MP3 players for older RX-8 models
 

First off I did do a little searching and I know fragments of info are out there be it didn't really answer my question, and plus the info is outdated.

I have a 2005 model, and frustrated with the lack of mp3 compatibility. I've got a radio frequency adapter for the ipod but it sucks... signal is poor, always bleed other radio stations, goes in and out of stereo mode.

Anyway I've heard of adapters for the stereo that can accommodate an ipod WITH having steering wheel control, and dash info.

What experience do you have and can you recommend one?

Thanks in advance.

mazda sells one.

There are many others. Use google search (link in my sig) to better navigate the forums.

Or, click this

I've just been researching this very subject. There are LOTS of solutions. Most have no dash info (i.e. nothing other than the track number and play time on the LCD panel) the more expensive put the MP3 ID3 TAG onto the LCD display.

Depending on the year of your RX-8 you will need to disassemble the centre console, remove the radio unit to plug in the AUX cable to the rear of the unit and feed it either to the cup holder or the glove box.

First thing you need to do is work out the firmware version of your radio. You do this by pressing the display button and the 1 button simultaneously. The cheaper units only work with HU/radio's which have firmware between 9.55 and 9.99

This is the cheapest unit I was able to find.

This is the most compatible seems to be this one working with all HU/radio firmware versions

Others are :

Xcarlink (aka AudioLink) - Full Integration with steering wheel controls. Provides an option of an ipod dock connector* or a USB plug. Both options come with a 3.5mm line input for non-ipod devices. Connects through the sirius/CD changer jack on the back of the HU. Charges an ipod. Option of playlist mode (controlled by stereo), or direct control via the ipod

IceLink

AUXMod - Line in only. Provides 3.5mm input through the Tape/MD jack. '06+ models the MEDIA button will access it the same way as the TAPE/MD button does on previous y/m's. This module is incompatible with at least '08.5 models as they do not have the TAPE/MD connector on the HU. Unsure about '08 models.

AXXESS ipod interface - Full Integration with steering wheel controls, and displays ID3 tag info. on the HU's LCD. Comes in two styles: ipod/auxiliary input, and ipod/XM satellite radio. The ipod/auxiliary version provides a dock connector for the ipod as well as RCA cables for inputing audio from a non-ipod device. The ipod/XM version replaces the auxiliary RCA connector with a XM satellite receiver. The module connects to the stereo through the MD/TAPE slot on the bottom of the HU, charges the ipod, and provides a display of Track/Artist/Playlists on the HU's LCD. The ipod's controls are disabled while connected however the device supports up to 99 playlists on your ipod. Input selection is toggled by pushing the AM/FM button, and then the MD/TAPE (or MEDIA) button. Note: Previous problems with overheating - suggested that new firmware may help in future releases

DICE (Discontinued) w/ Text- Full integration with steering wheel controls, and displays ID3 tag info. on the HU's LCD. Connects to the HU using the sirius/CD changer port, and to the ipod via a dock connector. Charges the ipod while connected. Provides an auxiliary 3.5mm input for other devices.

Neo Prolink (Discontinued) w/ Text - Full integration with steering wheel controls, and displays ID3 tag info. on the HU's LCD. Ipod is never locked out. Connects to the HU using the sirius/CD changer port, and to the ipod via a dock connector. Charges the ipod while connected. Provides an auxiliary 3.5mm input for other devices. Currently does not work with '08.5 model stereos.

There is also the Mazda official iPod adapter.

Few month ago I installed AudioLink adapter. Works perfectly. The only one bad thing is that it sometimes take few seconds to jump to the next track. IMHO it's the best solution because it connects to the CD changer jack which i don't use at all.

Which interface are you using? USB?

It is reported that only the USB interface is slow changing tracks but supposedly if you use a quality SD card instead there is little delay.

Interesting, I have not seen this option before. Got anymore info on this one?

The developer is an electronics / software engineer who had an RX8 with a 10.1 dash and so couldn't use existing solutions so developed it himself :)

The product has two firmware versions. One supports CD+TXT emulation (Puts the MP3 ID tag on the LCD) but that has a limit bound to the redbook specification for CD's of 99 tracks. Which isn't great. But certainly better than a CD changer.

The other firmware version has no LCD input, not even track number or play time. But it allows for many more tracks (940).

Both versions have full steering wheel controls support repeat, shuffle etc.

In theory the product can be expanded to add CD changer emulation to the firmware which would allow for CD+TXT and 6*99 tracks but I wouldn't hold your breath.

^ don't see any price there.. anyway, good post and info :)

https://www.ssl-id.de/4n-galaxy.de/c...pus.cgi?G10-EN

At the bottom. Please note that it's in pounds.

thanks, never realize those link.. probably more cost with that price..

I did the GROM unit. I do not use the AUX, but it has one. I just dumped the files to a USB stick and you install it. Then you get the equ of 6 CD's, each with 99 songs. You still use the steering wheel controls. It plugs in where the SAT plugs in. There is a chance you can get to the plug through the little half circle below the radio if you have small hands. That is just a cover and pops off. I did not discover that opportunity until I had the radio out.

Hadn't come across the GROM unit before. Is it quick to change tracks? Seamless for MP3s which blend into one another?

At $130 without bluetooth GROM is one of the most expensive. Requires radio firmware v9.55 or later and v10.1 + v9.81 are not supported. No track/disc information displayed on LCD.

I used the Xcarlink a few years ago, but when it was Audiolink. Before anybody had bluetooth or text display. It worked well. Once in awhile it wouldn't unpause when I started the car. And it had to be unplugged and reconnected a couple of times through my ownership. But all in all, it worked very well.

Then I went with an aftermarket headunit for a few years.

Now I'm back to stock and currently use the GROM. Bought it used and must be an older version. No text display and no bluetooth. (Neither of which I really care about) It worked well for the first couple days, now it's giving me serious issues with pausing/turning off the iPod when I turn off the car, unpausing when I start the car, needing to be unplugged and reconnected to unfreeze it, and not allowing the headunit to control it sometimes. It's still a serious upgrade from the FM transmitter I was using before this, so I'm just dealing with it for now. Until the car sells.

My firmware version is 9.50 and I can not find anything compatible for ipod connectivity! Can anyone help me out here?

Maybe try reading the thread before posting in it...

I have a September 2003 build 04 and the GROM worked. It looks like 6 CDs with 99 tracks each. sorry about the late response, I missed the question.

"Whilst the homepage of the fully compatible version has gone. The shop which sells it is still alive.

https://www.ssl-id.de/4n-galaxy.de/c...pus.cgi?G10-EN

You could possibly get him directly through his youtube"

I have just checked my firmware and disappointingly I have version 10.1. I saw this post regarding an alternative but theres little information available about this option. Has anyone else with firmware 10.1 found ipod/aux/bluetooth integration alternatives?

Any help greatly appreciated!

i had the car link and it worked perfectly until the one day i plugged in my phone about 2 hours after using it and it just stopped working. they never got back to me when i asked them about returning it. not sure but could lint being in the bottom of my phone cause it not to work? with it plugged into the HU it wouldn't let the cd function work at all. Any ideas on a replacement for the same price?

I got the XcarLink and it works perfectly, I just have it kept in the Glove Compartment. It doesnt move around in there,

I did take out radio, I followed a youtube video someone linked me on here, worked perfectly. No Issues so far, BlueTooth and calls work perfect.

When I press the disp and 1 button at the same time mine doesn't tell me my firmware version. Do you have to hold it?

help
 

i installed the (Mazda 3.5mm Earphone Mini Jack AUX IN Audio Input Adapter for MP3 Player Phone) from ebay. my stereo is version 9.82. i have tried to push the cd button twice and i have also tried the mode button on the steering wheel. i am getting absolutely no reaction or acknowledgement from my stereo for this adapter. what am i doing wrong?

Anyone got updated links for the mp3 integration devices.

I got a Wikitech adapter off Ebay. Took me about 10 minutes to install since the hidden bolt on my car was already removed. Popped the radio out, plugged it in, popped the radio back in and went to work.

Thing is that you have follow the format for the flash drive. But it has steering wheel control fuctionality and works great.

GROM is still around. I got my daughter one for the 04 Mazda 6. I also have one in my 8 (it is much older). They have several levels up to full blue tooth, android, I-phone integration.

I fixed a few URLs above.

The 4N Galaxy G10 is the most compatible working with all HU/radio firmware versions (V9.21 .. V 10.01)

I don't know if he still sells them and at €142 plus postage they are quite pricey but they are the only option for later model radios.

A few things which may put you off are

1) With firmware 2.12 (latest) you are limited to 250 tracks without ID3 and 99 tracks with ID3. (The 940 tracks seems to have gone)
2) They cannot be in folders. They must be in the root of the drive.
2) DRM free MP3 format only (doesn't support AAC)