DIY: Fitting a Connects2 USB interface to an RX8 stereo (no tools required)
 

With the problems created by removing the stereo to install an auxilary USB interface, I decided to do a quick guide showing how it can be done in 10 minutes without removing the stereo and without using any tools.
The simplist way is to remove the glove box.
Product description : Connects2 USB Interface (CTAMZUSB001) http://i41.tinypic.com/2ennjis.jpg
Special Requirements: Stereo Firmware between 9.55 & 9.99
Tools: None
Difficulty: Easy (with little hands)
First of all I made sure the box contents were complete. This comprised of the main interface, 1 x USB extension and an audio (jack) lead.
To remove the glove box first of all open it.
http://i42.tinypic.com/21edm3s.jpg
Place your hands on both sides of the box exterior and push inwards (both sides)
http://i42.tinypic.com/f380b6.jpg http://i44.tinypic.com/m9ohti.jpg
As you push the sides in pull the box forward and it will release leaving just the lower arm connected. Twist the box only slightly to release the arm
http://i43.tinypic.com/29essg2.jpg
The box is now out the way to help gain access to the 16pin port on the back of the stereo.
http://i41.tinypic.com/juettt.jpg
Now that the box is out the way you can get you hand in behind the stereo. The first thing felt will be a black aeriel cable. This needs to be pulled out the back of the stereo to ease access to the aux port. It's tight but it will come out.
Once the aerial cable is unplugged move your hand towards the center of the stereo and you will feel the aux port (directly next to the aerial port).
The clip on the USB interfaces 16pin connecter must be on the bottom when inserting the connector into the stereo. (Again, it's very tight but certainly achievable).
Then it's just a case of refitting the glove box (reversal of the above procedure).
I've selected to have the interface located within the glove for now keeping the cabin wire free and uncluttered.
http://i42.tinypic.com/jt2vzt.jpg
I'll be relocating the interface (possibly) in the near future to accomodate a tablet pc. The tablet will be used as my media hub and also to monitor car performance, temp etc via Torque for Android.
Special thanks goes to my wonderful missus for giving me such great gifts this Christmas (including this interface)

WOW,

Where the heck was this post 2 years ago. Did you at least scratch your hand, or maybe bump your elbow? No dealing with the hidden bolt, no dealing with hanging upside down, no dealing with the dash.

Good Job and thanks for sharing.

A little scratching to my wrist but nothing major. And honestly, it took like 10 minutes with no tools

I know I should do the research, but what models of RX-8 is this applicable for?
Nice Job either way! easiest way I have seen to add a AUX port to the OEM Stereo in the car without soldering anything.

thats awesome..i bought my 8 and i noticed that there was a audio jack that plugs into my ipod..it only works if i have a cd in and playing which causes static all the time in the background of the music..i think i look this product up and see how much it is..right now its at least going to cost me 200 just for the new dash kit in order to get a aftermarket radio in

Awesome so much easier than the other thread I read.

... but two quick questions. Can u get the kit in the US (will not be back in the UK for several months) and second, to be honest all I want is a simple mini jack socket so I can connect the earpiece out of my computer or stepdaughter's iPhone using a male/male cable.

So the real question is - is there an even simpler bit for kit that will connect into the aux socket for a simple in jack....????

TIA
Steve

It possibly works with a RHD RX8, but what's with LHD. I think there isn't enough space for.

nice!!

thanks a lot! dang they are expensive...

i was looking around for that connects2 device but it doesnt seem to be anywhere in the US, however i did find this which looks very similar, minus the USB connection: http://www.autosoundcentral.com/GROM...te_p/gamaz.htm

EDIT: after a little more research this one also has USB capabilities and you can still use the radio/steering wheel controls to navigate the music on a mass storage/external/flash drive http://www.autosoundcentral.com/GROM...er_p/gumaz.htm <----i think ill go with that one!

Is this for 1st and second gen?!

first gen but likely no reason why it would't work with an S2 if you matched up firmwares.

I have one of these I'll sell if anyone is interested. got it off ebay about 4 years ago... used it for a month until I did my carpc install.

does not have bluetooth... looks like they're currently going for about $100 new.

im more interested in your car pc install...

It's evolved quite a bit over the years.... here's my current setup:

https://www.rx8club.com/series-i-interior-audio-electronics-24/my-new-carpc-project-honeycomb-here-i-come-225539/

Thanks for posting. I've been wanting to have an AUX IN port for a while. I ordered the GROM unit and followed the tutorials.

Does this approach work with RX-8's that have the Bose package? I was reading about one of these devices (wasn't sure if it was this exact one) and they noted that it did not work correctly with the Bose HU. Can anyone confirm?

Also, how can you check the firmware anyways?

I have the Bose package, single CD, no changer and no navigation. Mine works fine. To check the firmware, I believe you push your Text knob on the lower right side of the radio and push your button on the left that is labled disc 1 and it should show your firmware version. It was really easy to remove the radio thanks to the tutorials.

Hmm, I believe mine has a 6 CD changer and was reading on that as well and it says it is not compatible with the 6 CD HU - just my luck, any other plug-n-play devices like this that follow this tutorial?

It should work with 6 CD changer or any HU as long as it is 9.55 firmware or above.

How do I find out what Firmware version I have?

Make sure your on an FM station. Then you push your Text knob on the lower right side of the radio and push your button on the left that is labeled disc 1 and it should show your firmware version.

Thanks!

Welcome

will it work on the Shinka Rx8, it has the Bose audio system in it ?