Nokia - audio through head unit

[bobbins]

Has anybody here wired a Nokia (specifically a CARK-126) hands free kit through the radio head unit on their VAG car?
I mean by using the Mute, and Tel+ and Tel- connections, so that the the head unit controls the car kit audio volume etc? If so, does it work OK - especially interference wise?
I know it can also be done using an adaptor lead with a relay which injects the audio directly into the speaker leads, but it seems a shame not to use the direct connection method as it's there.

[catso]

I have a Nokia 610 (bluetooth) car kit that is hard-wired to the Audio system - works perfectly, it interrupts the audio and displays "Phone" on the radio and dash display when the phone is in use.

You need to connect the speaker +/- and phone mute wires to the appropriate connector on the head unit (on mine there was a digram stuck on the radio) but I bought a ready made lead as I was struggling to find the correct connectors (although you could fit with push-on terminals. If you want any more details let me know.

[bobbins]

Thanks for this - I assumed it would work but have seen some comments that the output from the HF kit is the wrong level for the radio inputs.
The other issue often mentioned is RF 'bleed' - do you get any background RF noise during a call? I guess this might not be an issue with bluetooth as you can position the phone away from the radio.

Also, where did you get the lead from?

Thanks

[catso]

In the setup options for my car kit (N610) there is a choice of 'equalizer' settings i.e. speaker (provided) or car radio, not sure if this makes any difference to level, but although it is set to radio, it did initially work on speaker.

In the radio (mine is Audi Concert CD/Radio) you can set the phone level and choose L, R or L+R speakers.

I get no background noise and although the phone is bluetooth, the car kit is connected the same way as the non-bluetooth versions,(probably the same cable), mine is in the glovebox and I sometimes leave the phone right under the radio. Of course you will need to leave the Radio on at all times, but the Radio volume does not affect the phone volume (on mine this is controlled by the dial on the phone controller).

I got the cable from 'In Car Technolgies ltd' in Petersfield, Hants. Not sure if they have a website but phone no is 01730 710351.

[bobbins]

Thanks again - some interesting stuff on their website.

[adrianr]

If you have the standard VW gamma radio, phone volume is adjustable - press and hold the TP/set button, then use < and > to flip through options IIRC.

Cheers,
AdrianR

[Vee]

Do a search on www.uk-mkivs.net for 'nokia' & 'mute lead'

You can buy a cable from various companies (I used www.dogegg.co.uk for my CARK112) for around £30.
If you keep the VAG Gamma head unit it's pretty straightforward.
AQlternatively, you can wire it directly into one of the empty slots on the ISO plug - the one which goes to 'Tele' (check the sticker on the headunit itself.

Haven't got round to fitting mine yet but that's another story !!



>> Edited by Vee on Monday 29th November 11:12

[bobbins]

Thanks AdrianR - that menu is there in my radio.

Catso: If you're phone is wired directly to the radio (which it must be if you can change speakers) then using the bluetooth volume control might just be varying the input level. If you set it highish, then you might be able to vary the volume using the radio during a call?
However often these kits are wired directly into the speaker leads, in which case you would have to use the BT kit volume control.

Vee: Thanks for the forum lead. The website, however, is a wine merchant!

[Vee]

Ah, try www.dogegg.net