ATMega328 with bootloader

A reader, Jeff, made a good find that I didn't even think about; Mouser sells ATMega328's with the Arduino bootloader preinstalled! I'm not for sure which bootloader is installed, but it should work.

http://www.mouser.com/ProductDetail/Arduino/A000048/?qs=sGAEpiMZZMs0PWRNvpRp0N8bFGqoofv%2f

Sparkfun sells one with the Optiboot bootloader

https://www.sparkfun.com/products/10524

Thanks for the good find, man! :)

Bluetooth parts list

It's been requested I post the parts list for the bluetooth board, so here it is, minus the CD changer connector of course.

http://www.mouser.com/ProjectManager/ProjectDetail.aspx?AccessID=9cf0c26186

And the bluetooth module is still needed as well.

The code is still in work; I should have my bluetooth modules in a week or so; the first shipment I ordered (50 days ago!) got lost, so I had to ask for a replacement.

Prototype Bluetooth Module

Here's my prototype; still need to do some more testing, write some software, and I'm waiting on some parts to arrive from China but things are looking promising! :) 

This module is missing the Bluetooth chip

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).

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!

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

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;

http://www.ebay.com/sch/i.html?_trksid=p2050601.m570.l1313.TR0.TRC0.XBc05b&_nkw=Bc05b&_sacat=0&_from=R40

http://www.sureelectronics.net/goods.php?id=1747

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