either! i needed to use my screwdriver to push the "tab".
fortunately, it onnly takes time but it really is not complicated !
#1180
Originally Posted by MEGAREDS
sorry to ask... anyone have a picture of the "plate." I don't recall it, and someday my Auxmod Advanced will arrive... someday... someday... ![Smilie](https://www.rx8club.com/images/smilies/smile.gif)
![Smilie](https://www.rx8club.com/images/smilies/smile.gif)
#1181
Goh Mifune
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Originally Posted by Socrate
They aren't easily disconnected either! i needed to use my screwdriver to push the "tab".
fortunately, it onnly takes time but it really is not complicated !
fortunately, it onnly takes time but it really is not complicated !
#1182
Originally Posted by MEGAREDS
Finally, someone addresses my biggest issue. As I've said a bunch of times now, I got so frustrated with the connectors that I just gave up and installed the Auxmod connected to the car. I would really have preferred to do it the "right" way. Did all the connectors work the same way?
#1185
Goh Mifune
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Originally Posted by swoope
no they dont. it takes a while the first time. it is frustrating, be paitent. second time is a breeze.
#1186
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Originally Posted by MEGAREDS
No doubt; it was cold and dark when I did it last time. Need to take a deep breath and keep my hands warm, I think.
Most radios (Radios only), have three connectors in the back, two of which are normally in use. There is a big radio plug on the right hand side in the rear of the radio that has a release tab to push on the bottom side, and the antenna connector, which simply pulls straight out.
However, before you get to these, you have to remove the ash tray (leaving it dangling on the side is much easier). It takes two very specially shaped screwdrivers to remove the ashtray completely, and isn't really necessary.
The front panel that the radio is on with the integrated HVAC controls has two other connectors that are a little difficult to remove, but are far easier to get at, since you can actually get in there are pretty manageable. The only big difference is that they are a little smaller, and have a tab on the top side.
We'll have to add some more pix in the installation guide..
![Wink](https://www.rx8club.com/images/smilies/wink.gif)
Regards,
OverLOAD
#1187
![Unhappy](https://www.rx8club.com/images/icons/icon9.gif)
I just installed my auxmod (thanks OverLOAD!) in my mazda6 using a ground loop isolator from RadioShack:
( http://www.radioshack.com/product/in...entPage=search ),
and a Belkin power cord:
( http://catalog.belkin.com/IWCatProdu...duct_ID=149006 ),
hooked to an extra cigarette lighter that I installed from RadioShack.
The auxmod works great, but I noticed that the volume was very low at the level I normally have it (~12), and I had to turn the radio to max before it was an acceptable level.
Has anyone else noticed this, and if not, do you know what the problem is and how I could fix it??
Thanks!
( http://www.radioshack.com/product/in...entPage=search ),
and a Belkin power cord:
( http://catalog.belkin.com/IWCatProdu...duct_ID=149006 ),
hooked to an extra cigarette lighter that I installed from RadioShack.
The auxmod works great, but I noticed that the volume was very low at the level I normally have it (~12), and I had to turn the radio to max before it was an acceptable level.
Has anyone else noticed this, and if not, do you know what the problem is and how I could fix it??
Thanks!
#1188
Try turning up the volume on your source unit (mp3 player, or whatever it is you have plugged into the auxmod)
Don't run your HU at anything more than 3/4 volume - to put it simply that's bad for your speakers.
Don't run your HU at anything more than 3/4 volume - to put it simply that's bad for your speakers.
#1189
Originally Posted by Asmoran
Try turning up the volume on your source unit (mp3 player, or whatever it is you have plugged into the auxmod)
#1191
![Talking](https://www.rx8club.com/images/icons/icon10.gif)
Originally Posted by timbo
There's a volume control on the Belkin charger (which looks the same as mine), so turn it up
#1192
Today is my first failed attempt at installing the AuxMod that I just recieved. Here is my progress:
1) I removed the hidden bolt first, it was really easy to remove after the metal plate was removed.
2) Disconnected negative of my battery, now this was hard because the negative was bolted on quite tight.
3) Removed the shifter panel, removed cigarette lighter and hung it to the right.
All good so far... except it is getting dark.
4) Tried to slide out the headunit, found I had to remove the glove box on the passenger side in order to push the headunit forward.
I think I broke something really flimsy on the driver side way inside where the head unit is when I tried to push out the head unit from the driver side.... I was like OH S*** but went ahead anyways (1st fault!)
5) After the head unit popped out, this is where I got stuck. I could not for the life of me disconnect the 2 A/C control plugs. Where is the clip for the plugs!???? HELP!
Anyway right now everything is back together except for the hidden bolt, which I decided not to put back in just yet. I test ran my car afterwards and all seemed OK.
I will try again this saturday and see how things go. Any suggestions would be great.![Smilie](https://www.rx8club.com/images/smilies/smile.gif)
Notes: Because my car was automatic, while in Park position, it was extremely hard to get the cigarette lighter out. Next time I will put it on Neutral and set the parking break. That will give me a little more room from the head unit to the shift pole.
Question for Sylfex: What is J3 used for???
1) I removed the hidden bolt first, it was really easy to remove after the metal plate was removed.
2) Disconnected negative of my battery, now this was hard because the negative was bolted on quite tight.
3) Removed the shifter panel, removed cigarette lighter and hung it to the right.
All good so far... except it is getting dark.
4) Tried to slide out the headunit, found I had to remove the glove box on the passenger side in order to push the headunit forward.
I think I broke something really flimsy on the driver side way inside where the head unit is when I tried to push out the head unit from the driver side.... I was like OH S*** but went ahead anyways (1st fault!)
5) After the head unit popped out, this is where I got stuck. I could not for the life of me disconnect the 2 A/C control plugs. Where is the clip for the plugs!???? HELP!
Anyway right now everything is back together except for the hidden bolt, which I decided not to put back in just yet. I test ran my car afterwards and all seemed OK.
I will try again this saturday and see how things go. Any suggestions would be great.
![Smilie](https://www.rx8club.com/images/smilies/smile.gif)
Notes: Because my car was automatic, while in Park position, it was extremely hard to get the cigarette lighter out. Next time I will put it on Neutral and set the parking break. That will give me a little more room from the head unit to the shift pole.
Question for Sylfex: What is J3 used for???
Last edited by rollerbldes; 12-01-2005 at 07:30 PM.
#1193
Goh Mifune
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I recall having to start the car and put the car into gear to get everything back together. Be sure to remember to let the car warm up so it doesn't flood! 'tis the Season!
When I got stuck at the point you were at, I put my head into the passenger side foot well, looked at the head unit from the underside, and inserted the Auxmod while the unit was still connected. Not the recommended procedure, but it worked for me. Also, my car had no bolt, so don't sweat it being out.
Better luck next time out...
When I got stuck at the point you were at, I put my head into the passenger side foot well, looked at the head unit from the underside, and inserted the Auxmod while the unit was still connected. Not the recommended procedure, but it worked for me. Also, my car had no bolt, so don't sweat it being out.
Better luck next time out...
#1194
Hyper Space RX-8 _,.-^'`
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J3
The automatic transmission presents quite a few more challenges then the manual for radio removal. The normal procedure is exaclty what you mentioned, leave it in a different gear when stopped. You may not be able to remove the key if it's not in park, but that's not a big deal.
J3 is the external radio expansion connector. In most Mazda's you could use it to add a CD changer, or a TV tuner, or a PIE adapter, and what not. We chose to use the Tape connector since there were distinct advantages for locating the module there, and using Tape emulation mode.
AuxMod Advanced is going to use MD emulation. We've got the text working & we can push an update to the Album text on screen any time with our own custom text!
Regards,
OverLOAD
J3 is the external radio expansion connector. In most Mazda's you could use it to add a CD changer, or a TV tuner, or a PIE adapter, and what not. We chose to use the Tape connector since there were distinct advantages for locating the module there, and using Tape emulation mode.
AuxMod Advanced is going to use MD emulation. We've got the text working & we can push an update to the Album text on screen any time with our own custom text!
Regards,
OverLOAD
#1195
donuts are day old bagels
Join Date: Feb 2004
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Oh man I hope that comes out quick so I can throw money at you. Not in a threatening way, but like a fluffy snowball. When it hits you, it will shower you with smaller denomination bills. If I get the angle just right, rubles will pop out.
I hope I'm still on the waiting list. Just in case: John (at) scovern.com
I hope I'm still on the waiting list. Just in case: John (at) scovern.com
#1196
Hyper Space RX-8 _,.-^'`
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Originally Posted by RX8Bliss
Oh man I hope that comes out quick so I can throw money at you. Not in a threatening way, but like a fluffy snowball. When it hits you, it will shower you with smaller denomination bills. If I get the angle just right, rubles will pop out.
I hope I'm still on the waiting list. Just in case: John (at) scovern.com
I hope I'm still on the waiting list. Just in case: John (at) scovern.com
Of course anyone who has asked to be on the waitlist for AuxMod Basic is automatically on the AuxMod Advanced waitlist! (provided I got an email request that is..
![Wink](https://www.rx8club.com/images/smilies/wink.gif)
Regards,
OverLOAD
#1197
YESSS I GOT IT DONEEEE!!! Anyway.. A couple notes.
1) If you have AT, put it to neutral and set the parking break, then leave the key on accessary and disconnect the battery. Removing the battery will remove the darned beeping and will also prevent power surges.
2) The hardest connector was the 2nd A/C connector to the right under the Vent/Suffrocate button, it was so hard to get out... The key is to get a small tiny screwdriver (used for eyeglasses) and push up on the clip and somehow manuver your hand to pull out the plug.
3) When you pull out the radio, you may pull on it harder to break the blue tape. Or you may cut the blue tape from the passenger side footwell after you remove the glove box.
4) The head unit does not just slide out, it requires a push from behind once you remove the glove box. Do not try to pull too hard on the bottom of the head unit. You will snap the faceplate. (I read somewhere else)
5) I bought Monster Cable minijack to minijack cable. It is many many times thicker with lots more sheilding than normal cable, also provides more abrasion resistance from our gnarly sharp car. Although.. It made my cable a little harder to thread through. Description of my cable
Worst part of installation: The 2nd clip in center of A/C
Worst part of job: Getting numerous cuts around wrists and arm
Best part of this whole thing: GREAT SOUND!
1) If you have AT, put it to neutral and set the parking break, then leave the key on accessary and disconnect the battery. Removing the battery will remove the darned beeping and will also prevent power surges.
![Peace](https://www.rx8club.com/images/smilies/Peace.gif)
2) The hardest connector was the 2nd A/C connector to the right under the Vent/Suffrocate button, it was so hard to get out... The key is to get a small tiny screwdriver (used for eyeglasses) and push up on the clip and somehow manuver your hand to pull out the plug.
3) When you pull out the radio, you may pull on it harder to break the blue tape. Or you may cut the blue tape from the passenger side footwell after you remove the glove box.
4) The head unit does not just slide out, it requires a push from behind once you remove the glove box. Do not try to pull too hard on the bottom of the head unit. You will snap the faceplate. (I read somewhere else)
5) I bought Monster Cable minijack to minijack cable. It is many many times thicker with lots more sheilding than normal cable, also provides more abrasion resistance from our gnarly sharp car. Although.. It made my cable a little harder to thread through. Description of my cable
Worst part of installation: The 2nd clip in center of A/C
Worst part of job: Getting numerous cuts around wrists and arm
Best part of this whole thing: GREAT SOUND!
![Shocking](https://www.rx8club.com/images/smilies/shocking.gif)
Last edited by rollerbldes; 12-03-2005 at 12:21 AM.
#1199
Goh Mifune
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Originally Posted by rollerbldes
I have pictures now after I grinded the nudge on the little plug mazda conveniently put into our console. Enjoy!
#1200
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I don't suppose you have an update on when this may be available?
jds
jds
Originally Posted by OverLOAD
LOL! It must be Friday!
Of course anyone who has asked to be on the waitlist for AuxMod Basic is automatically on the AuxMod Advanced waitlist! (provided I got an email request that is..![Wink](https://www.rx8club.com/images/smilies/wink.gif)
Regards,
OverLOAD
Of course anyone who has asked to be on the waitlist for AuxMod Basic is automatically on the AuxMod Advanced waitlist! (provided I got an email request that is..
![Wink](https://www.rx8club.com/images/smilies/wink.gif)
Regards,
OverLOAD