XCarLink fitting to RNS-E

[ben]

Hi,

I've purchased one of these for my RNS-E:

https://www.xcarlink.co.uk/product.php?productid=300

The adaptor looks like this:

However, my quadlock adaptor looks like this:

i.e. it's a fully moulded QuadLock connector with no ability to connect the XCarLink adaptor to it directly (although you'll see it's part of an ISO adaptor which I used with my old Dension IceLink).

So I think I have 3 options:

1. Either rewire each pin from the XCarLink into the moulded QuadLock connector. This requires no additional expense, but complicates how I can attach the existing CD Changer plug to the modified adaptor.
2. Purchase a different QuadLock connector, such as https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Stereo-W...572421?hash=item3617cd6bc5:g:e3sAAOSwnONZDK3v
3. Return the XCarLink and get one of these instead: https://www.dynamicsounds.co.uk/con...h-handsfree-interface-adaptor-2074766373.html which appears to have the original ISO connector found on my 2003 A2.

Any other recommendations? I'd obviously prefer plug an play, hence leaning towards option 3.

One other question - is the roof microphone installed in A2s without BT phone prep? And if so, how can I use this with the XCarLink without having to install an additional microphone?

Thanks,

Ben

 

[stevec]

Hi Ben.
Have u looked at the dension products? They are expensive but on the Gateway non lite versions(300>) you do get cd artist or track name on your DIS. Had my gateway 300(usb and apple iphone(old)) for about a year now and haven't listened to radio since. It's not a bluetooth version although they do make them.
Steve

 

[a2sumo]

Hi Ben as far as I’m aware the microphone is not fitted unles a factory option. I’m interested how you get on as it’s something I would like to add to my rns-e

 

[timmus]

Hi folks,

Using the multicoloured, splittable adapter gizmo that comes with the kit, you should be able to connect your unit between the QuadLock adapter and the miniISO connectors. I can visualise exactly how it needs to be done, but explaining it without a diagram is nigh-on impossible. I'm assuming that your QuadLock adapter is fully populated with the requisite pass-through wires.

The Bluetooth adapter will masquerade as a 2-disc CD changer, where Disc 1 is the Bluetooth input and Disc 2 is the 3.5mm analogue auxiliary input.

Cheers,

Tom

 

[ben]

Hi Ben.
Have u looked at the dension products? They are expensive but on the Gateway non lite versions(300>) you do get cd artist or track name on your DIS. Had my gateway 300(usb and apple iphone(old)) for about a year now and haven't listened to radio since. It's not a bluetooth version although they do make them.
Steve

Thanks Steve. I've had a look at the Dension and will weigh up the pros and cons of that and the Connects2/XCarLink. The more expensive Dension (Gateway Pro BT - http://www.dension.com/automotive/products/car-multimedia-solutions/gateway-pro-bt) appears to have more flexible connection options; the ability to add a DAB module; direct lightning support and is more tightly integrated with the RNS-E (e.g. track names on DIS, tighter telephone integration). The cheaper version (Gateway Light BT - http://www.dension.com/automotive/products/car-multimedia-solutions/gateway-lite-bt) is more like the Connects2, but doesn't include pass-though support for the external CD changer (but does include USB memory stick support). Both the Densions appear to have regular firmware upgrades - so may be a better longer term option to support future phones. However there's a gap between the Connects2 (£80), the Gateway Lite (£100) and the Gateway Pro (£170). The XCarLink is identical to the the Connects2 and is £130 - so see no reason to get this at all. I'll let you know what I end up with.

 

[ben]

Hi folks,

Using the multicoloured, splittable adapter gizmo that comes with the kit, you should be able to connect your unit between the QuadLock adapter and the miniISO connectors. I can visualise exactly how it needs to be done, but explaining it without a diagram is nigh-on impossible. I'm assuming that your QuadLock adapter is fully populated with the requisite pass-through wires.

The Bluetooth adapter will masquerade as a 2-disc CD changer, where Disc 1 is the Bluetooth input and Disc 2 is the 3.5mm analogue auxiliary input.

Cheers,

Tom

Thanks Tom. I've returned the original XCarLink now and will decide my next steps (see above).

 

[ben]

Hi Ben as far as I’m aware the microphone is not fitted unles a factory option. I’m interested how you get on as it’s something I would like to add to my rns-e

Thanks Mike. I will let you know how I get on. I've been studying the disassembly instructions for the A-frame trim and lighting console - so will find out what's in there at the weekend.