W Plate Fabia Classic And Mstation

MeatballTurbo · 21-07-2003, 10:39

Seen the threads regarding M-stations here.

The GF wants MP3 in car, but doesn't want a PC (laptop or inbuilt) and a proper screen, she wants to have either headunit controls, or a small sperate character display/control box.

Does the 1.4 Classic have the cd changer control, and has anyone found a reliable cable that tricks the headunit into thinking a changer is installed when it is just a line source for the M-Station?

the other option is an FM modulator plugged into the arial which won't do it justice.

I read the M-Station thread but I assume that, that is for an Octavia.

I have until December to sort out an MP3 solution for her Birthday and I want to make it a nice surprise. Don't fancy giving her my old MP3 CD walkman, and a cassette adaptor, even though she would probably be very happy with it.

Cheers

Quinten · 21-07-2003, 10:58

The adapters that trick the HU into thinking there is (still) a CD-changer attached are in the region of £80 (http://www.incarexpress.co.uk), which is IMHO a bit on the expensive side. I have found cheaper (£60 iirc), but they didn't have any stock until the end of August. Shall dig up the url for that later.

Q.

MeatballTurbo · 21-07-2003, 11:02

Cheers Quinten. I'll need to dig out which model she has fitted.

problem I've seen is that she doesn't have a CD changer, just the radio cassette. CD changer was an option, but she really likes the idea of her thousand of MP3 Albums that she has collected.

Might consider an MP3 Multichanger, if I can find one that understands album folders.

**robmawer** · 21-07-2003, 11:30

If it's the standard Classic HU, it's won't support a changer. And even if the unit was the upgraded
CD changer compatible one, I think you'd only be able to put the Skoda changer in there.

Two questions that are rather essential though - what's your budget, and will your girlfriend have
access to a CD burner?

If the latter is true, your cheapest option is probably a head unit which can use MP3 CDs - Sony make
one (MP404?), whic h is about 140 quid now (+ wire adapter + fascia). This will read folders and I
think also displays ID3 tags.

I think most MP3 changer can read folders - I've got the Alpine 634 changer and this can handle folders
fine. That said, I've got a cheap head unit which is "old technology", so I see is essentially a CD with
300ish tracks on it (though the track number on the head unit is only 2 digits and loops).
The pack I bought was from MCS Direct - for £250 quid (+ delivery + adapter + you'd need a fascia),
you get the mP3 changer, the HU unit and the adapter between them.
The changer uses "AI-net" technology, so if you bought the items separately and went for a HU with
AI-net then it would connect to the changer without an adapter, would show ID3 tags and allow you
to actually use the folders.

Pretty disjointed post (sorry), feel free to ask any more direct questions though...

Rob

MeatballTurbo · 21-07-2003, 11:43

cheers Rob.
It has the Standard Classic Radio Cassette.
I do have a cassette to line adaptor (dummy cassette), and a Goodmans CD MP3 player.

but the goodmans ain't great.

I'm a signedup member of MP3car.com, so while cost is important, there isn't really any budget restriction.

If I could find parts that would work, I could locate the best prices with help of the MP3car european guys, and buy online. I did suggest getting a facia adaptor, but she doesn't want the car to look modified in anyway hance why I'm trying to get either a MP3/CD multichanger, or an M-Station to work.

Is the Skoda system in anyway related to VW monsoon system?
Because I did find this that might prove a usefull addon for someone wanting to go completly DIY.

Stimps · 21-07-2003, 12:02

Your best bet is probably to upgrade the head unit, despite your GF's wishes - the Sony MP40 is probably available now around the £100 mark, and £150 or so will get you a matching Sony Xplod 6-disc changer that also understands MP3 CDs.

I'd imagine the sound quality would be improved by swapping the head unit, plus the display would be more lit-up, etc...

Quinten · 21-07-2003, 12:09

Ooooh, good find!

Reading the FAQ it is good news (at least, it confirms what we already wanted to try) for Ian and me:

Quote:

I've already got the CD Changer, but I want to add another audio input for my MP3 player. What do you suggest?

If you've already got the CD Changer, you don't need a VWCDPIC to trick the head unit into thinking a CD Changer is installed; there really is a CD Changer installed!

What you need to do is splice into the audio signal wires and install a double pole, double throw switch to let you select between the CD Changer's audio and your MP3 player's audio. Shouldn't cost you more than $5 and some time with a soldering iron.

Q.

**robmawer** · 21-07-2003, 12:11

The adapter on that site appears to be like the one mentioned by Q, only a lot cheaper!

Would be interesting to see if it would work, but you would need a new Skoda HU. I'm guessing it would be possible to put a
Skoda HU with changer controls into the Fabia Classic, but the
cost of buying this...well, it would be a waste of money compared with aftermarkets. (Skoda website lists the MS502 HU at £290 and the changer at £270!

)

Rob.

Quinten · 21-07-2003, 12:17

I'll do you a nice deal for my Symphony + CD-changer

**robmawer** · 21-07-2003, 12:19

+ the security code I presume Q? :p

Rob.

Quinten · 21-07-2003, 12:20

I'll make sure the dealer unlocks the unit before I parted with it

MeatballTurbo · 21-07-2003, 12:24

Ouch, those Skoda prices are so VW now aren't they.

Bloody hell.

That is more than I actually paid for both my previous Skodas (A Favorit and an Estelle 120). GF always hated them, but when looking to replace her Corsa looked at what was available at arround 3 years old, and the Furbie classic provided the most bang for buck.

I'm driving a Saab 900 turbo myself ATM, because I would have loved an vRS, but my budget was in the hundreds rather than thousands of pounds. I'm still loyal to the cause. i converted my once Skoda phobic younger brother. He picked up a 3 years old 180k Ex Taxi finance snatchback Octavia TDI for just over £2k with history to 150k miles.

can't wait till I can afford a vRS or a 4x4T

**robmawer** · 21-07-2003, 12:34

Quote:

Originally posted by MeatballTurbo in this post
picked up a 3 years old 180k Ex Taxi finance snatchback Octavia TDI for just over £2k with history to 150k miles.

Blimey! Comforting to know they go for that long...

The mounting for the Fabia speakers is really rather good so
AFAIK there is a lot of potential to be gained from the standard
speaker setup - seems a shame to waste it by using a Skoda
HU...

Rob.

MeatballTurbo · 21-07-2003, 12:43

I've been it in. Bloody fast. As quick as my Saab 900 16v Turbo petrol, although it is 17 years younger, but has 60k more on the clock (that was £300 but I had to spend £250 for tyres, about £200 for a wheel bearing and trackrod end, £60 for a little bit of welding it needed, and roughly £180 to replace the front discs, calipers, and pads).

Would consider an Octavia TDi, if I could save enough to get it back to proper condition, and give it vRS quality suspension, brakes, and looks.

Welliesorter · 25-07-2003, 23:46

I have the Sony CDX-MP40. It does an excellent job of playing MP3s from a CDR. It treats directories on the disc as separate 'albums' and plays the contents in alphabetical or numerical order. It will also control a (presumably conventional) CD changer or Minidisc player but I don't really see the need for either of these: if you can comfortably get 10 hours on one disc, why bother with a changer?

It cost £161 (http://www.mobiletoys.co.uk). I have seen it a bit cheaper than that but they had it in stock and didn't charge for postage.

I did post a picture of it in my car in an earlier thread: http://www.briskoda.net/forums/showt...=&pagenumber=1

21-07-2003, 10:39	#1
MeatballTurbo Briskodian Join Date: Jul 2003 Location: Warrington Posts: 189 Thanks: 0 Thanked 1 Time in 1 Post	W Plate Fabia Classic And Mstation Seen the threads regarding M-stations here. The GF wants MP3 in car, but doesn't want a PC (laptop or inbuilt) and a proper screen, she wants to have either headunit controls, or a small sperate character display/control box. Does the 1.4 Classic have the cd changer control, and has anyone found a reliable cable that tricks the headunit into thinking a changer is installed when it is just a line source for the M-Station? the other option is an FM modulator plugged into the arial which won't do it justice. I read the M-Station thread but I assume that, that is for an Octavia. I have until December to sort out an MP3 solution for her Birthday and I want to make it a nice surprise. Don't fancy giving her my old MP3 CD walkman, and a cassette adaptor, even though she would probably be very happy with it. Cheers

21-07-2003, 10:58	#2
Quinten playing dadsie Join Date: Apr 2003 Location: fast lane Posts: 10,023 Thanks: 19 Thanked 40 Times in 37 Posts	The adapters that trick the HU into thinking there is (still) a CD-changer attached are in the region of £80 (http://www.incarexpress.co.uk), which is IMHO a bit on the expensive side. I have found cheaper (£60 iirc), but they didn't have any stock until the end of August. Shall dig up the url for that later. Q. __________________ Awooga!!!

21-07-2003, 11:30	#4
robmawer Briskodian Join Date: Jan 2003 Location: Rochdale Posts: 12,422 Thanks: 2 Thanked 69 Times in 62 Posts	If it's the standard Classic HU, it's won't support a changer. And even if the unit was the upgraded CD changer compatible one, I think you'd only be able to put the Skoda changer in there. Two questions that are rather essential though - what's your budget, and will your girlfriend have access to a CD burner? If the latter is true, your cheapest option is probably a head unit which can use MP3 CDs - Sony make one (MP404?), whic h is about 140 quid now (+ wire adapter + fascia). This will read folders and I think also displays ID3 tags. I think most MP3 changer can read folders - I've got the Alpine 634 changer and this can handle folders fine. That said, I've got a cheap head unit which is "old technology", so I see is essentially a CD with 300ish tracks on it (though the track number on the head unit is only 2 digits and loops). The pack I bought was from MCS Direct - for £250 quid (+ delivery + adapter + you'd need a fascia), you get the mP3 changer, the HU unit and the adapter between them. The changer uses "AI-net" technology, so if you bought the items separately and went for a HU with AI-net then it would connect to the changer without an adapter, would show ID3 tags and allow you to actually use the folders. Pretty disjointed post (sorry), feel free to ask any more direct questions though... Rob __________________

21-07-2003, 12:02	#6
Stimps Briskodian Join Date: Jan 2003 Location: Colchester Posts: 5,093 Thanks: 0 Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts	Your best bet is probably to upgrade the head unit, despite your GF's wishes - the Sony MP40 is probably available now around the £100 mark, and £150 or so will get you a matching Sony Xplod 6-disc changer that also understands MP3 CDs. I'd imagine the sound quality would be improved by swapping the head unit, plus the display would be more lit-up, etc... __________________ Steve « Nature Green 1.4 16v Fabia Comfort »

21-07-2003, 12:11	#8
robmawer Briskodian Join Date: Jan 2003 Location: Rochdale Posts: 12,422 Thanks: 2 Thanked 69 Times in 62 Posts	The adapter on that site appears to be like the one mentioned by Q, only a lot cheaper! Would be interesting to see if it would work, but you would need a new Skoda HU. I'm guessing it would be possible to put a Skoda HU with changer controls into the Fabia Classic, but the cost of buying this...well, it would be a waste of money compared with aftermarkets. (Skoda website lists the MS502 HU at £290 and the changer at £270! ) Rob. __________________

21-07-2003, 11:02	#3
MeatballTurbo Briskodian Join Date: Jul 2003 Location: Warrington Posts: 189 Thanks: 0 Thanked 1 Time in 1 Post	Cheers Quinten. I'll need to dig out which model she has fitted. problem I've seen is that she doesn't have a CD changer, just the radio cassette. CD changer was an option, but she really likes the idea of her thousand of MP3 Albums that she has collected. Might consider an MP3 Multichanger, if I can find one that understands album folders.

21-07-2003, 11:43	#5
MeatballTurbo Briskodian Join Date: Jul 2003 Location: Warrington Posts: 189 Thanks: 0 Thanked 1 Time in 1 Post	cheers Rob. It has the Standard Classic Radio Cassette. I do have a cassette to line adaptor (dummy cassette), and a Goodmans CD MP3 player. but the goodmans ain't great. I'm a signedup member of MP3car.com, so while cost is important, there isn't really any budget restriction. If I could find parts that would work, I could locate the best prices with help of the MP3car european guys, and buy online. I did suggest getting a facia adaptor, but she doesn't want the car to look modified in anyway hance why I'm trying to get either a MP3/CD multichanger, or an M-Station to work. Is the Skoda system in anyway related to VW monsoon system? Because I did find this that might prove a usefull addon for someone wanting to go completly DIY.

21-07-2003, 12:17	#9
Quinten playing dadsie Join Date: Apr 2003 Location: fast lane Posts: 10,023 Thanks: 19 Thanked 40 Times in 37 Posts	I'll do you a nice deal for my Symphony + CD-changer __________________ Awooga!!!

21-07-2003, 12:19	#10
robmawer Briskodian Join Date: Jan 2003 Location: Rochdale Posts: 12,422 Thanks: 2 Thanked 69 Times in 62 Posts	+ the security code I presume Q? :p Rob. __________________

21-07-2003, 12:20	#11
Quinten playing dadsie Join Date: Apr 2003 Location: fast lane Posts: 10,023 Thanks: 19 Thanked 40 Times in 37 Posts	I'll make sure the dealer unlocks the unit before I parted with it __________________ Awooga!!!

21-07-2003, 12:24	#12
MeatballTurbo Briskodian Join Date: Jul 2003 Location: Warrington Posts: 189 Thanks: 0 Thanked 1 Time in 1 Post	Ouch, those Skoda prices are so VW now aren't they. Bloody hell. That is more than I actually paid for both my previous Skodas (A Favorit and an Estelle 120). GF always hated them, but when looking to replace her Corsa looked at what was available at arround 3 years old, and the Furbie classic provided the most bang for buck. I'm driving a Saab 900 turbo myself ATM, because I would have loved an vRS, but my budget was in the hundreds rather than thousands of pounds. I'm still loyal to the cause. i converted my once Skoda phobic younger brother. He picked up a 3 years old 180k Ex Taxi finance snatchback Octavia TDI for just over £2k with history to 150k miles. can't wait till I can afford a vRS or a 4x4T

21-07-2003, 12:43	#14
MeatballTurbo Briskodian Join Date: Jul 2003 Location: Warrington Posts: 189 Thanks: 0 Thanked 1 Time in 1 Post	I've been it in. Bloody fast. As quick as my Saab 900 16v Turbo petrol, although it is 17 years younger, but has 60k more on the clock (that was £300 but I had to spend £250 for tyres, about £200 for a wheel bearing and trackrod end, £60 for a little bit of welding it needed, and roughly £180 to replace the front discs, calipers, and pads). Would consider an Octavia TDi, if I could save enough to get it back to proper condition, and give it vRS quality suspension, brakes, and looks.

25-07-2003, 23:46	#15
Welliesorter Briskodian Join Date: Jun 2003 Location: Leics Posts: 257 Thanks: 0 Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts	I have the Sony CDX-MP40. It does an excellent job of playing MP3s from a CDR. It treats directories on the disc as separate 'albums' and plays the contents in alphabetical or numerical order. It will also control a (presumably conventional) CD changer or Minidisc player but I don't really see the need for either of these: if you can comfortably get 10 hours on one disc, why bother with a changer? It cost £161 (http://www.mobiletoys.co.uk). I have seen it a bit cheaper than that but they had it in stock and didn't charge for postage. I did post a picture of it in my car in an earlier thread: http://www.briskoda.net/forums/showt...=&pagenumber=1 Last edited by Welliesorter; 25-07-2003 at 23:49.

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