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becker aux addition to 1492?

jano

E500E Guru
Member
Question: Has anyone had Becker do the aux-port mod to their 1492? If so, would you be willing to take a picture where they soldered the wire in the unit?

Background:
I'm trying to get an aux port added to my 1492 in a DIY fashion; the easiest way to do this would be to simply add a couple wires to the tape-deck output, however, this requires you to have a tape in the deck. The trickier way is to add a switched 3.5mm jack into the fm output. This means that you can play the normal radio, or if you plug into the 3.5mm jack, the fm output to the speakers is switched over to the source from the 3.5mm (e.g. mp3 player); when you remove the aux source, the radio begins to play again. Pretty nifty.

My bro and I took apart the unitand hooked up an oscilloscope with the radio powered on. We found several outputs, however, can't find where the source is to break it and put the jack in the middle. I *think* this is how Becker does it, but I'm not sure. I contacted them once before for help, but they weren't interested in hearing anything about this. Schematics would be nice, but, eh, the oscilloscope is a cool doohickey.

I do realize there are many other, less invasive, quicker, better solutions, but this has been on my mind for over a year and now it's simply a thing I want to do :lolhit:

Thanks for your time!
Jano
 
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I had Becker add the iPod capability earlier this year when they rebuilt my unit for my 560SEC. I did not open the unit up to see where they attached the wires, but it does operate the way you say -- radio operates until an iPod is plugged into the output, whereby the iPod takes over.

My Becker in my 560 is, however, a Becker 1480, which is essentially a modernized version of the Becker 780 that originally came in the car. I upgraded my 780 to the somewhat more modern 1480 because I think it looks better. It's a plug and play upgrade.
http://web.mac.com/dakota/Becker/1480.html

No cassette needs to be inserted in order to hear the iPod input. However, according to this page the 1432 requires a cassette to be inserted for iPod input. This is likely because of the two-piece design of the 1432, with the internal amplifier (output) being back in the trunk.

They do mention on that page an interesting modification using a Belkin plug.

Good luck!

Cheers,
Gerry
 
My brother did the mp3 plugin to his radio in the volvo, and it, too, requires a cassette like the 1432. We were both able to see how to do that on the 1492, however, not what I want.

Well, if no one's done this, I'm just gonna have to put it on hold again for another amount of time. I'm getting a new phone soon, I'll be able to relegate this old one to mp3 playability, so it can go permanently in the trunk with that one ipod connector that goes in place of the cd player.

Maybe the guy in San Diego (Cleeve or Cleet or something) might be able to help. He rebuilt the amp in the s320, which also has the 1492 (we're using that as our test subject).

Thanks again for the response, Gerry! If at any point you have the radio out, would you be willing to take some photos? It's a different radio, but it might help lead us to where to do this. I have all the parts ready to go (the 3.5mm switching jack costs like $1.85 and then some wires, and maybe something to help reduce voltage output).

Jano
 
I added an MP3 input to a Becker 1692 by building a switching mini stereo phone jack into the line from the CD changer. Plugging the MP3 player into the jack connects it while disconnecting the line from the CD changer. I don't know if it will work without a CD changer in the circuit; the 1692 (and the 1492, very similar) may "know" if a CD changer is not connected.

Jeremy
 
Jano...have you had chance to do any further work on this? Were you able to add an aux-in to your BE1492?
 
I had considered adding the low-line outs from a Bluetooth module and hard-wiring to the stereo.
http://www.amazon.com/Bluetooth-Wir...=1368556512&sr=8-22&keywords=bluetooth+module
I suppose this could be used with an Aux-In and simply plug the module in.

On a BIG tangent....
It sure would be cool to remove all of the buttons and heater controller and radio on the dash and install a large touchscreen device that'd control everything. Kind of like the new Tesla sedan has. A big android / iOS tablet hooked up to control everything, with a great nav application would be killer. I think some technology available through ISIS (MOSFET - based multiplex wiring systems for cars) could link such a tablet and the controls.

This is something I'm actually considering exploring. I have a complete ISIS system in my garage. Bought it cheap on craigslist ~ $250. New it retails for $1500. Hadn't had the right project, yet.

Doug
 
There is room, as large screens have been fit under the radio on both the W201 and W124.
 

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Rik,
Are the HVAC controls vacuum switches or electronic which open / close remote vacuum servos?
I'd like to see something that controls hvac too with a ipad sized screen, maybe. A long ways off, but probably the only thing I don't like about these cars is lack of electronics, well and lack of a six speed gearbox. actually more power would be good, too :D

Doug
 
The HVAC pushbutton unit in USA cars is all electronic. It sends electrical signals to a 7-port "vacuum relay" behind the passenger airbag to control the vacuum flaps. In theory, it could be replaced with an aftermarket controller, but OMG what work to reverse-engineer it all! Yikes.

:shocking:
 
Personally, I like the old school, simple look of our cars' controls. I do want to add bluetooth streaming capability but I want it to be completely behind the scenes.
 
I was thinking something like this could be adapted:
http://www.isispower.com/products/modules/invironment-vintage-air-controller.html
And maybe this app / interface would reside on the tablet
http://www.isispower.com/products/accessories/intouch-mobile-smart-phone-control-application.html

Not certain I'd go that route, but just noodling on it.

I bought this on craigslist for $250 1/2 a year ago (retail ~ $1800-ish)
http://www.isispower.com/products/multiplexing/3-cell-starter-kit.html
and this:
http://www.isispower.com/products/accessories/inlink-rf-control-module.html

Doug
 
Jano...have you had chance to do any further work on this? Were you able to add an aux-in to your BE1492?

Hi Glen - not yet. I've got two of these radios, I am going to bite the bullet and send one in to Becker this summer; I just need to find where I put it; right now I've got a TP in my car.
 
TP = TrafficPro. There are a few variations, plus a lot of look-alike Becker units with names like Mexico Pro, Grand Prix, and some others. They all have ten buttons in a row on the bottom.

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