04 XK8 Headunit Upgrade Project with Bluetooth

[540itouring]

This is a project to upgrade the headunit in my 2004 xk8 so i can use bluetooth and play a ipod etc. I looked for a long time and nothing available for a 2004 xk8 for ipod or steering wheel controls so the project started . I removed the headunit and traced all wires required inorder to replace the headunit with a Alpine CDA117Ri and a KCE400BT module. I have worked out the wires and had this system all working including adding a interface to enable steering wheel controls to work. The system works with bluetooth phones and can BT Audio Stream at the same time !. The front is removable and i am in the process of making a fascia surround for this unit that will use the frame of the old head unit. When i have finished the surround i will then need to trace the mic from the old phone module and wire that to the 400bt module. This last stage will be to look into options of replacing the back light leds to use all green leds . This will not be easy but any one who knows me knows i dont do easy projects! . This is a link of the work so far and would like to know what you think ? I also plan to ge a Cd multiplay working in the boot to fill the gap where old player was . What do you think ?
i use my iphone as a satnav with full post code and it audio streams to the headunit for sound through the speakers and ipod sound at the sme time .

http://tinyurl.com/bsvmd6y

[smoggy1965]

Does not the 117Ri head Unit allow you to change the buttons to green back lighting? Or are you looking to change the screen LEDs to green?

[540itouring]

Hi , some buttons on the left can be changed to GREEN but the lower strip of buttons can only be switched to RED or BLUE . I plan to open the unit and see what options i have to replace all LEDS to GREEN when i get the sysyem fitted. This system is perfect for this model of car and very easy to use and if i can replace the multichanger and swap leds to green i am sure you will all like the results. Watch this post for updates......

[smoggy1965]

This may help http://www.jec.org.uk/forums/viewtopic.php?f=63&t=3053

By the way this Alpine sterio changes all the button colours. There is an easy way to change the main buttons only plus a more complicated menu driven way to change them all to multiple colours.

Good Luck

regards

[540itouring]

I have now almost at the stage to spray the trim for the headunit after a long time filling and sanding down etc but at last almost done. I have removed the cd changer and now have a new Alpine CHA -S634 changer which is AI-NET and plays MP3 files and CD TEXT etc so will fill the hole in the boot and will be a great mp3 source if i am without a ipod while in the car for a back up. I have also added more pics to the link and i am also going to run a control cable and two phono cables to the boot as i will add a extra amp and a sub speaker in the boot. The sub is worth adding as the speaker cut out is all done from factory so may as well make use of this as the new alpine has phono sub out sockets.

[540itouring]

I have now sprayed the fascia i have built from the old stereo (matt black) and run new phono and remote switching cable to the boot . The new alpine headunit is fitted and works great and i think looks just as i planed the install. The new amp for sub and sub speaker will be fitted as soon as i work out the size etc i need. The steering wheel controls work fine and bluetooth audio streaming and a new alpine cd changer has been fitted as this talks to the new headunit and also does cd text and mp3 files . The armrest tray will have a usb socket fitted for ipod , charge , usb memory etc. I need to wire the jaguar phone microphone to the new alpine bluetooth module and then i will dismantle the new alpine front to replace the leds to GREEN to match the dash. Do you know what size speaker will fit the SUB hole in the rear shelf ?

What do you think of this project now it is 85% done ?
https://skydrive.live.com/?cid=62092248 ... 16EB%21746

[mike020150]

Excellent pics. In due course, it'll be interesting to learn what you think of the finished result. Mike.

[540itouring]

Today i have wired a new microphone up inside of the jag mic case so all looks standard. The bluetooth audio streaming and phone all work perfect now. The front of the new headunit was on my bench and so i opened it up to see if the leds can be replaced. I located all RED leds and replaced them with GREEN surface mount leds , not for members that are not good at soldering !. I then refitted this and tested tonight and works much better and are bright and i can have all buttons green or the 6 main buttons blue and the rest green. This option look good but may try some coloured filter plastic to tint the colour if i can find any . The jaguar button lights are not green but more of a green /blue mix . This project just requires the amp and new sub speaker fitted and i can then get on with welding my xjs floor ready for the spring . All pics in normal link

I am very pleased with this project and will try to get some finished pics with my slr camera in daylight as all other pics were with a 3gs iphone but they are not bad.


https://skydrive.live.com/?cid=62092248 ... 16EB%21854