Just got a chance to stop in here. I just wanted to note that we will take care of any issues that you may be having. If you have a bad cable, we will send you a new one. If you're having problems with your unit, shoot me a PM. I'll help you troubleshoot and even send a replacement if necessary. Most problems can be solved with a quick PM!

Also, the unit should get warm/hot. However, if it ever gets too hot to touch or hold onto, there's a problem and you should let me know. We've only had that happen once, and we simply replaced the unit.

 

Cool This thing is tickling me! I want one too. I'm over Seas but I have an APO AE address (Armedforces Europe) which isn't a problem when Shipping. How Can I get ahold of one of these cool contraptions? How do I open my stereo?

 

Hi all,

I read this thread and I still had a doubts in my mind on which one would be the best choice for me:

Here's what I have:
* 05 RX8 GT (with Bose system) with the version 9.9 something (it is above 9.55)
* A 5GB Rio Carbon Mp3 player
* Stock 6CD changer with none of satellite/navigation/cassette

I want to integrate my Rio player/USB stick/ future iPod to my RX8. So, I was looking at an adapter or something that has:
* Audio input jack (for any kind of player)
* USB input (for USB sticks/ charging my Rio player)
* May be an iPod jack if I decide to buy it in future.
* Ability to control them from system/sterring wheel/player would be good too.

Of course I am looking at something that has no compromises in terms of sound quality (like FM transmitters are simply not my option).

Can anyone summarize the adapters which has these capabilities and any reviews about them if you have. I am a little confused on what might be the differences in the different approaches mentioned in this thread.

Thanks a lot in advance...

 

Hi there, firstly can I apologise for dropping in here. I actually have a new mk3 Mazda MX-5. But the stereo setup is virtually identical to the RX-8 one in terms of functionality/connections etc.

I have an audiolink kit but can't seem to get it to work properly and as there seems to be a wealth of knowledge here I thought I'd ask for advice. Hope this is ok. (The Audiolink is sold via mx5parts.co.uk as being ok for the mk3).

I have installed the audiolink and it plays fine as long as I don't use the stereo itself - the screen reads EX1:66 - or something to that affect. While in this mode I can easily control the tracks on the ipod itself.

My problem is as soon as I hit track up or down on the head unit or steerng wheel the ipod jumps one track forward, plays for a second, then starts skipping backwards through the tracks, during this it goes onto repeat and then the head unit turns itself off!

I can't access any of the playlists either, if I try go to one of the playlists, number EX2 say, 2 just flashes on the screen and nothing happens. The ipods says OK to Disconnect but eventually the head unit goes off again?

Anyone else experienced anything like this on their RX-8 stereo.

Mine is NOT Bose.

I've checked the wires and they all seem to be seated properly.

This is my seconds Audiolink as the first one was replaced due to this issue. Just trying to eliminate any possibilities before I send this one back.

Any advice much appreciated.

Thanks

David

 

Ive since done some testing this lunch time and have found that the fast forward and rewind (seek) buttons on the head unit will do BOTH seek and track change functions!

If I press and hold seek it seeks through the song, if I press and hold for about 1/3 of a second it changes tracks!!!

How odd.

Still doesn't work as it should with the normal buttons

David

 

This problem is unique to the 2006 Mazda 3 and 2006 Mazda MX-5. It was resolved and fixed earlier this year, so it seems the vendor you are dealing with is sending outdated units. We actually have an updated microchip that we could sell you if you continue to have difficulties with your current vendor. All current, functional AudioLinks should have a serial number on the back that is greater than 700.

 

i cant seem to unhook the connector harness that connects to the AC control behind the head unit. any tips? i literally tried for 2 hours, i cant seem to find the clip to squeeeeeze.

 

Why bother? I was able to hook the iPod unit up by just pulling the HU out enough to get my hand behind it. Just feed the cable up from behind the ash tray, reach back there and feel for the outlet. If it won't go in, turn the plug over. It only fits in one way.

 

Got my replacement from Falcontx today. Popped it in and I'm back in business! I have no idea what could have zapped the original unit?? I pull the iPod a time or two each week as I move it from the RX8 to my motorcycle and then back again. Maybe it didn't like being removed that much??

One causality of all this is one of the clips in my console. You know, the one in the back right you have to flex to remove it. I guess after being flexed about 10 times for removal it finally snapped. Called my local 'stealer' and he informed me it's a $200 part!! Ouch!! There are enough other clips on the part that the only thing that <may> happen is a little rattling. I'll try some foam or <something> if I hear anything.

 

Well folks;
You know the story about a dissatisfied customer telling 100s of people about their bad experience with a vendor, while a happy customer may only tell a few.

Let me (as a happy customer) just publicly offer a huge thank you to falcontx for the outstanding way in which he managed my issue with the Audiolink.

He responded promptly to my queries and to make a long story short, met my expectations without a hitch. I can safely say that is 100% customer satisfaction. If you have been following this thread and are still hesitant about getting one of these units - give it a try; falcontx offers outstanding support for the product.

Many thanks again falcontx!

 

I had the same problem, after spending about an hour getting the hu out I couldn't work out how to disconnect that lead. It's pretty hard the a hand around there are couldn't find any tabs. Can anyone help, what's the secret?

 

My supplier has been in touch with manufacturer and said that they said

"there is no change between serial no 400 and 700. They all support the same!"

Yet you claim there are differences? How odd.

Not sure what to do now. Feel stuck between a rock and a hard place.

Don't want to buy from you falcontx in case the same thing happens and I'm lumbered with huge bills for returning it to you. How do I elimanate my actual stereo from being at fault?

David

 

They are supposed to operate the same, but there was a bad batch in the middle (4-500's I think) that had a chip problem. Mine was bad. Still haven't had a chance to re-do the whole install. Basically, the chip doesn't reset and the I-Pod and CD player are not recognized. Disconnecting the battery sometimes resets it, but not always. Seems kind of random. New unit was sent, but need time to tear the car apart again.

 

No offense, but your supplier isn't very bright. We have been working with the manufacturer to add support for new cars and have sold several hundred of these units in the US and abroad. I am very familiar with the functionality and support of each batch.

Units prior to 500 did not support the 2006 Mazda 3, 2006 Mazda MX-5, or 2006 Mazda 5. Units 500-700 did support those vehicles, but there was a problem with the reset circuit.

The most recent units we have (numbered 1000+) have no issues and will work fine with the above vehicles unless the headunit has a firmware version of 10.01 (found on RX-8 headunits in Europe) or is made by Clarion (found in Mazda 3's with late production dates). We are in the process of resolving those issues as we speak.

As I mentioned before, I can sell you a microchip that will allow your current AudioLink unit to function properly in your vehicle. If you are interested in purchasing it, please send me a PM.

Thanks!

 

Hey Falcontx,
I have been having a problem lately with my Ipod Intergration kit. It seems as though, if I don't use the Ipod for a few days my radio will not recognize the hook-up. (I do have the chip upgrade and have only experienced this problem with the new chip.) When this happens I have to pull the negative side cable off of the battery to reset it. Why is this? Is there a solution?

PLease help

Thanx,
Rich

PS-Other then this, I freaking Love this product!!!

 

Please send me a PM with your order number or full name and the serial number off of the back of the unit (if possible). Thanks!

 

How does this compare to Ice Link? And it seems both are pre-order only currently so how do people have Ice Link and this already for their RX-8?

 

It's similar in terms of features, though I have been told the AudioLink is easier to use. Lots of them have shipped out. I'm simply waiting for my next shipment. We're expecting to ship them out next week.

 

It is impossible to remember the actually playment of Playlist and Song position after Audiolink is power off.

 

It is do what you say for the iPod control, bucause this is not in Playlist mode. This functionally is most same as the Next/Prev buttons like the iPod has.

 

Can someone please help... I can get the radio out, but there's no way I can figure out how to unplug the air conn lead. Is there a tab or what?

Managed to get the plug in around the back of the glove box, but it's not working and need to get it out again!

 

Can someone tell me exactly how the songs play? By that, I mean: I have a 2GB flash drive I plan to use all loaded up. In what order will the songs play via AudioLink by default? The website says: The songs are not played in any specific order, but songs in folders are generally grouped together. That sounds like it's always just random, but random within a folder? But then I can't jump folders accurately, only the 100-song breaks via "EX" list?

For example: Say I have 50 songs in FOLDER1, 49 songs in FOLDER2 and 99 songs in FOLDER3. EX1 = FOLDER1 + FOLDER2. If I get the unit, install, pop in my drive, where will it start?

* Song 1 in FOLDER1?
* Random song in FOLDER1?
* Random song in EX1
* Random song anywhere?

Once it starts playing that song, what will "NEXT TRACK" get me?

* Next alphabetical song?
* Next random song in current folder?
* Next random song in current EX list?

 

I'm curious if the USB kit would be compatible with the iRiver h10 20GB since it is a mix of a jukebox and mp3 player??? Has anyone known of any issues? Thanks

 

How is the Harmon Kardon off topic when the topic is "Your iPod/MP3 Player Integration Solution is Here"? Also, you can use the Drive + Play to directly input into your HU. I believe a PIE modulator and RCA adapter would work.