XCarLink questions, tips, tricks, and issues!

[ThePiombino]

GROUP BUY UPDATE!!!

XCarLink emailed me back asking me to get an idea of how many people would be interested so that they can establish a price point for this group buy. I suggested a tiered pricing system based on # of buyers, but said I would try to get an idea of how many were interested anyway. So that leave a couple of questions:

1.) How exactly would I go about organizing a group buy? Do I need audizine admin permission? Or Can I just post the info without it?

2.) Assuming they go through with this, how many here can almost positively say they would commit to a purchase? Keep in mind, retail is about $220 USD.

I also suggested they throw in free shipping ;0) But beggars can't be choosers, so let's just see what happens I guess!

PLEASE GET BACK TO ME ASAP, PREFERABLY THROUGH THIS THREAD SO I CAN GIVE THEM A BALLPARK # SOONER THAN LATER!

I'll get it started:

1.) ThePiombino
2.) 1_clean_Audi
3.) Jaysen
4.)
5.)
.
...
.....

[ThePiombino]

Features:

* Watch any Video source on your original Factory fitted Screen.
* Easily connect the interface to your Audi system, and select video source using the "Mode" button on your steering wheeel.
* PlUG AND PLAY ORIGINAL VEHICAL HARNESS INCLUDED (No need to connect seperate cables for 12V, ACC etc.
* De-interlacing video processing for PAL/NTSC/SECAM video with Automatic PAL/SECAM /NTSC selection Video to LVDS converter with frame rate converting.
* Frame buffer offers very stable timing to the panel even under poor video signal conditions.
* High quality video decoder provides 3-dimensional comb filter, and provides high quality video for RGB and AV inputs
* High quality image processor makes PAL/SECAM 625-line image displayed on AUDI original 240-line screen without picture distortion or line cropping
* Automatic switching to RGB-input if after market navigation is installed 3 AV inputs, camera input and high quality RGB input, with dip switches to disable each input Anti-audio-POP noise in audio input selection
* 2 RCA video outputs for rear seat entertainment

The kit includes the following:

* Multimedia Main interface
* Monitor connection cable
* Plug and Play orignal Harness
* All essential wires and connectors
* 3 X AV Input connectors (for connecting video source)
* Rear Camera Connection
* Audio Output cable
* RGBS for adding a Satellite navigation GPS unit
* User Manual

The Multimedia interface is an a plug and play vido interface, it works by allowing you to select the desired video source through the MMI on-screen options. Installation involves removing the original connector on the back of your MMI control box and connecting it to the interface, then connect the supplied from the video interface back into your Control box screen. Then connect 12v pwer, ACC and Ground and cable to the orignal connector at the back of your factory system. Simply connect the devices that you want to view on your satnav screen to the AV inputs. This inteface is desinged for Video sound is provided through your vehcles Aux input.

Money Back Guarantee

We have extensively tested this product and confident that it will work with all factory fitted systems in the car models listed below. You do not need have a factory installed TV tuner or have anything enabled by an Audi dealer. Nor do you have to have to have any optional extra’s installed when the car was ordered. If for any reason you are not completely satisfied or have any issues with compatibility you can return it to us for a refund.

Compatibility:
Compatible with Audi A4 (B8) 2008>
Audi A5
Audi Q5

All of the above without MMI. If your car has the Full MMI system (Identifed by controls behend the gearbox, you will require our MMI interface which is avaialble here:

http://www.xcarlink.co.uk/product.ph...8&cat=4&page=1

Specification:

* BATT/ACC range : 7V~25V
* Power : 0.3A @12V
* Video input : 0.7V~1V Audio input : 0~5Vpp
* Audio output : 4Vpp max.
* Video input formats: PAL B.G.D.K.I / SECAM /NTSC
* Video output of the AV output connector has the same format as the video input.
* NAVI talkover : 0V~30V, trigger condition @>3V 3v >
* CAMERA wire : 0V ~30V, Trigger condition @>3V 3v >

They system is interned for passenger use only. We cannot accept any liability of any material or personal damages caused by the installation or use of this product. Therefore Installation of this product will be performed at the user full responsibility

[NJDeVsFaN]

GROUP BUY UPDATE!!!

XCarLink emailed me back asking me to get an idea of how many people would be interested so that they can establish a price point for this group buy. I suggested a tiered pricing system based on # of buyers, but said I would try to get an idea of how many were interested anyway. So that leave a couple of questions:

1.) How exactly would I go about organizing a group buy? Do I need audizine admin permission? Or Can I just post the info without it?

2.) Assuming they go through with this, how many here can almost positively say they would commit to a purchase? Keep in mind, retail is about $220 USD.

I also suggested they throw in free shipping ;0) But beggars can't be choosers, so let's just see what happens I guess!

PLEASE GET BACK TO ME ASAP, PREFERABLY THROUGH THIS THREAD SO I CAN GIVE THEM A BALLPARK # SOONER THAN LATER!

I'll get it started:

1.) ThePiombino
2.)
3.)
4.)
5.)
.
...
.....

I'll let you know if I'm in once I receive a response from xcarlink regarding if the ipod cable that comes with the package can do A/V and charge the iPhone at the same time.

[ThePiombino]

I'll let you know if I'm in once I receive a response from xcarlink regarding if the ipod cable that comes with the package can do A/V and charge the iPhone at the same time.

Come on, dude! This unit is SO worth it either way. I'm doing it for the video aspect alone!!!

Anyone else?

[Ryan_T]

For those who have installed these, I'd like to know what sort of inputs can the box take. Is it the typical composite, component, s-video, dedicated RGB, component, etc???

[ThePiombino]

For those who have installed these, I'd like to know what sort of inputs can the box take. Is it the typical composite, component, s-video, dedicated RGB, component, etc???

Everything you need to know is on the website and here.

[Ryan_T]

Thanks. I didn't check that PDF. It seems everything I need is in there

How exactly does the mode switching works. The manual seems to suggest you can also switch using the Mode button the steering wheel. How does it patch into this button?

[1_clean_Audi]

im down as long as it will wor with the s-line nav and all that stuff.im uessing ill just buy a dvd player or game console correct?

[jaysen]

GROUP BUY UPDATE!!!

XCarLink emailed me back asking me to get an idea of how many people would be interested so that they can establish a price point for this group buy. I suggested a tiered pricing system based on # of buyers, but said I would try to get an idea of how many were interested anyway. So that leave a couple of questions:

1.) How exactly would I go about organizing a group buy? Do I need audizine admin permission? Or Can I just post the info without it?

2.) Assuming they go through with this, how many here can almost positively say they would commit to a purchase? Keep in mind, retail is about $220 USD.

I also suggested they throw in free shipping ;0) But beggars can't be choosers, so let's just see what happens I guess!

PLEASE GET BACK TO ME ASAP, PREFERABLY THROUGH THIS THREAD SO I CAN GIVE THEM A BALLPARK # SOONER THAN LATER!

I'll get it started:

1.) ThePiombino
2.)
3.)
4.)
5.)
.
...
.....

Count me in... have an idea for a car-puter with live Google NAV :)

[ThePiombino]

im down as long as it will wor with the s-line nav and all that stuff.im uessing ill just buy a dvd player or game console correct?

There are two models: 1 for MMI (nav) and 1 for non-MMI.

So yes it WILL work for your setup, my friend. As for what to connect- ANYTHING you want ;0) This definitely includes DVD, game console, etc...

I'm going to count you in, LMK if you change your mind. Just getting #2 at this point to report back to XCarLink.

[ThePiombino]

Thanks. I didn't check that PDF. It seems everything I need is in there

How exactly does the mode switching works. The manual seems to suggest you can also switch using the Mode button the steering wheel. How does it patch into this button?

There is a way to wire it so that by holding down the MODE button will allow for switching. There is also a seperate dedicated button that you can run anywhere in the car from the unit itself.

[TexasEric]

There are two models: 1 for MMI (nav) and 1 for non-MMI.

So yes it WILL work for your setup, my friend. As for what to connect- ANYTHING you want ;0) This definitely includes DVD, game console, etc...

It sounds like people need to also let you know which model they want MMI or non-MMI so you can get an accurate count of each.

[ThePiombino]

It sounds like people need to also let you know which model they want MMI or non-MMI so you can get an accurate count of each.

Not as of now. XCarLink just asked for a rough idea and the retail is the same, so that shouldn't matter. How about you- INTERESTED?!!?!?!? ;0)

[ThePiombino]

Count me in... have an idea for a car-puter with live Google NAV :)

I LOVE the sound of this, jaysen!

[MYFASTA4]

just wanted to clarify a couple of things , if you have a car with mmi you need the most adapter for the digital conection for audio, if you want to and have a digital audio source to connect.
if you dont you will need this adapter :
http://valleymotorsaudi.oemdealer.co...2471_32115.php
to get audio to the system via the aux ami interface.
the xcarlink doesnt input audio unless you have the most adapter from xcarlink (that is only for a digital signal with mmi).
the xcarlkink only over writes the video signal going to the screen, meaning you can have any video playing on the screen while you listen to the radio or memory card or cd or sat.
hope this info helps

[ThePiombino]

just wanted to clarify a couple of things , if you have a car with mmi you need the most adapter for the digital conection for audio, if you want to and have a digital audio source to connect.
if you dont you will need this adapter :
http://valleymotorsaudi.oemdealer.co...2471_32115.php
to get audio to the system via the aux ami interface.
the xcarlink doesnt input audio unless you have the most adapter from xcarlink (that is only for a digital signal with mmi).
the xcarlkink only over writes the video signal going to the screen, meaning you can have any video playing on the screen while you listen to the radio or memory card or cd or sat.
hope this info helps

This is correct. Regarding non-MMI you will need some way of connecting the audio out from the XCarLink to the car. Easiest way to do with is either with the above-mentioned AMI 3.5mm AUX cable or you can get a simple 3.5mm patch cable and run that from the XCarLink to the Aux input on your car (probably in your center console for those without AMI).

The audio will be analog rather than digital, but you won't notice that much of a difference, if at all, with an OEM system as it's not HiFi to begin with.

[TexasEric]

This is correct. Regarding non-MMI you will need some way of connecting the audio out from the XCarLink to the car. Easiest way to do with is either with the above-mentioned AMI 3.5mm AUX cable or you can get a simple 3.5mm patch cable and run that from the XCarLink to the Aux input on your car (probably in your center console for those without AMI).

Is there an AUX-IN on the back of the AMI radio? Anyone have a picture of the back of the AMI?

[DavidB8]

Nope. It wires into the back of the stereo. Could tap one into the wiring though is your looking for the cleanest method. Just remember not to have both sources on at the same time or you'll just get mixed garbage out.

My Unit is out of my car right now so I can post a pic later today if needed.

[NJDeVsFaN]

Can anyone who has this installed tell me if the iPod/iphone cable does A/V AND charges at the same time?

[MYFASTA4]

Can anyone who has this installed tell me if the iPod/iphone cable does A/V AND charges at the same time?

i dont have the ipod cable that connects to the xcarlink, but the one that you can get from them doesnt charge it.
when i ordered mine they didnt have them at that time

[NPuter]

This is very tempting... I just need a way to hook up my phone to a video out... (not possible - Nexus One)
Google maps navigation would be awesome on the screen....
and my phone is loud enough that I wouldn't have to worry about sound... (and I can listen to music during navi)

[NJDeVsFaN]

i dont have the ipod cable that connects to the xcarlink, but the one that you can get from them doesnt charge it.
when i ordered mine they didnt have them at that time

That's really unfortunate :(

[MYFASTA4]

the system is not perfect but for the amount of money you pay its a nice set up,
movie sountracks sound soooo goodin the B&O system

[ThePiombino]

the system is not perfect but for the amount of money you pay its a nice set up

EXACTLY what I'm thinking! There are obviously better solutions if you want to drop and extra $500 at least, but for what we're paying as is (let alone what the group buy price could be), this is a pretty good solution.

[ThePiombino]

1.) ThePiombino
2.) 1_clean_Audi
3.) Jaysen
4.)
5.)
.
...
.....

So 3 people is it? Seemed like more were interested than this. Oh well, I guess I'll call this off...

[NJDeVsFaN]

Count me in

[NPuter]

The only real incentive for me to do this is exporting video from my nexus one, which currently is not possible

[NJDeVsFaN]

I'm thinking of putting an SD video player that is small in the glove box. Now I just need someone to help me on how I should power up the thing since I've never done such a thing.

[ThePiombino]

Count me in

Excellent!

1.) ThePiombino
2.) 1_clean_Audi
3.) Jaysen
4.) NJDevsFan
5.)
.
...
.....

[ThePiombino]

Count me in

Excellent!

1.) ThePiombino
2.) 1_clean_Audi
3.) Jaysen
4.) NJDevsFan
5.)
.
...
.....

[ThePiombino]

Speak of the devil (no pun intended) and he appears!

Just got an email from our buddies at XCarLink:

Hi Chris,

That would be fine, as long as we are aware of the numbers in advance to setup the appropriate discount code. The discounts we can offer are as follows:

3 - 5 - £122.61

6 - 10 -£116.09

11+ £112.17


Above quote is in £GBP and excludes shipping cost of £11.87 per order.

Please let me know if you have any further queries on the above.

Many thanks.

Hopefully this will help some of the people who are on the fence to pick a side!!! HOPE IT'S THIS SIDE!!!

[NJDeVsFaN]

I've found what I will use for my A/V source but can anyone point me in the right direction as to how I connect the power to this in the car?

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...tal-_-22136416

[MYFASTA4]

http://www.bestbuy.com/site/Rocketfi...769914&st=ipod av&contract_desc=null

i use something like this, i got for less on amazon. i only use my ipod

[NJDeVsFaN]

I meant for powering up the media player.

[DavidB8]

I've found what I will use for my A/V source but can anyone point me in the right direction as to how I connect the power to this in the car?

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...tal-_-22136416

Normally I would tell you no such luck without a power inverter in the car. Keeping in mind this comes with a 110v power supply... BUT... Not that they made it easy, no where does WD list the output power of their power supply. I downloaded the manual and in one pic it shows 12v under the input plug. This means you can cut the the wire off the adaptor plug or find another one to hack and attach it. Most devices are centre pin positive which I am sure the case will be with this but it will show you on the adaptor so not a hard one to figure out. Although most wires are some how marked you can just use a multimeter or many other methods to determine which wire leads to the centre.

Then hook your power up to a fuse and the other to a ground and away you go. Keeping in mind the fuse you go into or install needs to be switched or you will be sucking the life slowly from your battery.

It would still be nice if you could confirm it's 12v power supply but going by the picture in the manual your good to go.

Edit: I managed to zoom the picture on Newegg and it for sure shows 12v.

[Ryan_T]

Correction.

1.) ThePiombino
2.) 1_clean_Audi
3.) Jaysen
4.) NJDevsFan
5.) Ryan_T
6.)
7.)
8.)
9.)
10.)
.
...
.....

[NJDeVsFaN]

Normally I would tell you no such luck without a power inverter in the car. Keeping in mind this comes with a 110v power supply... BUT... Not that they made it easy, no where does WD list the output power of their power supply. I downloaded the manual and in one pic it shows 12v under the input plug. This means you can cut the the wire off the adaptor plug or find another one to hack and attach it. Most devices are centre pin positive which I am sure the case will be with this but it will show you on the adaptor so not a hard one to figure out. Although most wires are some how marked you can just use a multimeter or many other methods to determine which wire leads to the centre.

Then hook your power up to a fuse and the other to a ground and away you go. Keeping in mind the fuse you go into or install needs to be switched or you will be sucking the life slowly from your battery.

It would still be nice if you could confirm it's 12v power supply but going by the picture in the manual your good to go.

Edit: I managed to zoom the picture on Newegg and it for sure shows 12v.

So basically I can tap into the fuse box in the passenger side, find a 12v fuse and voila, it should work? Thanks for the help David

[DavidB8]

Well I hate to simplify but yeah thats about it :)

[NJDeVsFaN]

Let's get this settled, I want to get started on this asap :D :D :D

[ThePiombino]

I've found what I will use for my A/V source but can anyone point me in the right direction as to how I connect the power to this in the car?

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...tal-_-22136416

I effin love newegg!!!

Let's get this settled, I want to get started on this asap :D :D :D

Soon. I would really love to get to that 1 more so we can unlock the nest price tier!!! Let's give it another day or so. What do you guys think?