Your iPod/MP3 Player Integration Solution is HERE!
05-11-2010, 08:21 PM
#928
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Ok... not sure if i should start a new thread or not, but does this product still allow a pair of aftermarket subs to be used in conjunction with the fatory bose sytem? I would love to have all of the above but for some reson i am not sure if it will work or not...
06-14-2010, 11:17 AM
#930
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Anyone know if this would also work on a Mazda5?
I'm getting one for my 8, but it's made my wife jealous....so I gotta ask
The web page lists:
...but no mention of the Mazda5. I have to believe that the Mazda5 unit is the same as at least 1 other model, probably the 3?
I'm getting one for my 8, but it's made my wife jealous....so I gotta ask
The web page lists:
NOTE for 2004 Mazda 6 and ALL international Mazda 6: The factory headunit requires a small modification to the circuit board in order to enable use of the auxiliary/satellite radio port. This was not an issue in 2003 and was resolved for the 2005 model year. If you have a 2004 Mazda 6 or a Mazda 6 that was manufactured in Japan and would like more details, please contact us.
NOTE for 2004 Mazda RX-8: The factory headunit's firmware revision must be 9.55 or greater. The unit will not work on earlier firmware revisions or with 9.81 or 10.01. To find out which revision your Mazda RX-8 has, make sure the radio (FM) is turned on, then press and hold "TEXT." Then, also press and hold "1" at the same time for a few more seconds. The LCD should then report your firmware version.
NOTE for 2002-2005 Mazda MX-5: The XCarLink is only compatible with the modular (non-BOSE) headunit.
NOTE for Mazda CX-7, CX-9, and 2009 Mazda 6: The XCarLink is only compatible if the factory navigation system is NOT installed.
NOTE for 2004 Mazda RX-8: The factory headunit's firmware revision must be 9.55 or greater. The unit will not work on earlier firmware revisions or with 9.81 or 10.01. To find out which revision your Mazda RX-8 has, make sure the radio (FM) is turned on, then press and hold "TEXT." Then, also press and hold "1" at the same time for a few more seconds. The LCD should then report your firmware version.
NOTE for 2002-2005 Mazda MX-5: The XCarLink is only compatible with the modular (non-BOSE) headunit.
NOTE for Mazda CX-7, CX-9, and 2009 Mazda 6: The XCarLink is only compatible if the factory navigation system is NOT installed.
...but no mention of the Mazda5. I have to believe that the Mazda5 unit is the same as at least 1 other model, probably the 3?
06-14-2010, 11:30 AM
#931
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The older, like first two years, of the Mazda5 is compatible but the newer one isn't. If you look in the center console and to the left of the cig lighter there is an aux in it is not compat. Don't ask me why.
06-14-2010, 11:36 AM
#932
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Ok,t hat is what I expected. She has a 2006, the aux jack showed up in 2007. If you already have the aux jack, then it isn't compatible because the integration kit basically mimics the OEM aux jack in terms of where it hooks up and how it functions. So if you have the aux jack, you have to unhook the oem aux jack to hook up the integration kit.
I suspect that is exactly how they developed the integration kit, looking at the HU differences between 2 model years, one with, one without.
I suspect that is exactly how they developed the integration kit, looking at the HU differences between 2 model years, one with, one without.
06-27-2010, 12:05 PM
#933
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NOTE: The factory headunit's firmware revision must be 9.55 or greater. The unit will not work on earlier firmware revisions or with 9.81 or 10.01. To find out which revision your Mazda RX-8 has, make sure the radio (FM) is turned on, then press and hold "TEXT." Then, also press and hold "1" at the same time for a few more seconds. The LCD should then report your firmware version.
Is there a way to upgrade the firmware? Mine is currently 9.53. Thanks.
Is there a way to upgrade the firmware? Mine is currently 9.53. Thanks.
06-27-2010, 12:09 PM
#934
NOTE: The factory headunit's firmware revision must be 9.55 or greater. The unit will not work on earlier firmware revisions or with 9.81 or 10.01. To find out which revision your Mazda RX-8 has, make sure the radio (FM) is turned on, then press and hold "TEXT." Then, also press and hold "1" at the same time for a few more seconds. The LCD should then report your firmware version.
Is there a way to upgrade the firmware? Mine is currently 9.53. Thanks.
Is there a way to upgrade the firmware? Mine is currently 9.53. Thanks.
http://www.mazdaparts.com/ProductDet...000-1151625276
Not wanting to ship your headunit, you could either do a swap or see how much the stealership might charge.
Last edited by maskedferret; 06-27-2010 at 12:13 PM.
06-28-2010, 02:26 AM
#935
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NOTE: The factory headunit's firmware revision must be 9.55 or greater. The unit will not work on earlier firmware revisions or with 9.81 or 10.01. To find out which revision your Mazda RX-8 has, make sure the radio (FM) is turned on, then press and hold "TEXT." Then, also press and hold "1" at the same time for a few more seconds. The LCD should then report your firmware version.
Is there a way to upgrade the firmware? Mine is currently 9.53. Thanks.
Is there a way to upgrade the firmware? Mine is currently 9.53. Thanks.
06-28-2010, 07:34 AM
#936
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I installed this over the weekend and it sounds good but i am getting intermittant left speakers. I'm pretty sure its a loose connection somewhere but im sure i had everything fully connected. any idea where i should look and which wires to look at incase one got pulled out of the connector a bit or something
07-13-2010, 04:49 PM
#938
The first time I tried it w/o the car running and it came up with the clear regardless of whether I pressed text first and then '1' or both simultaneously. I tried both. Then I thought to start the car and hit text, then 1 and it came up with the version.
So it looks like the car needs to be running.
Thanks
So it looks like the car needs to be running.
Thanks
07-28-2010, 12:41 PM
#940
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a must have device for a car owner...
another happy Xcar link owner...
Points for those who will install this device.
>put the Xcarlink device where you can easily access it. I placed mine at the bottom of the stick shift, there's plenty of room there, also for the blue-tooth adapter.
> the hidden 10mm bolt is very hard to find, use proper tools... ill try to post a video how to get it easily.
Regards,
Chris
another happy Xcar link owner...
Points for those who will install this device.
>put the Xcarlink device where you can easily access it. I placed mine at the bottom of the stick shift, there's plenty of room there, also for the blue-tooth adapter.
> the hidden 10mm bolt is very hard to find, use proper tools... ill try to post a video how to get it easily.
Regards,
Chris
07-28-2010, 12:45 PM
#941
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Hi Guys,
I got my XCarLink iPod integration kit installed and am loving it. How did I live without this for so long!
First of all thanks to everyone for answering my questions. I thought I'd give back by sharing my experience.
Where to buy:
First of all XCarLink is the best solution that I found in my research. I bought this from the RPM store. They have all the features listed on the website. The service is awesome. They answered all my questions quickly over the email. The delivery was really quick too. Never expected to have the kit in my hand within 2 days after I ordered.
Installation:
This was actually pretty easy. This video was very useful: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sG77c...layer_embedded
Other useful installation links are:
http://www.whatsmyip.org/ipodrx8/1.php
http://www.neocaraudio.com/installs/ipod/rx8/
The toughest part was to remove that hidden screw that holds the radio in place. One tip here is to remove the panel under the steering wheel after you pull out that plastic part. There are 4 screws to remove and removing this part, creates space for you to put your hand and also to see the screw clearly.
Clean install:
I wanted a clean clutter-free install. Here's what I ended up doing:
1. I placed the unit behind the shifter, under the switches for seat heating. There is enough room there.
2. I routed the iPhone connector from underneath the cup holder and the center console, through the storage box that contains the 12V power outlet. I had to remove the entire center panel for this, but this is very easy. Have to remove 8 screws and it comes out easily.
3. Routed the AUX cable into the cup holder. There is a small piece there that comes off easily. Had to make a small cut into it and it gives such a clean look.
4. Routed the bluetooth button and mic from under the radio to under the steering wheel. I have the bluetooth button hidden there - don't need it as we can use the Fast Forward button to take calls. Placed the mic on the panel just behind the steering wheel using a double sided tape. The wires are not even seen. This is not the best location for the mic but it is pretty good. Some place closer to the driver will be better. So will keep experimenting for a while.
XCarLink Experience:
The XCarLink experience has been mind blowing. The sound quality is awesome. The bluetooth is amazing. I'm using the iPod connector only when I need to charge. Rest of the times I stream wirelessesly using bluetooth A2DP that this unit supports.
Love the fact that I can use my steering wheel controls when connected using iPod connector.
Questions:
If anyone has questions regarding any aspect of XCarLink then feel free to PM me. (I'm going for a vacation soon, but after coming back I'll be happy to respond).
I had a few questions myself:
1. What is the best location for the mic?
2. What is the best location for iPhone mount. The center console is not flat so can't place it there. I'm probably going to place it near the rear-view mirror.
Cheers,
amazing_rx8
I got my XCarLink iPod integration kit installed and am loving it. How did I live without this for so long!
First of all thanks to everyone for answering my questions. I thought I'd give back by sharing my experience.
Where to buy:
First of all XCarLink is the best solution that I found in my research. I bought this from the RPM store. They have all the features listed on the website. The service is awesome. They answered all my questions quickly over the email. The delivery was really quick too. Never expected to have the kit in my hand within 2 days after I ordered.
Installation:
This was actually pretty easy. This video was very useful: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sG77c...layer_embedded
Other useful installation links are:
http://www.whatsmyip.org/ipodrx8/1.php
http://www.neocaraudio.com/installs/ipod/rx8/
The toughest part was to remove that hidden screw that holds the radio in place. One tip here is to remove the panel under the steering wheel after you pull out that plastic part. There are 4 screws to remove and removing this part, creates space for you to put your hand and also to see the screw clearly.
Clean install:
I wanted a clean clutter-free install. Here's what I ended up doing:
1. I placed the unit behind the shifter, under the switches for seat heating. There is enough room there.
2. I routed the iPhone connector from underneath the cup holder and the center console, through the storage box that contains the 12V power outlet. I had to remove the entire center panel for this, but this is very easy. Have to remove 8 screws and it comes out easily.
3. Routed the AUX cable into the cup holder. There is a small piece there that comes off easily. Had to make a small cut into it and it gives such a clean look.
4. Routed the bluetooth button and mic from under the radio to under the steering wheel. I have the bluetooth button hidden there - don't need it as we can use the Fast Forward button to take calls. Placed the mic on the panel just behind the steering wheel using a double sided tape. The wires are not even seen. This is not the best location for the mic but it is pretty good. Some place closer to the driver will be better. So will keep experimenting for a while.
XCarLink Experience:
The XCarLink experience has been mind blowing. The sound quality is awesome. The bluetooth is amazing. I'm using the iPod connector only when I need to charge. Rest of the times I stream wirelessesly using bluetooth A2DP that this unit supports.
Love the fact that I can use my steering wheel controls when connected using iPod connector.
Questions:
If anyone has questions regarding any aspect of XCarLink then feel free to PM me. (I'm going for a vacation soon, but after coming back I'll be happy to respond).
I had a few questions myself:
1. What is the best location for the mic?
2. What is the best location for iPhone mount. The center console is not flat so can't place it there. I'm probably going to place it near the rear-view mirror.
Cheers,
amazing_rx8
I had a few questions myself:
1. What is the best location for the mic? (mine is on the cup holder, i haven't tried it yet though...)
2. What is the best location for iPhone mount. The center console is not flat so can't place it there. I'm probably going to place it near the rear-view mirror. ( I will use it for charging also so i placed mine in the compartment box)
08-11-2010, 08:56 PM
#943
my other car is a 787b
08-13-2010, 01:13 PM
#945
my other car is a 787b
I had the chance to try out the bluetooth audio and handsfree system in the new Mazda3 hatch. Wow was I impressed. Simple to setup and the voice recognition worked on the first try. Im hoping this kit will be close to as good.
Post back your experience. . . I'll be trolling the forums while i wait for mine to arrive.
Post back your experience. . . I'll be trolling the forums while i wait for mine to arrive.
08-13-2010, 10:33 PM
#946
Registered User
Post back your experience. . . I'll be trolling the forums while i wait for mine to arrive.
08-16-2010, 12:43 PM
#947
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if anyone still looks at this thread i would greaty appreciate some help. my 8 has an ipod hook up the only problem is i dont know how to use it. i plug my ipod up and the screen displays a mazda emblem. but after that i cant figure out how to get it to play through the speakers. is there a button im not pushing or something.
p.s. i bought the car with the system installed so i dont have the manual.
p.s. i bought the car with the system installed so i dont have the manual.
08-25-2010, 09:48 PM
#948
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Just installed the XCarLink W/ Bluetooth... Must say its the next best thing since sliced bread. Especially with these new laws about no cell phones while driving.
08-25-2010, 09:55 PM
#949
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Oh.. for those who are about to install, the "Hidden" 10mm bolt can be easily accessed using a 6"extension and 10mm socket. Loosen with ratchet then just twist off with extension. Be sure to not drop the screw... may be hard to find.
09-01-2010, 01:14 AM
#950
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if anyone still looks at this thread i would greaty appreciate some help. my 8 has an ipod hook up the only problem is i dont know how to use it. i plug my ipod up and the screen displays a mazda emblem. but after that i cant figure out how to get it to play through the speakers. is there a button im not pushing or something.
p.s. i bought the car with the system installed so i dont have the manual.
p.s. i bought the car with the system installed so i dont have the manual.