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Revisting AUX Input modification

Help, Advice and DIY Tutorials on Volvo's P80 platform cars -- Volvo's 1990s "bread and butter" cars -- powered by the ubiquitous and durable Volvo inline 5-cylinder engine.

1992 - 1997 850, including 850 R, 850 T-5R, 850 T-5, 850 GLT
1997 - 2000 S70, S70 AWD
1997 - 2000 V70, V70 AWD
1997 - 2000 V70-XC
1997 - 2004 C70

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machina
Posts: 4
Joined: 10 February 2024
Year and Model: 2000 s70
Location: Los Angeles
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Revisting AUX Input modification

Post by machina »

Hello All,

I have a 2000 S70 with 115k on it that I plan to drive for a while and want to get a better audio input working, that also uses Bluetooth. I know I could get a new head unit but my Volvo is in pretty great condition and I love the stock look.

I have read the many posts here and on other forums and had planned to do the tape deck mod paired with a Bluetooth adapter but was wondering if there is anything I have missed in terms of better solutions, especially since I have seen mentions that when the songs change on newer devices and there is silence this leads to a pop when the new song begins playing, potentially damaging speakers.

I have been looking into CD changer options as well, pricey but I want something reliable. Also can't find many threads on these so wanted to throw it out there. These are what I have found:

CD Changer Options:
https://www.discountcarstereo.com/a2d-v ... escription

https://gromaudio.com/store/aux1_adapte ... nAHox92ExA

BLUETOOTH version: https://gromaudio.com/store/bt3_adapter ... QNaG_nZNh8

https://www.aliexpress.us/item/32568052 ... ry_from%3A

Tape Deck Mod Write-Ups:

viewtopic.php?t=53690

http://www.atthetipwebs.com/technologyi ... eo_mod.htm


Thank you to everyone in advance for your help!! I hope this thread can be used by others as a more current resource for these mods, and a place where I can provide links to the tried and true best methods while standing on the shoulders of the giants who have developed this modification in the past.

scot850
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Post by scot850 »

If you want to spend a ridiculous amount of money, there are people on EBay selling Volvo SC-XXX radios modified for bluetooth. Somewhere in the $4-500 US range!

Neil.
2006 V70 2.5T AWD Polestar tune
2000 V70 R - still being an endless PITA
2006 XC70 - Our son now has this and still parked in our garage
2003 Toyota 4Runner V8 Limited
2015 Kia Sportage EX-L - Sold
1993 850 GLT -Sold
1998 V70 XC - Sold
1997 Volvo 850 SE NA - Went to niece in California - Sold
2000 V70 SE NA - Sold

machina
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Post by machina »

Yes, I have seen those, $4-500 seems a little crazy for a car of this age. However I am very curious about what method they are using, my current assumption is that they are using some type of FM modulator for the audio input, or some other soldered pins besides those on the cassette deck(which seems unlikely as would be surprised if someone on here would not have found them as well)

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abscate
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Post by abscate »

The FM Bluetooth converters work pretty well now, easy to pair, no noise. I’ll see if I can pull some brand names of onesi use that I like
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scot850
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Post by scot850 »

FM converters are good if you can find a good brand. We had a cheap on and it died in about 3 months of limited use and took out the fuses in 2 different cars.

I appreciate you want to keep things stock, but I had a midrange Sony head unit fitted to my Toyota 4Runner with bluetooth and even a plug in for a back up camera. Not cheap but really worth it.

Yatour and Grom also do adapters for Sc-XXX head units. Crutchfield is a good resource for info, but they are pricy.

Neil.
2006 V70 2.5T AWD Polestar tune
2000 V70 R - still being an endless PITA
2006 XC70 - Our son now has this and still parked in our garage
2003 Toyota 4Runner V8 Limited
2015 Kia Sportage EX-L - Sold
1993 850 GLT -Sold
1998 V70 XC - Sold
1997 Volvo 850 SE NA - Went to niece in California - Sold
2000 V70 SE NA - Sold

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xanthefin
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Year and Model: 1997 850
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Post by xanthefin »

I made Bluetooth mod which uses ready library for Arduino fakes to be CD changer to get better AUX than via tape (it was personally tested awful when used phone which did not have physical contact to detect AUX) plus i included the forward, backward stop/play buttons on mine works over Bluetooth so can use buttons of radio control phone music player over Bluetooth.


Scroll little down and there is shortly all if you are in electronics.

https://xanthe.cc/?lang=fi&a=0a

jmartin919
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Post by jmartin919 »

I'm cracking up reading your home page. When my translator converts to English it refers to transmission fluid as "vending machine blood"!
'00 S70 GLT SE
'82 MB 380SL
'11 MB E350 Sport
'84 Chevy C10
'93 850 GLT NA SOLD

machina
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Post by machina »

I agree with those saying FM adapter is a good solution, but with the unit I am using I still get buzz at high volume, I assumed it would have been better than a wireless one as well considering it plugs directly into the antenna port.

https://www.ebay.com/itm/361056538302?_ ... p_homepage

perhss70
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Post by perhss70 »

I use an fm adapter too. I think it depends on the brand and where you live. I get a slight buzz sometimes but simply replugging the adapter seems to make it very minimal.for 10-15$ you can't go wrong
'97 S70 2.0T5

Caide
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Joined: 12 December 2022
Year and Model: 2000 S70 T5
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Post by Caide »

I wired a bluetooth receiver straight onto the tape inputs on the PCB, it has inputs for next/previous track which I had to cut traces on the front panel inputs to get working. The receiver has separate audio and data grounds so no buzzing/noise
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