Bill Gregory

I decided I wanted to upgrade from the factory CR-1 cassette player to a CD player. Although the CR-1 supports a remote CD changer, I prefer to load them individually from the cabin. Although there are many, many choices, I chose to stay with Porsche (like the logo, the simplicity of the unit, and the lack of colored lights popular on many units today), and procurred a used CDR-210, which has been used in 993's, Boxsters, and some 996's. I like this unit over the newer CDR-220, as it doesn't have a fold down face, which has to fold down in order to insert a CD - one less thing that can go wrong.

I'm in the process of installing it, and wanted to pass along how easy it has been to get parts through Becker, the manufacturer. Of course the power and speaker harnesses are entirely different, so it's not plug and play. For $12, I got new plugs/wires/ splice connectors for the back, a 90 degree adaptor for the antenna, and the radio removal tools. Since I have the factory external amplifier, I need to get to it (it's a Blaupunkt unit under the passenger seat) to sort out the wires (today, Becker uses standard RCA plugs, but in 1993, Porsche used a proprietary plug). The Becker plug harness includes wires for direct speaker out and for line out.

As the temps roller coaster back into the low 40's, I'll get out to finish it up.

cjansen

Bill,

What is involved in adapting the CDR-210 to the 964 harness? I assume that you will need to cut of existing power and audio connectors and re-terminate with the bits you got from Becker? I'd be grateful for any pics or info you could provide

I'm interested because I'm trying to figure out a CDR-220 (+Phatbox) to replace my CD-1 player.

Thx

investlt

Craig,

I did the same thing in my C2 (put in a CR 220). I also ordered the power, antenna, amplifier, and keys from Becker. The only tricky part I ran into was the amp. Like Bill, I have the Blaupunkt Amp and its plug was of the DIN variety (Circular with pins). I cut off the DIN plug and spliced in RCA plugs which then connected to the Amp Harness from Becker. I also hooked up the External Input so that I can connect an MP3 player when I get one.

Bill Gregory

Here are pictures of the Becker parts. I'm not near a scanner to scan in the CR-1 wiring diagram (which is on the CR-1). On the back of the CDR-210/220 there are a series of plugs. The "A" plug contains power and grounds. The "B" plug is for speakers out, and the "C" plug is for line out. Becker sells at least 2 configurations of the "A" and "B" plugs: The plastic plugs by themselves, and the plastic plugs with labeled wires (shown in picture) - note the bag on the left bottom which contains 4 wire connectors. I ordered the "A" plug with wires, and apparently they only come as "A" and "B" together. I think that assembly was $3.20. The "C" plug actually is made up of more than one plug - what's in the picture is the yellow plug and wire connections, to solder to the amplifier wires (you only need 6 wire connections, Becker sent 8). As John mentioned, Becker also makes a harness with RCA plugs. Last picture is the 90 degree adaptor for the antenna wire.

On the existing main CR-1 plug, 12V+ goes to Becker plug A7, antenna power to A5, permanent 12V+ to A4, and ground to A8. If you don't have a Becker manual, they are available online in PDF format at Becker, here Click on 'what's new' and scroll to the blue box.

Pictures:

cjansen

John/Bill

Thanks very much this is really helpful. I will order the kit from Becker. The only remaining concern I have is regarding the faceplate. Do you know if there are any issues in fitting a used CDR-220 faceplate out of a later model 911? One supplier I contacted indicated that the chassis will fit but a new faceplate would have to be ordered from Becker?? John, I'd be interested in your experience with the "mechanical" fit of the CDR-220 into your C2.

If you haven't got an MP3 yet, this looks to be the cleanest way to go (although quite expensive and doesn't do double duty as a portable player), http://www.phatnoise.com/products/di...rs/porsche.php

Once again, thanks for your help guys

Best regards

investlt

Craig,

The CR220 looks great and fits well in the dash. The faceplate issue has to do with the angle and height of the unit during the installation. Basically, it is hard to read the LCD in the 964 from a normal driving position. If you lean forward you can read the LCD. Becker will do a swap with you for a modified faceplate for $50 (IIRC). I did not do the swap yet, I have my preset stations memorized, and I really don't care if I can't read the LCD while I am driving. Plus, once I get the MP3 player, I can use its display for seeing what's playing, etc...

Kahdmus

Bill, that looks really nice, any chance of a pic displaying how it looks in the context of the dash etc?

Cheers,

Bill Gregory

Howard,

I'll post a picture when it's completed. With the chilling garage temps right now, it may be a few weeks before I get it wired in.

Kahdmus

Thanks Bill I'll look forward to seeing it...the face looks great in the pic. I put an MP3 player in the ML last year and while its great to have it, it looks somehow out-of-place after the stock unit. I think this would look fantastic in the 964!

Cheers,

mamsp

Bill... I am considering the same upgrade... I realize you haven't done the install yet, but I am interested in the fit..... as to how well the cdr-210 fit the opening and actually mounted into the existing space. Please don't forget to let us know and also maybe a picture of your completed handy work. I hate it that the cd portion of my cd-2 can no longer be repaired due to lack of parts available. Thanks, Mark

Bill Gregory

Mark,

I can compare the measurements: The CR-1 and CDR-210 both measure 7" wide, the CDR-210 is a 1/4" longer, the width at the faceplate is the same at a tad over 7.25", the CDR-210 unit is maybe a 1/16" higher than the CR-1. Will post pics when done.

mamsp

Thanks Bill..... looks like it should fit... I will start looking for a deal on a cdr-210... stll anxious to see yours when you get finished. Mark

Marc Shaw

Bill - there are a couple of CDR-210's and CDR-220's on EBay and the lister advertises that one can plug an MP3 player like an iPod in the back. The photos of the back look like all proprietary connectors - any idea if plugging an MP3 player is possible? Any RCA jacks and AUX input possible?

Thanks.....Marc

Bill Gregory

Marc,

On the 210, I don't believe it's possible to plug in another device, unless, perhaps, you can get the wiring to a remote CD changer to work with an IPOD input (that wiring, btw, is not in the CDR-210 booklet). On the CDR-220, the wiring is a little different, as it has two sets of CD/MD wires for changers, which says the Porsche CD changer or the Sony MDX 60 or MDX 61 MD changer can be connected. Again there's not any explanation of the wiring for the CD changers.

So, not saying it can't be done, but it doesn't appear to be plug and play, unless, perhaps somebody has an adaptor already made. I'd guess the CD changer harness has RCA plugs on it, but I'd talk to Becker or perhaps someone else on the board has this working already.

I just checked the Becker Board, and the 210 does not have an auxilliary input (which agrees with the manual - good thing!). They didn't address a 220.

Marc Shaw

Bill - yes, I checked the Becker web site and found that you're right - CDR-210 does not have Aux input but CDR-220 does. A few web sites do list pin-out of connector so the AUX input of the CD controller could be wired into with the right plug. I guess the other option with a CDR-220 would be a Denison IceLink (http://densionusa.com/merchant/merch...ode=IA_Porsche). My friend just put on in his Audi TT (ALMS version) and loves it.

Marc