antigeek

I installed my Vais SLU unit a couple of weekends ago.
AND, thanks to Altex Computers and Electronics in Carrollton, I have a solution that required NO re-wiring or soldering!

Using 2 - 3.5mm stereo "feed-thru" jacks and 2 - 6" RCA-to-3.5mm jacks, I used a step drill bit to make holes for the new jacks in the center console bay. I screwed them in, connected the Vais unit to them via the RCAs, and the job was done! VERY easy.

http://www.altex.com/35mm-Stereo-Fee...3-P147826.aspx
http://www.altex.com/35mm-Stereo-Plu...3-P141776.aspx

Here are my notes for installation:
1. Remove the bracket on the Vais unit so it'll wedge in better (Photo 1).
2. When installing the cable to the back of the head unit, pass the wire under the metal bracket. You'll see that the connectors want to poke out between the head unit and the bracket (Photo 2).
3. Tilt the Vais unit (Photo 6) so that the jack above it has room. Otherwise, the console won't sit flat. Notice that it's wedged into the insulating foam, so it's going nowhere.
4. No, I didn't clean up whatever leaked into the console bay for you. Sorry.

Photos 1-5 below.

antigeek

Photos 6-8 below.

Harold57

Thanks for the pictures. Sounds like a good way to install it.

scdroptop

iTrader: (1)

Very nice!!!! Congrats...excellent write up. I feel like a schmuk that I paid Sewell $300 to install mine!

antigeek

I couldn't have done it without the guides and pics that CL members have contributed, and some helpful advice from Harold to be careful with the head unit b/c it has sharp edges that can cut the leather.
Thanks to everyone!

Someone asked what my total cost was:
Vais SLU $174.99 (group buy price) + $15.55 ship = $190.54
feed-thru 3.5mm jacks 2 @ $3.69 ea + tax = $7.99
3.5mm stereo to 2 RCA jacks, 2 @ $2.29 ea + tax = $4.96
6" 3.5mm M/M stereo cable 1 @ $1.39 + tax = $1.50
TOTAL cost: $204.99
Installation time: 1 hour (incl. pics)

Harold57

Wow, 1 hour with pictures, no less! Very impressive. I know who to go to if I go that route now.

mandyfig

antigeek, what is that plugged in to your power source?

antigeek

It's the Kensington PowerBolt Duo:
http://us.kensington.com/html/17771.html

I found it on Buy.com for about $11 after a $10 rebate (I do love bargains).
Not bad -- 2 USB connectors (2.1A and 1.0A), so it'll charge an iPad and an iPhone at the same time (neither of which I have).

For the front 12V socket, I have a Belkin MicroCharge:
(a general link to their line of chargers)
http://www.belkin.com/IWCatSectionVi...tion_Id=208799
Kensington has one as well:
http://us.kensington.com/html/17727.html

They're nice b/c they're flush with the socket, and you can close the tray.

I haven't done my homework on the impact of using a 2.1A outlet when <= 1.0A is all you need. AFAIK, an outlet can't force current -- the device should only take what it needs.

Overall, it's nice that I can power my MP3 player, and charge my BT headset and phone at the same time (or have a spare for a friend who needs a charge).

mandyfig

Wow, I need to watch out for this itme, too. Nice.

antigeek

The Belkin micro unit retails for $20, but I've seen it at Fry's for $10.
They have a 2.1A version, so I expect this one is 1A.

antigeek

For those with Fry's Electronics nearby, the Belkin Microcharge (with iPhone/iPod charge cable) is on sale for $9.99 (#6485992) through Thursday, 02/03:

http://shopping.dallasnews.com/ROP/a...32819640&type=