I know this how-to has been linked to from here before, but I just gotta say I'm thrilled about the quality (and cost!) of the hack on http://www.whatsmyip.org/ipodrx8/.

If nothing else, this thread is for the new guys like me. I got my car a couple weeks ago and scoured the forums for any sort of MP3 solution for firmware < 9.55 but couldn't find anything. I had an Omnifi in my last car so the 6 disc changer in the RX-8 seemed a bit of a dissapointment. Finally I gave in and spent too much money on a wired FM modulator. I was very pleased with it, but after performing this hack, I can't see how I was ever satisfied with the wired FM modulator solution!

So John Masone, if you read this, thanks a ton!

-Daniel

 

Why? The MP3 CD reader (changing the CD-charger) doesn't fit the < 9.55 systems?

 

It costs more and doesn't hold nearly as much as an Ipod or even an Ipod shuffle.

 

Bought it (new) @180 euro on ebay... i agree it doesn't hold much (700MB) but it is a OEM solution > no customizations or "strange" solutions.

 

Beyond that... why?

Just buy the Aux mod. A nice plug and play board that goes into the cassette/MD module slot and gives you aux-in. Or get a P.I.E. adapater + MBUS to RCA cable (sold on mazdaparts.com) which gives you aux through the CD changer port. Either solution is plug and play and can be removed later. Neither is a permanent modifcation or hack to the stock radio... which isn't cheap to replace if you screw it up.

 

The problem with the AuxMod is that it often isn't available (out of stock like right now). Otherwise it's a nice unit (I have one too).
The P.I.E. solution is usually readily available and works well, but requires the firmware to be at least 9.55 - and the title of this post was exactly to address those head units, although the hack works with any firmware version.

I agree though, unless you don't want to spend money, don't hack the head unit - might cost you a pretty penny to buy a new head unit in case you mess it up.

 

You can get the firmware updated...

 

...and then it really starts to cost a bit too much
Less than a new head unit though

 

Yeah... $168 isn't cheap, but it does include the entire PIE kit too. http://www.mazdaparts.com/ProductDet...000-1151625276

As you mentioned... it's cheaper than a new headunit and probably similar in cost to Mazda's new aux module (mazdaspeed 3 comes with one stock). Hell... it's cheaper than a half-way decent aftermarket headunit... much less a high end one...

 

Hell if you break it, when you get the new deck. it will have the new firmware. lol. if they actaully mailed a disk to you to update that would be fine (which im sure they can do), but you have to pay to ship it and wait, pay for the firmware, then the two additional pie pieces.

 

Because i don't need to add an external source to play mp3, because it doesn't cost so much, because it is OEM.

Just to clarify: i have a PIE adpter and a CarPC *BUT* my mp3 module still there, because i want a "press a button to listen those mp3" solution... whenever i wish!

 

I'm not arguing against using the CD/MP3 module... just doing the hack with the PCB traces that was mentioned by the OP.

 

The $168 and link I posted includes BOTH the new firmware AND the PIE kit.

 

But don't you have to actually remove the entire head unit and ship it to them? I saw another post on here that said mazdaparts.com has to replace a chip in the head unit. I'm more scared of sending my head unit through the mail than soldering a few wires to the back. Though I wouldn't recommend this hack for a novice.

If you know what you're doing, you just need a steady hand and a multimeter to double-check that you didn't cross any connections. You don't have to cover it with glue as suggested in the guide. You can do it very non-intrusively by stripping very little off the ends of your wires so they don't touch any other contacts. I can unsolder the wires at any time and nobody will know the difference

Regardless, the purpose of this thread was to let people like me know there's another option if you don't have >= 9.55. I sure wish I had known about this a week or so sooner. I would have $80 more in my pocket right now

-Daniel

 

Ha ha you're welcome :-)
I'm currently stuck driving an Acura TL but hopefully I can get rid of it soon and get another RX-8, and I'm sure I'll use this hack again. $4 vs $168. Now I haven't checked out overloads progress recently, but if he ever came out with his $50 module that has a dock connect, charges the iPod, AND lets you use the steering wheel controls to change the track, I might go that route. Otherwise, I'll just put the iPod back in the cup holder and hack into the never used CD unit.