That might be a problem for me. Mounting the MP3 device, that is. I'll be using a Nomad Jukebox. It's a lot bigger than the Ipod. I need a place to mount it so I can either use the IR remote or be able to see the LCD screen. I could use the wired remote, but I don't like that one too much. I wish Mazda would have put a cubby in place of the missing DVD player. It would fit perfectly right in that spot.

 

It would be cool if they made a little docking station on the back of it for different players so you can slide it in there and it just plugs into it. Cause I don't wan't to leave my iPod in my car that is for sure. sorta defets the purpose of a portable mp3 player... But just sliding it into the tape/minidisk slot and it just plugs itself in would be really slick. But I don't think you guys are going that way are you OverLOAD? You are just going to have exposed RCA ports for the first go around right?

 

Well, the Nomad has a docking station for home use. Don't see why I couldn't get another for the car...but it just makes it even bigger. There's not really an easy place to mount a Nomad out of sight.

 

The plan is not really to have exposed RCA connectors, but someone who was motivated to have them, could very easily route them wherever they happened to want them, but I don't think they'd look very clean in the front plate of the lower module cover.

I'm planning on routing my cables to my glove box, and to the center console (next to cup holders). If you have a docking station, I can't see why you couldn't modify it to connect to power, and the RCA connectors.

Regards,

OverLOAD

 

Just go to the bottom of 17 pages of discussion...bet you're a little overwhelmed, eh, Overload? Needless to say, being fed up with constantly having to retune the iPod/iTrip to new FM channels to avoid interference during my 90 minute commute, I am firmly in. Any update on how you intend to take orders?

Edit...in my enthusiasm, I forgot my manners - thanks for the huge effort you've put in, Overload.

 

It just goes to show how badly something like this module is needed.

We're working on getting a deal figured out so that we can get these connectors in. On the down side work at the day job has been consuming a lot of our time lately (well beyond normal hours). We're still hoping that we're going to be ready soon, as much might want to work on the module there just aren't enough hours in the day to get what we need done. We are slipping on our schedule, but it'll be worth the wait.

Reagrds,
OverLOAD

 

Add me too... I think that if you do a good job you may have a winner... and there are some other sites with the IPOD control thru the steering whell (although not yet for Mazda) charging 199.00... so, what are you waiting???? We need it badly.

Tks

 

forgot to say I have a 3, not a RX8... hope I will not be thrown out by you guys....hehehe... one day I will grow up and buy an RX.. Tks

 

OverLORD:

Please be sure to have new thread when a plug and play solution is available for us common people.

John

 

I would like 2 of them when they are available, one for my 8 and one for my wife's 3. Thanks, you da man! jims@randoco.com

 

2 questions

1.) Would an aftermarket head unit solve the aux problem? Ive got an Ipod and I dont love the FM solution either.

2.) are aftermarket headunits even possible with the way the stock unit is designed?

 

No. Such a unit would have to be tailored specifically to the RX-8 (and Mazda 3) since the DSC, ABS, and climate controls all pass through the audio head unit.

You can modify the head unit to support an iPod (as I have) or wait for OverLOAD's module.

 

To elaborate on Ectomort's answer,

1. Yes, but you'd almost certainly loose your steering wheel controls, and the LCD display. however, with some creative re-wiring you might be able to keep the LCD display, but you'd still loose the steering wheel controls, no aftermaket HU is going to be able to use the steering wheel buttons.

2. Yes, they will require a conversion kit and it wouldn't be cheap, To cover the costs of relocating and trunking harnesses to keep things working. Not very likely that someone will come up with a complete solution, but conversion kits that bypass the LCD and re-route the hvac controls might be possible.

Regards,

OverLOAD

 

I've heard of some plans for other cars to adapt steering wheel controls to fire the aftermarket HU's IR remote. I don't have details, but it might be a feasible project, depending on the HU of course...

jds

 

As long as the aftermarket head unit has either a wired input (like Sony's joystick remote thing) or an IR remote, the steering wheel controls can be interfaced to control them. For some cars, there are interfaces already commercially available for some head units (like for the Grand Prix and some Sony units). The fact that an aftermarket head unit already has input capability either via IR remote or wired input makes it possible.

It's the external LCD/LED displays and Heads-Up Displays on cars that is so difficult to tie into, and that's because each display is proprietary (meaning, it ain't standard) and more complex than a few buttons, and aftermarket head units don't have display outputs even if you did develop an interface.

---jps

 

For what it's worth, the steering wheel controls are all wired in parallel with different levels of resistance. When you press a button, it shorts pins N and P in the big connector with a resistor. The head unit "Decodes" this into the function desired. None of the schematics I have show the exact resistances, but it would be pretty easy to figure out with an ohmmeter.

I don't have an RX-8, but I'm tuning in because I have both a Miata and an MPV with similar head units. The MPV has the wheel remote, so maybe I'll measure the resistance of the various controls. Anyone with an RX-8 want to do the same so we can compare notes? I assume they all use the same resistances, since they use the same pins and the rest of the pinout is the same...

I put together a "master" pinout for that big connector in my Miata audio FAQ at http://www.fosketts.net/miata/nbaudio if you want to check it out.

Stephen

 

this is probably a stupid question but since I saw it up on www.ihavetohave.it is it possible to use the stock cd player and merely connect an iPod or other MP3 player to it and that way have the button configurations already setup in the firmware of the stock unit?

 

I pulled the 1168 head unit out of our '02 MPV (don't tell my wife!) and the 4H60 out of my '03 Miata and swapped 'em around. They're completely compatible. The wheel controls were able to control the Miata head unit. And the CD and tape units all worked with each other. So IF OverLOAD's tape aux-in works with the Miata, it'll also work with the MPV and vice-versa. And I think the Protege uses the same unit, too.

I also read the resistance off the wheel controls and put it at the end of the FAQ if anyone wants to add this function to their head unit.

Stephen

 

add me to the list, at next weeck i go to retire my nex rx-8.... I want installl a carpc. I need the audio and video input..!

Bye....

deejay_pico@hotmail.com

 

Add me as someone patiently waiting for this too... I can't wait! :D

 

count me in when they're ready

 

Please add me to the growing list!

this is a perfect addition to my carputer project!

 

Hi OverLOAD,

please add me to the list. I need the audio and video input for my carpc project.

I hope you can also deliver to Germany.

with regards,

Leonardo

 

Overload -

Pleeease add me to the list!! I am anxiously waiting. Great work on the module. I know I speak for all when I say that you are a lifesaver!!!!

email address: aschick@cinci.rr.com
Thanks!