JayG

I wanted Bluetooth streaming in my Boxster. With the older non MOST bus radios, its a simple cable to add and AUX input or even a phone connection. You can just plug into the CD changer connection on the radio. That is not possible with the CDR-23 from 2002 on

Since the CDR-23 does not have an AUX input or Bluetooth, I have been searching for a low cost solution to add Bluetooth for hands free phone and streaming audio.

I was using a JABRA Freeway Bluetooth handsfree on my visor and it has a FM modulator in it. Worked pretty well, just had to keep remembering to charge it.

In searching I came across this little Bluetooth FM modulator that was not integrated into a lighter plug. I use that for my GPS unit


I came across this

I ordered it and it works great.

I mounted it just to the right of the gauge cluster in my Boxster. In a 996, it would have to be moved a little do to the oil pressure gauge




I did not want to have a cord dangling and have to plug it in every time I drive the car, so I searched for a USB converter. At first I was going to go with one that had a single USB output, then thought it would be cool to have a 2nd one as well . I found this one that looked perfect for what I had in mind.
I powered it up from the switched 12V in the phone connector under the console


Then a light bulb went off and I thought it would be great to have the USB port dash mounted rather than just dangling

Had a spare older style switch blank and saw that a USB connector would fit nicely. You want an older style as they are not sculpted on top like the newer ones

The older part number is: 996.552.425.00. the newer one is 996.613.425.10
You can see the difference below. The top one is the newer style




I used a dremel to cut out the switch blank for the USB connector and then JB Weld to glue it in place







I had to move the rear window defogger switch to the other side as I did not want a plugged in USB cable to interfere with the gear shift

I ran the cable from the Bluetooth thing around the back of the cluster surround and underneath the horseshoe. You can see a little bit of the cable in the pic

Mendocino

Looks good . I've got that stupid most system, I'm still trying to decide how awesome i want my stereo lol. So far I'm just rocking the cd's in the handy cd holders. Grateful dead, talking heads, Lee Scratch Perry, Aretha Franklin, Miles Davis... I'm ready for some Bluetooth streaming. A new double din unit and I'd never guess I was rolling in a 2004, gotta love how timeless a 911 is IMHO

JayG

I plan on putting in a double DIN unit one of these days. Until then , this was an inexpensive way to bring it more up to date. Incidentally the Bluetooth thingy also has a mic in it and according to people I have called, it sounds pretty good. The USB will remain regardless.

bernardbarbour

Wow, you need to market this. A lot of us 996 and Boxster owners need this. Thanks for sharing

5CHN3LL

Nice execution. When you're in the mood to go full-on detail oriented, you can fill and sand the button to get rid of the transition between materials. If you get it smoothed and sanded, a shot of bumper cover spray from AutoZone - which is used to refresh the black anti-scuff plastic on bumpers and stuff - would probably be a near-perfect match for the color. I used the stuff to refinish the horseshoe on my Boxster, and it looked darn good.

I snaked the USB cable up through the center console and into the storage compartment to get it completely out of sight - but honestly, an aluminum USB stick plugged into the button on your dash might look pretty damn cool.



Like you, I was stuck with MOST - and I didn't want to sink $10K into a stereo for the Boxster, and I wanted lots of features (MP3 DVD, DVD video, Satellite radio). I ripped out the CD storage unit, shuffled some stuff around in the center stack and used a wired modulator to jack into the CDR via FM. I used the Porsche equipment as an amp for the single-DIN JVC touchscreen head unit:



It's good to see you getting creative with the solutions...

Cuda911

Looks great! And, far cheaper than the double DIN system I had installed.

JayG

Does the autozone paint match the "soft touch" from the newer cars or is it the older style?

The USB I put in is just for power, no data. That does open up the idea to do a data port in the dash or maybe the batwing when I upgrade to a double Din

mannn

i have searched on this as well and settled on isimple Tranzit BLU HF
http://www.isimplesolutions.com/cont...r-any-car.html

it's around 75-80 USD on amazon... just need antenna adapter cables (two) and that's it...
everything is powered from the car except the phone. So when i need to, i just plug into the cig lighter socket for charging the phone.

The unit plugs directly into the factory radio jack and take over the frequency when it needs to stream bluetooth music. The quality is good (CD is still slightly better, but who cares when the engine sound fills the cabin anyway), sounds clear when the signal has been taken over. A lot of people in the 997 forum has installed this too.

JayG

I looked at that, but since I will be replacing the CDR-23 anyway, wanted a less costly solution. It looks like they are less than the $150 they were when I looked at them, before
Also , you still need to use the FM radio as the input. I guess the quality might be a little better with a direct RF connection. The transit is also fixed at 88.1. With the direct antenna connection, I guess it is not an issue

If the quality is no better, then a $30 solution that does not require any internal hookup is easier and maybe be better

In any case, the USB power mod is still usefull

mannn

if you are changing head unit then yes.. this is not use... but for those who just want to stream music and answer phone calls handsfree.. this is probably the better solution.
it is not fixed at 88.1, you can set any frequency you want with the app... i picked a station that i listen to most of the time, so when a call comes in i don't need to switch channel.
I tried external FM transmitter before installing this, i have a problem that one frequency will not work when i am driving from one part of town to the other.. so it's frustrating that it comes with static and signal lost. Those FM transmitters are weak and gets override by the air wave signal, but that maybe just me.

it's under $80

Btw, the USB port install looks good!!

JayG

That is a cool feature. The manual I read did not mention that

So far, I have not had any issues with over air overriding the adapter and the FM spectrum is pretty full in San Diego and because of the topography here, FM reception over the air can be rather spotty anyway

sjg1138

My solution was to install one of under the dash.

I then ran a usb cable to a Bluetooth receiver (also hidden under the dash) that I wired to the aux input of the radio. I also ran a usb cable through the back of the "shelf" in the console for charging phones.

With this setup I can easily swap out bluetooth solutions as the new technologies come out.

JayG

Cool
Ya just have to have an AUX input and the CDR-23 does not

Rubik

While I don't do any DIY because I don't have time, which is an excuse because the real reason is I suck at it, and I am in a position to fully criticize YOUR work that I have not yet tackled, I just want to note that your Dremel cut lines are not perfectly smooth and need significant improvement. In the mean time, I will sit here and feel good about criticizing you while I have no Bluetooth or USB in my car.

Great job dude! Nice work. I should do this.

5CHN3LL

The coat results in a slightly matte finish. It doesn't feel like the soft-touch finish, but it is very similar in appearance. I miss the matte finish of my Boxster's dash buttons - I prefer that appearance to the shiny black buttons in my 996.