Neo Jukebox

[mail@philsmith.]

As promised here is a report and pics of fitting the NEO Jukebox.

http://www.philsmith.co.uk/images/MVC-903F.JPG
http://www.philsmith.co.uk/images/MVC-901F.JPG

The remote was fitted in the ashtray, I cut down the DIN unit supplied, made up a new surround and glued this onto the ashtray insert, so when it comes to selling the car I can simply buy another insert and all will be put back to standard.

The hard disk was fitted in the back next to the CD changer, it is a very tight fit and will only just about go in! The position it is in is the only place it will go. As you can see from the cut up bracket the first attempt was completley wrong!!

All in all it is easy enough to fit, feeding the wires through is the hardest part.
One thing I do need is a 12v-12v DC transformer if anyone knows where to get one in the UK, as the hard disk needs a good steady supply for best results.
Also anyone know the best place to wire it into so it comes on with the comand, at the moment it is wired to the cigarette lighter and goes off with the ignition.

Price direct from the manufacturers, www.ssiamerica.com, was $299 (20gb) plus about $60 shipping, ordered it on a Sunday evening and it was delivered Wednesday morning, customs got me for £20 so total was about £220.

[craigyb]

Very nice job, It's similar to how I had it setup in my Volvo C70.

Do you get any FM interference if you leave the Neo on whilst tuning FM stations..

I've just done an ashtray conversion on my CLK. Totally cut out the ashtray internals and fitted a DVD-ROM and keyboard IR receiver and an IRman IR receiver and some power switches etc.

Pics to follow...

Craig

[mail@philsmith.]

Not noticed any interference so far, but it is connected straight into the AUX input from the phono output and is not using a FM modulator if this makes a difference.
The sound quality is superb.

[sym]

Looks great - really neat job !!

S.

[Flyer]

Great job - I was intending to do something similar with a Dension DMP3, but went the iPod route instead.

[craigyb]

This may be of some use to you for a stable supply.....

http://www.mp3car.com/products/itps.html

Craig

[mail@philsmith.]

This may be of some use to you for a stable supply.....

http://www.mp3car.com/products/itps.html

Craig

I'd already found that info, thanks, but was really looking for somewhere in the UK that could supply.
Just found out that there is a car audio/multimedia fitting specialist just half a mile from me so will try them tommorow.

[craigyb]

I bought one, it took a week to arrive, I thought that was pretty good.

Considering it's about £20 or less....

[clegsr]

Looks Cool! -

One thing I would like to know: I guess you just select the AUX from Comand and then use the NEO buttons to operate the Hard Disk - but if you have a Route programmed and Comand is Voice-guiding, do the Voice Commands still mute the NEO music so you can hear the NAVI Voices?

[mail@philsmith.]

Both navigation and telephone mute when using AUX, just the same as in all other audio settings.

I still have not sourced a stable 12v supply in the UK, if anyone can help with this?

[robertjary]

RS Components have a suitable DC to DC converter, stock number 243-1103. However, its £53.90 + VAT.
Have you considered changing the hard disk for a notebook drive. You'll need an adapter kit to convert from 3.5 inch drive to 2.5 drive (kits comprise of two rails and a 3.5 inch IDE adapter to 2.5 inch converter - typically under £5). The 2.5 inch notebook drive will be much more robust than the 3.5 inch drive suppplied by SSI and more importantly only runs on 5V.

[mrfiepro]

I was inspired and decided to have a go at one myself. My experience was as above, delivered quick and well packaged. I also opted for the voice module, don't know if it will be any good.

So far I have only modified the ashtray but looks good.

All in all, thus far I am impressed with the kit, will let you know how I get on.

[sym]

What does the voice module do, Paul ? Can't see it on their Website.

S.

[mrfiepro]

try this, it might be a gimmick.....I will let you know

http://ssiamerica.com/products/neo35/speech.shtml

[sym]

Sounds interesting ! Good luck with the chip soldering - Pictures and sound clips please when its installed ;)

I've just taken the plunge and bought a 20Gb iPod instead . . couldn't justify an additional separate device for the car, so need to find a nice way to integrate it now. . . . watch this space !

[craigyb]

The chip just pops in, but I found it rather annoying once installed. Not only does it name the directory, but it also says Folder before everything. Damm annoying, I've disabled the voice function in mine.

Craig

[mail@philsmith.]

After a couple of weeks use, and and now used to the way it works, I am very happy with the Neo.
If anyone has problems with the 'random-all' feature try deleting the neo.ndx file that is on the hard disk everytime you add more tracks. Otherwise it will not select the new tracks you have added.
Other than this the unit is straight forward to operate.