MP3 / iPod

[Phrede]

Nice write up.

FWIW, I installed a little differently and put everything inside the console tapping into the outlet power. I installed the BT unit near the start PB and hid all the cables. Sometimes tucking them up and under the edge of the console. I also added a line amp to bring the level up to match the internal sources. At the same time I ran a power cord to my phone mount and hid that cable as well. Now I have no exposed cables and am able to control what is needed directly on the phone. Personally I like having the phone as a single source for NAV/Music/Comms. It all integrates smoothly with everything getting the right priority.

After having used other devices like a Coastal lockpick for music interface and other BT interfaces I am very pleased with this setup. I was even able to converse on the phone with the top down at 50MPH. An unexpected plus.

 

[ras]

Phrede...Thanks for the additional info you provided on your install....I'm using an old iPod with my XM Aux harness/Kinovo....if my phone rings, I'm gonna pick it up & answer....not in school zones, etc....
I can't multiple-task much anymore....used to, though...
Nowadays, if there's too much stuff going on in my car, I'm only going to wreck....just kidding...
I bet that If I ever meet you all, noone's gonna want to ride w/me...
ras




Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

 

[Phrede]

Phrede...Thanks for the additional info you provided on your install....I'm using an old iPod with my XM Aux harness/Kinovo....if my phone rings, I'm gonna pick it up & answer....not in school zones, etc....
I can't multiple-task much anymore....used to, though...
Nowadays, if there's too much stuff going on in my car, I'm only going to wreck....just kidding...
I bet that If I ever meet you all, noone's gonna want to ride w/me...
ras




Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

My point is that it actually less taxing on your attention. It's nice to have any turn by turn navigation instructions automatically mute (and resume) the music. It also prevents missed calls due to music louder than the phones internal ringer. Handsfree phone conversations is a big reason for the Bluetooth interface, not to mention voice dialing and navigation commands that work. All done without my eyes leaving the road. These are all valuable assets to me, YMMV

I don't think I would mess with Bluetooth interface if I was just going to use an IPOD. I haven't used my IPOD since my phone is capable of storing 32GB of music without having to have an additional device.

 

[onalaska]

Lack of a reliable method to get mobile devices to work with our cars has been an issue for far too long. XM has lost it's appeal and carrying around a stack of CDs isn't much better. I need copious tunes in my car stat!

I've communicated with Ray and will be installing a Kinivo BTC450 and his Aux1-F cable as soon as the parts arrive. For <$100, it's an affordable alternative to have Bluetooth phone/iPod connectivity through the XLR's stereo system, though no functionality with the Infotainment display or steering wheel controls. I had hoped the GM PAL would work, but it isn't meant to be.

I'll document the installation with lots of pictures and post back here once my setup is tested and evaluated.

We shall overcome. Sort of.

CCC

Thanks for the suggestion ccclarke. Based upon your recommendation I purchased one of the Kinivo car kits for the XLR and liked it so much I purchased several more for some of my other cars. My STS has bluetooth for my phone from the factory, but the Kinivo works so much better for phone calls and having the ability to listen to Pandora without having to plug any cables into my iPhone is really a plus! I already had Ray's Aux cable installed with a jack in the center console, but not having to plug anything into my phone makes it that much better.

 

[ccclarke]

I'm glad it all worked out for you! Mine has gotten plenty of use and ranks as one of the easiest and best bang-for-the-buck mods I've performed on my car.

CC

 

[danno58]

Center console jack

I'm about to install the knivio. Do I have to be concerned about my phone draining the car battery if I forget to remove it?

 

[Phrede]

I'm about to install the knivio. Do I have to be concerned about my phone draining the car battery if I forget to remove it?

There is no physical connection between your phone and the car or the Knivo unit so it doesn't matter. It does matter where you connect the power for the Kinivo unit. I strongly recommend connecting to a switched source of power that is off when the ignition is off to prevent battery drain. I jumped in to the power going to the power outlet in the center console. It is switched and fairly painless to get to.

Good luck with your project.

 

[danno58]

I currently subscribe to XM. Will I have access to XM radio using XM1 and using XM2 for Bluetooth connectivity?

 

[Phrede]

I currently subscribe to XM. Will I have access to XM radio using XM1 and using XM2 for Bluetooth connectivity?

No, nothing like that at all. Depending on which interface you bought, assuming you did buy a Ray Kawai interface, you will lose XM functionality, or will need to plug the Bluetooth interface in when wanting to use it and unplug it when wanting XM. It could be done by modifying the interface with a switch to select between the two.

 

[ccclarke]

I corresponded with Ray a few weeks ago and forwarded my Knivo installation info for the XLR to him. A few other subjects came up, and I think he has a harness that will allow both Bluetooth and XM connectivity (AUX -2?) Drop him a line and he'll confirm or deny. He's a really good communicator and will quickly reply.

CC

 

[Phrede]

I corresponded with Ray a few weeks ago and forwarded my Knivo installation info for the XLR to him. A few other subjects came up, and I think he has a harness that will allow both Bluetooth and XM connectivity (AUX -2?) Drop him a line and he'll confirm or deny. He's a really good communicator and will quickly reply.

CC

The way I understand it from his web site is the AUX-2 does keep the XM function but requires you to unplug from the jack for the XM audio signals to pass through. It is certainly worth checking. I would be surprised if it has XM1 -XM2 switching functionality since it is basically snaging the audio signals between the XM module and the head unit.

 

[danno58]

Installed Knivio

Finished installing the Knivio BTC450 and Ray's AUX2-VRT cable. Install was very easy after finally getting the XM power cable off of the receiver. Definitely working blind up in there. A mirror definitely helped. Ray's cable works great. I installed the cable into the molded black plastic piece in the rear of the center console. I plug the Knivio into it and the phones music and Siri controls takes over. I unplug the Knivio and I have XM radio back. Best of both worlds. Thanks CC and Phrede for your help.

 

[Phrede]

Finished installing the Knivio BTC450 and Ray's AUX2-VRT cable. Install was very easy after finally getting the XM power cable off of the receiver. Definitely working blind up in there. A mirror definitely helped. Ray's cable works great. I installed the cable into the molded black plastic piece in the rear of the center console. I plug the Knivio into it and the phones music and Siri controls takes over. I unplug the Knivio and I have XM radio back. Best of both worlds. Thanks CC and Phrede for your help.

Glad it worked out well for you.

 

[grue]

Glad it worked out well for you.

Hi Phrede (et al),

In the course of installing these systems, did any of you find need for a ground loop isolator? I'm going to be flying down to Florida to pick up my car and want to do the install of a BTC455 and Ray's AUX before I drive it back, so I'm trying to make sure I have everything I need when I fly down.

Also, did you wire the LGB-1 directly into the car's power? I see it includes a 12v power supply for AC use, so presumably one could wire the amp directly into the fuse block?

I was thinking of getting an AUX-2 so have the option of using XM (even if I don't really expect to), but presumably by plugging the amp into the AUX-2 that would make it cut off the XM even if nothing is plugged into the amp's input, effectively turning it back into an AUX-1? I was thinking I'd hide the amp and AUX hardware under the console and drill to install just a female 3.5mm jack in the area to plug the Kinovo into.

Thanks in advance for your time.

 

[Phrede]

Hi Phrede (et al),

In the course of installing these systems, did any of you find need for a ground loop isolator? I'm going to be flying down to Florida to pick up my car and want to do the install of a BTC455 and Ray's AUX before I drive it back, so I'm trying to make sure I have everything I need when I fly down.

Also, did you wire the LGB-1 directly into the car's power? I see it includes a 12v power supply for AC use, so presumably one could wire the amp directly into the fuse block?

I was thinking of getting an AUX-2 so have the option of using XM (even if I don't really expect to), but presumably by plugging the amp into the AUX-2 that would make it cut off the XM even if nothing is plugged into the amp's input, effectively turning it back into an AUX-1? I was thinking I'd hide the amp and AUX hardware under the console and drill to install just a female 3.5mm jack in the area to plug the Kinovo into.

Thanks in advance for your time.

I ran the power for the LGB-1 from the same points as the BTC455 (behind the armrest power socket). The amp did the trick for getting the levels up but did create a small amount of whine (ground loop?) noise that is noticeable during dead air times (between songs). I can't notice it at normal volumes. I have purchased, but not installed yet, a filter that I expect to resolve the minor issue. Amazon.com: PAC SNI-1/3.5 3.5-mm Ground Loop Noise Isolator Works with iPod/Zune/iRiver and Others: Automotive

I think you are right on regarding losing XM with the amp plugged in to the AUX-2.

I hid everything inside the console including all the 3.5mm jacks and drilled no holes. I do not ever need XM and never need to unplug anything. I just routed the cable inside the console from where I mounted the BTC455


Doing the install away from home is doable I suppose. I always seem to forget something so I guess there is some risk of not having everything you need. Don't forget the wrench needed to remove the gear shift knob.

 

[grue]

I ran the power for the LGB-1 from the same points as the BTC455 (behind the armrest power socket). The amp did the trick for getting the levels up but did create a small amount of whine (ground loop?) noise that is noticeable during dead air times (between songs). I can't notice it at normal volumes. I have purchased, but not installed yet, a filter that I expect to resolve the minor issue. Amazon.com: PAC SNI-1/3.5 3.5-mm Ground Loop Noise Isolator Works with iPod/Zune/iRiver and Others: Automotive

I think you are right on regarding losing XM with the amp plugged in to the AUX-2.

I hid everything inside the console including all the 3.5mm jacks and drilled no holes. I do not ever need XM and never need to unplug anything. I just routed the cable inside the console from where I mounted the BTC455
View attachment 5196

Doing the install away from home is doable I suppose. I always seem to forget something so I guess there is some risk of not having everything you need. Don't forget the wrench needed to remove the gear shift knob.

Oh that's clever, I didn't really realize it'd all fit cleanly but might have to do something similar. When you tapped into the power behind the accessory outlet, did you use quick-taps or something else? Also, did you add the jumper to turn that into a switched power socket so it turns off with the car?

Thanks!

 

[Phrede]

Oh that's clever, I didn't really realize it'd all fit cleanly but might have to do something similar. When you tapped into the power behind the accessory outlet, did you use quick-taps or something else? Also, did you add the jumper to turn that into a switched power socket so it turns off with the car?

Thanks!

There is not a lot of extra room, but it does fit. Quick taps for the initial connection, everything else is soldered and shrink tube. My center console power socket is switched, just like the one near the drink holder, not aware of the jumper you're referring to. It is a delayed off and happens later than what you may expect. If you have a power adapter with an LED indicator, plug it in and check it in an hour after shutting down. I seem to remember it was about 45 minutes but will not swear to it.

I am installing the filter tomorrow. I'll post the results.

 

[grue]

There is not a lot of extra room, but it does fit. Quick taps for the initial connection, everything else is soldered and shrink tube. My center console power socket is switched, just like the one near the drink holder, not aware of the jumper you're referring to. It is a delayed off and happens later than what you may expect. If you have a power adapter with an LED indicator, plug it in and check it in an hour after shutting down. I seem to remember it was about 45 minutes but will not swear to it.

I am installing the filter tomorrow. I'll post the results.

Great info, thanks! I look forward to hearing abotu the filter

 

[Phrede]

Great info, thanks! I look forward to hearing abotu the filter

The filter works great and solved the issue completely. All the levels (FM/WX/CD/AUX) now match without any issues or noise. Audio quality is CD+ and much better than XM or FM. The AUX may be a little higher but I could adjust the amp gain to get an exact match.

Everything fits inside the console plus a power socket and USB power adapter for charging my phone where I hide the cable that exits the trim by where the phone is mounted. Just be sure and position things so that the two switches and cup holder do not interfere.

All and all, I am very pleased with the set up.

Now if I can just find a back-up camera that works with the phone.....

BTW, it is a T-15 to remove the gear shift knob.

HTH

 

[grue]

The filter works great and solved the issue completely. All the levels (FM/WX/CD/AUX) now match without any issues or noise. Audio quality is CD+ and much better than XM or FM. The AUX may be a little higher but I could adjust the amp gain to get an exact match.

Everything fits inside the console plus a power socket and USB power adapter for charging my phone where I hide the cable that exits the trim by where the phone is mounted. Just be sure and position things so that the two switches and cup holder do not interfere.

All and all, I am very pleased with the set up.

Now if I can just find a back-up camera that works with the phone.....

BTW, it is a T-15 to remove the gear shift knob.

HTH

Fantastic, thanks. I'll order the appropriate bits tonight and bring everything with me to FL for the install and drive back, which is still toooo daaaaaamned looooong of a wait!