ajsellors
A2OC Donor
Hi,
I thought I would share the details of the XCarLink installation I performed in my A2 last week.
The purpose was to upgrade my existing Audi Concert 1 with CD Changer and Bose system to add phone handsfree calling and the ability to play music from memory cards.
Although a number of Bluetooth wireless streaming solutions exist (including the one I chose), I wanted the system to be able to play music without relying on any other device. This should also future proof the system and ensure that I get good quality audio as the standard Bluetooth streaming protocols still compress the data too much in my opinion.
I chose the XCarLink Audi USB/SD MP3 Interface Model V. This provides an analog audio input jack, SD card slot and USB memory stick socket. The later two can be used to place music files.
Added to that was the optional Bluetooth module with microphone. I also purchased a mono 3.5mm jack extension lead for the microphone:
http://www.xcarlink.co.uk/product.php?productid=11&cat=4&page=1
Parts:
The XCarLink module comes with a pre-made loom for the Audi head unit and a short adapter to allow it to be connected in-line between an existing external CD Changer and the head unit. The unit connects to the head unit's CD changer port so that it can feed audio in at full quality using the CD's line inputs and therefore fully utilise the car's sound system. As I have Bose, this is important as some other audio upgrade units bypass the car's sound system completely and drive the speakers directly which would cut out the Bose amplifier and therefore not give the best sound quality.
The existing CD changer can still be used and it is possible to toggle between the CD changer and the XCarLink using the head unit's "Mode" button.
The first task was to sort out the aftermath of a previous owner's installation and removal of a phone hands free kit. This had connected to the head unit and also directly to the driver's door speaker (which might explain why this speaker is damaged).
The speaker wires had been re-joined to connect the speaker back to the amplifier and the joints insulated with "electrical insulation tape". This was done some time ago and the glue on the tape had gone off and the tape had literally fallen off leaving the wires exposed! From my experience I would not recommend using "electrical insulation tape" to insulate connections, but rather heat shrink sleeving or self amalgamating tape.
The connections were properly insulated and the loom rebound.
The other remaining wires were removed from the head unit:
The next task was to route the cable from the microphone used for hands free calling. The Audi factory hands free installation fits the microphone into the interior light cluster at the front of the car. The small rectangular grill on one side is for the microphone, and on the other side is there to make it look symmetrical.
With the light removed, a metal rod was inserted (with suitable protection on the end) from the opening across behind the driver's sun visor to the edge of the roof lining in front of the driver's grab handle:
The microphone cable was protected before installation by wrapping loom tape round. The metal rod allowed the microphone and cable to be pulled back from the edge of the roof lining to the light cluster opening.
The Audi microphone is contained in a rectangular package which clips behind the grill. When not fitted, in its place is a rectangular foam blank. This blank was removed and cut in half and re-inserted. The XCarLink microphone which is cylindrical is then inserted between the two pieces where the foam was cut so that the end of the microphone is facing the grill. This is further secured with additional tape:
I thought I would share the details of the XCarLink installation I performed in my A2 last week.
The purpose was to upgrade my existing Audi Concert 1 with CD Changer and Bose system to add phone handsfree calling and the ability to play music from memory cards.
Although a number of Bluetooth wireless streaming solutions exist (including the one I chose), I wanted the system to be able to play music without relying on any other device. This should also future proof the system and ensure that I get good quality audio as the standard Bluetooth streaming protocols still compress the data too much in my opinion.
I chose the XCarLink Audi USB/SD MP3 Interface Model V. This provides an analog audio input jack, SD card slot and USB memory stick socket. The later two can be used to place music files.
Added to that was the optional Bluetooth module with microphone. I also purchased a mono 3.5mm jack extension lead for the microphone:
http://www.xcarlink.co.uk/product.php?productid=11&cat=4&page=1
Parts:
The XCarLink module comes with a pre-made loom for the Audi head unit and a short adapter to allow it to be connected in-line between an existing external CD Changer and the head unit. The unit connects to the head unit's CD changer port so that it can feed audio in at full quality using the CD's line inputs and therefore fully utilise the car's sound system. As I have Bose, this is important as some other audio upgrade units bypass the car's sound system completely and drive the speakers directly which would cut out the Bose amplifier and therefore not give the best sound quality.
The existing CD changer can still be used and it is possible to toggle between the CD changer and the XCarLink using the head unit's "Mode" button.
The first task was to sort out the aftermath of a previous owner's installation and removal of a phone hands free kit. This had connected to the head unit and also directly to the driver's door speaker (which might explain why this speaker is damaged).
The speaker wires had been re-joined to connect the speaker back to the amplifier and the joints insulated with "electrical insulation tape". This was done some time ago and the glue on the tape had gone off and the tape had literally fallen off leaving the wires exposed! From my experience I would not recommend using "electrical insulation tape" to insulate connections, but rather heat shrink sleeving or self amalgamating tape.
The connections were properly insulated and the loom rebound.
The other remaining wires were removed from the head unit:
The next task was to route the cable from the microphone used for hands free calling. The Audi factory hands free installation fits the microphone into the interior light cluster at the front of the car. The small rectangular grill on one side is for the microphone, and on the other side is there to make it look symmetrical.
With the light removed, a metal rod was inserted (with suitable protection on the end) from the opening across behind the driver's sun visor to the edge of the roof lining in front of the driver's grab handle:
The microphone cable was protected before installation by wrapping loom tape round. The metal rod allowed the microphone and cable to be pulled back from the edge of the roof lining to the light cluster opening.
The Audi microphone is contained in a rectangular package which clips behind the grill. When not fitted, in its place is a rectangular foam blank. This blank was removed and cut in half and re-inserted. The XCarLink microphone which is cylindrical is then inserted between the two pieces where the foam was cut so that the end of the microphone is facing the grill. This is further secured with additional tape: