Fully Integrated Bluetooth Solution
 

Hey guys!

I'd like to share a project I have been working on for almost a year -- it's a Bluetooth adapter for our cars that integrates as if it were factory equipment, much like the "Intravee". The adapter, known as the BlueBus, also integrates with other vehicles from the E53/E83 era which were equipped with the IBus.

The only thing to note here as that I'm still working on MID integration.

Here's a video explaining the BlueBus: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UO9WvRbNzZg

You will also find more information about the project on the website listed below.

Anyways, I'm getting close to having them manufactured, so if there's any interest for it here, I have a "pre-order" form on the project website: https://www.bluebus.dev

I will not be taking money from anyone until I am ready to send off to manufacture, so keep that in mind, please.

Additionally, if you're capable, the project is fully open source, so you can have the boards built and source all of the components yourself, if you wanted .

P.S. The main thread where I have been talking about the development of this module is over on M3F: Interest in a fully integrated A2DP Bluetooth solution? - BMW M3 Forum.com (E30 M3 | E36 M3 | E46 M3 | E92 M3 | F80/X)

Thanks!
-Ted

Intrigued to say the least! Just checked out your other links and I’m definitely keeping an eye on progress - I think a simple way to stream music via bluetooth vs having to plug in my AUX cable and retain standard features would be awesome.

Thanks! It's especially worse now that most phones are dropping the 3.5mm connector :/.

Fully Integrated Bluetooth Solution
 

Agreed! You mention installing the additional board in the front headliner area for mic support on the E53, is there more information on the website about that?

I’ll dig in some more when I’m home tonight and have something bigger than my phone to browse on. Thanks!

Pretty awesome. I think I know what wife is getting for mother's day


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I haven't gotten into specifics about that, but essentially it's a small board that regulates 12v down to 5v and provides it to the mic. Then, it decouples the DC voltage in order to prevent that 5v from hitting the BT device.

You can read more about it here: https://github.com/tedsalmon/BlueBus...r-Installation

I hope they'll be back from manufacturing by then! :D

Fully Integrated Bluetooth Solution
 

That’s a good read and really, my opinion, a must do item. I think I would much rather maintain the function of the existing mic vs locate and install another mic specifically for the BlueBus. Not to mention I think the factory mic is in a great location already [emoji106]

So to confirm, the to be manufactured BlueBus will come with the correct connections installed and be plug and play in the rear of the car, using the cd changer connections and the module for maintaining the factory mic is also pretty much plug and play simply patching in between the factory homelink and mic via the supplied jumper cables?

I agree, that's why I put fourth the effort to build the adapter board! :D. I honestly don't recommend an aftermarket mic, but they are absolutely supported and with some work could hijack the OE mic harness to get the signal back to the BlueBus.

The production BlueBus will have all of the OE connectors for the CD Changer harness. I believe you E53 guys have the SES jumper (three pin white connector) in the trunk, so I will be including a wire that will connect directly into the two pin mic input on the BlusBus (it also uses a TE connector, similar to the OE ones).

The front of the car will need the adapter board, which will also include all the OE terminations and will be fully plug and play featuring unique connectors on every end, so you can't mess it up :).

Thanks!
-Ted

Great stuff Ted! I follow your thread on M3F and plan on purchasing for my E46 M3 since it's an '02 with Navigation and aux retrofit is not compatible.

Good to hear! Yeah, I surprised when I put my 2002 build BM53 in my 2006 build M3 and AUX went away.

I share the same opinion. Following!

Awesome project, following

Thanks, guys!

Just FYI, here's where MID support is at right now :)

https://s3.us-east-2.amazonaws.com/t...luebus_mid.jpg

Kicking this one back to the top for any updates.

Hello!

I have good news and bad news.

The bad: Manufacturing is definitely going to be delayed, by at the very least three weeks. I'm having trouble getting a Sierra Wireless Distributor who will sell me just the cVc licence that I need (it clears up phone calls). They all want me to wait 8-16 weeks to get them to manufacture the unit with the license pre-installed on it, which makes no sense given the fact that I can buy the unit today and just install the license key myself.

The good: I'm using this time to integrate the unit to the car just like the factory TCU so that phone calls can be answered under any mode (radio off, FM/AM, etc).

Thanks!
-Ted

Awesome work!

Bummer on the delay but outstanding on the enhanced integration!

Keep us posted,we’re rooting for you [emoji106]

VERY VERY cool given how expensive the OEM Bluetooth boxes are becoming, not to mention how dated they are. Very nice, keep us posted! You will sell a LOT....

Is the plan to have this work with both the Standard HiFi and DSP HiFi systems?

Chris

Chris,

That's correct. It should work with every audio system of the era -- Standard, HiFi, Digital DSP, and Analog DSP.

I came to the realization that many people prefer the stock ULF/Everest TCU over taking calls while in CD Changer mode, which is what compelled me to add the extra functionality. Hopefully those users will find the BlueBus functionality adequate -- calls will interrupt any radio source and the OE Microphone will be supported without additional hardware as I'm adding the circuitry to the BlueBus directly. Users who wish to use a non-OE microphone will have to remove a jumper from the PCB to remove the DC power from the line.

Thanks!
-Ted

Thanks Ted, it sounds amazing. Now for the older cars that came with the older 25 pin connector, I know the 25 to 54 pin adapter is NLA. Your solution won't require either connector to be used in the car, correct? Just i-bus and audio connector from CD Changer?

What are your thoughts on integrating a USB connector for code updates? Perhaps you are way ahead of me :)

Chris

Chris,

You're talking about the DB25 connector, right? That's known as X18500 on the E39 not sure about the E53. In any case, the BlueBus will not incorporate that 54 pin connector because it's NLA the pin outs vary wildly between different TCU types, and would add unnecessary bulk to the board. Instead, users will be given an 8 pin male connector along with instructions on de-pinning the 54 pin connector and inserting those into the provided connector. You only need to de-pin 6 wires from that 54 pin connector.

On to the DB25 connector: It has all the right signals for the TCU, so I don't see a problem selling a compatible male to BlueBus connector, since that is a bog-standard connector still used to this day.

Code updates already happen via USB connector :). I've got some support for code updates via a phone app, but I'm not sure I'll go down that road as it's not as reliable as I would like.

Thanks!
-Ted

Hi Ted!

Yes, I'm referring to the DB25 connector that the older E chassis cars used before Bluetooth and the 54 pin connector became standard. BMW used to sell an adapter but it's long gone NLA. Sounds great on the adapter!

Sounds like an awesome unit, thanks so much for supporting the older cars, they truly are what BMW should be in terms of driving dynamics.

Chris

Chris,

Excellent! You're welcome! I'm an E46 M3 owner, which is why I started this project. I also think that this era of BMW is the only relevant era anymore.

For those wanting to make their own DB25 to 54 pin connector (since it's NLA), you can assemble it with these parts:
https://www.amazon.com/Connector-Ada.../dp/B071VB21X5

https://www.mouser.com/ProductDetail...FesENSyw%3D%3D

https://www.mouser.com/ProductDetail...VBEkravg%3D%3D

https://www.mouser.com/ProductDetail...YeXiBTfg%3D%3D


Some standard 2.54mm male to female pin headers should do well to be used in the 54 pin socket.


Thanks!
-Ted

Hey guys!

Just FYI, Ryan @ E39Source reviewed this product:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KnJSSnYYfyE

Nice Dude!

I'm sure owners with stock audio system will be happy!

So did I understand correctly that this will be available next month?

Yes sir, Jan 2020


https://www.bluebus.dev/

Shit, I can keep my DSP and factory MID and now get phone calls over my stereo and Bluetooth my music? Yes please!!!

Hey guys -- Yes, these will come in from manufacture next month and begin shipping, though it's likely going to take me a couple of weeks to make it through all units as each one must be tested and programmed.

Yep! Glad you're as excited as I am :)

Thanks!
-Ted

I've been trying to keep these "out of mind" until they are available.

Haha, keep in mind that I'm not going to stock these -- I'm working out distributorships so I won't have to, either.

My wife and I are also expecting twins boys to pop out of the oven in late February, so that will hamper my ability to make another run of units until mid-April at the latest.

The twins thing (plus I have a two year old) is more or less why I don't want to float a bunch of units :/

One suggestion would be to figure out the kbus message to fire the halos as DRL on the LCI E53. That alone would be worth the cost of the BlueBus module. :thumbup:

Wow. Good luck with it all. Your life WILL get much busier so these could be a limited edition run. I best buy ASAP. I just need to figure out 8f my X5 has a factory mic in its place...

This is on the list of features to add. I plan on making the DRLs selectable as "Passing lights", "Angel Eyes" or "Fogs".

The wife will find me the time -- she likes buying baby clothes too much not to! :bustingup

It will definitely be closer to summer before I'm back at this, though.

Thanks!
-Ted

SHOOT, I missed out on the pre-sale. I had the chance LATE Friday night and I missed it. NOOOO.

PS: You're in Vegas? I'm in Vegas about 6-7 times a year (be there for NYE again, in a few weeks) so perhaps I can meet up and buy one from you when you do a second run in the summer?

I've actually not been able to place the order for manufacture yet, so shoot me an email @ [email protected] and I should be able to get your order in. I'm going to email everyone else that got put on the wait list.

P.S. We actually just moved away from Las Vegas a few months ago. I lived there for 8 great years, and I miss it! I now live in Cincinnati, OH :rolleyes:

t3ddftw - I have multiple E39's so if you open up the orders once again I would be interested in at least three.

I'm going to open it up for another 28 orders, based on who signed up for for a pre-order first.

I'm just waiting on parts to show up before I submit the order for manufacture, so I might as well take as many orders as I have parts for.

Thanks!
-Ted

Well, that connector is here: https://www.newtis.info/tisv2/a/en/e...is-sav/UgkAYB9

The CD Changer harness appears to be over on the driver side of the trunk. I'm not at all familiar with the E53, so I don't quite know what I'm looking at, but I believe you guys will need an extra long harness for the telephone adapter :)

Actually, it looks like it's in the left side (driver) of the spare tire well. Have a look in there -- it might be wrapped up!

Ted, So if we don't have the phone setup in the car we need to fabricate a connector? Are explicit instructions included with the unit? I havn't looked what I have yet, but it will either be going in a 01 E53, an 02 E39, or a 03 E39Msport. All 3 just have the Mid, no nav screens. Thanks

Dave,

Not necessarily! Most US spec BMWs of this era came pre-wired for the phone from the factory, so you'll have either the DB25 (large, black, printer cable looking connector), the 26 pin SES, or the 54 pin black connector.

If your car is not pre-wired for the phone, you should really consider an aftermarket mic (which is still plug and play, minus the wire routing), otherwise you're going to have to rip the interior apart to wire in 6 signal wires from the BlueBus to the radio and microphone, and that's just not worth it.

Thanks!
-Ted

Hey Ted. Any comment on the adapter cable to go from the 54 pin black harness to the back of your new unit, for easy connectivity?
Thanks.

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Sorry for the delay on this front -- I'm working on figuring out exactly what I need to charge.

I'm looking to buy the $5,000 Machine from TE connectivity in order to place the terminals on the wires.

The thought of crimping ~6,000 terminals onto wires by hand is a bit daunting when it takes about 30 seconds per crimp (due to fumbling with the terminal and wire).

Good thing is that I have everything worked out in terms of the cables themselves and more or less what they will cost me to manufacture. I'm trying to get something sent out to everyone before the end of the year.

Thanks!
-Ted

Can the terminal be soldered vs crimped? A jig that holds say 20 you cab maybe get the per unit time down to 5-10 seconds.

Sadly not. I'm using these terminals (all the compatible ones are similar) https://www.mouser.com/ProductDetail/571-878091-CT

If not crimped, they won't install into the housing :/

You need the help of this lady - check out her crimping skills on this video at 03:11 :yikes:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=X8CRitTyrsM

That is amazing!

Blew me away... there's a ton of videos like this on industrial processes that just leave you with your mouth hanging open... :popcorn:

Hahaha, wow! She is even crimping the 54 pin connector adapter terminals (they are male terminals)!

'zactly...! ;)

Ok, look forward to seeing your update. Hope you can hire that lady

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I'd pay her 25 cents a crimp if I could find her! So serious, too, lol.

Hi, I have put me reservation in. I have a aux-plug in bluetooth module currently but it would be nice to find a replacement for the ancient bmw phone that came with the car.

That video was mesmerizing! And a recipe for some serious cases of repetitive stress injuries. :D

Just found this thread as I was searching for options for the 2005 X5 I just picked up. Let me know if any of the current pre orders backs out as I will pick one up for sure! I just filled out the form on your website as well. Great idea and build!

just installed the OE mic in the factory location. Now I sit and wait... And since I had the Ultrasonic sensors (theft deterant sensors) down, to remove the overhear console to access the wiring and reroute the mic wire the BMW hid out of the way, I clamped a new cell phone magnetic bar to it and man is this WIZgear bar strong.

Hey guys,

So, I got hit with bad news Thursday -- The Fab house apparently has the PCBs themselves made in Taiwan (news to me), and Chinese New Years is coming up, so I got hit with a 14 day delay:

https://t3ddftw.s3.us-east-2.amazona...116_162159.png

I spoke with my Account Manager at MacroFab and he said I was pretty much SOL. I'm not sure why they didn't initially account for this -- I'm pretty peeved :thumbsdown:.

In any case, the refund option still stands for anyone not wanting to wait. There's unfortunately nothing that can be done about this.

-Ted

Thanks for timing update Ted.
Sucks when things are not in your control but that's just life.
Good luck when you do get it all in stock and I hope you were able to source a wire connector crimping machine ( or that lady) for when you do start again :)

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Thanks for understanding!

I am actually in the process of sourcing a local company to do the wiring termination for me. I have the applicator, which is what is specific to the terminal I'm using, and they have the terminator.

It's looking like $9 / bundle of six wires, plus $7 or so bucks for the terminal housings (the plastic connector shroud).

I'm thinking the plug and play harness will be in the ~$20 - ~$25 range, since they need to be assembled when they get to me. Wires will be 14" long, which should plenty.

Great news as I. Sure damn near everyone looking to buy this BlueBUS will want this connector too. I also know my mechanic wants to order some BlueBus from you once mine is installed and he sees it working.

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So stupid question....what will the wire connector connect to? Sorry, I am already in implementation mode....

And will it be the same wire for e53, e39 and e46s?

Thx

Steve R


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I am in same boat. Not sure what I will need for hook up-just waiting to receive unit and than decipher. Ted will help us out I am sure.

To the best of my knowledge, it will connect to the 6 pin CD changer plug and the 3 pin Kbus connector. There is a video running around of the connections on a E39.

https://youtu.be/UO9WvRbNzZg

I'm not an expert, but I had talked a bunch with Ted, months ago about connecting to the e53 (currently with no factory bluetooth or phone system) and after I sent him a video of my x5's "media corner" Left rear, where cd changer/phone modules would be, he pointed out the wiring needed IS there.
YES the two connectors that Overboost mentions above are for the bluetooth media/power, but if you want to use the factory phone mic (which, I actually didn't have so I had to buy one and track down the wiring for it in the overhead console). and this is a note directly from Ted about which microphone to buy, if you need to buy one. "I highly suggest not using that Microphone. In some cases it picks up too much audio in the cabin which can lead to the caller hearing themselves. 84318380338 works perfectly under all circumstances".
back to the other wiring... it is a black long 54 pin connector (has 3 rows of 18 pin slots) that was bundled up under my cargo floor. To access, I had to remove floor, and then remove large black plastic part to expose all the wiring harnesses and yes its sitting pretty there, ready to accept this connector that Ted is also in process of building, so its a easy connect to this, then connect other end to that and presto...

Are you referencing this for the microphone??Does this replace the existing one in the E53?
https://www.ecstuning.com/b-genuine-...e/84318380338/

I had to but that one (used for much cheaper) because my x5 did NOT have a mic at all, but even if it did, based on what Ted told me, I'd probably have replaced it since the newer models are too sensitive for the system he is building.

Definitely buy the microphone with the part number ending in 338 -- It performs the best.

The newer microphone with the part number ending in 762 picks up a bit too much audio from the cabin and has been found by a couple of beta users to create "echos" in the phone calls, where the other party can hear themselves over the vehicle speakers -- totally distracting.

Oops, somehow the forum only just now notified me of thread updates, so I missed this connector conversation --

So, yeah! The 3 and 6 pin CD Changer connectors will provide you with what you need to get Bluetooth streaming from the BlueBus, but you'll also need to track down the 54 pin connector (~2002+) or the DB25 that's in the trunk if you want to make use of Bluetooth calling. You can also provide your own non-OE microphone and it'll work, provided you run the wiring and hook it up to the 3.5mm connector on the BlueBus.

If you have the DSP, I recommend picking up a SMB to SMB (50ohm impedance) connector (like this one: https://gromaudio.com/store/accessor...ble_-1-ft.html) and using that instead of the 6 pin connector. You'll enable an option in the BlueBus which will "switch" the input to digital mode when in Bluetooth mode. This connector provides higher quality audio than the analog 6 pin harness.

I'm always available if you have questions at [email protected] or [email protected]

Thanks!
-Ted

Hey Ted, how are the kids? You have them working on the BlueBus assembly yet? :)

Thanks for asking! They are working on drinking from a bottle, rather than a feeding tube, so I haven't had a chance to show them the finer points of flash programming and using a terminal :rofl:

But really, they are breathing room air all on their lonesome, without the constant air pressure machine, so I couldn't be more proud!

Good news: I sent off my wire terminal applicator and should have those to me soon. They came in around $1/wire, which is not awful considering there are only six wires per loom.

Bad News: PCB manufacture hasn't yet begun, but I guess that's expected for their current ETA. My casement manufacturer is also running behind, but I don't think that will really delay shipments as they are being shipped to me in batches of 100/week, which means I should always "have enough" for the boards on hand.

Thanks!
-Ted

[QUOTE=t3ddftw;1177782]Thanks for asking! They are working on drinking from a bottle, rather than a feeding tube, so I haven't had a chance to show them the finer points of flash programming and using a terminal :rofl:



But really, they are breathing room air all on their lonesome, without the constant air pressure machine, so I couldn't be more proud! [Quote end Ted]

Sir,
THAT is sensational news!!!!!!
Congratulations.

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Thank you sir! :D

hey Teddy, I seen an update on the m3forum website you linked in first post, but now that thread/forum is down. Mind giving an update here, please?

Hey man,

Yeah, I just posted that the fab house has had the PCBs since last Thursday, but there seems to be no movement on the order. Thankfully, they only need a few hours on the pick and place / reflow ovens to bang out all 500 units.

The order UI (which believe it or not, most fab houses do NOT have a way for you to check your order status) says that there are still 20 orders in front of the BlueBus.

I have the email written out and ready to send to start selling the harness adapters, but I haven't been able to add the code to the website to properly process those transactions, so hopefully I can get to that tonight.

My sons should be coming home tomorrow, so expect my posts to be slightly less coherent for the next little while :rofl:

Thanks!
-Ted

good god you replied quickly.
thanks for the update

Says the guy who replied within a couple minutes! :P

I try to reply to everyone as quickly as I can under all circumstances -- I hate uncommunicative people.

-Ted

Agreed. I went through building an e53 deco skid plate build with a manufacturer in Cali and it was unnerving how many days/weeks he took to respond (albeit was during a bad Cali summer fire, but none of us knew that).

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In case you guys didn't get the email:

Hey guys,

In case you didn't see the email, I am now taking orders for the adapter harnesses!

I have under my desk 3,000 terminated wires. Couldn't find that lady from the video, so I settled for a robot :p

Glad you wrote as the email went to my junk folder for some reason yet your other emails never did before. Odd, but again thanks for the heads up. Adapter ordered :)
Oh I do have to ask... I believe I read in previous info from you that this adapter harness is NOT necessary, if the buyer is willing to de-pin the factory wire harness to take those 6 pins and put into another wire connector that comes with the BlueBus. If a BlueBus buyer also opts to buy the extra adapter harness, will the buyer still get that 6 pins connector you were originally sending with the BlueBus? I am hoping so but have to ask.

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I saw you ordered! I think you're the only one in that Canadian province getting a BlueBus :rofl:. Weird that it went to spam, but I noticed that less than 100 adapters have sold, so I figured I'd post the heads up.

I can add the de-pin adapter to your order for free, but it's an option on the order page ;)

Those housings cost $1 each, so I was trying to avoid spending the extra $500 if people weren't going to use them...

Thanks!
-Ted

I have a BUNCH of ppl waiting till I get mine and have installed and working to show them, they all said.

I figured the BlueBus was going to come with the de-pin adapter (and I'm extremely capable of doing it that way too), but just in case I wanted to be lazy on this (or future) installs I wanted the 54 pin adapter cable too. Sorry I didn't realize it was not included if one was to order the extra adapter but I totally see what you are trying to do for cost savings. Smart!! I'd appreciate that de-pin adapter with my order please.

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Mike,

I added the de-pin adapter to your order.

Hopefully you and everyone else likes the unit!

Thanks!
-Ted

I know that I am excited to receive mine [emoji16]. That said, I can be lazy and I don’t feel de-pinning but I didn’t see the option to order the adapter on the website, or know how to add it to my existing order anyway? I’m sure I missed something?


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Howdy!

Can you check your spam for emails from me?

If you don't find anything, email [email protected] with the email you used to place the order and I will create a link for you to purchase the adapter.

Thanks!
-Ted

Hey guys,

BlueBus units were supposed to ship overnight to me today, but instead I got this update from the Fab house:


I asked for pictures of a production board to verify that everything was correctly oriented (it is). Here are the pictures I got back:

https://t3ddftw.s3.us-east-2.amazona...266470090.jpeg

https://t3ddftw.s3.us-east-2.amazona...266471634.jpeg

-Ted

Thanks for update, Ted.
Quality is KEY.

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I would second CW, I would rather have it right, than fast! (Most of the time 🤪)


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Thanks for understanding, guys!

A bit of an update about cases: The manufacturer essentially bailed on me -- that's what I get for dealing with an individual rather than a reputable manufacturer.

Anyways, it looks like the cases are going to be mass 3D printed again, and I have gone ahead and placed an order for a small amount of units to verify fitment. If all goes well, they'll not be too far behind the BlueBus.

For you international guys, I'm trying to work with the manufacturer who bailed on me to get all the units that have already been made, that way I send completed units overseas, and send PCBs out to U.S. customers. The rationale is that I don't want to pay for international shipping more than once, but I also don't want to leave you guys hanging.

Thanks!
-Ted

Crappy to hear about your case builder.
Will the other 3d printed cases be of as good or better quality than the ones that the bailed-manufacturer was making?
Thanks for keeping up in the loop. I'd rather be told truth and bad news than nothing at all

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The bailed manufacturer was making them out of cast urethane, which was "okay" in terms of strength but had a smooth surface finish.

The 3D printed versions have a 60% infill, so they are quite strong. They'll be a little bit "rough" to the touch, but smooth in apperance.

Thanks!
-Ted

Nifty.

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Is this unit available to get on the order list?

Hi!

Yes, you can fill out the interest form on www.bluebus.dev. I plan to take additional orders beginning on March 30th with the intention of shipping them in late May.

Thanks!
-Ted

So, the first ten units are out the door as a complete set. I only had ten cases on hand (this is what I ordered from my "new" case manufacturer as a sample batch), so I sent those units out to those who have been waiting more than a year for a BlueBus (well, no one had paid prior to late November of 2019, so I don't feel as awful)!

If you're one of these folks, you will have gotten an email from me with the tracking information.

Anyways, here's some images.

https://t3ddftw.s3.us-east-2.amazona...312_145955.jpg

https://t3ddftw.s3.us-east-2.amazona...312_203012.jpg

https://t3ddftw.s3.us-east-2.amazona...312_214614.jpg

Thanks!
-Ted

TED, those blue cases with BlueBus stamped in....SEXY AF. I almost want to show mine off 8nstead of hide it in an X5 cubby hole

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Nice! Looking forward to feedback on how the sound is.

Thanks! I paid to have the logo designed, but I'm pretty happy with the way it came out.

The cases look GREAT. Not bad for 3D printed, right? :)

I wish M3Forum were up so I could link you to the feedback posted by the beta users.

If your car has the DSP, and you use the digital input, then I'm confident in saying that NOTHING else will sound as good.

If you have the six pin connector for analog input, then I'm still really confident that nothing else will sound better, but not as categorically as with the digital input :)

Thanks!
-Ted

The BlueBus looks very professional. :thumbup:

Thanks! Its been a labor of love :)

I have a 2006 stock factory Nav with DSP. I really don't know if I have the 6 pin digital connector or not. Whatever comes with this model. The factory sound systems are awful with DSP or no DSP. For now I'm wanting to keep my system stock but would like to ditch the ancient CD changer. I can't believe these also have a cassette player. Just wow. BMW didn't want to update the MKIV and Nav head unit with only a couple production years left on the E39, E46, E53 etc but good lord, a cassette player in a 2006!! :rofl:

You should use the single DSP cable that goes from cd changer to amp and instead reroute the DSP cable from Amp to BlueBus

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Sounds easy enough. Thanks for the heads up!!


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Hey Ted, first thing... How are you and the family doing? Staying safe I hope.
Secondly, how happy are you with the quality of builds, from manufacturers?
Thirdly, any more going out the door soon :) ?

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Hey man!

We're all doing well, thankfully. I have always worked from home, and my wife is a stay at home Mom, so it's pretty much business as usual around these parts. How are you are and yours?

The quality of the cases from 3DHubs is pretty damn good. I'm happy with it and have okay'd their manufacture.

I've shipped over 120 units at this point, but none were to international users as I do not want to send multiple shipments overseas due to cost. I should start getting cases, 100 at a time, this week or early next. Shipments will likely be once a week on those cases.

Thanks!
-Ted

That is awesome news, very glad the new manufacturer has stepped up and delivered a solid product for you (and us) :D


I liked the "business as usual", where as I'm used to working from home, from a trailer, heck, from a table in a field, my wife has always been an "office employee" and she's going stir crazy, where I'm just keeping myself busy in the garage, yard and around the house with crap that just needed done.


I told her and my three kids, this is life handing us lemons, it's time to make lots of lemonade!


Glad to hear all is healthy and happy at your place!! (And really looking forward to my BlueBus) :thumbup:

Glad you guys are doing well! Hopefully the wife adjusts well to hermit life soon :)

I kind of wish I had the time to myself, rather than being able to work still. I have so many things to do around the house and with the BlueBus!

-Ted

Ted, just sent you an email. Can't connect my unit, for reasons that are my fault I am sure. But posting here for others that may run into same issue. I do not have CD changer in the rear. IT looks like I only have the amp and the factory bluetooth unit. And also, business radio/cd player. Attaching some pictures for clarity. I did find a small connector that when connected to the BB it turned the LED on, than it went off. Please advise. Thank you.

Dave,

As mentioned in the email, the 6 pin closest to your middle finger in the first image should be plugged into the BlueBus (audio).

The reason the LED on the BlueBus went out is because there was no activity in the vehicle for more than 60 seconds. Touching any door handle, or button on the keyfob will bring the BlueBus back online.

Thanks!
-Ted

Ted, that's great to hear it's not a large change to your daily life.
My wife and I are used to office life and have been working from home for about 2 weeks now. Sadly my industry is taking a shit knocking so my job has been hugely impacted based on oil prices and Covid-19 at same time. Such is life. We will definitely survive.

Glad to hear you are impressed with quality of case. It looks so sexy dude. looks very professional.
So happy to be apart of this so I can't thank you enough for taking the time to figure this all out, make one for yourself and then being kind enough to sell to strangers.
A Humanitarian event for us buyers.

How is the wire harness adapter manufacturing coming along?

Thanks for the updates.
Mike in Calgary.

Sent from my Pixel 3 using Tapatalk

Mike,

Hope you guys get adjusted and that things get better in your industry!

Thanks for the kind words! I'm happy that except for a few cases where the install was harder than it should be, everyone seems to be pleased with the BlueBus. My wife is happy to have some spare baby clothes money too :rofl:

-Ted

Looking forward to everyone you've sold to in the E53 community to weigh in on their experience, the sound, etc. I'm ready to ditch the CD player.

Me too!

Bueller? :)

My thread over on "NAM3Forum" has some feedback from E46 guys.

https://nam3forum.com/forums/forum/m...tooth-solution

See page 2 and 3.

I did have a fellow with an E53 email me about a MID UI bug. I replied to him with a fix candidate firmware, but haven't heard back. The bug was just that the UI would reset every 5 seconds or so when you were trying to change settings, which I think I have fixed.

-Ted

Fully Integrated Bluetooth Solution
 

Ok all, so I see Ted has sent out a bunch of BlueBus units...any e53 owners installed one yet with a non-nav system? I'm excited to hear the reviews.

I'm a no NAV guy, drug my feet a bit getting Ted my plug type (because I'm lazy and didn't want to pull pins :yawn:) but as soon as mine gets here I've got nothing but time on my hands as I have officially fallen victim to Covid-19 "Furlough" into unemployment :(


Silver lining - I can install my BlueBus!

Non Nav
 

Well, I am one of those people you are looking for. After some struggles with me finding and installing the right connections on my car, and than getting it to do everything but have sound, it is up and running and working flawlessly!! I do love it and feel like my 15 yr old E53 is just like a current modern car! As far as not working initially, Ted was amazing and helped me diagnose that my MID was coded for using DSP and I had to buy a small cable to connect the BB to my DSP connection on my amp. Ted updated the software remotely for me and couldn't have been more accommodating. I havn't given him the feedback yet, but to use a non NAV/MID unit with the BB needs some tutorials. There is a guy named Ryan who seems to have partnered with Ted. He has an M5 page on youtube. He has done a video on how to make everything work on a E46 non nav radio. So, after some minor teething issues, I love the thing. Still waiting on my cable to connect for the phone. Ted says that is coming in the next couple of weeks. Given the current world situation, not sure if Ted will be making more of these, but if so, I would highly recommend getting one.

CapeX5, yes that's exactly what I was looking for in regards to a review.
I have watched Ryan and his E46 non-Nav and seen how it's worked around to get options done. It is a lot prettier/easier with a NAV unit but it's just now how the cookie crumbles for me.
Since I put in my order, I thought of buying a NAV screen and Mark IV module for use but I believe I'd still have to run more wires and I don't want to dick with it and deal with busted Nav-screen pixels so I will live with the MID stereo.


Sent from my Pixel 3 using Tapatalk

I wouldn't mess with the Nav unit just for the BB. Not worth the expense, hassle and potential issues. It works fine with the MID. Happy to help if you need some help getting it configured.

Thanks CapeX5. And you are right it's not worth it.

Sent from my Pixel 3 using Tapatalk

Any reviews of any kind would be welcome :)

Thanks, Dave! For clarity: The radio in Dave's car was coded to use the Digital Input on the DSP, even though the car had an analog 6 pin audio connector for CD Changer audio. The DSP Coaxial cable was purchased in order to make use of the interface because it does offer higher audio fidelity, and the radio was already wanting to use it, so might as well!

I'll make a MID tutorial at some point. I find the MID UI to be far more intuitive than the E46 Business Radio where I fumble around with it and I'm the guy who came up with it!


P.S. I'm taking orders again :D

heres my set up https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=W3XOwNBQTUc

let me know what you guys thing

i have resler usb i bus app for dsp signal eonon hu with bluetooth etc

You do realize this is a thread for the BlueBus Integrated Bluetooth interface?

Your post is very much off topic in this thread. Maybe start your own thread. :dunno:

It does'nt ship till june ?

That's correct. Manufacturing lead time is 40 days.

Being that this is not my full time job, and I'm not even incorporated, this is the way it has to work for now, until I get enough capital and interest to justify keeping them in stock.

Thanks!
-Ted

Hey hey!! My BlueBus arrived today, may have actually been here longer I just happened to notice that my mailman had folded it up origami style and wedged it into the back of my mail box when I just grabbed the mail... Package open and everything is happy and healthy and appears to be in fine condition though so no worries there.


Now all I have to do is get in to the garage and start the installation! That may happen today \ tonight or it may wait until Wednesday when my wife is out of the house (so that I have some peace a quiet - and WAAAYY less "help" :rofl:)...


Either way, I will keep you all posted as I go :thumbup:

and.... :)

I am very curious about how it will look and work works in an X5, please keep us updated and don't forget to take some pics!

I can tell you that as far as "looks", you don't see it! It is the size of a pack of cigarettes(remember those??!!) and sits in the back by all of your audio equipment.
And it works flawlessly. There have been a few bugs that Ted has immediately jumped on resolving. The set up is a little different whether you have a MID or Nav, but still fairly easy. I am waiting for the cable to use the Bluebus for my phone communication instead of the marginal factory set up. Currently my talk to text does not work well and I am hoping that once the BB cable shows up it will be better.

Yes I know that the Hardware is just a small box which will be hidden in the back audio compartment of the car.

I meant I wonder how the "looks" of the GUI on the 16:9 navscreen will look like. I've seen the official seller videos but I haven't seen a user review with the bluebus device in a e53 X5 until now.

Took the plunge and ordered the BlueBus for my 2003 e53. On my 2003 I have factory nav with DSP and the CD changer in the back. There is no ULF or TCU in the back and no option for phone in the menu on the nav screen. I'm assuming there will be no microphone in the front console either. Also, IIRC my '03 does not have the coaxial connection between the CD and the DSP. It is more than 10 years back that I did a nav retrofit on the 4.8iS I owned back then and at the time I also knew exactly what was in my '03 but those memories are vague now.

My question for anyone who has installed their BlueBus, any clues on which cable/harness I'd have to obtain to install it? I'd like hands free calling to be available as my kids will mostly drive this car going forward. From the posts above it looks like there is more to that than just plugging the CD changer plugs into the BlueBus?

Quick update, I ordered the adapter cable with mine and that piece is not available yet, being that I will be using all of the phone features with mine and wanted full integration from “day1” (I don’t want to take the car apart twice), I spoke with Ted and he suggested that I wait to install mine until those cables were ready - so, unfortunately, my unit is still boxed in the garage and waiting ☹️

That said, as soon as I receive the rest of my order, I’ll be getting that installed ASAP!!


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Tri, yes gets confusing. I would do some research on what your car came with as far as pre wiring, but there is a good chance that it does have the mic in the overhead console. If you go back in this thread and another on an E46 forum where I think he goes over in detail what to look for in pre wired/cabling. I am still waiting on adapter cable but overall I am happy with my unit with my MID.

Hey Ted, so when buyers receive their BlueBus, should they need to do software or firmware updates?
And If so, how?
Thanks in advance

Sent from my Pixel 3 using Tapatalk

I installed the Bluebus in my M3 this weekend. I only wanted the bluetooth audio streaming and this is a great product. It replaced a Dension IceLink - which I pretty much couldn't use anymore after my IPOD bit the dust.

Unreservedly recommend this to anyone who is interested.

Hey CW, not to speak for Ted, I'm sure he'll jump in here too, but one side of the unit has a micro usb port for firmware update, they recommend plugging one in before installation if you don't have easy access to your unit.


Edit:
"left side" has: Digital DSP jack,Telephone cable connection, Analog audio plug & Power-IBUS


"right side" has: Micro usb, LED status window & 3rd party mic input

When I received mine a few weeks ago, he said I needed to do a firmware update. I had no idea how to do that. I contacted him directly and we chatted on the phone and he "remotely" updated it for me. I am just clueless on that stuff, so I was stuck. He is very responsive and will take care of any issues you may have.

K, I'm pretty decent with this stuff (not near Ted level, but not too bad) so I will just do an update when received for good measure.

Sent from my Pixel 3 using Tapatalk

Thanks Purplefade.

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Hey Ted, curious to see how the adapter builds are coming along. Any update on your satisfaction of them?

[emoji16] email says it's on its way :)

Sent from my Pixel 3 using Tapatalk

Sorry for being AFK on this thread -- I stopped getting update emails for some reason...

https://github.com/tedsalmon/BlueBus...rmware-Upgrade

There's a USB port on the side, as someone else mentioned :)

All pending orders are going out tomorrow or the day after, then I am going to begin sending out outstanding cases and adapters (which is much quicker / easier).


Thanks!
-Ted

Thanks. I have been reading/watching the M3 forum that is constantly updated from forum members :)

Sent from my Pixel 3 using Tapatalk

Glad to hear it!

-Ted

boom, ITS HERE. fIRMWARE UPDATED, NOW TO INSTALL.

Let us know what you think and how install goes :)

Once I get to playing with this a bit more and understand the options and how they work on the non-nav MID, I'mm post a video or write up a doc, after discussing with Ted, on how it works (unless someone knows of a source showing how to play with the options/buttons, already?) The E46 is no where the same so its not the best tutor.

Note, the audio quality is DISTURBINGLY GREAT for bluetooth.
I always played music sources that ARE HARD WIRED TO STEREOS BUT WOW

OK Ted, here goes. 2003 4.6is with factory nav, DSP, CD changer, no TCU or BT antenna and no BT oddment tray. So, I would like to get away from my junky BT aux unit I spliced in behind the head unit to the AUX cable and 12v. I would like to have full BT Music streaming as well as phone. Would love to be able to use the Face button to call up Siri (maybe a pipe dream but hey). What all will I need to order to make this work. It seems I need the BB module as well as an adapter cable for the phone portion and maybe a coax from CD to DSP...? Is that right? I'll check my CD changer to see if it's connected via coax or other.

Clockwork's UI is right dickered, for the record. I never tested on a DSP / MID combo, so I didn't know I couldn't write to the whole MID. Working on this...

Howdy!

For the 2003 you will want, but not need, the coaxial DSP cable. Your car will have the 6 pin analog, most likely.

Siri can be summoned using the talking head button with the BlueBus. You will want to have microphone, factory or not, to use the telephony features.

I really don't know the E53 well enough to tell you which TCU adapter you'll need for a 2003, but my guess is the blue 26 pin SES adapter. You want to look where this tells you:

https://www.newtis.info/tisv2/a/en/e...is-sav/UgkAYB9


Thanks!
-Ted

Fully Integrated Bluetooth Solution
 

https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/202...c7bf94462a.jpg

This photo was taken in Palm Springs, CA.

https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/202...bfe8e038f8.jpg

This photo was taken in Houston TX. Oh, how times have changed!

Hey there! I saw this rig running around. There are surprisingly few X5s here and Titanium is even more rare. Nice to see you E53 looking like "itself" again. :). Almost identical to mine with the exception of the flared fenders.

Regardless of the UI controls I'm having, I've learned how to use it successfully and still swear by this amazing stereo/hands free phone calling.
I first installed factory mic p/n ending in 338, but ppl told me it was too quiet, but clear.
But I also had factory mic ending in p/n 762 and swapped that in last night and ppl said I'm louder now (well, for a car hands free phone call, that is) So your mileage may vary

Sent from my Pixel 3 using Tapatalk, while sipping a mimosa on a sunny afternoon.

I still need to get my IKE working right. I don't think my MID has a BC button, though.

Also! Mic Gain is controllable via software, just not via the MID UI just yet :/

Thanks!
-Ted

Regarding the 6 pin connector on the board required for TCU emulation, where might I get the 6 pin socket housing?

If you have a BlueBus, email me and I will send one free of charge

Cool deal, thanks man. I’ll shoot you an email now.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

Hi Ted,

I sent you an interest request for purchase via the website. I will need the 26 pin SES Jumper...can I get that from you? If not, please point me and I'll get that done too. I'm so very excited to add this to my E53!!!!

Howdy!

Your best bet is to buy one from ECS Tuning (they have 41 left, as of today): https://www.ecstuning.com/b-bluebus-.../bluebus1~blu/

They will be able to ship before I can because I am sold out of allocations for the current product run.

You will need to buy the SES from me, though! https://www.bluebus.dev/orders/checkout

Thanks!
-Ted

Hey Ted,

I ordered today from ECS Tuning. They said they don't have 41 in stock so I'll be hanging out until July 10 for it to ship. Just an FYI. Bummer but I'm good. :). I ordered the SES jumper from you but please check your PayPal as it was acting weird. I see the hold on the card but it kept looping back to "Preauthorize" over and over again. If there's an issue please let me know at the PayPal email and we can deal with it quickly. Thanks again!

Howdy,

Sorry, they don't have ANY in stock, but they have 41 pre-allocations left. Once those are used up, they won't be shipping any units until ~September.

On PayPal: I see the problem -- you did not click "Add Telephone Adapter" to select the SES adapter, so it was trying to sell you _just_ shipping.

-Ted

All,


Just a heads up -- https://t3ddftw.s3.us-east-2.amazona...bus_1_1_11.hex is the newest firmware. I recommend updating to it.


The following fixes were made from 1.1.9 and 1.1.10:

* Call volume doesn't cause music volume to go sky-high anymore

* Call volume is adjusted as the user adjusts the volume regularly so that the same audio level can be consistently achieved.

* BM24 users (EU) should now not have problems with the radio becoming unresponsive when using the unit with the BlueBus

* UI identification has been improved to prevent issues with the MKIII Nav units using the "older" (pre-version 40) UI

* Mini Cooper R53 users with Navigation can now summon the BlueBus menu using the "RND" button on the CD53.


The following features were added:

* Coolant temperature can now be added to the Navigation headers (Settings > UI > Temps)

Firmware update instructions can be found here: https://github.com/tedsalmon/BlueBus...rmware-Upgrade


Thanks!
-Ted

Ted,

When will the telephone menu be active? I suppose you can use SIRI via the steering wheel button to initial calls via voice?


Thanks,
Al.

MID car?

I'll work on it soon. You may be able to summon her by long pressing the phone button on the head unit.

-Ted

Ted:

Here's a good link to the location of the SES or DB25 on the E53. Thought you might find it handy as it's a tad more descriptive than the other. I'm stoked to get my Bluebus soon and give my E53 a nice tech upgrade. WOOHOO!

https://store.bimmernav.com/blogs/in...bluetooth-kits

Long press on the phone does activate Siri and is loud and clear through the unit.


Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk

Ted -

Your links don't work for me, using either Safari or Chrome browsers.

Maybe update/redirect? Thanks, -Andy (aka "Uncle Joe")

Andy,

Updated! Sorry!

-Ted

Yaaaaaaaaaa :nanana:


My adapter arrived today and my BlueBus is installed!! Amazingly straight forward too, unplugged my TCU, popped in the BlueBus and within 5 minutes I was streaming bluetooth audio to my factor BMW Stereo :rofl:


My car unfortunately did not already have the Digital DSP cable in it so I am currently running on Analog, waiting on my Digital DSP cable to get here.


Crystalworks, you're using the digital dsp connection I'm guessing, did you listen to it both ways, digital and analog and if yes, was there a significant sound quality difference? The only thing that I really notice now is that my voice calls are extremely quiet (but I did update the firmware so I think all I need to do is turn that up).

The digital output sounds way and beyond better than the analog. You can switch back and fourth in real time and you will hear the difference.

On phone audio: you can adjust the volume while in a call and the BlueBus will "remember" how much higher you have it for calls and will issue the "volume up" commands to get back to that level. Once the call is over, it'll issue the "volume down" commands.

Thanks!
-Ted

I'm going to have to read every page of the thread so I can document all the features, tips and tricks of these systems so I know what to expect when I get mine. Can't wait!!!

Does the unit need car power, or can it be powered by USB jack to update firmware? I can see the unit on Windows on COM3 (usb), but unable to connect. Don't see the unit on MacOS.

No, it doesn't need to have 12v from the car -- it can be powered solely off USB.

I suspect your cable may be a charge only cable, or it may not be able to make full contact with the USB port inside the BlueBus.

I recommend you try another cable, and if it's still not working, then take the unit out of its case and try again.

Thanks!
-Ted

Awesome, thanks Ted!


You sent me the links for the digital dsp cable, I will get that ordered asap and installed :thumbup: And I do now remember you saying that the call volume issue had been fixed, I completely forgot to just turn the audio up during the call - doh... all fixed!

Glad you got call Audio sources! I can't wait for you to come back and post about how good the sound system sounds with the digital DSP cable :P


Everyone,

Just heard from MacroFab that there's a small delay, which will result in units being delivered to me on July 6th, rather than June 26th.

If you purchased through ECS, they have to wait for me to get all units before I am able to send them their allocations, so that's going to push out their timeline as well.

Sorry guys!
​​​​​​​-Ted

Hey Ted, Appreciate the update on delivery.


I'm sure we're all a little bummed that it'll be another 2-3 weeks but when we get them it we can call it our Christmas in (COVID) July! lol



I personally haven't waited with anticipation for an upgrade like this for my car(s) in quite some time.

Ted,
Correct. Micro USB cable was charging only. Since I'm iOS (no Android data sync cables laying around), I ordered this charging cable from Amazon, grey color should make it obvious it's data. I still couldn't get the firmware tool to run or BlueBus to show up on MacOS.
On Windows, with the new cable:

• BlueBus was immediately detected, and Windows added the device
• Solid green Power light. Nice case design allows for light visibility when mounted in the case.
• Started firmware update tool, and once the correct BlueBus COM port was selected in the update tool, the Power green light started flashing.
• Firmware update started, and red Tx light and green Rx light began to flash, with the right green light
• Once the firmware update was complete, the Power light went back to solid.

Firmware update tool feature request: Check and display current firmware revision.

Nobody seemed to have them in stock, so I ordered them from BMW of South Atlanta (competitive pricing and since they are a dealer, comes with BMW warranty). Arrived after a month, since they had to come from Germany. The cable doesn't look like anything proprietary. Looks like it's a SMA/SMB coax connector, so there may be cheaper and faster options.

Ted,
Installed the BlueBus into my e39 M5.
Great case, just fyi the clearance for the coax digital was tight. It may have been better to connect all the cables, and then fully tighten down the box screws.
Audio works great using the digital input, which is huge over the CD changer or cassette tape. :rofl:
A few questions/issues:

1. What's the shortcut to the BlueBus menu? With nav, I cycle the inputs, and once on Bluetooth/BlueBus, I press the right scroll wheel.
2. The settings menu inactivity timer is too short, 3 seconds to select, or it drops back to dashboard. Once time in the settings, it didn't time out when moving through menus, but all the other times it's a race to make a selection
3. The built in mic in car isn't working. I can hear audio from calls, but cannot send audio during calls or to Siri.

Thanks! I hope it's worth the wait :)

Glad you got this figured out! The feature request you want has been made, but I haven't re-built the tool so I can upload the new .exe to S3... oops.

It's an SMB to SMB cable with 75ohm impedance. I actually tell people nowadays to buy one from DigiKey: https://www.digikey.com/products/en/...=1&pageSize=25

Yeah, I like the tight clearance on that connector because those cables get really loose over time! The case could have been better executed, though. The PCB should be screwed directly to the bottom case, rather than the sandwich action I have going on now, which makes it hard to install the PCB flush with the bottom case <_<. Hindsight is 20/20.

For the UI, use the radio overlay button to pin the BlueBus menu to the screen (this is the button next to mode, on the E38 / E39 / E53 BMBT).

On the Microphone, what is the part number? Which adapter are you using? I see you ordered the SES and the 54 pin'r.

Thanks!
-Ted

Case: All good.
UI: OK. Pressing that switches between the BlueBus display and the Nav settings menu.
MIC: See attached. I have the blue adaptor to the 6-pin, which connects to the 6-pin cable.

https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/202...e8ac4f82b2.jpg


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UI: Yeah, that's its purpose. It does the same regardless of which radio mode you are in :)

Mic: Nothing is attached :(. If the part number ends in 810, then that microphone is not compatible.

Thanks!
-Ted

Never mind, I see you have both attached.

Here’s all the parts I used for the e39 NAV DSP install.https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/202...f05ffc156f.jpg


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Any chance you could get the mic PN? :)

Ted,
The coolant temp display is so damn cool.
Feature request: Can the BT chars preceding the coolant temp be used? Would love the ability to select 2 items to display. E.g. oil temp, oil pressure, batt volts. I ask because my gauge clusters already show oil and coolant temps, but the option to pick 1-2 would just rock. https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/202...28988790fc.jpg


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BT is a different field altogether ;)

Oil pressure is a no go, and oil temp is a no go on an E39 M5. Battery voltage should be do-able, but it's going to be based on what the LCM is reading. I planned on giving you outdoor and coolant temp in that field, FWIW.

Yes, the mic in the sunroof control area :)

-Ted

Ted,
Haha. No mic. I confused the mic blank for the homelink (some cars don’t have the homelink, but all have the mic cutout). I guess if you don’t have a TCU, no mic? Part number for mic: 84316938762.
https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/202...1dcfc4389a.jpg


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That'll do it! I would do part 84318380338 instead. It just seems to work more consistently.

-Ted

Ted,

First off, maybe update the 1st post in this thread for what you're looking for in each thread/forum: chassis install only, UI feedback, or both. How you want it broken down: e46 or e39/e53, and/or +/- Nav. And where each install type should make posts.

This is an e39 w/nav. I'll install the other unit in the e53, when it's fully sorted.

Review from a local drive today:
- Sounds great. UI on the Nav is great. Using the steering wheel controls is great. It surpasses what one would expect to have Bluetooth in these cars a couple generations old. So hats off for the design and execution!
- Using a iPhone + BT, streaming from iTunes. UI is great, and settings UI is much improved over what Ryan/e39Source has in his vid.
- Digital is much, much better. Use digital if possible.

Questions/Bugs:
- Electrical noise or interference when music is not playing. Amp is on, BT selected, music not playing. Once music starts, noise floor drops and music plays. Noise sounds digital (discrete tone/sounds) not analog noise. Seems to only come from front right speaker. BlueBus to amp is coax digital, so that can't be the source. Cable proximity to the amp? I can move it a few inches away to the CD changer to see if that helps.
- Autoplay enabled. Does this work only if the app is open? I closed iTunes app in the phone, and when car restarted, BlueBus played some random music from iTunes library. Another time BlueBus started playing music from Vox app. Note: I close apps often. I can try to leave iTunes app next time without closing. No biggie, since I could disable autoplay anyway.
- When connected, all phone sounds route through Bluetooth: notifications, camera clicks. No notifications/vibrations route to the phone. Is this expected?

The specification for the BlueBus BT 5.0 chipset indicates that transmission is ~1.5Mbps with a connected BT 5.0 unit. So better than CD quality is possible. Are there any limitations to BlueBus connecting to a BT 5.0 device, such as this Fiio M5?

Minor, minor bugs aside, this sound of music over BT with integration to our factory systems is amazing and well worth the price!!!

Hey Ted,

As we are nearing the arrival of the unit...can you please check on my order for the jumper? I've not received it yet. Thx. Mike Gambill

Question / Bugs:

- Did you unplug the analog audio connector from the BlueBus? Give this a try if not. I hate having both connected anyways.

- To be honest, I only send the "Play" command to the phone. What the phone and app(s) do with that is not up to me :(. I also don't have an iPhone, so I can't offer advice here.

- This is per device. I'm not sure iOS gives you a choice in the matter :(

Thanks!
-Ted

- Unplugged analog, no diff. Happens in this sequence: play music. Pause music. Electronic tones for 1 second. Then hiss. The hiss continues when amp is turned off. When amp is turned back on, hiss goes away. No hiss while playing music. Turning key to 0, stops/resets the hiss.
- I disabled auto play, no biggie.
- no worries.


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Using VOX for iOS, played a few .flac files of various sample/rates all the way up to 192KHz/24bit stereo. All played with no issues and VOX passed song info to amp. BlueBus must downsamples the files, since 192/24 would be 9.2Mb/s over BT 5.0. But BT 5.0 real world is max ~1.5-2 Mb/s.


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The noise is likely from the lack of data stream from the BlueBus :(. Unfortunately, this happens to select few users, and I'm not sure why. Perhaps the software in the DSP?

-Ted

The files are re-encoded to AAC (by your phone / device) prior to being transferred over the A2DP link.

Everyone,


Here is the newest firmware, which I recommend EVERYONE upgrade to: https://t3ddftw.s3.us-east-2.amazona...bus_1_1_14.hex (Right Click > Save As / Save Link As)


Here are the upgrade instructions: https://github.com/tedsalmon/BlueBus...rmware-Upgrade



Here's the changelog:

[IMP] application: Version 1.1.14

* Shutdown all unused I/O ports

* Rename I/O Port defines so they are consistent

* Ignore values for coolant temperature that are outside of usual ranges

* Resolve issue with radio overlay button in BMBT UI causing the UI to jump back to overlay mode even when on OBC / Nav

* Add support for extended ASCII characters, since most BMW UIs support this encoding

* Resolve issue with BlueBus keeping vehicles awake via TEL ON by shutting it down when the ignition is turned off

* Resolve issue with BlueBus waking other modules up by pulling the I-Bus low just prior to sleep (introduced around v 1.1.12)



Thanks!

-Ted

Thanks Ted!

Appreciate your diligence on these - I know I love mine and anything that makes it better, I’m certainly up for [emoji16]

Keep up the great work!


Sent from my iPhone using Xoutpost.com

Thank you! :)

Hey guys,


I have some unfortunate news for everyone in the first batch who ordered in December:


I've recently figured out, after a few units turned up with similar failures, that a specific part (P-Channel MOSFET "Q2", for those curious) is failing pretty consistently due to it being under-rated for the voltage it's carrying.


The result is that this part is going to fail at some point, and may or maybe not take other components on the BlueBus out.


This is 100% my fault as I glanced by the value on the datasheet when originally shopping for a suitable part.


As I stand behind the BlueBus, I am going to be recalling every unit and I'm going to replace the part with one properly rated for the job.


If you are part of the second batch of BlueBus units, this DOES NOT impact you as I was able to have the correct part installed prior to assembly.



Q / A


Let me know if you have any additional questions and please know I am so sorry about this issue!

Please refrain from emailing with regards to this unless your unit has failed as I'm the only person who fields questions.


Thanks!
-Ted