what experience do people have on installing an aftermarket bluetooth solution for the SC430s that didn't have it stock? (mine is an '04)

I've seen the "Parrot" unit, and my Lexus dealer (Oxnard CA) is selling a unit called "Tellphone" ($500 installed). I'm sure there are many other alternatives too.

Also where have folks found the best place to install the display? I'm favoring inside the ashtray where it will be covered up while not in use, but I'm not sure if it's a good idea to have to open up the ashtray when a call comes in.

Any thoughts and/or experiences would be welcome.

 

I had the Motorola IHF1000 Bluetooth kit installed in my '03.

I've previously posted pics of the installation in this thread...

https://www.clublexus.com/forums/sho...d.php?t=301401

It works great. There's no display, it's all voice-activated/voice-prompted.

 

Check this post with the pictures of MK 6100 installed in Mazda
http://www.mp3car.com/vbulletin/blue...0-install.html

I am currently searching for wiring diagram for the speakers for SC 430 '04 model

 

Studshark,

I got your PM and the answer is "sure, not a problem". The site wouldn't let me send you a PM.

 

Went with a parrot, it works fine but it doesnt work via my car speakers, had to add speakers specifically for it.

Alpine has a very interesting looking device that will work through your auxilary so you can plug into the viastech unit if you have one. I'm evaluating removing the parrot and putting that in my wifes car, I'll keep you posted.

 

Addiction2,

I looked into that as well. I have the Vaistech module with 2 inputs and my Motorola kit has an audio out that would work but, the problem with that is, when I'm in the car listening to the satellite radio (input 1 on the Vaistech) and then phone rings, I have to open the stereo door and switch to the other input just to answer the phone. Not exactly hands-free.

I had my installer just add the external speaker for the Bluetooth kit. Works well. The only thing I wish I'd done was hooking up the audio mute so the stereo would automatically mute when the phone rings.

I'm in the process of installing a Carputer right now so, the Sirius is coming out of the ashtray and the Bluetooth kit will be gone as well. Full integration here I come!

 

I currently have an extra speaker for my phone but the quality of it is poor or I wouldn't worry about it. So I'll either go with a different set up or I'll add some more speakers for phone conversations.

 

I installed the Parrot in my '02. The installation was done by Circuit City. They had to make one additional modification since the Parrot's signal ws not strong enough to mute the stereo. Now when the phone is in use the stereo is "shut off". A little annoying watching the antenna go up/down but works great otherwise. Unit is mounted on change door in center console.

 

None of this is too encouraging. A true hands free shall mute the stereo and use the speakers for phone conversation in the same fashion Navigation does. I've went to several install shops and they told me that Lexus has something done differently thus making regular install impossible (like the need to add another speaker). I've also been told that my other option is to replace radio/cassette module (which is sooo outdated in IMHO) with something newer and supporting Bluetooth with on-screen menus. You see I am looking for two things from my Bluetooth set up:
1. Hands free phone operation via car's speakers
2. Music streaming using A2DP profile from my Nokia N95 phone (iPhone doesn't come close to this beast btw)

I probably will start a new thread to find out what expirience others had with ripping old stereo/cassette and putting something more sexy.