Tip for anyone wanting to add an aux port

[Jaguar]

I finally got tired of burning CDs and investigated adding an aux port to the stock radio. I didn't want to buy a whole new radio and I wanted to keep the stock look. I found there are boxes that plug into the back of the radio, like the PIE, but they require cutting out some material behind the dash to fit. I wasn't keen on cutting even non-visible parts of the car.

It's also possible to add an aux port on the front of the radio if you don't mind drilling a hole and soldering. There are people that will do this mod for you too on eBay. Again though I didn't like the thought of drilling into my radio.

I decided not to bother at all with the aux port and skip straight to Bluetooth. Apple infamously removed the aux port on the last iPhone. Google has done the same now with the Pixel. I expect the trend to continue and the future is going to be wireless connections.

I opted for a Bluetooth FM transmitter that plugs into the cigarette lighter instead. It's more annoying to work with than aux since it's not as simple as plugging in a wire, but that's the future :(

I tried one of those tape deck to 3.5mm adapters too and the audio quality was terrible. The FM transmitter sounds far better.

[1stMerc]

Get one of these. Works great.


https://www.gogroove.com/flexsmart-x5-bluetooth-fm-transmitter


and this


https://www.android.com/auto/

[stevengerard]

there is also a blue tooth cassette tape that works great.

[MunsterBro95]

there is also a blue tooth cassette tape that works great.

I had the Bluetooth cassette. It was pretty good.

[martyo]

Just put in a JVC 820BT or 830BT

By the time you’re done with all the work around you could have a radio you’ll enjoy.

[Jaguar]

I opted for this FM transmitter (https://www.amazon.com/Bluetooth-Transmitter-Charging-Hands-free-Smartphone/dp/B074W2GRDW/). If the LEDs were green instead of blue, it'd be perfect and almost look stock. It's the same size as the battery/oil gauges.

[510paesan]

http://www.1factoryradio.com/ford-truck-and-van-radio-1999-2010-am-fm-cd-cs-w-bluetooth-music-1f2f-18c868-aa/

Found this company some time back. This retains stock look with Bluetooth compatibility


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[fastblackmerc]

Just put in a JVC 820BT or 830BT

By the time you’re done with all the work around you could have a radio you’ll enjoy.

General Features:
DVD/CD receiver with AM/FM tuner
built-in internal amp (22 watts RMS/50 peak x 4 channels)
6.8" Clear Active touchscreen (6.2" inset QVGA display for video)
variable color illumination and control layout
fits double-DIN dash openings
wireless remote

Smartphone Features:
built-in iPod, iPhone, and iPad control (see Details tab for model compatibility)
works with Apple CarPlay
Pandora and iHeartRadio control with iPhone and Android; Apple Music control with iPhone
built-in Bluetooth for hands-free calling and audio streaming with dual phone connection

Audio/Video Features:
plays CDs, DVDs, and USB memory devices (see Details for full capabilities)
13-band equalizer with digital time alignment
K2 technology improves the digital sound for all music sources
Sound Lift compensates for low speaker positions
Volume Link EQ boosts specific frequencies to compensate for road noise
subwoofer level, phase, and low-pass crossover controls

Expandability:
compatible with SiriusXM satellite radio tuner
inputs: rear USB input, rear A/V input, rear-view camera input
outputs: rear video output, 6-channel preamp outputs (4-volt front, rear, subwoofer)

Other Information:
compatible with most factory steering wheel audio controls (adapter required)
works with iDataLink Maestro moduleretains Ford SYNC, GM OnStar, Chrysler Uconnect, and VW media center
displays engine performance data on touchscreen

[akr619]

casette bluetooth i havent tried but the corded casette works perfectly. its great to keep your OEM look.

[Jaguar]

I must have had a cheap cassette converter. The one I had sounded terrible. I also didn't like that the cassette motors were continually running. It seemed like a recipe for failure (more heat being generated and the motors won't last forever).

I found a bluetooth adapter with green LEDs (https://www.ebay.com/itm/Bluetooth-Car-Kit-MP3-Player-FM-Transmitter-Wireless-Radio-Adapter-USB-Charger/181943417780). I should have gone with that instead. Oh well.