Aux/Line level input into standard CD radio?

PJE · Post by **PJE** » Thu Sep 19, 2002 5:38 am

Hi,Sorry if this has been covered before - my searches didn't pick up anything...Is there any way to plug a line level signal (Hard disc MP3 player) into the standard single disc CD/radio without using one of the FM modulators?Thanks in advance.PJE

Greg100575 · Post by **Greg100575** » Sat Sep 21, 2002 11:11 am

i dont think so, its just a stock GMDelco cd player

neadam · Post by **neadam** » Thu Oct 10, 2002 9:25 am

I'm totally in the same boat. I use my Nomad for all my music, and one of those wires in the harness just HAS to be a line in....Doesn't it? The CD/Aux button on the front would seem to indicate that you could choose an Aux input SOMEHOW!!!

lesterb · Post by **lesterb** » Wed Nov 13, 2002 10:54 am

I have to agree, it just doesn't make any sense to have the Aux switch and no physical input. Is GM trying to fool us? It would have been an extra bonus if there was an input somewhere. Maybe it is an afterthought that wasn't excuted at the factory level. I say: "Tease us or what!" There has to be an answer somewhere. It would be ideal to utilize the Aux either for an XM radio adaptor, Sony mindisc player, MP3 player etc. I'm disappointed that the Aux can't be easily used.

cohocarl · Post by **cohocarl** » Wed Nov 13, 2002 4:16 pm

I was going to try and "pin out" the cd input yesterday but didn't have the time. I also believe a couple of those pins are just "line ins". If I can figure that out, I'd probably put the stock stereo back in.

KSNeptune · Post by **KSNeptune** » Thu Nov 14, 2002 10:59 am

Someone's just going to have to pull the radio, possibly open it up, and study the jack pinouts. Bring your Vibe to my house and I'll do it for free! KSNeptune

mark and jaclyn · Post by **mark and jaclyn** » Fri Nov 15, 2002 6:25 pm

When I was looking for my new, I test drove a matrix. I asked the salesman about the line in. He said the only way you can get a line in is to get a different deck the AUX is only compatible with a multi disk changer. Whether he's right or not I can't say.

Frosty · Post by **Frosty** » Thu Nov 28, 2002 4:23 am

quote:I was going to try and "pin out" the cd input yesterday but didn't have the time. I also believe a couple of those pins are just "line ins". If I can figure that out, I'd probably put the stock stereo back in.Has anyone looked into this any further?Mr. Nova, is the wiring harness detailed in your shop manual? Thanks...

Sub-Vibe-R · Post by **Sub-Vibe-R** » Thu Nov 28, 2002 5:21 am

quote:When I was looking for my new, I test drove a matrix. I asked the salesman about the line in. He said the only way you can get a line in is to get a different deck the AUX is only compatible with a multi disk changer. Whether he's right or not I can't say.Usually, salesman has not a lot of knowledge about this. Lets talk expert. My $0.02

cohocarl · Post by **cohocarl** » Thu Nov 28, 2002 6:14 am

quote:Usually, salesman has not a lot of knowledge about this. Lets talk expert. My $0.02I usually walk into the showroom knowing ALOT more about the vehicle than the salesman. Typically the salesmen spend their training time learning how to get you to purchase undercoating, paint sealer, extended warranties, credit life ins., and how to present these options in a monthly payment amount, instead of your actual total cost. Anyways, I have a few days off of work, so I may be able to get around to trying and figure out the line-ins.

Sub-Vibe-R · Post by **Sub-Vibe-R** » Thu Nov 28, 2002 6:50 am

Yes, they have tranning on how to sell a car, not on what product are you selling. They know how to sell you the car but they have to see his computer for available option, prices.....if they don't know the option on a car, how can they know how exactly works the audio system????Everytime I asked a technical question to my salesman, he told me I have to check with a tech for that

d johnson · Post by **d johnson** » Sun Jan 19, 2003 10:03 am

I sent a E-Mail to Pontiac regarding the AUX feature and will let you know anything I hear back regarding the AUX button. It does seem kinda of dumb to have a feature and not be able to plug anything into it ,or know what it is for. a Lot of people have Plug and play devices and need that feature. I know I need it for my Normad Jukebox.

Frosty · Post by **Frosty** » Thu Feb 20, 2003 5:07 am

Reviving an old topic.....D(Don?)Johnson, did you get your email?Did anyone pull a radio and figure out the inputs if any?Thanks.

Myself · Post by **Myself** » Sun Jun 01, 2003 9:48 am

A poster on Matrixowners.com stated that there was a cable available to do just this, apparently it plugs into the back of the radio somewhere. He's got the 6-disc changer and the point of his post was to find out whether an equivalent cable is available for that.I've had no luck finding the cable mentioned, but I'll pull the radio and have a look at the back. Only problem is, I have the CD+Tape unit, and no "aux" mentioned on the buttons. I wonder if the option still exists?If it's to control a changer, then things might get nasty. There may be an actual communications protocol between the head unit and the changer. Any Delco insiders want to enlighten us?

cohocarl · Post by **cohocarl** » Sun Jun 01, 2003 10:24 am

quote:If it's to control a changer, then things might get nasty. There may be an actual communications protocol between the head unit and the changer. Any Delco insiders want to enlighten us?I started to pin-out the terminals on the cd changer jack, but I decided to wait till I found a cable with some leads coming out to make it easier. I've also read that most factory cd changers do have their own proprietory (sp?) protocol between the two, so it may be a waste of time anyway. It would be nice though. I did take the cover off the radio hoping to see some wording on the circuit board labeling the terminals, but no such luck.

johnsoax · Post by **johnsoax** » Mon Jun 02, 2003 3:17 am

The radio (6 disk in-dash changer) is XM ready, but the Vibe isn't. It is the same radio that is in a buick that can have XM piped in directly into the back. There are some line in's on the back in the small connector that the Antenna Amp plugs in at, but you need a bus command for the radio to recognize it. Then the CD/Aux button will switch. If you can get your hands on a factory xm box that is unactivated (You will have the xm preview channel on the LCD), and the wiring harness from the buick that shares the same radio, you can splice into the audio lines and use that as an Aux input. Hope that helps.

joatmon · Post by **joatmon** » Mon Jun 02, 2003 3:41 am

Sounds like it would be easier to replace the head unit with something that does what you want. I wouldn't mind not having an AUX input if there wasn't a button for it on the radio. Reminds me of it all the time. I'll probably get around to replacing the stock head unit with one that can also play MP3 Cds, and (gasp) even cassettes. I know tapes are suposed to be uncool anymore, but at least you can get a fake tape with a wire running out of it that you can plug into any headphone jack. Would let you hook up just about anything easily. I also get audio books for a long commute and the libraries have tons more on tape than on CD.

Myself · Post by **Myself** » Mon Jun 02, 2003 5:22 am

I had a Sony CDX-M650 unit in my last car, and it had the ability to connect to a Sony changer, which I was never interested in. I did find out, however, that the protocol is called S-Link. It allows the head unit to receive track names and send disc/track seek commands to the changer unit.Someone was working on a dongle that would attach to a laptop and allow it to speak S-link to the head unit, essentially turning your laptop into a 2,000-disc changer. Very cool stuff.I wonder if something similar would be possible with the Delco. Changing tracks in Winamp with buttons on my head unit would just be too cool for words. Even better, I'd like the laptop to be able to "interrupt" the radio, so I can listen to local stations while cruising, but have Stret Atlas pipe up when it's time to turn onto a new road. Oh the possibilities..It looks like the folks at www.pie.net might have something cooked up, they say they make digital protocol CD converters, which sounds like they might be able to mate a Brand-X changer to a Brand-Y head unit. Their site's awkward to navigate, but I'll see what I can find.

Myself · Post by **Myself** » Tue Jun 03, 2003 3:18 am

Okay, I've got the AM/FM/CD/TAPE model, and I'm not sure whether it can control a changer. The lack of "AUX" on the buttons worries me.I decided to peek at the back of my radio but I didn't have the right nutdriver handy to pull the unit out, so I wedged my webcam back into the dash and took the pic you see here. The whole back of the unit is smooth except for the antenna entry, the main harness entry, and this little connector right next to the main harness.Is this the same CD changer connector that's present on the AM/FM/CD/AUX units?

Attached files

cohocarl · Post by **cohocarl** » Tue Jun 03, 2003 4:32 am

I have the base cd radio w/o tape. The "aux" input is the one on the left.

ragingfish · Post by **ragingfish** » Tue Jun 03, 2003 4:37 am

So all we need then is some sorta adapter that might convert that mess of pins to RCA?

johnsoax · Post by **johnsoax** » Tue Jun 03, 2003 6:22 am

quote:So all we need then is some sorta adapter that might convert that mess of pins to RCA?That and a bus signal to let the radio know that there is an aux there. Currently the firmware only recognizes a bus signal from an XM box. The bus line is also in that connector.- As I said before, my best friend works at Delco in Kokomo IN. They are the ones that designed the entire radio for the Vibe/Matrix line. I get all my information from him. He is working on getting me a prototype radio with special firmware to allow the aux button to work correctly with inputs on the back. I also know that the 2005 or 2006 units will have an aux input on the front in the form of a 3.5 mm jack.

Myself · Post by **Myself** » Wed Jun 04, 2003 11:31 am

quote:He is working on getting me a prototype radio with special firmware to allow the aux button to work correctly with inputs on the back. I also know that the 2005 or 2006 units will have an aux input on the front in the form of a 3.5 mm jack.Well, I'll just have to get one of those. In all seriousness: I found a device on installer.com that looks like exactly what we need here. What I wasn't sure about was whether it would work on the CD/Tape head unit, but since I have the same connector on the back, I think it will. $99 is a little steep but it might be worth it, since the device must be able to emulate the changer protocol and make the head happy.Take a look: http://www.installer.com/acc/gm9.html Personally I'd like to see that protocol for myself and build an interface so my laptop can speak it. Connecting not only audio but control signals would be perfect, turning the computer under the seat into a 2,000-disc changer. If anyone has a friend that works for Delco *cough* and wants to let us know how the radio talks to the changer, it would be great.I see it this way: Someone's already got the info, and they're making $99 a pop for a smart cable that doesn't really do what I want. By releasing the protocol Delco would make happier customers.

johnsoax · Post by **johnsoax** » Wed Jun 04, 2003 10:40 pm

We have a 12 pin port, that is only a 9 pin plug. That isn't for our radio's. Does anyone have a radio with an external CD changer? Besides the Nav system? I'm just curious, as I don't remember that option. I don't think that Delphi/Delco is going to give you their protocol. Then you can make money off of their design We wouldn't want that now would we .I'm going to be visiting him in a few weeks, I will see what we can get done then.

Myself · Post by **Myself** » Thu Jun 05, 2003 6:25 am

Who said anything about making money? The fact is, Delco's not selling the adapter I want, so they wouldn't be losing any money by releasing the spec. The only people losing would be PIE, who charge absurd amounts for a simple device.All I want is to look at the protocol, come up with a simple implementation that I can program into a microcontroller, and publish the code so other experimenters can use it. If Delco's future radios will include this functionality natively, they obviously must see the need for it and they're obviously not concerned about cutting PIE out of the market. I just want it now.

johnsoax · Post by **johnsoax** » Thu Jun 05, 2003 6:33 am

Did you find a different cable? The one that you posted just two (or three) posts up is wrong. And just because it won't hurt them doesn't mean they have to give out the info. What company does that everyone expects all companies to do it? It is also not a simple device for our cars. The radio needs a bus signal (and communication)from the device to tell it that it is there and comunicate with it. The only real way at the moment is to get a delphi xm box and the xm harness from the buick (regal?). Untill the firmware is changed to just accept a dummy input, that is the only way it will work.

johnsoax · Post by **johnsoax** » Mon Jul 07, 2003 10:21 pm

Wahoo, My friend got me a new radio. I am going to be getting it this weekend. It will take care of the white noise (supposedly). We are also looking into two ways of making an auxilarry input. He said we could either do the XM box thing that I have described before, or we could solder in a switch to manually switch to the aux inputs. I would rather go with the XM, but we will see what happens and I will let you know.

johnsoax · Post by **johnsoax** » Wed Jul 23, 2003 2:28 am

Well we tried, but unfortunately it didn't work. I have pictures that I will post. I also got Delphi's drawings for the radio connectors. The Radio that we got didn't have the updates that we thought it would. Andy is looking into it. The XM box fits really well above the glove box. We made a cable to go to it. I will get the pictures posted tomorrow of the cables we made and the xm box. Of Topic - He was curious about how 2004 Vibes were available since the 2004 radios hadn't been built yet. They start making the 2004 radios this week.

jrdiesel · Post by **jrdiesel** » Wed Jul 23, 2003 8:30 am

At my work we carry Metra, and they used to have adapters that would link stock radios with aftermarket changers, using the stock buttons. A while ago it was Rockford Fosgate that was adaptable to GM radios. I don't know if this is still the case.

Jahntassa · Post by **Jahntassa** » Wed Jul 23, 2003 11:50 am

I think I have the solution to this, It's called a PIE adapter. http://shop.store.yahoo.com/xmfanstore/ ... htmlScroll all the way to the bottom, it's the X3GM12. I have yet to buy it, but i'm willing to buy it and try it out. My old Sony headunit had an adapter something like this..and I'd really like to get it instead of the FM Modulator I have for my XM system.

johnsoax · Post by **johnsoax** » Wed Jul 23, 2003 10:52 pm

quote:I think I have the solution to this, It's called a PIE adapter. http://shop.store.yahoo.com/xmfanstore/ ... d.htmlIt's the right number of pins. I wonder if it will work.

Rivlen · Post by **Rivlen** » Wed Sep 10, 2003 3:23 am

Hi all; I know this an ongoing topic that has greatly disapointed all of us, and found some other posts that may help explain this 'problem' more and why there isn't a solid workaround. I was reading through the posts on the matrix owners site and came across this post: http://www.matrixowners.com/modules.php ... c&start=15 It basicaly states that there is no way to get the AUX input to work. period, for a non-cd changer setup. As another post here states and further reading has confirmed, you must have a cd changer and a pie adapter to get this feature to work, which means for most of us, a new HU is the best and least expensive option for a working AUX input.I wonder if the designers of the HU were laughing at the prospect of all of us trying in vain to get the AUX featuer to actually do something.Anyway, just thought you'd like to know.

johnsoax · Post by **johnsoax** » Wed Sep 10, 2003 4:33 am

I don't think that they were laughing. That's pretty much what I found out. I'm currently waiting on my friend to get me a new radio with modified firmware. Then we will find out if it works.

joatmon · Post by **joatmon** » Thu Nov 13, 2003 5:12 am

On the 2004 models you can get factory installed XM radio as an option (RPO code U2K) How do they tie that in to the stock radios?

johnsoax · Post by **johnsoax** » Thu Nov 13, 2003 5:46 am

The same way that I am trying to put it into mine. It goes through the small jack and plugs into the audio in's there. You just have to have the xm box to tell the radio that there is something connected. (Sorry if that doesn't make sence, I'm on the phone at work)

Jahntassa · Post by **Jahntassa** » Thu Nov 13, 2003 6:00 am

Now..if someone can tell me how the factory XM box works with the Nav system..and where I can go to get one..that'd be extra nice..

johnsoax · Post by **johnsoax** » Thu Nov 13, 2003 6:09 am

That one I don't know, can you get the XM with the external changer on the Nav system? Because I would think that it would be one or the other.

joatmon · Post by **joatmon** » Thu Nov 13, 2003 6:12 am

So the XM box provides the required bus commands to the head unit, the same as the remote CD changer would? I guess my real question was if the stock radios in the '04 models were different from the '03 ones and had a reasonable way of using the AUX input since they support the XM. I will use the vast resources of my logic ability to deduce that there is no change from '03 to '04, and that unless you have XM or the remote CD changer, the only ways to get a generric AUX input to the vehicle sound system is either FM transmitter or replace the head unit.

johnsoax · Post by **johnsoax** » Thu Nov 13, 2003 6:24 am

Believe it ro not, the hardware is exactly the same, but the firmware in the radio is different. The aux input is just not enabled on the 03, but supposedly on the later 04's (the ones that you can get XM on) it is enabled. So your Pie box (and changer) may work on a new 04 radio just not the earlier 04 or the 03. (I say not the earlier 04 models, because they came out with the 04 vibes before the 04 radios went into production, how that happened, I have no idea, unless they wanted to use up all of the 03 radio's). I have a factory XM box that I got from my friend who works at delco/delphi. He is currently working on a custom radio for me with the firm ware so that I don't have to have the XM box installed to get an aux input, but I would settle for it to work at all , (want the aux input for MP3 jukebox, not xm). Unfortuanetly, he is so busy right now with Sirius he hasn't had a chance to finish it yet. I send you a picture of the xm box if you want me to. (since I can't post it)

Jahntassa · Post by **Jahntassa** » Thu Nov 13, 2003 9:23 am

If your friend can get me a copy of an updated Nav disc, i'd install a few car stereos for you! Seriously though..i've been wondering if it's possible to copy the NAV discs.. it's rediculous that they'd charge $500-$900 for stuff that should be up to date anyway..

johnsoax · Post by **johnsoax** » Thu Nov 13, 2003 11:36 am

Last time I talked to him, i think I remember him mentioning that Delphi didn't design the nav system. But I could be wrong. I will ask him the next time I talk to him.

Jahntassa · Post by **Jahntassa** » Sat Nov 15, 2003 12:23 am

Delco didn't build the Nav system, but Delphi did. If you go to the Delphi site, and look under their navigation site, they actually have a picture of the Nav system in the Vibe..

bellwilliam · Post by **bellwilliam** » Thu Nov 20, 2003 9:06 am

I saw this web site:http://www.logjamelectronics.com/auxinpconv.htmlThese Auxiliary Input Converters will convert the CD Changer port of your factory or after-market radio to an auxiliary audio input with line level RCA jacks. Logjam Electronics has THE largest selection of PIE, SoundGate and Blitzsafe auxiliary input converters on the Internet! Therefore, most items found here are IN-STOCK and ready for immediate shipment. Please email us with your application questions. We are adding new items as they become available!http://www.logjamelectronics.com/piegm9aux.htmlthis here list Vibe as one of the compatible one.I just bought a Sirius Satellite radio, and really want to use the aux button.

johnsoax · Post by **johnsoax** » Thu Nov 20, 2003 10:08 pm

Quote, originally posted by bellwilliam Â»http://www.logjamelectronics.com/piegm9aux.htmlthis here list Vibe as one of the compatible one.But what is a 2002 Vibe. Did you notice how almost all of the vehicles on that list said "not compatable with 2003". The 2003 Vibe radios (minus the nav system) will not accept an aux input, period. The firmware is just not there. If you want to buy this thing to prove me wrong, make sure that they have a good return policy .

bellwilliam · Post by **bellwilliam** » Fri Nov 21, 2003 11:27 am

actually I was hoping to use the cd changer input as stated on the web site, not the aux input.

lesterb · Post by **lesterb** » Sun Nov 23, 2003 4:52 am

I think that us 6 disc in dash changer owners are screwed. There does not appear a solution to the Aux debate for this type of unit. I guess FM modulation is the only option.

dsegundo · Post by **dsegundo** » Sun Nov 23, 2003 12:46 pm

What about us 2004 GT owners that have a M&T package but just have the 1 CD player in-dash? Still not working?

Jahntassa · Post by **Jahntassa** » Sun Nov 23, 2003 1:01 pm

Quote, originally posted by johnsoax Â»But what is a 2002 Vibe. Did you notice how almost all of the vehicles on that list said "not compatable with 2003". The 2003 Vibe radios (minus the nav system) will not accept an aux input, period. The firmware is just not there. If you want to buy this thing to prove me wrong, make sure that they have a good return policy .Johnsoax is absolutely right, you need the GM 12-pin adapter for the PIE to work. And he's also right that it'll ONLY work with the NAV system.Sorry for everyone else! I have no idea why companies don't just up and realize that these days, everyone wants to plug in an MP3 player...

johnsoax · Post by **johnsoax** » Sun Nov 23, 2003 11:09 pm

Quote, originally posted by bellwilliam Â»actually I was hoping to use the cd changer input as stated on the web site, not the aux input.The only radio with CD changer controls is the Nav system. The rest of the radios have the connector, just not the firm ware. The newer 2004 and higher radios will take a factory XM box, but nothing else.

johnsoax · Post by **johnsoax** » Sun Nov 23, 2003 11:12 pm

Quote, originally posted by lesterb Â»I think that us 6 disc in dash changer owners are screwed. There does not appear a solution to the Aux debate for this type of unit. I guess FM modulation is the only option.It depends on the year. If you have a newer 2004 than you could find a factory XM box and tie into the audio lines. If you have an older radio, then yes you are screwed, but it's not just the 6 disk, it is also the single disk that has this problem.