harman/kardon drive+play

[gam]

Hi everybody,

I'm a total newbie when it comes to installing anything into my car. I've always just used a simple FM transmitter to listen to ipod in my car, but the quality is just average at best. So today I went and bought myself a harman/kardon drive + play, which allows me to connect my ipod to auxiliary (I don't even know what that is ). I was told it's quite easy to set it up, but after trying to figure it out myself with google and their manual, I realise I am in fact, quite stupid.

The shop keeper said I can get it installed into my car in some auto shop for about $100... should I just suck it up and pay for it? Or is there some easy step by step instruction that I may be able to follow to connect it up to my mazda 3?

Thank you very much for any help. Greatly appreciated.
By the way, my car's a standard sp23. I realise that there's that MD/Tape button, but when I press it, it doesn't do anything. I assume I can somehow activate that, then connect my harman to some plugs in the middle?
I'm so very lost. Thanks all.

 

[icspots]

drive 'n play

The drive and play gives you a 3.5mm output, so what you need is an Aux Mod basic. See this stickied post of mine for more details on that. Also there are some other integrated ipod input options there if you decide you'd rather return the drive 'n play and go with one of those.

Definitely DO NOT pay an audio shop $100 to do this. The aux mod will run you around $55-60 bucks, and if you're charging the ipod you'll need a ground loop isolator to avoid alternator whine. It's a matter of minutes to remove the Stereo from the dash as most all of the trim is held on by tension clips, and the aux mod plugs right into the Tape/MD slot (so then the button will work)

If you have any other questions/problems feel free to ask.

 

[Zero Cool]

The drive and play gives you a 3.5mm output, so what you need is an Aux Mod basic. See this stickied post of mine for more details on that. Also there are some other integrated ipod input options there if you decide you'd rather return the drive 'n play and go with one of those.

Definitely DO NOT pay an audio shop $100 to do this. The aux mod will run you around $55-60 bucks, and if you're charging the ipod you'll need a ground loop isolator to avoid alternator whine. It's a matter of minutes to remove the Stereo from the dash as most all of the trim is held on by tension clips, and the aux mod plugs right into the Tape/MD slot (so then the button will work)

If you have any other questions/problems feel free to ask.

I just bought the AuxMod Basic and the guys at Sylfex are great! shipped right away and very good communications.

 

[icspots]

drive 'n play 'n aux mod

I just bought the AuxMod Basic and the guys at Sylfex are great! shipped right away and very good communications.

I've enjoyed my Aux Mod basic also, and haven't had any problems with it at all. I will point out that they do have periodic shortages in getting the connectors that will plug into the HU, but whenever they get those in they produce a lot of units and get them out very quickly.

 

[gam]

ok I just figured out how to open my stereo...
so I guess I just have to buy the aux mod, and plug that into the back?

I'm still abit confused on how it'll work at the moment... so would I just need to buy a 3.5mm stereo cable and connect that to the aux mod basic?

Or would I need the aux mod advance so I can connect the L/R cable?

According to the wiring diagram the 3.5mm stereo cable is just for Audio in?
Audio out requires something with 2 aux in port?

Thanks very much for your help!

 

[icspots]

ok I just figured out how to open my stereo...
so I guess I just have to buy the aux mod, and plug that into the back?

I'm still abit confused on how it'll work at the moment... so would I just need to buy a 3.5mm stereo cable and connect that to the aux mod basic?

Or would I need the aux mod advance so I can connect the L/R cable?

According to the wiring diagram the 3.5mm stereo cable is just for Audio in?
Audio out requires something with 2 aux in port?

Thanks very much for your help!

Well, I didn't realize it's RCA. The only mention I've found anywhere about it is that there's a 3.5mm jack on it. It didn't mention that was the input. The only mention anyone makes about the output is that you connect it to an aux input. Regarless, this isn't a problem.

Okay so your new options. If you're running RCA (read: white/red, left/right) outputs from the DnP you can either:

A) still get the auxmod and use a RCA-3.5mm adaptor cable, probably ~$5-12 at radio shack.

B) Get the PIE module instead of the aux mod basic, which will give you RCA inputs instead of 3.5mm. Check the link I put in my first post for info. on the PIE. Incidentally they're on sale now for ~$95 instead of $120.

Food for thought. Generally speaking more connections means decreased sound quality, however the decrease might not even be noticable to you if you're driving in a car. That being said you just need to decide which would be better for you. PIE would be easier, though I've heard of people having trouble finding them, but it also costs more. Aux Mod would require another connection, and can be hard to get if they run out of connectors, but it's a little cheaper.

 

[gam]

Thanks again icspots for your quick reply!

The PIE option that you mentioned seems more expensive, and from what I understand, it connects to the radio, and not the MD/Tape?

I like the idea of activating that button just for ipod, so I think I'll still stick to auxmod, and just get a RSA converter? Those cables are pretty common right?

Well I'll research a little more for a few more days, then probably order the mod when I make up my mind... (I live in Australia, so it cost me extra for shipping... also it'll probably take quite a long time, so if possible, I'm gonna try to find a quicker alternative)

Thanks heaps for your help!

 

[icspots]

Thanks again icspots for your quick reply!

The PIE option that you mentioned seems more expensive, and from what I understand, it connects to the radio, and not the MD/Tape?

I like the idea of activating that button just for ipod, so I think I'll still stick to auxmod, and just get a RSA converter? Those cables are pretty common right?

Well I'll research a little more for a few more days, then probably order the mod when I make up my mind... (I live in Australia, so it cost me extra for shipping... also it'll probably take quite a long time, so if possible, I'm gonna try to find a quicker alternative)

Thanks heaps for your help!

Not a problem, happy to help.

The PIE module connects to the same port as the sirius would plug into, on the back of the HU. You enable it by pushing the CD button twice. The display will say "EX 1". You're still getting a straight connection, and it will sound as good as the auxmod.

RCA cables are very common in the AV world so you shouldn't have any trouble finding one. What would probably work best for you is an actual cable 3-6' long that's RCA's at one end, and a 3.5mm jack at the other. If you can't find one of those just get a normal RCA cable, and a RCA-3.5 adapter and plug into that. it'll give you another connection, but it shouldn't be that bad.

 

[gam]

I see... thanks for making things so clear...

another thing I'm wondering is, how would I know if I need a ground loop isolator or not?
It charges the ipod through the main unit of the d+p, they should have considered the problem right?

Also I'm wondering, is it possible to buy a 3.5mm stereo plug cable, and connect directly from the d+p's aux out into auxmod? Therefore not having to use rca cable?

 

[icspots]

I see... thanks for making things so clear...

another thing I'm wondering is, how would I know if I need a ground loop isolator or not?
It charges the ipod through the main unit of the d+p, they should have considered the problem right?

Also I'm wondering, is it possible to buy a 3.5mm stereo plug cable, and connect directly from the d+p's aux out into auxmod? Therefore not having to use rca cable?

If you're charging the ipod while you're playing it then you'll most likely (99.999999999%) need a GLI. They run from $10-20 or so and just plug inline, nothing too fancy. If you don't want to spend the money upfront, or if you want to see if it'll be a problem, you could install everything else and then just see if you get alternator whine. If you do then pull the HU and put in the GLI. No biggie.

For the cable/adaptor, these are the kinds I've seen:

-A cable ~4' long that had a 3.5mm male plug on one end, and RCA male plugs on the other. No adaptors.

-A cable ~6" long but otherwise just like the first one

-A small plastic module about 1"x.5"x1" that had a male 3.5 plug on one side, and female RCA plugs on the other. No cable.

Can you take a picture of the side of the "brain" module for the DnP that has the jacks/connections on it? The only thing I've found online only shows the plugs from the side, so it's difficult to see what they are.

And last, my food for thought. How much do you want to drop into this? The DnP is what, $150? The AuxMod will run you ~$60. Another ~$10 for a cable, and maybe $15 for a GLI. So theoretically you're already looking at having $230 in this project before even including shipping costs. The drive and play looks like a cool little gadget, but do you want to think about returning that, and getting the audiolink instead? I don't want to rain on your parade, but just want to make sure you're exploring your options.

The Audiolink has/would give you: (quoted from therpmstore's website)
* Compatible with any iPod with a dock connector on the bottom, including iPod mini, iPod nano, iPod photo, and iPod video.
* Power on automatic play function and power off automatic pause.
* Automatic pause when switching to FM, AM, CD, or TAPE/MD.
* No battery required.
* Keeps your iPod charged at all times.
* Direct connection with CD-quality sound.
* 1/8" stereo jack for other auxilliary input.
* Use your steering wheel controls to change songs.
* SUPPORTS UP TO 9 PLAYLISTS! (Limited to 5 on some vehicles)

Also you wouldn't have to mount anything on the dash or console. It could all be hidden in the center console, the glove compartment, etc.

 

[gam]

thank you so much for your suggestion
I'm gonna get the aux mod with GLI now. Thanks for your help.

I don't have a picture of the "brain", but http://www.harmankardon.com/drive-1/diagram.aspx shows the brain.

The "Audio Out" jack is the same hole as like a pc sound card holes. The cable given that connects to the Audio out is like 3.5mm one side (exactly the same as my speaker's cable head), and RCA male at the other end, so I guess I might either need the 3.5mm to RCA female cable, or if there's 3.5mm male for both side of the cable, it might be able to connect the brain straight to auxmod?

Well either way it's much clearer now on exactly what to do... just gonna have to wait for the auxmod to arrive...
Can't express just how much I appreciate your help! Many many thanks!

 

[icspots]

That picture was exactly what I needed to see. Like you said, your audio out is a 3.5mm, and they gave you a cable that adapts to RCA. Most likely most people are going to be adding this to aftermarket stereos so that's why they give you the RCAs. All you have to do is buy a male to male 3.5mm-3.5mm cable and you can plug this directly into the auxmod.

Glad this is working out for you. Last I heard Sylfex had a hundred or so extra of the Aux Mod basics, so you should be able to get one pretty easily..... at least before shipping hassles anyway.

Put up some pics of everything when you get it in.

 

[gam]

sweet, just went to my local electronic store and found a 3.5mm-3.5mm male to male cable... less than $10 aud, so i'm happy!
Ordering the aux mod now... gonna be so sweet when it's all done!

Will take photos of the interior of my sexy car soon! Thanks so much icspots!

 

[icspots]

Happy to help.

 

[ender 00]

i installed the harmon kardon drive and play myself... ok well my bro-in law did the wiring, every but the wiring can be done pretty easy. i'd be curious to know where you end up putting yours. hopefully i don't like it better then where i drilled mine in!

as far as the gli as has previously been mentioned you'll need it. as for an adapter of any sort you should be find plugging the line from the harman kardon directly to the aux-mod without any additional connections. don't get the radio shack gli i don't find it so great, i need to get the one from crutchfield.

 

[gam]

i installed the harmon kardon drive and play myself... ok well my bro-in law did the wiring, every but the wiring can be done pretty easy. i'd be curious to know where you end up putting yours. hopefully i don't like it better then where i drilled mine in!

as far as the gli as has previously been mentioned you'll need it. as for an adapter of any sort you should be find plugging the line from the harman kardon directly to the aux-mod without any additional connections. don't get the radio shack gli i don't find it so great, i need to get the one from crutchfield.

I haven't installed it yet, I was just either gonna place it inside the gap in the HU, or wire it from the leg area to my seat, and stick the brain under my seat (there's like a metal plate under your seat that is pretty much perfect for you to stick your brain on)

erm... so which GLI should I be ordering? And where?

I'm meant to be receiving the auxmod sometime this week, so I'll take some photos of the whole thing when it's all completed!

 

[ender 00]

i can only tell you not to go with radioshack... the only other i know of is the crutchfield one, someone else out there might know some others.

oh, btw, if you wanna see pics of my install i can send it to ya. i put the brain in the glove compartment (works well for hiding wires) the display is on the dash right of the steering wheel and the knob is between the cig lighter and the passenger airbag light.

 

[gam]

alright my auxmod just arrived, and i installed it within 10 mins

and yep you're right, i need a gli

another thing that I'm wondering is, if it's possible for the drive+play to pause the ipod while i'm out of the tape mode?
It's not really a big deal... but just wondering

 

[icspots]

you want to get a GLI that's 3.5 - 3.5. The radio shack one is RCA plugs so you'd have to have another set of connections on each side. I have a RCA GLI from rat. shack hooked up in my sister's protege without any problems, but that set up uses RCA plugs anyway.

Crutchfield sells a GLI with 3.5 plugs, but if you look around you might find another one (I think discountcarstereo.com sells one).

Another good place to mount stuff. If you don't have the navigation system then there's a bunch of space up there. Once you remove the HU just remove the two screws by the vents, and everything else is just tension clips. That should give you space to mount it out of the way, have everything hidden, and enough room to run the cables wherever. Are you going to stick the ipod in the glove compartment? Ashtray? Center console?

Take some pics while you're installing. That way when the next person does this you won't be sorry that you didn't.

 

[ender 00]

yeah the drive and play will function as normal whether or not you are in the "media" mode. i wish somehow i could get the mute button on the steering wheel to pause the drive and play!

i attached pics of my finished install...

basically i ran everything through the little flap in the back of the glove compartment. i snuck the wire for the display through the vents on the dashboard, and the control knob i drilled a hole through the plastic.