Good question.

Unfortunately, the design of the RX-8 audio unit modules doesn't allow for more than stereo output.

The SPDIF input would be setup to accept standard stereo channel inputs. It would really be an entire system overhaul to manage something like Logic7 or DTS decoding into a spacially correct output. Even the RX-8 head unit only outputs 4 channels (FR FL RR RL) and the bose amp does the output for the center speaker, and the subwoofers/tweeters are all setup with passive crossovers. The idea behind using the SPDIF is to get rid of any potential noise that may persist in the system, by using a digital format only. Many PC's and some mp3 players are capabe of spdif stereo output.

Regards,

OverLOAD

 

Well, I got some bad news today. The connector manufacturer said that they won't be able to provide us with the connectors.

That opens up the ballgame here. I know that the connector that I had found (a Mitsumi D37-015-BNBMG ) would have worked just fine, It will be incredibly difficult to source. Mitsumi wants a big commitment of parts and won't deal with anything less than an annual commitment of 100,000 pieces.

The connectors are slightly different still, and if anyone knows more about the actual connector, we may still be able to find it and make this work.

Without the connector, this project is back in limp mode, as we can't easily offer this unit in a way that makes user friendly to install. To the few enthusiats who are still happy with the soldering iron method, there is a way.

So, the hunt for the connector resumes. Just to get some eyes looking around again, here's a picture comparing the actual connector used by Mazda and the very similar Mitsumi one.

 

Mitsumi, huh? Got any info on the company and its parent company? Any idea who makes the actual connector that FMS uses? What kind of a number are you willing to initially commit to? I ask these questions because you guys have tried to source it from your end (the US)... I just thought that I might try from this end.

 

Japan8,

That would be much appreciated. We really don't know who makes the OEM connector, but it would be a step in the right direction. We could try to find it out from an insider at FMS or Mazda.

We want to get 1000 connectors to start with. That's a good number for what we've got at this point, to hopefully get a decent deal and have enough to not need to re-order for a few weeks at least, once we get rolling.

Thanks for your interest.

Regards,

OverLOAD

 

All I can say is: damn.

 

Everything will work out the easy part is done man. You got the module built it works your done, just got to find a connector and I am sure some of us here are all for a solder solution. Another thought I had how hard would it be to desolder that old connector off and solder a new one on?

(still waiting for parts for my video mod)

 

OverLOAD,

Did you ever look further into that digicam connector for the dock, posted a few pages back? You said at the time it looked a bit different, but I wonder if its close enough? I also keep finding references to "staggered edge press-fit connectors" from Tyco, but I'm having a hard time finding actual drawings of the thing to see if they're really the same.

jds

 

What are the specs/sizes of the connector. Any specifics would help us search for you.

 

I don't know a whole lot about electronics, so pardon if this is dumb...

Would it be possible to create a small printed-circuit board that's just wide enough to slip into the connector, and lay down traces which are bare at the edge, and solder points on the other "end" to attach your cable? From what little I know I thought that rolling your own pcb is a fairly straightforward task. Of course I've never done it so I could be wrong!!

When all else fails, try wild speculation

 

I like that idea also but i think it might get loose only way to secure it would be by having some sort of bracket. Good call on that Idea though ....

 

I guess I was imagining we could get lucky and some standard thickness board would be just the right size that it would [i]just[/u] fit into the connector with enough effort that it would be secure.


-kaptain kludge

 

Hi, I'm very interested in this, can I please be added to the list for information? sphinxatl@aol.com. Had my RX-8 6MT for a week and this is just what I'm looking for!

Thanks!

 

Yes, this would work except for one little detail. What we need is the female connector, not the male one.

 

Here's some other ballpark ideas. Is the tape module the cheapest module that plugs in down there? How much is the Mp3? MD? Anyone know what company/maker is doing to do the satellite radio module?

 

I believe that the tape module is the least expensive option that connects there. The mp3 module connects to the same place as the other CD options and the connector on that side (top) of the HU is opposite of the one on the bottom, which is where we need to connect. MD would be the same as the tape, but I think it is more expensive.
No idea on the satellite radio thing. Anyone else have any info?

 

Well... as next week is almost entirely holidays, I doubt I'll be able to make much progress until the week after...

This will probably be a dead-end, but I'm going to try to check with the Mazda dealer where I got my car. Mazda also offers aftermarket nav systems as a dealer installed option (thus CZ's nav tray for sale). I'm almost sure that the sound is produced through an internal speaker in the screen, rather than through the stereo, but it never hurts to ask and be sure. Maybe there's other info or contacts I can get while I'm there chatting...

I also have a friend with a couple industry connections. I've dropped him a line and will be doing dinner with him tonight (unrelated reason), so hopefully I can at least get a good lead from there.

I've got a couple more ideas to get started... hopefully one pans out.

If anyone has any ideas of info, I'm all ears....

 

I'm not sure, but I think the head unit is made by Matsushita (or one of their subsidiaries). I couldn't get them to provide me with a source for the connector, and they wouldn't supply it directly to me. The CD changer is a Matsushita model #GJ6D 79 EGX, and it of course has a connector of the same type on it (but a male rather than a female).

 

OverLOAD named FMS, as well as a source on Miata stereos. I assume that is the same stereo iin Protege5 and MPV... so FMS is looking like the likely candidate as stereo maker.

 

Desoldering the connector from the tape module? That would be very easy, with the right tools, like a chip-solder blower.. but without one, it's pretty difficult, unless you at least have solder wick to remove the solder from the contacts.

The male connector on the head unit is actually pretty easy to do that to. It's a surface mount connector and you can lift off a couple legs at a time. Unfortunately, that doesn't make it any easier to find a connector that will fit on the pad, and makes it a lot more work. If you want to do that, you're better off just soldering leads onto the pads from the HU.

Regards,

OverLOAD

 

OVerload,

For those of us who can solder and are willing to do some extra work...could you make the modules with wire leads and a wiring diagram for us to install? I know I for one would buy one right away and install it.

BTW, This thread is great. There are A LOT of smart people on this board, and you are as they said in Men in Black...

The best of the best of the best

 

I've got FMS stickers all over my RX-8 HU, but the M6 HU has Matsushita stickers on it. I've also heard the about Clarion components, and the MP3 player is made by Pioneer.

Looks to me like it's made by serveral different suppliers. You'd think it would be very easy to dig up that connector, since it looks like half of Japan (just kidding) is using them on parts, as well as some US companies..

Here is a link to the datasheet for the Mitsumi connector from my site. it'll be up for at least a little while.

http://www.sylfex.com/OverLOAD/Mitsumi-D37.pdf

The Mitsumi connector has the right pin pitch, offset, etc. But the body of the connector is a little bit short, but works..

Regards,

OverLOAD

 

Matsushita and Pioneer are related somehow. When you try to find info on Matsushita you are directed to a Pioneer address. The CD changer is made by Matsushita and has the part # GJ6D 79 EGX on it.

I don't think FMS actually makes anything. It seems that they just assemble parts into modules. I have seen references that FMS is a joint venture between Ford, Mazda, and Sanyo. Hmmm, have to try Sanyo.

Quote:

Looks to me like it's made by serveral different suppliers.

Yes, I agree. The fly in the ointment is that everyone uses a connector that is made by [unknown] and [unknown] doesn't even put their name on it. And [unknown] more than likely only sells to other manufacturers.

Still trying to find info.

 

Maybe so... but my audio industry connections are to Pioneer... one of them is high up in a Pioneer-related company. So I just might get lucky on that front (everyone cross your fingers and say a prayer) and be able to pull something off.

Here's a question for you OverLOAD. If they don't want to sell in lots of 1,000 or 500, but instead would be willing to sell you how many you want in a one shot deal... one time sale of 1,000, 3,000 or whatever you want. HOw would that work and how many would you want?

Another idea is to make this into a larger business. Get regional Mazda dealerships onboard and signed up for x number of modules. This plus a list of definite buys on your part, should boost up your number you'll initially need...

Just some thoughts.

 

Aw shucks, if he does that, then we won't have any AUX-IN module for several months at least.
I say, screw it. OverLOAD, please sell the units to the willing people with the soldering solution. All we need is a detailed instruction sheet and we're ready to melt some metal

 

I agree with Tamas

at least to the trusted few here that would be willing to do this...