Using autochanger audio input as 'AUX IN'

[g3org3y]

In the car at the mo I have an OE style Blaupunkt.


Although it looks great being completely period it does have a number of 'foibles' which although can be overlooked, in the long term have a tendancy to annoy.

I usually use a cassette adaptor pluged into my mp3 player to listen to music. This typically works very well...when it actually does work. Often the stereo takes time to 'warm up' before it will 'accept' the cassette adaptor without autoejecting it after 2 seconds. When used in the morning, this can be very frustrating as a situation of insert autoeject insert autoeject insert autoeject manifests itself before I get annoyed, punch the stereo and throw the cassette adaptor across the car.

The other odd characteristic is to do with the radio. This usually works well, however as the stereo warms up (and I mean literally as it can be dependant whether I have heater controls to the central air vents) the ability to pick up FM stations on the upper end of the waveband drops off. Firstly Heart (106), then Radio 1 (98.8 ), LBC (97.3) and lastly Capital (95.8 ). Radio 4 (93.5) never appears to drop off. MW is never affected so I always have Radio 5 Live to fall back on.

This can take from 45 minutes onwards (typically 1.5hrs). It's a very odd phenomenon. By the time Capital (my usual station) has 'disappeared' the stereo is sufficiently 'warmed' up to accept the cassette adaptor without autoejection.

Foibles, character, call it what you wish it's annoying nonetheless, especially when sometimes you just want things to 'work'. As such, I am considering potential 'upgrades'.

I've found the old Sony stereo that the E36 had from the factory (official BMW upgrade). The style is old skool and I think would suit the E30's dash.


It has an input for an autochanger (labelled UNILINK AUDIO IN) via RCA phono connectors:


On the otherside is the connection for the auto changer control:


Corresponding connections on the autochanger:


Big question:

- Can I use the RCA input on the stereo designed for the autochanger as an AUX in for my mp3 player?? The stereo will need to be 'tricked' into thinking an auto changer is attached to accept the audio input.

I could run one of these:

from the back of the stereo into the ashtray as such, easy convenient plug and play for any mp3 player without the hassle of cassette adaptors.

Any ideas??

[Mattt]

Did something similar on a Noble with Sony stereo, had to leave the autochanger controls in place for it to work, but worked fine.

[Aizletree]

Can't see why it wouldn't work!

[rottie102]

It will work, but you have to:
a) leave the cd changer connected with the "control" cable
b) it has to be in working order
c) it has to have a CD in, your headunit has to think it plays a CD from a CD changer, just make put it on repeat and woila

I've done it in one of the cars, it did work this way.

[g3org3y]

rottie102 said:

It will work, but you have to:
a) leave the cd changer connected with the "control" cable
b) it has to be in working order
c) it has to have a CD in, your headunit has to think it plays a CD from a CD changer, just make put it on repeat and woila

I've done it in one of the cars, it did work this way.

I thought that might be the case. It's the easiest solution but not exactly elegant.

Perhaps I'll just have to find an old skool type stereo with proper rear AUX in.

Or put up with the admittedly perfectly suited Blaupunkt (or make attempts to 'fix' it).