Paul Clowser

I installed the handsfree kit (CARK-91H) for my Nokia 6185 (dual-band SprintPCS) last night. I used Edward Palisoc's FAQ, "Cell phone Integration with Hands Free II". Edward was kind enough to answer some questions for me before I started that made the job go better. He said he would be updating the FAQ soon. Thanks, Edward!

First, I have two problems w/questions:

1. The privacy handset doesn't work when plugged into the center armrest, but works fine plugged directly into the hands free control module. I made the patch cables myself, and used a continuity tester to be sure they were good before installation. Is the wiring into the armrest straight through, or do they cross something over?

2. The built in mic isn't working. I will be checking my wiring over to see if I screwed something up, but I may need to go back to the mic that came with the hands free kit. Is it necessary to use the mic that came with the hands free kit instead? If so, that will be fun since I cut the wire.

My experience with the installation:

I learned to solder (and desolder) for this project. This could have been avoided with a different DB25 connector, but I wanted to try soldering anyway. It went pretty well, but as I said, I learned to desolder, too.

I used an on-glass antenna, and routed the cable along the top of the rear windshield to the driver's side C-pillar. I used a paint stirring stick to push the cable into the gap at the top of the windshield. The C-pillar has clips along its back edge, I just pulled it open far enough to route the cable through. I removed the rear deck according to the FAQ, and used existing tie downs (they are reusable) to bundle the cable with a bunch of other wires back there. Then I routed it down the side seat bolster (rear seat FAQ). I removed the rear seat, and pushed the cable under the carpet on top of the drive tunnel to the center console which I had already removed (another FAQ). I am very impressed by the way Audi put this car together.

At Edward's suggestion, I will be mounting the hand free control module near the glove box. It will be easy to access everything from there. The whole glove box drops down easily by pressing on a tab on each side of it.

To finish the cup holder area, I order the lining referenced in Edward's FAQ. I accidently ordered Onyx instead of Opal, but it looks better than grey would have under the phone cradle. I think the darkness helps hide the mount and wires.

I followed the FAQ everywhere I could. Now, when I recieve a call, the radio mutes, the display changes to PHONE, and the ring comes through the car's speaker. I can set up the phone to automatically answer after the first ring, but then I wouldn't be able to screen calls with caller ID.

BTW, based on a recommendation I got here, I bought the hands free kit and antenna from Criterion Cellular (www.criterioncellular.com). The antenna is an Antenna Specialists APDM923 dual-band on-glass. The order came complete, and was shipped overnight like I requested. I had a question about the location of my antenna installation, and they were very helpful and knowledgable over the phone. I don't know them or work for them -- just a happy customer.

Paul Clowser
98.5 1.8tqms Wett 1.0 and almost hands free

Paul Clowser

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Nerdy Me

The PCS/CDMA standard used by SprintPCS and PrimeCo among others outputs at the bottom pins of the phone a digital signal (privacy). The handsfree kit you bought, inside has an D to A (Digital to Analog) converter... So in reality you bought another phone. How much was the Nokia handsfree kit? I have seen prices around $280. Does anyone know more about the DtoA conversion of the output? People from Qualcomm would be the best bet (they developed the technology used in CDMA/IS95) for the answer here. If we can find out how to do the D to A from the output pins and find out the pinouts of the phone (what they correspond to), then you can build your own for a lot less than $280.

Questions/Comments anyone?


PS> I have contacted Qualcomm for pinout diagrams for the QCP 1900, 1920, 1960,and 2700. If I find more I'll let you all know....Pinouts should work for the 850MHz digital QCPs too..
PS2> My info not shown since I work for a PCS provider...

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99.5 1.8TQMS

Paul Clowser

the control module, a phone mount, a privacy handset w/mount, speaker, mic, and some fuses and wires for connecting it all. I am not sure whether the control module amounts to another phone or not. The antenna plugs into the phone instead of the control module if that is any indication.

Incidentally, I bought the Nokia to replace a Qualcomm Q-Phone because someone had already successfully integrated it with the A4, and for its dual-band capability.

Paul Clowser
98.5 1.8tqms Wett 1.0 and maybe hands free soon?

Andrew Schmitt

You should replace the stock mike with the mike included with the Nokia module. I did this and saw the performance dramatically increase.

1. Remove the A-plllar according to the instructions in the faq.

2. You can then remove the mic module with a philips screwdriver. Cut the wires to the audi mike as close to the mike as possible to leave two wires hanging and the housing intact.

3. Crack the nokia mike housing open and remove the mike inside. You will find it looks similiar to the audi mike. Cut the wires to it and solder to the hanging wires on the audi mike housing.

4. Reassemble audi mike housing with new nokia mike. You may want to shore up the mike inside the housing. I used tinfoil.

5. Replace the a-pillar.

Give it a shot!

Andrew

Paul Clowser

I haven't heard it from the caller's end, but my wife said I sounded fine. I'll listen when I have a chance.

Paul Clowser
98.5 1.8tqms Wett 1.0 and hands free

Paul Clowser

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