[landsmarra]

I'd like to know if it's possible to connect ipod, bluetooth and sirius adapters thru MELBUS in a 2005 S60 and have them work. The only feedback I've gotten from dealers is "I know two devices work" or "I don't know".

Thanks!

 

[MrTippy]

Re: Multiple MELBUS connections (landsmarra)

That's the beauty of MELBUS, you can daisy chain the peripherals. That said, the bluetooth is not on the MELBUS, but does integrate with the car.

To do what you ask you'll have to use the oem sat package, an ipod adapter (the iMIV is best--and you could route an aftermarket sat through it, but you would not have control through the HU), and either the oem or motorola bluetooth, or a parrot bluetooth.

Motorola made the oem bluetooth and it integrates with the car better than the parrot, but the latter has its benefits, too. Google search these forums for sat radio and ipod and or bluetooth and HU-803 and you'll find a goldmine of info.

Here's an old write up about the parrot bluetooth install.

You can find the oem install instructions here.

 

[landsmarra]

Re: Multiple MELBUS connections (MrTippy)

Yep, I assumed that was the beauty of MELBUS...however the only peripheral I've seen that has a MELBUS in and out is the OEM Sirius adapter. However, I believe the IMIV has MELBUS in and out.

So, to get it straight in my own head, if I got the IMIV, Bluetooth and Sirius, MELBUS should be connected as follows (this will also help me figure out which IMIV cables I need to buy):

HU-650 MELBUS out to IMIV "HU" input--MELBUS out of IMIV to Sirius MELBUS input in back of car. Bluetooth is independent of MELBUS and hooks up with its own module and wires, right?

Next step...as far as adding a Necvox pop-up nav screen and included nav unit from Necvox Taiwan, this shouldn't affect installing any of the above devices as far as MELBUS is concerned as it won't have any connection for that, correct?

Additionally, if I buy the new iPhone cable coming out this month for the IMIV, then hook the audio out of the Necvox nav unit into the audio input on the IMIV and hook all appropriate video connections into the Necvox screen (I believe it has 3), when all is said and done I should have Bluetooth that mutes the radio, iPhone music that plays through either the CD changer or TV source input on the HU-650 (with no text display on the radio unfortunately as it apparently isn't supported on either input), Sirius satellite radio on the SAT source input and navigation audio that plays on either CD changer or TV source input (whichever one the iPhone doesn't use).

Does this sound logical or have I missed something? Would all video connections hook directly into the Necvox pop-up screen? I ask because I believe the IMIV has a video in/out but I wasn't sure what I would need to use it for.

Oh yes, not to forget the back-up camera that has its own dedicated connection to the Necvox screen

Thanks,
Steve

Modified by landsmarra at 5:42 AM 6-11-2009

Modified by landsmarra at 5:42 AM 6-11-2009

Modified by landsmarra at 5:43 AM 6-11-2009

Modified by landsmarra at 5:54 AM 6-11-2009

Modified by landsmarra at 5:55 AM 6-11-2009

 

[MrTippy]

Re: Multiple MELBUS connections (landsmarra)

Wow. Lots to address here.

It's a given that the iMIV is MELBUS, but I should have said so nonetheless.

There are a few others around here who've done this or similar. I asked ss60 to comment on this thread. I would google search the forum for others.

If you get an iMIV you could run an aftermarket sat radio through it and save yourself some cash, but you would need to mount its controller someplace on the dash or thereabouts; the oem sat radio is controlled through the HU.

Your daisy chain sequence for the melbus looks ok; I seem to recall reading where someone found that their peripheral was sequence specific, might have been with a NAVI system.

From what I can tell the bluetooth is MELBUS independent; it has not melbus cable. The oem bluetooth must interface with the AEM (auxiliary electronics module) for muting.

Did you see ss60's write up on his garmin navi/aftermarket pop-up lcd install? Also, I assume you are following the thread (in another forum) about the aftermarket pop-up lcd--that's where all these questions are coming from, right?

Be sure to check http://imiv.ca to see if the current iMIV firmware supports the newest ipod/iphone versions.

I think your conclusion is ok--but, I'm no expert when it comes to video. You can only have one active channel on the HU at a time, so that means if you are using the navi, you cannot listen to your ipod, sat radio or other. That's where the oem navi has one up.

I believe the iMIV video in/out is for ipod vid or aftermarket back-up camera to the oem pop-up lcd screen. The Necvox seller should be able to confirm the compatibilty of the aftermarket navi; my understanding this is all standalone, so all connections to the lcd would be direct.

 

[ss60]

Re: Multiple MELBUS connections (landsmarra)

Quote, originally posted by landsmarra »

HU-650 MELBUS out to IMIV "HU" input--MELBUS out of IMIV to Sirius MELBUS input in back of car.

more or less. IIRC the 650 does not have the MD-changer channel, so your iMIV firmware options will be a little more limited. To keep SAT available, you'd have to use the CD-changer \ TV firmware; which means you won't be able to display iPod song titles on the HU (only SAT and MD channels support text).

If you are putting the iMIV second in line on the Melbus (using pass through from SAT) make sure you get the appropriate 'second in chain' melbus cable from Sensolutions, a regular melbus cable won't work.

For best sound quality though it is better to put the iMIV first in line. If the iMIV is the 1st device a standard melbus cable will work for the subsequent device.

Quote, originally posted by landsmarra »

Next step...as far as adding a Necvox pop-up nav screen and included nav unit from Necvox Taiwan, this shouldn't affect installing any of the above devices as far as MELBUS is concerned as it won't have any connection for that, correct?

Correct, it is totally independent, so no conflicts are possible.

Quote, originally posted by landsmarra »

Additionally, if I buy the new iPhone cable coming out this month for the IMIV, then hook the audio out of the Necvox nav unit into the audio input on the IMIV and hook all appropriate video connections into the Necvox screen (I believe it has 3), when all is said and done I should have Bluetooth that mutes the radio, iPhone music that plays through either the CD changer or TV source input on the HU-650 (with no text display on the radio unfortunately as it apparently isn't supported on either input), Sirius satellite radio on the SAT source input and navigation audio that plays on either CD changer or TV source input (whichever one the iPhone doesn't use).

One small correction - The audio inputs on the iMIV only play on the TV channel (I'm not sure if the audio cuts in if the iPod is already using the TV channel).

Brianblank (of SSpd) got his Volvo bluetooth and iMIV working together, exactly as you are describing. The BlueTooth does not affect the Melbus stuff.

Thread with both our setups in it (including brians wiring on page 2)
http://forums.swedespeed.com/z...age=2
Pics of Brians Install
http://www.flickr.com/photos/7...30277/

Quote, originally posted by landsmarra »

Does this sound logical or have I missed something? Would all video connections hook directly into the Necvox pop-up screen?

Yes, all video can run straight to your screen. My lines go straight from the iMIV to the screen and from the NAV to the screen. (different screen but same exact idea).

Modified by ss60 at 8:55 AM 6-12-2009

 

[landsmarra]

Re: Multiple MELBUS connections (ss60)

Thanks to all for the info! I assume the "second in chain" melbus cable will go from the imiv all the way back to the sat receiver? Can i use a regular melbus cable from the hu to the imiv or do I have to use "first in chain"?

So the imiv doesn't use both cd changer and tv inputs if you have two devices running thru it? Yes it sucks not to have the iphone display text on hu but i guess you can't have it all!

Final question about melbus cables...I checked sensolution's website and it appears that the longest "second in chain" cable they have is 6.5 feet. That won't be long enough to go from the IMIV which would be behind the HU all the way back to where the sat receiver would be assembled. Also, the "second in chain" cable they sell says it has one 13-pin and one 8-pin connector. What does the 13-pin connector go to? The IMIV has two 8-pin connectors and I assume the sat receiver does too...

Thanks!!

Modified by landsmarra at 7:06 PM 6-11-2009

 

[MrTippy]

Re: Multiple MELBUS connections (landsmarra)

ss60 thinks that there are temination issues with the cables--makes sense to me, but I think it is also because the RTI melbus connection is 13-pin, the cd changer is 8-pin and I'm guessing that the sat radio is also 8-pin. The HU is 8-pin.

Look at the installation faq's here.

As I see it, if you do not have RTI (Navi) and go with the oem sat radio, you will have to locate the iMIV in the trunk because that is where the sat radio receiver will be. Then you'll need a long HU-iMIV cable (450cm) and a shorter melbus cable to attach the sat receiver. That said, you might end up switching the iMIV and sat receiver in the chain--but use the same cable set up; the Volvo installation instructions for the sat radio show it going in betwen the 10-cd changer and the HU. The shorter cable (imiv to sat receiver) may come with sat receiver (and if not, the dealer parts dept can tell you what it is). It is not the same as the second in chain (13-pin) cable--as before, that's oem RTI only; I also guess that the iMIV 80cm HU-Melbus will work.

Last, since the iMIV will be in the rear, you will need a long iMIV to iPod cable (300 or 450 cm) to connect to your iPod up front.

 

[landsmarra]

Re: Multiple MELBUS connections (MrTippy)

So it sounds as if you're suggesting I use regular MELBUS cables and not "first in chain" and "second in chain" cables? You mention that the install instructions for the sat receiver show it going in between the cd changer and HU...I assume regular 8-pin MELBUS cables are indicated to be used?

If that's the case, could I just run a short regular MELBUS cable from the HU to the IMIV (to be positioned behind the HU) then a regular 450cm MELBUS cable from the IMIV to the OEM sat receiver in the trunk?

-or-

If you suggest the IMIV to be second in chain, I could run a 450cm regular MELBUS cable from the HU to the OEM sat receiver and another 450cm regular MELBUS cable back to the IMIV behind the HU.

I only wish to keep the IMIV in the front of the car so I don't have to run a long iPhone cable (if it will even come that long when it's available for sale) and I won't have to run long AV cables from the nav unit that will most likely be under the passenger seat.

Thanks again for your input!

 

[ss60]

Re: Multiple MELBUS connections (landsmarra)

OK, I re-read some old stuff and sorted it out (previous post edited above to avoid misleading anyone).

If the iMIV is first in chain, only standard melbus cables are required for entire chain. i.e. regular melbus between iMIV and subsequent device.

If the iMIV is second in chain (i.e. via SAT passthrough) then a special 'second in chain' cable is required.

So for your specific case:
-short cable from HU to iMIV mouted in front.
-long cable from iMIV to SAT in rear (use existing melbus 'sat prep' cable if present)
-short cable from iMIV to iPod in front.

Mounting iMIV first in line is far superior for sound quality. The Volvo SAT unit is notorious for lackluster sound quality

 

[landsmarra]

Re: Multiple MELBUS connections (ss60)

Awesome news! I appreciate your (and everyone's) time and effort!

Thanks for the head's-up on the sat sound quality. However, I picked up a refurbished sat kit for $50 so I don't think I should complain too much. And no, my car wasn't sat-prepped so I need to get a long MELBUS cable from the iMIV to the sat.

So, just to be sure, I should take the video out from the nav unit and iPod adapter (assuming it has a separate video output cable) direct to the screen. Obviously the backup cam video out will go to the screen as well. Just curious, what would/should I use the video in/out on the iMIV for?

I assume how this would work is that I would change the input on the HU-650 to whatever channel I need to based on the source (TV for the iPod/nav??) and then switch the Necvox screen's input to match the sound.

Would the OEM Bluetooth adapter mute any source playing through the HU-650?

Thanks again!

Modified by landsmarra at 10:16 AM 6-12-2009

 

[ss60]

Re: Multiple MELBUS connections (landsmarra)

Quote, originally posted by landsmarra »

So, just to be sure, I should take the video out from the nav unit and iPod adapter (assuming it has a separate video output cable) direct to the screen. Obviously the backup cam video out will go to the screen as well. Just curious, what would/should I use the video in/out on the iMIV for?

Yes direct to the screen is best. And the more heavily shielded the video cable is the better. Composite video cable is far more sensitive to interference than audio, result is 'noise' on screen (although at the resolution and color depth of these LCD screens the average person may not notice until it's shown to them).

I use the input on my iMIV for output from a video camera. For certain 'events' I am recording from a camera mounted to the outside of the car, so it's nice to see how the framing lines up.

Quote, originally posted by landsmarra »

I assume how this would work is that I would change the input on the HU-650 to whatever channel I need to based on the source (TV for the iPod/nav??) and then switch the Necvox screen's input to match the sound.

The best way to figure out the video audio channel combinations is to play with the TV0/1/2 channels once you have it all hooked up.

Quote, originally posted by landsmarra »

Would the OEM Bluetooth adapter mute any source playing through the HU-650?

Yes the Bluetooth interrupts the entire HU. The Bluetooth sends it's output directly to the speakers, and then releases the HU interrupt once the phone call is over.

 

[MrTippy]

Re: Multiple MELBUS connections (ss60)

This has been killing me and I knew that Martin would have the definitive answer so I called Sensolutions. Here is his answer:

Melbus is a low speed bus which terminates in the HU (and not the peripheral), there is nothing special about the cables other than the connectors on the ends.

There are two types of connectors, latched and unlatched, with two different pin counts, 8 and 13, depending on what you are plugging into. Cables that plug into the HU have right angle DIN connectors; it's very tight behind the HU. And, some of the cables have right angle connectors on the peripheral end--again for space reasons. All cables have the same MELBUS wiring, RTI cables have more conductors (13) for the video feed.

The first-in-chain and second-in-chain only differ by the type of connector--which one you need if at all is determined by what you are plugging into as shown in the FAQ on the iMIV.ca website

Martin recommends to put the iMIV first, too, for best sound quality. You can mount your iMIV up front, as you desire, with a short HU-iMIV cable and then run a long melbus cable (if it is not already installed) to the rear for your SAT receiver to iMIV (the 450cm HU-melbus cable).

In theory, if you wanted you could add another peripheral, e.g. cd-changer, to the melbus after your SAT receiver since the latter has two DIN connections.

As ss60 replied, then you can use a short iMIV to ipod cable up front, and short iMIV video cables to your screen.

Since you do not have RTI you will not need a second-in-chain cable and do not need a first-in-chain cable either; although the latter would work just fine up front.

Short and sweet it is.

 

[MrTippy]

Re: Multiple MELBUS connections (ss60)

Quote, originally posted by ss60 »

Yes the Bluetooth interrupts the entire HU. The Bluetooth sends it's output directly to the speakers, and then releases the HU interrupt once the phone call is over.

The Bluetooth mutes with a signal over the CANBUS (right?), a software download is necessary to activate it--the oem Bluetooth instructions detail this. I would hook up the bluetooth first and see if works without the software, as is often the case, e.g. I did not need it with my HU upgrade or cd-changer. Read this. Motorola makes the oem Bluetooth accessory, their aftermarket models are interchangeable with Volvo's; hint, hint.

 

[landsmarra]

Re: Multiple MELBUS connections (MrTippy)

Short and sweet is beautiful! iMIV up front is a good thing as the shorter the cables I run, the less chance of interference (and less work for the installer).

In concept, I do understand that I could install a CD Changer and hook it up from the MELBUS out on the sat. However, unless I found a used one for cheap, it would obviously be prohibitively expensive. The only reason I'm doing sat is because I found a complete kit for $50 (minus the long MELBUS cable)

Anyone selling a CD changer used for cheap?

Now...with respect to installing, my plan is not to do it myself! As the sat and Bluetooth would be OEM (unless I do a Moto T605 with Volvo harness...what do you guys think??), I'd prefer to have Volvo do it (as the sat requires a software download). Then, I can take the car to an independent stereo shop and have them put in the iMIV, nav, screen (and Moto T605??) and explain to them how/where things have to be run (none of which require a download and are non-OEM so Volvo wouldn't touch them anyway). Sound like a plan?

Thanks again to all who contributed!

 

[MrTippy]

Re: Multiple MELBUS connections (landsmarra)

The comment about adding a cd-changer was really just academic: it's possible because the SAT receiver has two DIN connections. I wasn't promoting it. As I see it there is no need for one with an ipod and a changer in the HU.

I have a CD Changer, but it's not that cheap.

What I would like to know is where you found a $50

sat kit and do they have another?

Did the SAT kit have any melbus cables with it? If so you can use them.

 

[landsmarra]

Re: Multiple MELBUS connections (MrTippy)

No, i appreciated your comment about the cd changer! I'll keep an eye out for one as the car has an hu650 single cd.

As to the sat kit, it's refurbished but contains the receiver, power harness (i think), antenna, bracket, antenna splitter and install instructions (no melbus cable). I'll ask the ebay seller if he has anymore...

How much for your cd changer?

 

[MrTippy]

Re: Multiple MELBUS connections (landsmarra)

Is this of any use to you?

Yours is an OE sat radio, right?

Why in the world would you want a CD changer with an iPod?

Hmm, I'll think about a price.

 

[landsmarra]

Re: Multiple MELBUS connections (MrTippy)

I saw that but have no idea what it's for...its an OEM sat

Lemme know about the changer...if it's reasonable enough, ill take it. I have so many cds ill never rip to my ipod...

Modified by landsmarra at 5:32 PM 6-12-2009

 

[apl175]

Re: Multiple MELBUS connections (MrTippy)

Bluetooth does not mute via CANBUS it just interrupts the signal to the amplifier, puts it's on signal in, and does the reverse when the call ends.

The exception is if you have front or rear park assist. In which case the special "mute kit" is needed that requires a software download, because you are actually also adding the Accessory Electronic Module (AEM) which requires software.

The rationale is that if you have park assist, the park assist beeps are also muted when using the standard bluetooth kit. The AEM places the radio in to a formal "Telephone MUTE" mode, but still allows park assist to use the speakers. (Speculation)

 

[landsmarra]

Re: Multiple MELBUS connections (apl175)

Interesting you should mention this because the car DOES have rear park assist...

What are the details on this mute kit? And is it really necessary if I don't think I'd ever be using my phone while backing up?

And if I decide to do it, I wonder what kind of problem the dealer would give me if I use a non-OEM bluetooth module (I understand the newer Motorola kit works with the Volvo harness and sounds better)?

Thanks!