Blaupunkt low-level outputs? You betcha! :D

[Phreddy]

G'Day All.

For anyone who might've stumbled across my ramblings on this subject before, you might be pleased to know that in 3 installations now it's absolutely kicking bottom!

The factory Blaupunkt sound system CAN be modified to provide low-level outputs, and in fact it's surprising how clean the sound is when the signals are picked up before the power-amp stage in the head unit.

There's a PDF file attached to this post, it's a brief 3 page rundown of the modification. Moderate soldering and hand-tool skills will allow you to perform the mod yourself, alternatively those in the Sydney area can have me do the job for them.

Interested? PM me.

Cheerz!

[davey g-force]

Thanx phreddy, you're a legend for posting that.
Im just new to this forum, so I didnt see your "ramblings" from before. I love my vy ss, but doesnt the sound system just let them down?
Like you, I want to keep the head unit and steering controls etc. Is there any other way around it? Dont some amps have high-level inputs? Or does that give crappy sound quality?
How much would you charge to do this mod for me? You reckon I'll then need to change the speakers as well, or are they ok?

[davey g-force]

Oops sorry - double post!

[Phreddy]

Thanks Davey.

Yes, you're absolutely correct - some amps have high level inputs, but I still wouldn't run 'em that way. See, the problem is that once the signal has to pass through the internal power amplifiers in the head unit (ie, becomes "high-level"), then the distortion has already been introduced. All you're doing if you run that to the amplifier is boosting an already distorted signal. (even if you use high-to-low converters, it's still starting off as a distorted signal)

But if you pick up the signals inside the head BEFORE they get to the power amps, it's AMAZING how clean it is. Are you in the Sydney area? You're welcome to pop in for an "audition" if you wish. If you like what you hear, then we might talk some business!

Cheerz!

[Tasmaniak]

Hey davey...since you have Phreddys (Resident Old Fart) attention. Quiz him about the his dash conversions as well

[davey g-force]

Yep Im in the Sydney area - Beverly Hills. Id like to pop in for an audition, that'd be tops.
Where abouts?
So whats this about your dash conversion that 12Voltking is on about? Thats not the blue dash is it you cheeky bugger?!!
I spose I'll get to see it when we hook up.........Look forward to it.

[Phreddy]

Heh - yes, that's me too.

(elsewhere on this forum, 12Volt has referred to me as "the ever-fiddling Phreddy" LOL! Pretty accurate, actually!)

I'll shoot you a PM, we can work something out.

Cheerz!

[Tasmaniak]

lol, I'm waiting for one of those two statements to appear in your signature.

[Phreddy]

How's that? Both! LOL!

[Tasmaniak]

bwahahahaha...oh shit. I just laughed so hard I put my back out again. Now you may be the old fart...but shit I feel about 70 today.

[Stewy]

Phreddy,

I take it your not publishing the details of the pre-amp circuit or the tracks you pulled the circuit off? I don't really wanna trace it myself.

[Tasmaniak]

Why would he? Phreddy doesn't put these kits together out of love and goodwill.

[Phreddy]

Hey Stewy.

Heh - the King's partially right there - I don't exactly do it for love!

Seriously, there was a fair bit of prototyping and "trial & error", but now I reckon I've got it right. Additionally the machanical side of it (mounting of sockets and stuff) has been sorted so that it's relatively simple and repeatable.

By all means shoot me a PM. I can certainly supply the PCBs for you (either assembled or not) and some instructions on how to do it all (a good bit more comprehensive than the basic rundown attached to this thread) - however it is a custom designed board which I have to etch and drill myself, so basically I don't give 'em away for nuffink!

Cheerz!

[Stewy]

True True...

Are you in Sydney?

Is it only for the six stacker?

Whats the damage for you to do the install?

[Phreddy]

G'Day All.

Well, I'm very pleased to announce that the first full 4 channel mod has been completed - and it works like a champion!!

It was all hooked up with a bunch of Pioneer gear (not sure of the model numbers). 4 channel amp, 6.5" kevlar splits for the front doors, and the 6x9" kevlar 2-ways on the parcel shelf. All set up in a VZ Acclaim, and it ROCKS!!

Ummmm - Stewy, I'm not sure if I answered your last couple of questions....

In Sydney? Yes I am. Is the mod only for the six-stacker? No, it will also work with the single disc player - despite the fact that the single disc unit is a bit more difficult in the disassembly. (different method of connecting the CD player section to the main base unit PCB)

As for the other question, PM to follow.

So, for anyone who was hanging on the 4 channel mod becoming available, well now it is!

Anyways, time for me to head off to dreamland.

Catch you all later!

Cheerz.

[eshe]

Hey Phreddy dude

Did u use blue LED's or blue rubber covers for the dash lights???
Looks cool
I wanna do it myself

[Phreddy]

G'Day eshe.

(ummm, that's a little off-topic Mate - check this thread here. It's a bit long, but tells the full story.) http://forums.justcommodores.com.au/...ead.php?t=9312

Thanks for the reply though!

Cheerz.

[Aggro_VE]

Geez, what next Preddy?? Climate control? . Now that is one hell of a challenge, after sussing it out, I gave up, perhaps you can give it a go. OK back on topic, for the non stereo guys, whats the 4 channel mod actually do? the factory unit is only a 2 channel? Could you explain it a little. In a nutshell I could run couple of subs/amp/quality speakers and it will sound as good as an a/market player with this mod?

[Phreddy]

Hey Shanghai!

Climate control??? I don't think so..... (I've heard it's a real bugger of a job)

OK, the factory unit has NO low-level outs. If you want to run an amp from it, you need to use high to low level converters, which I hate doing because you've already introduced distortion to the signal through the on-board power amps. The buffer board I designed grabs the signal after the onboard pre-amps and signal conditioning circuits, but before the power amp chips. My initial playing around was based on a two channel board I made up for my own car, outputting only the rear channels as low-level. I installed that board into a couple of utes too, on the front channels. However, interest was shown in the full four channel job, so I redesigned the PCB to cater to that.

Now, does it sound as good as an aftermarket head unit? I'm hesitant to say, because there's a hell of a range of "aftermarket" units out there, some with even worse performance than the original Blaupunkt!! However, there's also some REALLY classy A/M stuff out there, so it would be silly of me to claim that the modded Blaupunkt out-performs those. What I can absolutely say, is that by pulling the signal out before it gets to the onboard power amps, it really is remarkably clean and sounds great. The biggest advantage by far is that the Blaupunkt is so integrated with the rest of the car (wheel buttons, dash display, and so on) which some folks are keen to keep, plus it all looks as though it's completely stock! Amps and speakers are easy to hide from view, but if you have a nice new sparkly head unit in there, given the level of slime in our current society it may not stay there for long.

Anyhow, hope that makes it a bit clearer.

Cheerz!

[Aggro_VE]

Thanks Bloke . I can see in the near future your services will be required hehe..Idea to get the Commy first . You just made the stock unit even better, as you put it most like to keep the steering mounted controls and the factory look, oh and the 6 stacker in some models!

[Phreddy]

Hi again all.

After being asked a couple of questions a number of times, here's a couple of answers for everyone.

I've often been asked if the onboard power amps in the head unit still work after the mod - Absolutely YES they do. The whole design philosophy behind the modification was that there was ZERO impact on the overall operation of the unit. If the original wiring is hooked back up to the speakers, they still function as they did when the car rolled out of the factory.

I also wanted to emphasise that appearance wise, nobody will pick it from stock! The pic on the front of the PDF file that's attched back at the beginning of the thread shows the RCA sockets leading out from behind the console - these are covered up once the side panel is returned to the console. Nothing shows, in any way at all.

Cheerz!

[vzsv8]

I have taken the plunge and bought one of Phreddys 4 channel converters for the Blaupunkt.
It's a work of electronic art. It makes those kits you get at Dick Smith look very average. A lot of thought has gone into the full project. The circuit is a buffer, power supply and remote trigger for the amp. The real art is the plug and socket assembly, a real professional design.
To complete the conversion you would need some soldering skills, think moderate Dick Smith/Jaycar kit level. Some metal work is also needed but a drill and a couple of files would be enough. I would estimate about 4 hours spread over a weekend would be enough.
As yet I have not started, I need to go shopping down at Jaycar for the bits to build the circuit.
I will keep everyone posted on how it goes.
Cheerz, Steve (yes I stole Phreddeys sign off line)

[Dyslexic]

Well this is just what I have been looking for after purchasing a vy ss ute. I want to upgrade the stereo with some new speakers, subs and amps but want to keep the deck etc.

This mod sounds pretty cool but I'm in WA! Anyone got any great idea's?

Dyslexic

[vzsv8]

Take a look at this site.
http://www.newmillennium.net.au/

They sell a selection of the Jaycar bits. They are based in the ACT but will ship anywhere in AUS. I bought an amp, 6x9 and a set of splits for the front.
Ordered, paid for and delivered within 48 hours (to Sydney).
The price was significantly lower than the local Jaycar as well.
Cheers, Steve

[Phreddy]

Hey again guys n gals.

Thanks for that great review Steve, I'll be in touch again soon on the other matter!

Dyslexic - brace yourself Mate, PM to follow....

(and for those interested in low level auxiliary INPUTS as well, keep an eye on this section - I reckon I'll be posting a new thread real soon....)

Cheerz everyone, have a good weekend!