18 replies to this topic

[riczito]

Hi all,

 

I have a oldish JVC audio unit in the Mini. It has two AUX minijack inputs, one in the back and one on the façade, on the right. It also has a USB input on the façade, just above the AUX socket.

This is the unit :

I've been looking at ways to get Bluetooth audio and hands-free phone calling into the car - there are loads of devices, more or less complicated to install. But then I came across this device on Amazon.

 

https://www.amazon.c...k/dp/B07FPGFQPB

 

It looks too good to be true! If I understand it correctly, there'll be zero installation?? Just plug in, pair up, and go? Supposedly it'll take power from the USB socket and stream audio into the AUX socket. Plus, it has a built in microphone and can thus handle hands-free calls. My question is : does any USB old socket (like mine) work to power it up? I don't need a separate power source? Has anyone installed anything similar?

 

Thanks,

Ric

[rich_959]

I had one of these a while back when using the Mrs old car which only had an Aux input. Does what it says on the tin! Reasonable quality (as with anything going into the head unit via an Aux cable). 

[jamesquintin]

Why not just swap the head unit for one that has bluetooth buit in? You'll then get the microphone to put into the car for hands free

 

https://www.kenwood-...h/KDC-X7200DAB/

 

Q
 

[riczito]

Why not just swap the head unit for one that has bluetooth buit in? You'll then get the microphone to put into the car for hands free

 

https://www.kenwood-...h/KDC-X7200DAB/

 

Q
 

 

Bit of a difference in price... Twelve quid as opposed to a couple of hundred :)

[Ethel]

Pretty happy with this. Sound quality is great and it appears to work well through standard Android, music and phone, bluetooth features - the app is great, but can be a bit buggy to get connected - irritating safety disclaimer you have to click through every time

 

How does your stereo switch to aux in, what powers the Amazon gizmo?

[pete l]

If you are listening to the radio or a CD then it won't work,

 

It only works when you are streaming from the phone to the bluetooth receiver using the aux input.

[riczito]

Pretty happy with this. Sound quality is great and it appears to work well through standard Android, music and phone, bluetooth features - the app is great, but can be a bit buggy to get connected - irritating safety disclaimer you have to click through every time

 

How does your stereo switch to aux in, what powers the Amazon gizmo?

 

I can switch to Aux in using the Source button, by repeated presses to flip through the sources. The Amazon gizmo says it's powered by USB, so in theory the USB input is enough. It's only powering a miniscule BT circuit, I suppose. If it doesn't work, I'll just send it back :)

[riczito]

If you are listening to the radio or a CD then it won't work,

 

It only works when you are streaming from the phone to the bluetooth receiver using the aux input.

 

That should be fine. It's either/or for me - radio or BT/telephone. I never use CD any more.

[Ethel]

Does the radio have a wired remote interface? Some of them can be easily hacked as they just switch a resistance across the control wire terminals - worth a Google of the make and model.

[Its a min]

I've got one of these which works well with the added bonus of DAB+ radio which worked well when I drove through France, Belgium, Switzerland & Italy last summer. It's powered through a 12v power socket but, if you've not got one fitted, can be hard wired to the fuse box (powered by ignition or you'll have to turn it off each time to avoid battery drain).  I've had it approx 9 months and no problems with it. Register it with them and (in the UK at least) you get an extended 3 year warranty. You also get lifetime support once you've registered it within 30 days.

 

https://majorityonli...ts/journey-a10/

 

but can be bought a lot cheaper...quite a lot cheaper!

 

https://www.amazon.c...=majority audio

 

You can either connect it through the aux in or pair it to an unused FM frequency although it works better via cable. All you do is bluetooth the phone to the unit and off you go. Only fiddly bit is where to hide all the excess aerial cable.

Edited by Its a min, 24 January 2019 - 12:08 AM.

[pete l]

DAB in France ???  since when ?

[postma]

Yes since 2014

[pete l]

Hmmm, I didn't know that, they don't advertise it here. 

[Its a min]

Yes since 2014

 

 

Hmmm, I didn't know that, they don't advertise it here. 

Hi pete I,

 

As postma says, France started using DAB in June 2014, centered on Paris, Nice and Marseille.  This seems to have since expanded as I did pick up some DAB radio stations whilst travelling through northern France. Maybe not all areas are covered but it looks like this is set to change:

 

https://www.worlddab...ormation/france

 

However, (I should have worded it better) my 'worked well' comment was more regarding the hands free aspect. The DAB when available was an added bonus.

Edited by Its a min, 24 January 2019 - 01:38 PM.

[pete l]

Thanks for that, nothing here for the moment, it says planned for 2019