To further my interest in this aftermarket head unit adapter, I have been studying the Connects2 instructions for all the included components of this kit.
I have a concern regarding the retention of the cars fibre optic network. I do not see any reference to or component to complete the fibre optic loop when the OEM head unit and screen are removed.
I know for a few model year V70 head unit adapter kits, Connects2 includes fibre optic bypass connectors, these are not visible in the CTKVL05 kit.
I have sent a question to the Connects2 tech support to see what they say.

 

There doesn‘t seem to be much interest in this, but I have continued to look into this adapter kit.

I had contacted Connects2 regarding the fiber optic network. Their response was that this kit retains the factory amplifier in terms of it staying in the car, however it is basically bypassed. The fiber optic link remains intact at the amplifier, a cable bundle is fed through the car from the head unit and plugs into the speaker output connector which has been detached from the amp, now making the aftermarket head unit the only amplifier driving the speakers. In my case where I will be using other amplifiers to run my system using the RCA preouts, running this speaker cable bundle will likely be unnecessary.

I was able to purchase the CTKVL05 kit from eBay directly out of the UK, for a much lower price than a local supplier could get it for me. Connects2 had a price increase recently, my eBay purchase must have still been priced from prior to this increase.

The quality of the components look to be very good, the instructions are intended for professional installers, so you have to have some knowledge of what you are doing going in to this project.
I will have to chop off the top portion of the water fall console. I know this seems scary, but the single DIN adapter trim does look fairly decent.

My V50 is currently under going a major mechanical over haul, so this is the perfect time to also do a major audio system over haul. I purchased the car with a blown head gasket and numerous other mechanical failures, whoever worked on this car previously was a hack and did some very poor quality work.

With my battery already out of the car, I took to removing the existing display screen and CD player head unit last night.
Going into this I figured I would be relocating the display to a new location, but I soon found out the Connects2 steering wheel adapter harness plugs into the white connector which was plugged into the screen, I am not sure how the heating/AC system will work without the screen available to set temperatures and functions. Maybe a T type harness or splicing into the steering wheel adapter harness will allow me to include the screen some where.
The fiber optic cables which plug into the CD head unit and the screen will both be disconnected, I have ordered a couple MOST network bypass loops to hopefully take care of any errors which would be caused by the removal of these components.
That’s about as far as I can go at this moment, I still need to go pick out a single DIN head unit.

I will post some photos of my progress once that happens.

 

There doesn‘t seem to be much interest in this, but I have continued to look into this adapter kit.

I had contacted Connects2 regarding the fiber optic network. Their response was that this kit retains the factory amplifier in terms of it staying in the car, however it is basically bypassed. The fiber optic link remains intact at the amplifier, a cable bundle is fed through the car from the head unit and plugs into the speaker output connector which has been detached from the amp, now making the aftermarket head unit the only amplifier driving the speakers. In my case where I will be using other amplifiers to run my system using the RCA preouts, running this speaker cable bundle will likely be unnecessary.

I was able to purchase the CTKVL05 kit from eBay directly out of the UK, for a much lower price than a local supplier could get it for me. Connects2 had a price increase recently, my eBay purchase must have still been priced from prior to this increase.

The quality of the components look to be very good, the instructions are intended for professional installers, so you have to have some knowledge of what you are doing going in to this project.
I will have to chop off the top portion of the water fall console. I know this seems scary, but the single DIN adapter trim does look fairly decent.

My V50 is currently under going a major mechanical over haul, so this is the perfect time to also do a major audio system over haul. I purchased the car with a blown head gasket and numerous other mechanical failures, whoever worked on this car previously was a hack and did some very poor quality work.

With my battery already out of the car, I took to removing the existing display screen and CD player head unit last night.
Going into this I figured I would be relocating the display to a new location, but I soon found out the Connects2 steering wheel adapter harness plugs into the white connector which was plugged into the screen, I am not sure how the heating/AC system will work without the screen available to set temperatures and functions. Maybe a T type harness or splicing into the steering wheel adapter harness will allow me to include the screen some where.
The fiber optic cables which plug into the CD head unit and the screen will both be disconnected, I have ordered a couple MOST network bypass loops to hopefully take care of any errors which would be caused by the removal of these components.
That’s about as far as I can go at this moment, I still need to go pick out a single DIN head unit.

I will post some photos of my progress once that happens.

I have gotten stuck with my install of a aftermarket head unit. I'm right now doing a install in my Volvo v50 but just replacing the stock stereo and not using the kit to still be able use the steering wheel controls. I got the right iso adapter for the stock harness so it fits my new head unit, antenna adapter and 2 fiber loops for the bypass. Your information is very well written but I don't understand one specific part of it.

What do you mean with "a cable bundle is fed through the car from the head unit and plugs into the speaker output connector which has been detached from the amp"?

Is this "cable bundle" something that comes with the kit and plug in yourself? (if so please show a link to that type of cable) or is it the stock harness you are talking about?
Where is the "speaker output connector" located? On the amp?
Have you gone back into the boot of the car to make any connection changes to the stock amp or is everything needed to be done, done from the dash/behind the waterfall in my case with just bypassing the amp and replacing the old head unit?

I know I probably won't get a reply because this thread is quite old but thank you anyways!

 

Keep us posted. Quite interested in your outcome.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

 

I ended up picking a Pioneer DEH-X8800BHS single din head unit for this project. Has all the functions I was after for Spotify and other bluetooth sources, as well as a front and a rear usb input, so I can tuck away a thumb drive and not have to have it sticking out of the front of the head unit.

I was looking into a Joying brand floating 9" touch screen android head unit, but decided against it.
Cutting the waterfall console was a bit scary, there's no coming back from this step. I used my sliding mitre saw and it cut the console aluminum and the plastic cleanly and straight.
I still might need to shave off a couple more mm but I will see how the fit up goes.

The Connects2 kit plugs into the white plug from behind the screen, the large gray plug from the cd player is unused so I tucked it in above the glove box, I wrapped it in foam and secured it so I shouldn't get any rattle.
I picked up a couple MOST network bypass loops off of Amazon, they were listed for BMW's but plug into the Volvo connectors perfectly.
The Connects2 kit includes a small speaker to play any door chimes and beeps, I secured this right below the ignition switch inside the dash. The Connects2 steering wheel controls brain box was double side taped against the air ducting which was behind the original screen location.
Sorry I didn't get any pics of this part of the install, I will probably have pull the head unit back out for fitment adjusting, I will try to remember to get shots then.

I ran my three pairs of RCA leads and the Connects2 speaker adapter wire down the drivers side under all the trim. I will likely not use the speaker adapter, but it's there if I need it.

The next steps will be connecting everything to my Rockford Fosgate DSR1 digital signal processor then into my 2 Alpine amps, an Mrv-M500 and a Mrv-F300. This will be sometime next, I have a new rad to install before I get around to finishing the audio system.

 

I was flipping through Kijiji the other day and came across a V50 for sale. Looking through the photos I found this. It took me a second to figure out what I was looking at. It actually doesn't look to bad.

 

After a couple weeks working out of town followed by installing a new rad, I finally had a chance to get back to the interior of the project V50.
I reinstalled my centre arm rest console, then surface mounted a remote USB plug so I could run a USB flash drive without having it hang out of the front of the head unit. The Pioneer DEH-X8800BHS has both front and rear USB slots just for this purpose. I mounted it to the storage bin that sits behind the waterfall.

The AUX input plug not longer works, having it is a bit redundant now I have Bluetooth and USB connectivity.

Here is the finished product, for now anyways. I have a sheet of black brushed steel vinyl which I plan to wrap the waterfall with. This will make the single DIN trim and the waterfall look more like they belong together.

The big question was, would the heat/cooling work again after the install?
I have fully functioning heating controls, without a display screen I don't really know what my auto temperature is set to, but this can be determined by feel alone, if I'm hot I can turn down the temp. With the MOST fibre optic network bypass loops I installed, I have no issues with my gauges or any other component we have heard horror stories of dying.
I hooked the Connects2 speaker cable extension lead to the speaker plug located at the stock amp in the rear of the car (the amp is not used with the Connects2 kit). I will run the speakers off of head unit power until the rest of my audio system is completed.

I am quite happy with the fit of the new head unit and the Connects2 fascia. It's not as tight as I would have liked, I added some Tesa tape over the clips to give a more secure feeling click. Everything went together very straight forward, previous stereo installation experience will definitely be an asset.
I just realised that I forgot to check my steering wheel controls, I will double check that tomorrow, but I'm sure they will function as expected.

Many people will hate what I have done here, others will be all over it.
I hope this install helps out anyone who is interested. I will continue to post the rest of my audio system build as I work towards completing it.

 

After a couple weeks working out of town followed by installing a new rad, I finally had a chance to get back to the interior of the project V50.
I reinstalled my centre arm rest console, then surface mounted a remote USB plug so I could run a USB flash drive without having it hang out of the front of the head unit. The Pioneer DEH-X8800BHS has both front and rear USB slots just for this purpose. I mounted it to the storage bin that sits behind the waterfall.
View attachment 125489

The AUX input plug not longer works, having it is a bit redundant now I have Bluetooth and USB connectivity.
View attachment 125490

Here is the finished product, for now anyways. I have a sheet of black brushed steel vinyl which I plan to wrap the waterfall with. This will make the single DIN trim and the waterfall look more like they belong together.

View attachment 125491

The big question was, would the heat/cooling work again after the install?
I have fully functioning heating controls, without a display screen I don't really know what my auto temperature is set to, but this can be determined by feel alone, if I'm hot I can turn down the temp. With the MOST fibre optic network bypass loops I installed, I have no issues with my gauges or any other component we have heard horror stories of dying.
I hooked the Connects2 speaker cable extension lead to the speaker plug located at the stock amp in the rear of the car (the amp is not used with the Connects2 kit). I will run the speakers off of head unit power until the rest of my audio system is completed.

I am quite happy with the fit of the new head unit and the Connects2 fascia. It's not as tight as I would have liked, I added some Tesa tape over the clips to give a more secure feeling click. Everything went together very straight forward, previous stereo installation experience will definitely be an asset.
I just realised that I forgot to check my steering wheel controls, I will double check that tomorrow, but I'm sure they will function as expected.

Many people will hate what I have done here, others will be all over it.
I hope this install helps out anyone who is interested. I will continue to post the rest of my audio system build as I work towards completing it.

Very nice job. How is the sound with the new pioneer system? any difference in quality after bypassng the stock amp?

 

I was just checking the function of the steering wheel controls.
They did not work at first, but all I had to do was disconnect a few plugs, then plug them in in a specific order. The controls then worked as expected.

 

Very nice! The faceplate provided with the kit doesn't quite look right to my eyes, but overall a fairly elegant solution.

 

Sweet! I would love to get an aftermarket head unit, but I cant decide if I want to change the look of the interior lol.

Thanks for sharing!

 

So I was out doing a bit of work on the V50 over the weekend. I haven't had much chance to explore the new head unit since installing it. I found the the centre console buttons actually work. The power button turns the head unit on and off, the volume changes the volume, tuning changes the radio preset or track, the Am/Fm button cycles through radio BT audio or aux.
However the the number buttons do not do anything.
I also found an issue, the clock on the head unit resets whenever I re start the car, but my car in dash clock also resets. I am not sure why it's doing that, I assume what ever battery live wire the Connects2 system is tapped into gets turned off by the car at some point after engine shut off. This may be a difference in the wiring between North American cars and the UK version.
All the other head unit settings remain, colour scheme, audio settings and radio presets.
Not sure why the car clock resets also.
I will eventually just run a new battery live to the head unit at some point.
My car is finally in running and driving condition so I will report back as I use the system more.

 

So I was out doing a bit of work on the V50 over the weekend. I haven't had much chance to explore the new head unit since installing it. I found the the centre console buttons actually work. The power button turns the head unit on and off, the volume changes the volume, tuning changes the radio preset or track, the Am/Fm button cycles through radio BT audio or aux.
However the the number buttons do not do anything.
I also found an issue, the clock on the head unit resets whenever I re start the car, but my car in dash clock also resets. I am not sure why it's doing that, I assume what ever battery live wire the Connects2 system is tapped into gets turned off by the car at some point after engine shut off. This may be a difference in the wiring between North American cars and the UK version.
All the other head unit settings remain, colour scheme, audio settings and radio presets.
Not sure why the car clock resets also.
I will eventually just run a new battery live to the head unit at some point.
My car is finally in running and driving condition so I will report back as I use the system more.

Did you ever get this particular issue figured out? Just received my kit and will be going this route in the near future.

Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

 

Thanks for sharing, super interested in going down this route too but would like to keep the screen somewhere. Did you ever/ are you planning on a screen relocate?

 

I’m glad to see some people are getting use out of this thread.
Looks like Slam3d has taken my idea and ran with it. Excellent work.
As for my small issues, I have not gone any further on my set up yet, I had started driving the V50 after I completed all the mechanical repairs, then it developed a massive oil leak.

I do have the rest of my audio system operational now too, I will post a couple photos shortly.

 

Any updates to this CTKVL05 install? Did you figure out your clock resetting issue? Or follow through with the vinyl wrap? Do you have more photos?

I'm considering installing this kit for my 2009 C70 for a Pioneer AVH-3500NEX flip-out head unit.

 

Here's a picture of our 3d printed prototype. We wanted to retain stock screen for AC.

 

Any further development/info on this?

 

No, still running with the first edition. I would probably made some minor adjustments for the looks, but my son who owns the car are happy as is 😆

 

Are you planning on selling the design? I'd love to have a look at the workings of it.

 

I'd be happy to pay for a copy of the file to use for myself.

 

Pioneer SPH-EVO64DAB

 

Hello can you please tell me what harnesses and wiring or adapters were used in this fit out

 

Im guessing its a single din fold out screen?
Do you have other photos?

 

It's actually 2 piece, 1 hide away headunit and 1 LCD monitor connected with one cable. Head unit is installed were stock CD player would be.

Hello can you please tell me what harnesses and wiring or adapters were used in this fit out

Used Connects2 interface, but needed to use constant 12v supply from original cd-player plug(red/yellow cable) not in use. In a addition I used a most-loop where it supposed to be in cd-player. Just remember there are 2 different kits, one for stock external amp and one for internal amp only. Kit will bypass stock amp (as it is MOST)

 

I have come across swedespeed. And your post intrigues me.
I have the c30 and its has no Bluetooth.
Wanting to add carplay unit.
Would a single din carplay unit work with the connects2 harness ?

I just found this on AliExpress:
￡60.98 | 1Din Wireless CarPlay Android AUTO HD touch screen Universal 6.86'' Car Radio FM Stereo MP5 multimedia player BT TF port Camera

https://a.aliexpress.com/_Ey9DkR4

Here is the connect2 listing

Single Din Stereo Fitting Kit + Steering Controls to fit Volvo S40 2004-12 | eBay UK

Double Din. Volvo C30, C70, S40 & V50 single DIN fascia plate. Volvo - DIN Antenna Adapter. Connects2 Full Fitting Kit for Volvo C30 2007-2013. It also provides outputs for Park Brake, Reverse Gear and Speed Pulse.

ebay.us

 

Comprou esse do AliExpress???