paulmasoner

iTrader: (1)

if anyone here is handy with an iron and knows what they are doing these links may get you started or even finished

they do work, i built one a long time ago. dont know what DIY from the web i used though..

http://dorkbotpdx.org/blog/feurig/bu..._serial_device
http://www.youritronics.com/rs232-se...ble-schematic/

raphy3

Hmm, sounds like I'm the only one having issues using the RCA's then. That sucks. I get some feedback when the lights are on when I use my RCA outs. I don't know why this same noise isn't there when I use the line outs. Could my RCA wires just be crappy and picking up to much noise? Maybe if I got some beefier RCA cables it would work better. Only one pair is coax, the other ones are twisted.

RotaryResurrection

iTrader: (3)

I used a low grade thin shitty set of RCA's to hack...the kind that come with a dvd player or similar component, with about 2mm thick wires. I doubt that is it.

I would say you have a poorly grounded component...you may also check and clean your battery terminals.

raphy3

ok so you think the fact that one pair is twisted and not coax doesn't matter? probably doesn't, since the RCA wires go into the metra harness anyway, which is just straight wires, no coax there.

rollerbldes

Please view the following thread:
https://www.rx8club.com/showpost.php...&postcount=511

Also I actually do have the cable, I will be sending it around soon. Those who need it can pass it on to the next person.

bureau13

Is there a way to sign up to be in the queue?
jds

lopezian2004

yes i would love to be a part of that

RotaryResurrection

iTrader: (3)

put me down...

rollerbldes

Sure give me till next week. I'll put up a queue thread.

WVBoosted8

iTrader: (5)

What steering wheel interface did you kenwood guys use? The only one that I see that would work with a kenwood deck is the pac swi-jack universal steering wheel controller. Is that correct?

rollerbldes

I think metra makes one as well that works.

I use the SWI-JACK. It's kinda flaky at times though.

raphy3

SWI-JACK here as well. So far no flakiness to report. Everything works fine. You will have to get used to holding the button for just slightly longer than you're used to in the stock system. Where you can just press the stock system once and forget about it, you basically have to press the buttons about twice that time with the SWI-JACK. So press, hold for slightly less than a second, and it registers. Not really sure why the button needs to be held down, rather than there just being a delay between when you press it and when it registers the command. Normally this isn't a big deal with things like next, mute, and mode. Volume is ok; hold down longer to make a bigger change in volume. hold down for just under a second to make the smallest change.
Previous track will probably be completely incapable of going back to the next track, though going back to the start of the current track works fine.

Black1

Thanks for this thread, everyone! I got the Metra kit installed in my Wife's RX-8 this morning. I had it all in last night, and everything worked but the sound.... I started poking around the forum and found this thread. It took a while, but I found the answer I thought I needed.

.... Turns out, I didn't hook up the "Amp Power" wire to activate the Bose amp. That's why there was no sound. LOL! I'm glad I didn't tho.... because, when I tore everything apart again, I went ahead and used the RCA pre-outs on my aftermarket HU to run the speaker wires! Everything turned out GREAT and the system sounds better than ever! There is a "little" feedback noise, but it was so faint, I really had to listen for it with the stereo turned one-click from all the way down. .... Hell, Sarah never goes ANYWHERE without the stereo blazing anyway. Hheheh.

Oh.... BTW.... Radio Shack sells audio cables configured as RCA to Line Level. I didn't have any "crappy" RCA cables I could cut up (I don't buy crappy cables), so I decided to buy these from RS and couldn't be happier. They usually keep them on the shelf with the other audio stuff (guitar cables, parts, connectors, etc). They are 15' long and cost $5 each, but it was better (for me) than cutting up a $30 Monster cable.

..... Thanks again, everyone!

-Jake

TheBag

Probably gonna get flamed for this because it was probably already answered but will the liliput 7in monitor fit in this kit?

Black1

If it's classified as a "double-din", it will fit in the "99-XXXX" kit.

alz0rz

iTrader: (41)

a 7" lilliput will probably fit, however you'd probably have to remove the bezel.

RotaryResurrection

iTrader: (3)

You know monster cables and similar are not really any better than standard....right? Don't believe the nerd at Best Buy.

I had standard cables laying around because they usually accompany dvd players and stereo receivers and I have gone through 2 or 3 of each in the last 5-10 years. I've also garnered several "good" sets of audio RCA cables for amplifier runs, from cars I have bought/sold/traded and parted out over the last few years.

alz0rz

iTrader: (41)

http://www.monoprice.com

Don't buy none of the Monster BS.

Black1

Sorry, Fellas..... didn't mean to **** in anyone's Wheaties. The purpose of my post was in no-way to suggest anything about anyone that happened to have cheap cables laying around the house/shop. Nor was it implied that any of Noel's products (Monster Cable) are any better (or worse) than anyone else's....

TheBag

Thanks for the feed back guys

RotaryResurrection

iTrader: (3)

I use firefold for all my specialty cable needs

raphy3

Fixed; I don't think working at best buy can even qualify as nerdy, in fact - it would be insulting to nerds, lol.

Renwar1

Greetings to all
I'm in the research stage of upgrading my audio system for the 8 and I was hoping to partake the wisdom this forum has. I read up on the forum frequently but I play the quiet observer (like so many on this forum). However I would like to get the opinion of audio experts and experienced on my setup.

Info on my car:
2004 Silver GT with Nav System
Bose System (no upgrades as in speakers, amps, and obviously head unit: just stock Bose System)

My purchase plan:
METRA 95-7510 MAZDA RX-8 2004-2008 DOUBLE DIN KIT with high gloss (www.12vtoolbox.com)
$193.77 with TAX as Californian

Crutchfield (www.crutchfield.com)
Kenwood DDX512: $499.99
InstallCard: In-dash Video: $109.99 (the DIY section is my crack dealer but not this venture rather get an expert to install within my area)
Kenwood KCA-iP300V: $29.99 IPOD adaptor

Crutchfield says this part is not recommend with the RX-8 but would like to get a second opinion.

PAC SWI-JACK JVC/Alp/Clari/Ken: $74.99

Total (without PAC SWI-JACK): $833.74

So my question in this thread. Is there more essential items I need to purchase to make my set-up work properly? I apologize if my question seems rudimentary but this is a large purchase and I would like to make sure I getting my money worth. Of course I'll keep my speakers stock Bose for now. I believe in little steps. Thanks to all who partake to this question.

WVBoosted8

iTrader: (5)

Renwar1, That is about all you will need besides a spare set of RCA cables to splice into the harness from the head unit.

I just recieved my 95-7510HG and my Kenwood DDX512 Comes in tomorrow with my KCA-iP300V. I love what kenwood has done with its lineup. I will probably be swapping out the fronts for Boston sl60's and the rear with boston sl95's with a boston gt-42 amplifier. If I get it done this week, I will post pictures.

I've got $862.50 in the entire package. It saves to be an authorized dealer!

InfiniFC

iTrader: (8)

I don't usually post much, and usually just lurk reading all the great information posted by everyone. After following this thread since it's inception, I finally went out armed with knowledge and bought my goodies. I'm surprised I was able to fit everything inside being it's such a tight spot.

I also was planning on installing a set of gauges using the Racing Beat pod, so I did that along with the head unit swap.

Thanks to all who contributed to this thread. I'm extremely pleased with the end result. The stock speakers sound much better than before (though not exactly great). New speakers/amp would definitely bring out the audio from the Kenwood. But that will have to be on the next budget.

Here's the the final product.





Head Unit: Kenwood DDX-712 w/ KCA BT-200 & KCA iP-100
Amp/Speakers: Stock Bose Setup
Steering Controls: SWI-JACK
Dash Kit: Metra Double Din - Gloss Black (resprayed brilliant black)
Gauges: Prosport 52mm Performance Gauges (Oil Temp, Oil Pressure, Voltage & Water Temp)

Cheers!