Re-viving our headhunts and giving them modern functionality

[stfallet]

I have been looking into the In Car Entertainment for our W124s to understand how to adapt them to contemporary use while keeping originality.

• We don’t use tape anymore
• We don’t use CDs anymore
• We stream from our phones
• We use DAB, HD-Radio or Sirus instead of AM or FM
• We use GPS instead of maps
• We need full handsfree phone integration

Further the challenge is that in particular the resistors and capacitors in our head units are aging, which is providing an additional challenge

What solutions do we have:

• Interface kits for our headunits – does not eliminate the aging of the units, are as well not on the newest technological level and the user experience is not satisfactory
• Modern Headunits – Don’t fit visually
• Retro design Headunits – not original and in parts of low quality

Searching the internet I found an SLK fan who converted his APS 30 into a complete modern unit, only using the display and keypad. He is building a very complex but fascinating solution from basic components. Studying his build and looking at the various heaunits, It is quite apparent that the logic between the various Becker units is very similar and I did manage to get an Arduino to drive a front panel of a Becker Mexico.

The solution I anticipateis to use a single Din Android headunit, use the front panel of the original Becker / Mercedes head units and run an interface between the two with an android app that drives the panel.

The advantage is that you have your original radio look, you have the full functionality of an android unit and the key and display functions as it should.

What are your thoughts? Any alternative ideas?

 

[Surf Blau]

Personally I have just regretted getting rid of my CD-collection a few years back, and take every opportunity to hunt for interesting albums in thrift stores and flea markets..

That being said, I find your project very interesting, as integrating new-tech into old-tech is something I really like - I'd rather have no functionality at all than a cluttered interior, so a solution like you describe it would be cool!