jasone36

Hi,

Many of you are aware of the various elaborate ways to add Bluetooth streaming (A2DP) and Bluetooth Voice to the SC430. Some of these methods involve tearing apart the center console, removing the radio unit, feeding cables, buying expensive Vaistech equipment, and possibly paying for the professional installation.

However, I now present to you the most simple and inexpensive method.

First you purchase a Griffin Technology BlueTrip bluetooth adapter for $60 from Amazon. This adapter is tiny and fits in the cigarette lighter socket. This adapter provides you streaming bluetooth audio from your smarphone (iDevice, Android, BlackBerry) and also it provides you bluetooth voice capability since it has a microphone and accept/deny call button built in.

Next, you buy a Cassette-to-Auxiliary adapter (typically $1 - $5, I got mine at the dollar store LOL). Finally, you plug the adapter into the BlueTrip device. That's it. You're done. TOTAL COST: $61

This configuration allows you to close the lid (cover) over the radio/audio system, and to close the cover over the ashtray, which makes the setup nearly invisible with both lids closed.

The streaming audio quality on the BlueTrip seems excellent (but I'm no audiophile). The voice calling quality is reasonably acceptable, but certainly not high definition (who needs high-def during a phone conversation anyway?)

The only trouble I've had with the voice calling is when I would be driving at highway speeds (80 - 90 miles per hour) with the roof down, in this case my voice sounded somewhat muffled. With the roof up, the voice quality is always good enough for a phone call.

While BlueTrip is not the most elaborate or eloquent solution to add bluetooth audio streaming and voice calling to the SC430, it is certainly the cleanest (no visible wires, unless your keep the radio door open) and definitely the least expensive ($61).

pennie

Thanks so much! Just what I wanted to know. I recently got a 2008 SC430 and want my digital music in it. Can you believe it was a gift!!!

ShawnOk

iTrader: (1)

I use the Eagltech/Arion Bluetooth adapter which is hardwired via the VaisTechSL3U. Amazing sound too. I wrote a thread about it with my DVDNAV Media Player install. This adapter allows you to control tracks and volume directly from the adapter without having to pull the phone out. This product would also work with the cassette adapter, but I remember when I used a cassette adapter, I would get feedback noise as well as the clicking of the tape in the deck. Wasn't worth it. VaisTech Sl3U was the best investment I ever made and I tried ALOT of other options including crap from Ebay, Saudi Arabia, Grom, BlitzSafe, PAC Audio, etc.

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16875959452
http://www.tigerdirect.com/applicati...?EdpNo=5552193

pennie

So glad to read your information re the bluetooth adapter; I'll check into it. Perhaps it's a newer technology. Thank you for informing me.

pennie

Thank you for the recommendation re the Monster cassette tape. Will definitely look into it. I would have thought any '08 vehicle would play MP3s but not the case here. However, my friend's BMW cd player does, and it's about the same year, I think. Oh, well, we can never keep up with technology, can we!

mandyfig

I went with the VAIS TECH Iphone adapter that plugged into the rear of the receiver and I have to use an I5 speaker/power adapter (mine used the old Iphone adapter). However it is cumbersome and maybe it is time to upgrade to Bluetooth and this option is now looking good for me, throw the wires away!

mandyfig

Pulled the trigger on a brand new Griffin Technology BlueTrip set, $35 on fleabay. Coming in next week. Thanks OP!

jasone36

Quick update: Over two years later, my BlueTrip setup is still running flawlessly. I literally have not had a SINGLE ISSUE with the setup since my original post in 2013.

I do agree that if you use the dollar-store cassette adapter you may have the occasional "clicking of the tape in the deck", especially during the freezing winters, but for $1 what more could you ask for.

I've actually seen the BlueTrip adapter at BestBuy recently, but for around $70.

I did end up springing for the $10 Monster-brand cassette adapter to replace the one from the dollar-store, and haven't really heard the clicking of the tape yet.

Obviously, when anyone gets into my car I close the "sliding door" over my stereo system, so they can't see the tape adapter.... but that's a different conversation, unrelated to BlueTrip!

mandyfig

I have an Iphone adapter (Llike ShawnOK but it is VaisTech SLU2 plain jane adapter) that is plugged into my receiver as AUX. So all I need to do is get an extension cord for the speaker so I can hide all these. Cannot wait to do this! The best thing is that it is portable. When I use the RX, I will simply do the same. Thanks jasone36!

mandyfig

The Bluetrip USB Adapter came in and also purchased a 3.5 mm coupler-female to female. Plugged it in and worked like a charm. Total investment $40. Now with Bluetooth capability. I used my Vaistech SL2U adapter for the speaker input into the ML Unit, I think I paid $120 for it a couple of years ago.

mandyfig

I will plug in the USB adapter in the armrest console box outlet. I will re-wire my Vaistech SL2U input and pass it through the box. All wires will be hidden. Awesome suggestion jasone36.

My cigarette lighter outlet has a mini-dual USB connector for my power source.

mandyfig

Will post pics shortly.

jasone36

awesome, looking forward to seeing the results

mandyfig

Working on the DIY now...

mandyfig

The Bluetooth capability is done. Note that this was easy and cheap to do because I have an AUX input into the ML head unit already. Nowadays you can get a package that will give you the BT capability and if you want the OEM head unit to stay, you will need a AUX connection. I have done this DIY as well. The tear down and connection is straight forward, it is the same process as the TPMS disable DIY (the 1st half) then it is just removing the head-unit to get to the back and plug in your AUX input. Lots of good DIY on this, vvTibob did an excellent ML unit replacement. I miss Bob.

NO MORE WIRES!!!

See pics: