Tuesday, September 17, 2013

Module Differences

I thought I would explain some differences in the 2 modules I'm working on.

1- 3.5mm input version

This version accepts input from any 3.5mm (1/8") stereo plug such as iPod, iPhone, Android, whatever. You can even plug in a Bluetooth audio receiver that has a 3.5mm plug on it & then you can stream from an iPhone or Android to this device.

This version also supports iPhone music controls via the steering wheel controls; play/pause, next track, & previous track. BUT this requires that you run another wire (maybe 2?) from this module to the iPhone, to a 30 pin iPod connector. Yes, you can use a 30 pin to Lightning cable adapter & it will work for iPhone 5.

Being that this module plugs into the trunk mounted cd changer plug, you'll need to route this cable/cables from the trunk to the front if the car, along the door sill & under the carpet, behind the dash, etc. Not terribly hard, just takes a little time. I suggest either a 25' 3.5mm stereo male to male cable for audio only, or maybe an Ethernet cable for audio & iPod controls.

This version is not "upgradable" to version 2; the guts are completely different with different PCBs.

2- Bluetooth version (still in work, but this is how it should work)

This version doesn't require any wires to be run at all; the audio is wireless, and the iPhone/Android controls are wireless. The steering wheel controls will control next & previous tracks, and at this point, maybe Bluetooth syncing or power toggle, not sure yet; just a matter of software.


Both modules will display a string of up to 12 characters from the lower ASCII table (up to character 128 I think...?), whenever the radio is put into cd changer mode.

As of now, and I don't have any plans to do this, there isn't a combo board, that allows either 3.5mm or Bluetooth in one module (unless you just want to plug a Bluetooth receiver into the 3.5mm jack).

Thursday, September 12, 2013

Bluetooth PCB

http://oshpark.com/shared_projects/sIXxprRv

That's the link for my new PCB incorporating the MB-CM15113 bluetooth module from SureElectronics. I still have the software to play with, but I'm pretty sure it'll work.

More to come!

Wednesday, September 11, 2013

CD Connector

I found TE Connectivity apparently bought AMP, who makes the CD changer connector. You might be able to contact TE about getting some samples, for free.

Part # 827229-1

But I know that Jim at The Connector People has them for under $13/ea. They have a $50 minimum, so you need to buy 4, plus shipping.

Jim McDermott
NTI - The Connector People ®
420 Valley RdWarrington, PA 18976
$10 Line Minimum$50 Order Minimum
Fax: 215-956-1701
jim@connectorpeople.com

Ph: 215-956-1700

Saturday, September 7, 2013

Bluetooth module

So I just tried the Bluetooth module for audio; works good :)

I bought 2 different modules but only tested audio on one.

Here are the 2 modules;



I'll be working in a new board design soon :)