I have a Phatbox in my Audi and it's great - so when Phatnoise announced a beta for the RX-8, I jumped on it. The Phatbox is a product similar to the Kenwood Music Keg MP3 player (made by the same guys), but it simulates a cd changer and is usually connected to the head unit through the factory cd changer cable (as is the case in my Audi). In the RX-8, they have made a cable that connects to the head unit directly (to the external connector on the back of the head unit).

Last week I removed the radio in order to connect the Phatbox cable, and then re-installed everything after verifying the Phatbox works. Currently, the Phatbox is sitting in my back seat, but I'm planning to mount it in the trunk this week.

I'm a total newbie when it comes to this stuff - how do I run the cable to the trunk? It's a data cable, about 15 feet long, and is slightly thicker than computer mouse cable. Is there a way to run it under the console all the way to the trunk? Or do I need to go under the door sills?

Any help (especially pictures, if anyone has done something similar) would be greatly appreciated. Thanks!

 

The cable should run fine under the center console- I recently ran a fairly thick wire (10ga I think) from the cig lighter accessory port in the middle of the center console to the trunk and it fit in there fine- I didn't even remove the console but just removed the bolts and lifted it just enough to get the wire inside there. It can then run cleanly and hidden all the way to the trunk under there.

BTW, how much storage does the Phatbox give you? Any cool data interfaces to get your music on to it like WiFi, Bluetooth, or just USB or ethernet? Also- how does it interface with the head-unit since it has no real aux-in... via the Tape button or something else?

Thanks...

-Sean

 

Thanks, I'll try that. I assume the console has an "outlet" to the trunk that I can easily pull the cable through? It's got a round DIN connector at the end.

The Phatbox has a removable cartridge and a USB cradle for loading songs. Cartridges sizes are 20G/40G/60G. I have a 20G in both cars.

The RX-8 head unit has an unused connector on the back that is used by the Phatbox. It's a 16 connector and I think was designed for external devices - when you use the phatbox, the display reads "EX" (I assume for external). Therefore, the guys at Phatnoise just had to fabricate a cable to connect there, and write the firmware to use that external bus.

Phatboxes are a great solution if you want to get MP3 capabilities without modifying anything (or dealing with MP3 cds).

 

I sent them an email a couple days after they made the announcement on their forum but still haven't heard anything from them. How quickly did they get back to you? I've got a PB in my BMW (now my wife's car) and would love to get one for my RX-8.

Also, how does track navigation work? Is it through the display or does it use SSA?

Thanks!

 

Here's my thread on installing my Neo Jukebox in the trunk. I ran the wires under the center consol trim and behind the rear seat without much issue.

But wait a minute. Are you saying these guys have an Aux-in unit for the RX-8 head unit???? Need more details please!!!!

 

Holy crap- so there's a true Aux-in for these head-units without sacrificing the CD or Tape deck? Interesting. Can you use your steering wheel up/down buttons to navigate through your MP3's? And is any of the MP3 data sent to the RX-8 screen?

About going from the console to the trunk, yes- you can push the cable through a small opening either from the trunk or from the back seat without removing any part of the back seat or rear pass-thru cover frame. Once you take the screws out of the center console starting in the rear (where the DVD Nav is if you have one as well as the two screws that attach the pass-thru cover frame, you can loosen those pieces enough to get your cable started.

 

Sorry guys, I'll have to wait until the beta program is over before I post any more. I spoke too soon

I will gladly give a detailed review when the product is available on the market.

 

I guess they won't be answering my email. I assume they got burried in emails today. hope we didn't help you get in too much trouble!

As for the wire run question, I ran the cable out the back side of the stereo. I pulled the carpet down all along the console. Then I just stuck the wire sets up under the metal trim. When I got to the back, I remove the seat (very easy to do) to run the wire behind it and to the outside portion of the trunk. There was a small pass trough to the trunk. Then I simply ran the wire under the trunk carpet. Completly out of site.

Hope that helps.

 

I was able to run the cable down the console after unscrewing and removing the cupholder/dvd nav/etc top piece. The cable then goes out to the trunk just behind the rear seat. It was easier than expected - the only trick is finding all the various little screws that hold the console in place.

Will post more info and pics later!

 

Mazda is now listing PhatNoise as an accessory, so can you spill the beans?

 

holy cow, you really opened an old post

I was wondering why there were guys with no aux in already

 

8 months?!? That's not an old post.

I'm trying to get info on PhatNoise and nash was running it in beta. So I figured I'd ask for an update.

 

I, too am interested in nash's (or any) reply about Phatbox. See also activity (no news, though) in this thread:

https://www.rx8club.com/showthread.p...hlight=phatbox

I PM'd nash but no reply from him yet...

 

I got an email from Phatbox today.
They wouldn't quote a release date, but said that the Phatbox Mazda Edition would be available as an aftermarket accessory at most Mazda dealerships later this year.

 

what? you can already buy the Phatbox Mazda Edition? since October

besides Phatbox is a total rip off

much better off getting an ipod with auxin controller or modded xbox music server (:D)

 

If you *can* buy the Phatbox, I'd like to know *where*. I have been pursuing it via Phatnoise and Mazda myself. Same replies as the others above.

TrueMagellan, please tell us where to send our money.

I have a Phatbox in another car (Kenwood head unit). It works GREAT. I look forward to the integrated approach to music selection.