Auxiliary audio input for factory stereo's has arrived - What is your interest level?

[JonW]

OK folks - You've been asking for the ability to add auxiliary inputs to your factory systems for some time now. Well, I can now say it will be a reality. I've been writing code & testing hardware for quite some time. (Please don't ask my wife how much time and money has gone into this project!!)

I should be able to start selling units by the end of the month. From the attachments here, you can see what the basic hookups will be. There are going to be 4 different versions available - 2 different versions of hardware (1 input or 2 input) each with the option of adding IPOD control. You will also be able to upgrade between versions as the main processor and supporting IC's are socketed to allow swapping to a different chassis.

The basic premise for allowing an AUX input to the factory systems is to utilize the existing Video Entertainment System (VES) connections that Chrysler has built into the factory head units. If you were to add the Chrysler VES system to your car, you would plug it into the rear of your stereo to enable the line-level audio input. The devices would then communicate to each other over the CAN bus network to allow source selection and playback. The AUX devices that I have created perform this same function on the CAN bus so as to make the vehicle think it has the VES system installed. Tapping the source selection on the steering wheel moves you seamlessly between AM/FM/CD/SAT/VES.

The AUX connection will work with any factory head unit that has the capability of using either the Sirius or VES systems. I believe this is all 2005/2006 models of the 300, Magnum, Charger and Jeep GC. I will put together a definitive list of what factory systems are compatible.

The four models being made available are as follows:

1. DC-AUX1 = single audio source input for any external audio device (MP3, IPOD, DVD player, tape player, etc.). Price $175

2. DC-AUX1A = Include the features of DC-AUX1, plus the ability to directly control an Apple IPOD for playlist and track selection from the steering wheel controls. Price $225

3. DC-AUX2 = Two audio inputs selectable from the steering controls. Two relay outputs, each tied to the selection of audio source 1 or 2. This can be used to automatically enable a NAV/DVD conversion screen or to trigger or power any external component when you switch to that input. Price $225

4. DC-AUX2A = Include the features of DC-AUX2, plus the ability to directly control an Apple IPOD for playlist and track selection from the steering wheel controls. Price $275

The release schedule will be the DC-AUX1 first, then the DC-AUX2, then the IPOD control options. I have to do it in a phased approach due to complexities in obtaining the necessary cables for the IPOD control and getting sufficient quantity of a suitable enclosure for the AUX2 units. In addition, I want to get some AUX1 units out for testing before releasing these full scale. Until all versions are released, you will have the option of upgrading your existing unit to the newer ones when they become available for only the difference in price between the models. After all models are available, any new purchases can be upgraded later for the difference in price plus an upgrade charge.

This has been a labor of love for me, but it has been an expensive ordeal. Before I go making a million of these, I need to gauge the interest in these units so that I may produce the necessary quantities. Please respond to the poll if you have interest in one of these products. Do not contact me via PM yet to ask if you can buy one - it will be the end of the month before they are ready. Also, for me to sell these on the forums, it is necessary for me to become a supporting vendor. Prior to making sales of these units here, I will finish up with eKool to get the vendor status taken care of.

Please use this thread for any questions about the products. I am leaving Friday for 10 days on vacation, but I will try to check in periodically to answer questions.


PS: I can also program your AUX unit to kill the "nag" screen on your NAV system.

[300Con23s]

WOW, excellent work JonW. Count me in for the DC-AUX1A and im guessing it should work fine with the IPOD mini?

[Tasha]

PS: I can also program your AUX unit to kill the "nag" screen on your NAV system.

Say what !?

[ricardo]

I like it!

Can you remove restriction on NAV system when car is moving?

Will DVD updates or different version of DVD affect your fix?

[Kaneda]

i was quoted 300+ for the PAC unit and i dont know if it does anything but aux input.

you should approach the dealer with these as well, i think a lot of people want these options. maybe al and eds audio chain store would carry too.

just my 2 cents

michael

[Mike5959]

Are you going to be making a combo unit with the dvd/nav mod?

[kidcoastal]

OHHHHH BBAAAAABBYY!!!

One DC-AUX1A please.
Now how do you install this darn thing? Extra $50 in it for you Jon if you put it in!

[rogue]

JonW you an impressive Human!

Count me in for a DCAUX1A immediately or even a DCAUX1 with the possibility to upgrade to the dual inputs for when I do my NAV DVD mod...

A rockstar you are!

:

[Black Betty]

DC-AUX1A for me please GREAT JOB!!!

[JonW]

Originally Posted by 300Con23s

WOW, excellent work JonW. Count me in for the DC-AUX1A and im guessing it should work fine with the IPOD mini?

I'll have to compile a list of compatible IPOD units. Currently I haven't looked at the mini for compatibility, but it is a possibility. I believe the mini would require using the small connector on top for control as opposed to the dock connector (same pins, just different connector and location). I can't spend the time to hand solder the cables, so until I find a manufacturer that can supply them the way I need, I cannot commit to exactly which models can be supported. It's possible I could provide the units as BYOC (bring your own cable) where you would have to chop and solder your own cable, but I'd rather not do that.

Originally Posted by ricardo

Can you remove restriction on NAV system when car is moving?
Will DVD updates or different version of DVD affect your fix?

I have not worked on disabling the lockout when the car is moving. That will take some time as I will actually need to have someone drive me around while I test and program!!! As far as DVD updates, no that will not be affected. What I'm doing to eliminate the nag screen is to monitor when the nag screen is present and then send NAV control commands via the CAN bus to accept the nag screen. Thus, you will see "Loading..." like usual, then you will literally see the accept button pressed and the display then goes to the map.

Originally Posted by Kaneda

i was quoted 300+ for the PAC unit and i dont know if it does anything but aux input. you should approach the dealer with these as well, i think a lot of people want these options. maybe al and eds audio chain store would carry too.
just my 2 cents
michael

PAC does not have an AUX adapter for these vehicles. Their AUX adapters only work with earlier vehicles with the CD changer port.

Distributing to retailers is definately worth considering. You have no idea how difficult it is though to bring a project like this together. I would almost just as soon license my technology to someone else and let them make the physical units. I'm not equipped to manufacture these for large retail distribution.

Originally Posted by Mike5959

Are you going to be making a combo unit with the dvd/nav mod?

I'm not exactly sure of your question here....please explain.

Originally Posted by kidcoastal

OHHHHH BBAAAAABBYY!!!

One DC-AUX1A please.
Now how do you install this darn thing? Extra $50 in it for you Jon if you put it in!

Come on Steven, its not that hard! You're on my list for first installs for further testing anyways, so yes, I'll do yours. I'll talk to you via PM about when we can do it. PS: Don't forget I'm leaving town for a bit....

Originally Posted by rogue

JonW you an impressive Human!

Count me in for a DCAUX1A immediately or even a DCAUX1 with the possibility to upgrade to the dual inputs for when I do my NAV DVD mod...

A rockstar you are!

:

Rogue - Thanks for the kudos.