So, if I understand this correctly

1) this is a simple connector that plugs into where the cassette or minidisc goes
2) you can plug anything with analouge into it (mp3)

A couple of questions:

1) Can you plug Sirius into this (sorry I'm not up on the SAT stuff yet)?
2) Do you have to tear the HU apart as though you are doing a soldering hack, or is this a PIE-style 'pull the HU out and plug in the 16 pin socket' style install?

 

Yes.

The latter.

 

OverLOAD:

Sign me up please.

 

please add me to the list, I have a 2004 MSM Miata
I was refered here from the Miata.net forum
http://forum.miata.net/ubb/ultimateb...;f=18;t=005906

 

so how do we know we are on the list?

is there an actual list for us to look at and see where we are at?? if not.. it is ok.. i just want to make sure i am on it..

 

Best bet is to send Overload a private message with your email. He'll private message you back to confirm that you're on the waiting list.

 

thx for the tip....

 

Check your PM's Overload. This is cool as shiite :D I want one as well. I just odered a new dash piece to fab out a place for my touchscreen and slimline DVD. My OS and Frodo app is installed on the PC side. So I want on the list for one of these too :D

 

Does anyone have a picture of the module plugged into the back of the unit? I'd just like to see the orientation of the actual aux in.

 

pics on page 62

 

I know OVERLOAD is modifying the install instructions, but I just want to STRESS to those who are fitting the aux-in module the importance of disconnecting power to the head unit when doing the install. This can be done by disconnecting the battery, but it is easier to remove the appropriate fuse in the interior fuse box (l/h side of pax footwell in RHD 8's) -- the handbook identifies which fuse to pull out. There is a fuse replacement tool in the lid of the engine bay fuse box.

 

:D lots easier to just disconnect the battery which is a good idea since you may be disconnecting heated seats switches, nav controller, and others before even getting to the head unit

 

Hi Again,

It seems like we have a quirk in the way the Tape module works in the 2003 Miata HU (and probably the 2002-2003 Protege too).

The bug is: When selecting another sound source (FM/CD/etc) and switching back to the tape Aux in device, the audio is muted until you adjust the volume control. It still works properly except for this. We don't know for sure about the 2004 Miata, but expect to have results in soon. It's just an unfortuante nuiscance.

Without any Miata or Protege HU's in the area that are available for testing, we probably won't be able to debug it very easily. If anyone in the area wants to have a debug module setup in their car, we could proably fix it and give them a free module if we could get some time in their car. PM me if you are interested. As always, check out our website for current info and details.

Regards,

OverLOAD

edit:
In response to the notes above.. The Mazda HU appears to be a pretty sensitive piece of equipment. when installing AuxMod, you should follow all guidelines as laid out by Mazda. Disconnect power from the Head unit prior to removal. Complely diconnect the radio from the cables & dash, and excersice considerable caution when inserting the module into the radio. Be careful to keep the module correctly aligned when inserting it, and do not insert it backwards, or at an angle.

We don't want anyone to have any problems with their Radio, and we think that if you pay close attention and do not rush, you should be able to complete the install trouble free. We have also added additional details to our install document, and hope that people read it carefully prior to any installation attempt.

 

Looks like they've added an installation guide for the AuxMod Basic on the Sylfex website. Check it out: http://www.sylfex.com/products/AuxMod/AuxModInstall.pdf

 

Do you think you could install it by taking the faceplate off below the head unit like in the thread here? Then you might be able to fish the wire over to the glovebox... I haven't opened my dash up yet, so don't know what it looks like inside.

 

Look what arrived in today's mail...

 

Heh... I got mine already last week but had no time to install it yet. Hopefully this weekend...

 

It's snowing now in Chicago... I'm just not willing to start ripping at my head unit until it gets a bit warmer in my garage and I can sit looking quietly and comfortably at any potential problems should there be any. Still, I'm itching to get at it.

If anyone has done the install and is keeping up with this thread, please be sure to post your experience, good or bad. Photos are particularly appreciated. I've got many questions which have not been answered by the head-unit-removal DIY threads I've seen, a few of which are:

1. Is the RX-8 NAV unit connected to the head unit? If so, are there any special precautions that should be taken, or is it just another connection harness?

2. Anything special about removing the head unit in an automatic transmission car? I assume the shifter removes the same way...

3. I've never disconnected a car battery before. Anything special I should know about how to do that correctly and safely (aside from not placing a screw driver across the posts)?

4. What does the ratchet extender needed to reach "the bolt" look like?

5. I've heard that there is a lot of "blue tape" binding the wires behind the head unit. Is this a problem people have been having and, if so, what is the best way to deal with it?

6. What is the "right length" of wire to reach from AUXMOD the center console, and is there a Radio Shack part number for the wire?

Thanks in advance...

 

Please follow the install guidelines. This would definitely be an accident waiting to happen. If you insert the module at the wrong angle, it could short your head unit. For the safety of your radio, it should be completely removed as per the DIY instructions that have been posted in numerous places (anyone care to post a link?), and you should wait at least a few minutes at least before inserting any modules into the slot. This will prevent shorting of any lines. The radio is a piece of sensitive electical equipment. If you're not careful, things could easily go wrong.

The install guide for AuxMod emphasises these points. While you may be able to physically install it that way, we stringly advise against it.


As for fishing the wire through the back, if you pull out the HU, it should be pretty easy to route the new wire back in.

Also, a standard extension wire from Radio shack will work. This one is 20 feet (part #42-2562), a little long (6 feet is mor than enough), but I've used the same one with no problems.

Regards,

OverLOAD

 

my answers in italics

1. Is the RX-8 NAV unit connected to the head unit? If so, are there any special precautions that should be taken, or is it just another connection harness?

No

2. Anything special about removing the head unit in an automatic transmission car? I assume the shifter removes the same way...

no

3. I've never disconnected a car battery before. Anything special I should know about how to do that correctly and safely (aside from not placing a screw driver across the posts)?

Remove the negative only...you can touch it...you will be fine use a 10mm wrench to loosen the small bolt on the side that keeps it tight with the contacts...personally I like to lift up the negative line and place it on top of the battery cover which I flipped upside down, this way it won't accidently touch anything

4. What does the ratchet extender needed to reach "the bolt" look like?

it looks like a simple extender you only need 2/3 inch extension

5. I've heard that there is a lot of "blue tape" binding the wires behind the head unit. Is this a problem people have been having and, if so, what is the best way to deal with it?

not true, it isn't problem whatsoever

6. What is the "right length" of wire to reach from AUXMOD the center console, and is there a Radio Shack part number for the wire?

part number for the wire?????? it is a headphone jack...get an extension or convert it at the source to RCA and run highend RCAs...also every cable you use should be high end shielded. you in a highly rfed environment so take measures to avoid it...btw why oh why does this unit use a mini plug??????????? if I had to get this unit I would de-solder the mini plug...then solder on two independent wires...lacquer...shield...and attach rca plugs

 

I stress again OVERLOAD's warning about disconnection.... Eric, you really need to put this in bold red text right at the beginning of the installation instructions.

No, you can't really install through the removed faceplate -- well, you probably can, if you have thin, 8" fingers with an additional joint in each....but then you'd be much better employed doing other stuff :D

 

I'll bite. I assume OverLOAD doesn't want to take any responsibility for making recommendations that turn out to be less than perfect -- probably a smart move given the inventive ways people can screw things up. I've got nothing to lose, so I'll volunteer one:

Mazda RX-8 Custom iPod Installation

This DIY site is beautifully laid out, and has great photos. It's by someone named John Masone. Of course, more than half of it is not relevant to installing the AUXMOD, since a central point of the AUXMOD is to avoid having to break apart the head unit and solder the inputs. I intend to follow John's instructions and photos as closely as possible (Nos. 1 - 6 to uninstall the head unit), and then skip to instructions/photos on reinstalling the unit (Nos. 17 - 20).

Again, I'm very interesting in hearing feedback/advice on the install. Please post any tidbits at all. BTW, thanks TrueMagellan for your advice.

EDIT: The Official Mazda way is described HERE.

 

Hey MEGAREDS...I loved that story...missed it the first time round. Reminds me of the time I was working in a very confined space.... and trod on my thumb! I hurt it quite badly, but when you try to explain to anyone how it happens...well....forget it... just told them I hit it with a hammer...people can cope with that...but treading on your own thumb...:p

 

I respectfully disagree... at least in my car, the harnesses were 'blue-taped' so tightly that first I couldn't pull out the head unit enough to be able to disconnect the plugs in the rear. After peeking in using a flashlight, I saw what the culprit was and I pulled a bit more + cut some of the blue tape with a long-bladed knife. Then I could pull out the radio without any problem.

It appears individual cars can be different in this matter.

 

Got mine installed today, works awesome. Install wasn't too bad, took about an hour. Thanks Overload for coming up with a great useful product. It took a while but was worth it.