Spirit R Stereo... what's this space for?
 

See attached pic. I just bought this stereo (I prefer the look of stock stereos; much cleaner). On the bottom side of the face is a rectangular peice (says "Multi-function audio system"), which is removable. Behind that peice is a large cavity with some sort of connection port into the stereo Does anyone know what is supposed to go here? Maybe a tape player? Not that I want to install a tape player... just curious what it's for... if it's for an add-on tape deck... would it be possible to use that connection inside the cavity as an Aux In? Obviously there would need to be some serious wiring done... but is it possible?

On Ramy's site: http://www.fdnewbie.com/product3pic.php?n=40 it says: However, I have no experience with that deck so if it you can even get the modules for it I don't know.

since there is a button for MD/Tape. I would say you are correct in your assumption. Although I don't know for sure. If so I am sure you can modify it some how to be an AUX input.

Is that a true JDM head unit? If so, don't they have different radio frequency's?

very cool

I don't think it's 'true' JDM... it's just me assuming... but it is in english... I figured if it were meant for the Japanese market... it'd be in Japanese... again... just me assuming...

& If it is 'true' JDM & won't work well here... oh well... it was worth a shot...

Well the FDNewbie site says its a "Spirit R" (not that I care)... but it's also stock in the 2002 Protege. But so long as the colors match (which they are supposed to) I'm happy (& I didn't pay much for it anyways).

It might be for a CD change control as well... either way... if anyone has any info on where I could find a "module"...

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/OEM-C...QQcmdZViewItem

So the stereo was used in several Mazdas (which, once again, I don't care about). Could I use something like the link above? The expansion bay appears to be a CD changer control. So somehow go from stereo, to the cable (in the link), & somehow find out which wires are the audio input & wire those to a 1/8" input jack?

What do you think?

Hit up the RX-8 forum - they have a very similar stereo, and a bunch of mods to the stock stereo have been well documented.

Dale

DaleClark-

Thanks for the lead. & It looks like the only module they made for this stereo (the cavity in my stereo) is a tape deck... but I should be able to use this as an Aux In with some creativity...

Yep. That is the exact HU that my '02 Protege5 came equipped with. My P5 owner's manual says that that space is for an optional minidisc or cassette tape player. You can see the button on the face of the H.U too.

Yeah, I found a tape deck... but havn't found any minidisc 'module' for it (I also assumed it had a MD player as one of the button is labeled for MD

Does anyone have a link to a RX8Club thread where they discuss using the tape/MD deck port as an Aux Input? I've found a thread where it is references... but no how to's yet...

Oops... nevermind... found it!
http://www.rx8club.com/showthread.ph...highlight=tape

great info...I need to do this.

http://www.sylfex.com/products/AuxMod/

Someone from the RX8 forum actually made a 'plug & play' chip. It looks pretty good. With the DIY (using the tape deck) you have to have a blank tape playing in the deck to use the aux in function. With the chip, you actually don't even need to buy a tape deck.

He sells the chips at his website for $60... & is supposedly releasing an ''advanced" model (see website) but the release date is TBA.

But I'm definitley considering buying the chip... it's cheaper than the tape deck itself... which would be needed to follow that DIY.

good stuff...let us know how the install goes. Do you have BOSE?

No BOSE. & I havn't ordered one yet... I'm waiting to hear if the "advanced" version (which would have many extra features) will be released in my lifetime...

The Protege has a SIMILAR one, but not exactly the same/identical. And yes, some Spirit R headunits had additional options such as in-dash 6-CD changers and even mini-disc players.

~Ramy
FDNewbie Imports

Protege5:

http://www.msprotege.com/forum/attac...chmentid=90581
http://www.msprotege.com/forum/attac...chmentid=90299

I found this while looking for pics. Looks like the MD player anf tape deck may be interchangable between modles. :)
http://mazda.autowebaccessories.com/...cat295_381.php
http://mazda.autowebaccessories.com/...cat295_381.php

So, FDNewbie... How do we get our hands on a head unit that has an in-dash 6-cd changer that will drop into my Bose system right now?

They really aren't hard to find... they were in several different 2002ish Mazdas (Protege).

I don't want to hijack the thread, but will any Mazda Bose system plug right in or just the ones in the Protoge's?

I think the PARTS are supposed to be all interchangable (ie. pull a signle disc out of your stock stereo & plug in a 6 disc changer from a protege).

That's at least what Mazda was attempting to do...

& what is the difference between the Spirit R stereo & the Protege... they look identical...

^ I was wondering the same thing.

At closer inspection, they have some distinct differences. I don't remember off the top of my head, but I remember looking into it. In fact, there's a thread about it somewhere on the forum...

How about a link? I'm not trying to say you're full of it... but I've looked at the Spirit R stereo... & Protege stereos... they look identical....

Man...I can't do ALL of your homework for you! https://www.rx7club.com/3rd-generation-specific-1993-2002-16/99spec-later-oem-radio-headunit-495129/

Then don't.

You didn't look closely enough...or one of the ones you had weren't the real deal. I have 2 on me now, so I just MAY know what I'm talking about ;)

Protege: http://www.msprotege.com/forum/attac...chmentid=90299
Spirit R (one version): https://www.rx7club.com/attachment.p...hmentid=148230
Spirit R (another version): http://fdnewbieimports.com/product/prod40pic1.jpg

There are a few differences. How significant the differences are isn't my point; my point is that they are indeed different. Take a closer look.

Oh and if you are still using the Bose speakers and amps in your RX-7, the Protege head unit could potentially burn because of the bose amps putting too much strain on it.

~Ramy
FDNewbie Imports