A cautionary tale!
Thread Starter
AudiWorld Member
Joined: Sep 2002
Posts: 455
Likes: 46
From: Westchester County, NY
A cautionary tale!
As you may recall, I just recently finished installing a Bluetooth handsfree kit in my 2001 Roadster, with the unit patched into the DB-25 behind the passenger's seat.
While I was there, I also brought +12v out to the RJ-45 connector located near the cup-holder, for "future use" -- but I had not yet connected anything -- the blank was still in the connector.
Now today was a hot and humid day. I was riding around with the top down, and had picked up a nice cold bottle of Pepsi, straight from the fridge, and put it in the cup holder.
And herein lies the lesson:
Hot humid day + cold drink bottle = condensation
Condensation + 12v + ground = short circuit
I now understand fully why Audi eliminated that socket in later model years, in favor of an under-the-seat connection for the cell phone. I can only imagine how many shorted cars they have repared...
While I was there, I also brought +12v out to the RJ-45 connector located near the cup-holder, for "future use" -- but I had not yet connected anything -- the blank was still in the connector.
Now today was a hot and humid day. I was riding around with the top down, and had picked up a nice cold bottle of Pepsi, straight from the fridge, and put it in the cup holder.
And herein lies the lesson:
Hot humid day + cold drink bottle = condensation
Condensation + 12v + ground = short circuit
I now understand fully why Audi eliminated that socket in later model years, in favor of an under-the-seat connection for the cell phone. I can only imagine how many shorted cars they have repared...
Thread Starter
AudiWorld Member
Joined: Sep 2002
Posts: 455
Likes: 46
From: Westchester County, NY
Yeah, all is OK now -- but the light show and smoke effects were cool!
Only damage was two blown fuses (one for the switched +12v that I brought out, the other for the unswitched +12v), and a slightly toasted RJ-45 socket.
I do not intend to fix the socket, as all of the damage is internal and hidden by the blank plug. It will probably be OK electrically once it dries out, but even so I NEVER intend to use it for anything, given today's experience!
I do not intend to fix the socket, as all of the damage is internal and hidden by the blank plug. It will probably be OK electrically once it dries out, but even so I NEVER intend to use it for anything, given today's experience!
Member
Joined: Apr 2001
Posts: 21,064
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Did you do the Parrot? I bought their CK3000 and the Evolution (for my LandCruiser)
and haven't used the 3000 yet, but I am very dissaponted with the Evolution. It sounds HORRIBLE to the callers. Connected fine, looks great, works as advertised, sounds crappy.
I called 3 times now to Parrot tech support and only get voicemail on their system and no one ever calls back.
I wanted to see if their mic system in the 3000 was the same as the Evolution so I could return them both before spending time on the install of the 3000.
Ugh.
I called 3 times now to Parrot tech support and only get voicemail on their system and no one ever calls back.
I wanted to see if their mic system in the 3000 was the same as the Evolution so I could return them both before spending time on the install of the 3000.
Ugh.
Senior Member
Joined: Jul 2004
Posts: 7,071
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I've got the CK3100 in my Coupe and I love it. Sounds great, callers can't tell if I'm on my phone
or in my car. I've been on the other end talking to the wife and I really couldn't tell either. If you have the BOSE system the install is super easy, at least the 3100 was.
Trent
Trent
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Member
Joined: Apr 2001
Posts: 21,064
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Yeah, reason I went Parrot. But the Express is dissapointing. I'm hoping the technology
in the more expensive units is better, as you reported. But I still want an easy install one for my Land Cruiser. Problem is I don't want to/know how to tap the radio on the Cruiser for the speakers, which is why I want plug and play.
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Thread Starter
AudiWorld Member
Joined: Sep 2002
Posts: 455
Likes: 46
From: Westchester County, NY
Yeah, Parrot CK3000 Evolution
Parrot CK-3000 Evolution, works pretty well for most phones. It is, however, slightly hampered by the poor bluetooth in my Palm Treo...
I am not having any outbound audio problems now that I gave up on the factory microphone. Are you using the microphone which came with the kit? Also, where exactly is it mounted?
I have noticed that the Parrot kits are very sensitive to mic location, and basically are unusable with any mic other than the one which came with the kit.
I am not having any outbound audio problems now that I gave up on the factory microphone. Are you using the microphone which came with the kit? Also, where exactly is it mounted?
I have noticed that the Parrot kits are very sensitive to mic location, and basically are unusable with any mic other than the one which came with the kit.
Elder Member
Joined: Jul 2001
Posts: 11,381
Likes: 2
how easy is the install?
any tips? i'm looking for a bluetooth solution. starting to see GPS with bluetooth phone capabilities built in. not sure which direction to go with. i want simple and seamless...and nothing more on the dash.