Ok, I'm starting this thread to document each step of my project and gather input from other users. The goal is to integrate the iPod into my RX-8 by replacing the useless ashtray with the Drive + Play display screen and controls. Here is an overview:

What I will be using:

Harmon Kardon Drive + Play

Harmon Kardon FM Trasmitter Adapter


I will removing the ashray assembly and replacing it with a custom panel to house the Drive + Play screen and controls. I am forced to use the FM Transmitter adapter rather than the Aux. output as the RX-8 radio does not have aux. input.

I am looking for suggestions on fabricating the panel for the Drive + Play. I will continue to document and post pics as the project progresses.

 

I have removed the ashtray assembly, and created a basic template out of block foam. I will probably use the foam to fill any empty space behind the panel I create. Here is a pic of the foam and Drive + Play controls:

 

I would put the controler on the other side... so the shifter doesn't get in the way

 

I thought about that, but it's not really going to be in the way. It tested with the shift **** on , and the car in 3rd & 5th gears. This also gives access to the passenger to control the ipod. I'm still debating on flipping it around. I'd rather reach across than have my passenger reaching across my shifter. Good suggestion though, and I'm still debating.

 

Here is a completed installation pic. I will post pics of the install process as soon as I get a chance. Everything looks and works great except for the radio! Go figure! Everything is hooked up I can't listen to any tunes. When the car is on, the RX8 display panel glows orange, but has nothing on it. If I turn on the headlights, everything on the center dash panel illumintates as it should. The eject button will eject CDs. There is no radio display, and the green LEDs on the A/C Recirc button do not illumintate. WTF? All we did was unplug the harness connectors and removed the radio to install the FM Transmitter. Everything is reconnected and we have checked all the plugs and wiring. Drive + Play is working as it should with the exception we can't test it's sound as the radio is not working. Do these radios have an anti-theft radio reset code? This is very frustrating as we spent around 6 hrs. on this install. All of the fitting, modifications, and fitting to the astray went well. The stock radio unit sucks, and unfortunately there is no good aftermarket dash kit for this car. Any ideas on resolving this radio issue are extremely appreciated. This has me really worried because the car is only 2.5 months old! If the radio has malfunctioned, I think I'm screwed under warranty because I removed the radio. Anyway here's the pics. It looks like the Drive + Play was made for the car. Now if I can just get the damn stock radio to cooperate.

Here's the Drive + Play contro & screen fitted to the ashtray door.


And here's the iPod dock connector hidden in the secre compartment of the front console. I will be installing a foam insert to keep the iPod from sliding around.


It looks good, radio does not work, but it's damn near 4:00 a.m. and I'm going to bed!

 

It doesn't look anything like its made for the 8!
Do you have the stock Nav on your 8? If you don't, how about putting the controller behind the shifter instead? That would look sweet. Then you could put the LCD screen on the center of the ashtray.

 

I'm am tired of this! With the exception of 2 people on this message board, everybody has to act like an ***! The people who have actually helped have been very helpful. If you don't like my install, then deal with it. Your opininion is your opinion. I hate it when people start the "my install is better than yours" bs. I thought about putting the conrol behind the shifter, but did not want to cut a hole in the top of the console. The way my install is, if I ever need to remove the Drive + Play, I can go back stock simply by replacing the astray assembly. The Drive + Play controls match the silver on the center console. I think it looks nice and that is all that really matters. Sorry if I went off on a rant, but my defroster controls and radio are still not working. I have checked fuses with no luck. Does anybody know if there is a fuse on the actual head unit itself? This is killing me, and Mazda service Dept. is closed for the holiday. Can anyone confirm if this radio has an anti-theft code that I have to enter to re-enable it?

 

Ok, here's some updated info. The temperature control does not work either. Basically the fan control is working and the display is lighting up. I have pulled the radio again and have disassembled the front panel. I see no damage to the circuitboard and no loose connections. Hmm... what to check next?

 

Ok, After re-assembling the radio and re-installing I have resolved the issue. Now I need some help from you electrical gurus who are familiar with the RX-8 wiring. The Drive + Play was being powered by power from the cigarrette lighter socket that was in the ashtray. Apparently this was drawing too much power and causing the Head Unit not to function properly. I still do not understand this completely. We used the cigarette lighter socket instead of tying into the accessory wiring because it seemed to be a better solution. The car has to be on for the cigarette lighter to work, so there is no difference between using that for power instead of Accessory. Apparently there is some difference now I see. Now I'm trying to figure out how to wire the Drive + Play into the accessory wiring without causing additional problems. I'm just glad the head unit is Ok.

 

Ok, cigarette lighter outlet is not the problem. I have FINALLY narrowed the problem down. It appears some of the wires going into the power harness that plugs into the back of the radio have become loose . probably during the process of removing the radio. You gotta love the factory wiring harnesses. The give you that whole 1.5 inches of slack to work with! Not sure how I'm going to fix this, but it is definitely the problem.

 

I agree w/ you on the negativity issue, but this hasn't been bad at all. Unfortunately when you post pics for people that love their cars as much as we do, you open yourself up to a lot criticism, recommendations, etc. Hell, I think I was almost banned for owning a Harley. Most people aren't comparing your system to theirs, they just hate to see unjustice in an 8. I'm with you on the "better to cut the ashtray than the console" theory and I'm sure it looks better in person. Probably would have went over better if that was stated in your original post. Oh well, live & learn. Good luck on future projects.

 

If your having problems with the radio connectors getting losen you might have broken off the locks on them... I know the cable slack is a ****, but that is how it is on any car! :P

I did not fully understand your power problem with the cigarret plug!
What is inside your Harmon Kardon Drive? A 1000000KW amp?

I know you won't like this... But... I do not see a big advantage on using this thing to control the iPod, and it might cost a lot of $$$$, too!
I have seem some nice mounts around here... tough...

Good luck.

 

Drive + Play is pretty cool actually. I got a really good deal on it. Never would have paid the full price they want for it. I don't care for the iPod mounts that clip onto the A/C vents, or the cupholder mounts, etc. I was looking for a more permanent solution, and Drive + Play works for me. RX-8 is a tricky car to integrate iPod and an affordable cost. As for the radio wiring. I've ordered the Metra Turbowire reverse harness that plugs into the back of the radio. I will disconnect the battery, cut the wires going to the existing connector, and splice in the new harness. This will also give me an extra 3 -4 inches of slack in the wiring. Hopefully it will be in today!