CR210 Gets Bluetooth/iPhone Integration
#1
Instructor
Thread Starter
CR210 Gets Bluetooth/iPhone Integration
I have a CR-210 (not CDR) in my 96 C2, and wanted to move away from an old FM dongle that plugged into the cigarette adapter. After much research in the threads here I selected the iSimple TranzitBLU, model # iSFM22 (see http://www.discountcarstereo.com/iSFM22.html and http://www.isimplesolutions.com/product.aspx?zpid=543). I also needed a male ISO to female DIN adapter (see http://www.discountcarstereo.com/BAA11SN.html).
The iSFM22 seems optimized to Apple devices - there is an Android one called the iSFM21 (http://www.isimplesolutions.com/product.aspx?zpid=542) but as near as I can tell they are functionally equivalent and just come with different app download instructions.
I successfully installed it last night. Here's how it works:
1. Remove CR-210 from dashboard.
2. Identify the switched power and ground lines coming into the radio harness.
3. Splice into the switched power (not continuous power, be sure to test with a multimeter if you are unsure, otherwise you will have a battery draw and eventually dead battery) and ground, connecting the power and ground lines of the iSFM22. It comes with an optional power switch that I did not use. Take appropriate electrical precautions by using good/tight connectors, wrapping wires with electrical tape, etc.
4. Connect the FM radio harness to the iSFM22's radio input line.
5. Connect the iSFM22's radio output line to the back of the CR-210. I used the male ISO to female DIN adapter to do this.
6. On the side of the iSFM22 there is a switch where you select the FM frequency to broadcast on. You can select 3 different pre-programmed frequencies in case one overlaps with a pre-set station you want to listen to, or the 4th option is app-defined.
7. Download the Tranzit BLU app from the iTunes store, see https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/isim...522169936?mt=8 and install it on your iPhone.
8. Power on the car's ignition (last key turn or engine on).
9. Turn on bluetooth on your iPhone, discover, and connect to the iSFM22. The iSFM22 takes about 5 seconds to start up once it has power.
10. Open the Tranzit BLU app and select an FM frequency.
11. Tune the CR-210 to the selected frequency.
12. Select a song on your iPhone (or Pandora or whatever) and click play.
13. Listen to wonderful-sounding, wire-free music from your iPhone on your comparatively ancient CR-210.
14. Now that you have tested this, carefully slide the radio back into the dash and go have a beer.
Your FM reception is unaffected and not diminished in any way. Audio quality from the iPhone is excellent. AND there are no wires -- your phone need only be within typical bluetooth range. All this for under $150.
YMMV but so far I like it and now I'm all set for a road trip this weekend!
The iSFM22 seems optimized to Apple devices - there is an Android one called the iSFM21 (http://www.isimplesolutions.com/product.aspx?zpid=542) but as near as I can tell they are functionally equivalent and just come with different app download instructions.
I successfully installed it last night. Here's how it works:
1. Remove CR-210 from dashboard.
2. Identify the switched power and ground lines coming into the radio harness.
3. Splice into the switched power (not continuous power, be sure to test with a multimeter if you are unsure, otherwise you will have a battery draw and eventually dead battery) and ground, connecting the power and ground lines of the iSFM22. It comes with an optional power switch that I did not use. Take appropriate electrical precautions by using good/tight connectors, wrapping wires with electrical tape, etc.
4. Connect the FM radio harness to the iSFM22's radio input line.
5. Connect the iSFM22's radio output line to the back of the CR-210. I used the male ISO to female DIN adapter to do this.
6. On the side of the iSFM22 there is a switch where you select the FM frequency to broadcast on. You can select 3 different pre-programmed frequencies in case one overlaps with a pre-set station you want to listen to, or the 4th option is app-defined.
7. Download the Tranzit BLU app from the iTunes store, see https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/isim...522169936?mt=8 and install it on your iPhone.
8. Power on the car's ignition (last key turn or engine on).
9. Turn on bluetooth on your iPhone, discover, and connect to the iSFM22. The iSFM22 takes about 5 seconds to start up once it has power.
10. Open the Tranzit BLU app and select an FM frequency.
11. Tune the CR-210 to the selected frequency.
12. Select a song on your iPhone (or Pandora or whatever) and click play.
13. Listen to wonderful-sounding, wire-free music from your iPhone on your comparatively ancient CR-210.
14. Now that you have tested this, carefully slide the radio back into the dash and go have a beer.
Your FM reception is unaffected and not diminished in any way. Audio quality from the iPhone is excellent. AND there are no wires -- your phone need only be within typical bluetooth range. All this for under $150.
YMMV but so far I like it and now I'm all set for a road trip this weekend!
#2
Agent Orange
Rennlist Member
Rennlist Member
Great write-up! I have a similar set up - bought this after a review from BobbyT: http://www.discountcarstereo.com/BLU-BKR.html
It hooks up to the antenna but also to the CD Changer port and is plug-n-play on a CR/CDR-220 (not 210!) and Traffic Pro. You use the Aux port or the FM antenna. As good as it sounds through the FM it's even better via the Aux port. I have a stock audio set up with the Hi Fi option and am very happy with the sound.
It hooks up to the antenna but also to the CD Changer port and is plug-n-play on a CR/CDR-220 (not 210!) and Traffic Pro. You use the Aux port or the FM antenna. As good as it sounds through the FM it's even better via the Aux port. I have a stock audio set up with the Hi Fi option and am very happy with the sound.
#3
Instructor
Thread Starter
Great write-up! I have a similar set up - bought this after a review from BobbyT: http://www.discountcarstereo.com/BLU-BKR.html
It hooks up to the antenna but also to the CD Changer port and is plug-n-play on a CR/CDR-220 (not 210!) and Traffic Pro.
It hooks up to the antenna but also to the CD Changer port and is plug-n-play on a CR/CDR-220 (not 210!) and Traffic Pro.
#4
Looking for DIN to ISO Antenna adapters.
Great write-up. I too have been looking for a way to add bluetooth to my vintage Becker CDR-210. To my amazement, I found the ISFM2351 that will not only stream music, but allow me to make and recieve calls via bluetooth, hands free. Less than $100! Sounded great until I pulled out my CDR-210 and tried to connect the antenna. No doing. The ISFM2351 is setup for the ISO type, while the CDR-210 uses DIN. I assume you had the same problem. Where did you find the adapter(s)? You mentioned one in your writeup, but don't you need two? One male to female and a female to male (one for each connection)?
Thanks again for you help. I'm looking forward to having this great feature.
Thanks again for you help. I'm looking forward to having this great feature.
#6
Instructor
Thread Starter
I think you need something like this: http://www.aliexpress.com/store/prod...975075810.html
I also didn't figure it out until then head unit was out! ;-)
Trending Topics
#8
Addict
Lifetime Rennlist
Member
Lifetime Rennlist
Member
I installed the "BLU-BKR Bluetooth Audio Streaming Kit for select Becker Radios" in September. It gives great sound, but now the "BLU-BKR235 Hands-Free calling and Music Streaming Kit for select Becker Radios" has become available, so I'm upgrading to that. If anyone wants just the streaming music function, they can have the BLU-BKR kit for $40, shipping included. Full details on that kit here:
http://www.discountcarstereo.com/BLU-BKR.html
http://www.discountcarstereo.com/BLU-BKR.html
#10
Rennlist Member
Here's another option for you guys stuck with a cassette deck but want to stay original
http://www.gizmodo.com/easily-update...ium=socialflow
http://www.gizmodo.com/easily-update...ium=socialflow
#13
Great write-up. I too have been looking for a way to add bluetooth to my vintage Becker CDR-210. To my amazement, I found the ISFM2351 that will not only stream music, but allow me to make and recieve calls via bluetooth, hands free. Less than $100! Sounded great until I pulled out my CDR-210 and tried to connect the antenna. No doing. The ISFM2351 is setup for the ISO type, while the CDR-210 uses DIN. I assume you had the same problem. Where did you find the adapter(s)? You mentioned one in your writeup, but don't you need two? One male to female and a female to male (one for each connection)?
Thanks again for you help. I'm looking forward to having this great feature.
Thanks again for you help. I'm looking forward to having this great feature.
As far as i can tell the ISFM2351 connection is similar to what jlivingood did with the isfm22. You need an FM modulator antenna kit like this or similar
Once you have the antenna adapters you should be able to make that connection to the radios ISO antenna terminals.
While your at it, buy the pah-1784 power harness for power and ground connection without cutting or splicing the factory wires.
#14
Instructor
#15
Banned
I installed the "BLU-BKR Bluetooth Audio Streaming Kit for select Becker Radios" in September. It gives great sound, but now the "BLU-BKR235 Hands-Free calling and Music Streaming Kit for select Becker Radios" has become available, so I'm upgrading to that. If anyone wants just the streaming music function, they can have the BLU-BKR kit for $40, shipping included. Full details on that kit here:
http://www.discountcarstereo.com/BLU-BKR.html
http://www.discountcarstereo.com/BLU-BKR.html