Homemade aux input question...i'm stumped!

[pete_c]

I have not had volume issues with my CarPC's (today one in a 330XI and another one in an X3). I did not make my own AUX cables but rather just purchased them. In the X-3 ran the audio cable from the front HU to the rear of the vehicle to the CarPC which was a longer run than the 2 foot audio run in the 330XI. I would tend to believe that the volume issues are caused by your cable. I also would say that this is the best methodology to get to the audio in your car. My carpc application just displays in the AUX mode and all of the radio control mapping (both steering wheel and HU) work well with my music / video application.

On a tangent I have been experimenting with making a very small CarPC for the X-3 and during my "experimenting" noticed an audio hum from one of my test pcs. Just recently updated this same said PC to another MB/PS and the hum has gone away. I am not sure but believe its related to the 12VDC automotive style MATX II PS I used.

My question is:
isn't this amplified in the stock amp already?
is there a better way to connect my CarPC?
What would cause the radio module to not detect the AUX in?
soemtimes i feel it just doesn't see it, it flips over it just as the tape mode
does when there is no tape.

1 - Yes this is amplified in the stock amplifier
2 - no, I believe that AUX is best methodology. Originally folks were doing it via the tape audio input connections.
3 - If it doesn't see aux its your cable or the revision of your radio that doesn't have AUX mode. What model / revision radio do you have? Your 2004 radio should have AUX functions.

[fadi]

Hi Pete,

My radio module has the AUX input feature, I can select it and hear music through it.
All what i did was prepare a 40 cm wire from the PC to the rear of the radio module. (i have it in the trunk, while the navi and controls are in the dash as you would know of course)
I did notice that the AUX was not 100% stable, but i was testing by going back and forth between the front seat and trunk so not the best way to check things. I will let my wife help out and see how it goes.
However, what richard suggested solved the loudness issue, my aux setting was originally set to P1, switching it to P6 gave me excellent sound/loudness similiar to FM radio loudness or Cd Changer loudness, so at least that is solved.

Thanks for answering my questions, now I know that atleast I am on the right track Just gotta make sure the AUX cable is clear of any lose connections.

Next would be the PSU for the mini pc that i am working, I have an M2-ATX that needs to be utilized.

Thanks
Fadi

[pete_c]

Fadi -

Sounds like the testing is going good. I didn't know that an option for loudness was available with the AUX connection.

I believe for my radio I used the standard connectors / inserting the pins on the end of the OEM aux cable into the connector that goes into the radio tuner as depicted in the pictures above.

The PSU / MB audio hum was unique to the combo that I set up. I have a similiar PSU / MB combo (Epia MB and M2-ATX) in the 330XI with no audio hum.

I cannot for sure pin point that the audio noise is coming from the mini-itx board or M2-ATX PS. It might be a combo of both MB and M2-ATX PS. Testing it at home with a USB based soundboard and its still giving me an audio hum.

The new combo E83 CarPC is a dual core Atom based Intel MB with a mini M2-ATX PS and has no audio hum.

What are you using for your video interface to the NAV and your IBUS interface?

[fadi]

Originally Posted by pete_c

What are you using for your video interface to the NAV and your IBUS interface?

For the IBUS, I got my self the Resler IBUS interface
(IBUS Interface for BMW cars) (v5, USB link)
FTDI components are not available here, niether melexis, so
it would be better to just get it from him, He is a great guy to deal with btw.

as for the video interface, i tapped into the video module (with TV tuner) and used the Reverse Camera inputs just as most setups out there.
I also bought a VGA to COMPOSITE adapter which went for about 40 bucks i think.

If you want i can get you the brand/link for the VGA converter because it doesn't come to mind at the moment.

Regards,
Fadi

[pete_c]

Fadi,

I was curious. I am using same IBUS interface in the E46. Tapping into OEM TV tuner as you are. Video from Epia is composite out. Picture is OK.

In the E83 using a combo IBUS and Video interface. Kind of customized to the BMW with a VGA In and a VGA Out and interfaces between the NAV and HU.

How does your video look from the VGA to composite adapter?

- pete

[fadi]

Pete,

I'll have a couple of pictures ready by the end of today.
couldn't get them earlier due to heavy work load and the fact that the setup is
not yet actually intalled!

BR,

[pete_c]

Thank fadi,
I would like that.
Here's a link to my E83 endeavor. Even different cuz I switched to a new case and pc.

BMW E83 - CarMediaWiki

BR,Pete

[fadi]

Hi Pete,

Nice and helpful wiki there...
looks like a clean install, perfect!

I have attached a couple of images showing the system in action with a small short video.

quality ain't that great, but it'll do.
Over and all, i think the video quality is good and I wouldn't need more for everyday use, even watching a movie is nice on that screen.

I haven't done any font optimization or window size adjustment, so still it can be improved.

I wonder what made you move to CarMedia rather than keep Car-X?

Regards,
Fadi

[pete_c]

Very nice! I used Car-X in my E46 for about 5 years. Its nice. CarMedia is actually a bit nicer and simpler. It is being supported today where as CarX is no longer supported. CarMedia is a plug n play setup. All of the IBUS mappings are all done.

[fadi]

I see, well you are right about that, not a lot -if any- is being done to carX, atleast no for the iBUS, the iDrive version and Audi version seem to get some attention as they are commercial and not free now.
BTW, would you happen to know if it is possible to get PDC (parking sensors) readings via IBUS? i am seriously thinking of doing my own front-end and want to have a nice visual effect of the parking distance remaining...etc.
Did you stumble on anything similiar through your search or through carmedia?

Thanks