Bluetooth Audio

When stuck in traffic yesterday, I started playing with the Pioneer stereo (danbury fitted in 2009) with iPod connection.  Nothing was connected to it at the time, but I noticed I was still getting an AUX source option.  I hadn't noticed that before, so it got me wondering if there was another connection at the back of the unit, in addition to the iPod one.

When I had a look, sure-enough there was a 3.5mm input.  I connected the iPod to this, via the 3.5mm output on the iPod,and it worked fine.

Now, this wasn't that useful to me (although it could be if you wanted to connect a phone/device via 3.5mm rather than USB).  However, I have just bought a bluetooth transmitter/receiver to allow my son to use his new bluetooth headphones with a non-bluetooth TV.

Bluetooth Tansmitter/Receiver

I 'borrowed' this, switched it from transmit to receive and plugged it into the 3.5mm port at the back of the stereo.
I then paired it with my phone, and could then stream music to the stereo from the phone over bluetooth.

I only got this functionality in my car a few years ago, so getting in the van for £15 is a result.  I just need to buy one to replace the 'borrowed' one before he notices

Top job - we love solutions like this!!!

TimV wrote:

Top job - we love solutions like this!!!

Yep, been using a Bluetooth receiver in Tallulah for several years now, most useful.

scm_101 wrote:

I 'borrowed' this, switched it from transmit to receive and plugged it into the 3.5mm port at the back of the stereo.
I then paired it with my phone, and could then stream music to the stereo from the phone over bluetooth.

I only got this functionality in my car a few years ago, so getting in the van for £15 is a result.  I just need to buy one to replace the 'borrowed' one before he notices

So does this mean I could use something like this to pair my phone with my stereo, via bluetooth, via the aux input?

Reason I ask is that my VW Passat is too old to have such connectivity, unless I spend a considerable amount to upgrade stuff on the steering wheel (which I'm not about to do). I have an old-style bluetooth speaker that I don't now use (as the quality and volume is very poor), but it would be very useful to have the ability to answer calls when I'm on the move, without relying on the phone's own speaker.

P.

I'm only using it to stream audio. I haven't tried it with calls. I'll give it a go tomorrow and let you know.

I suspect the firmware won't allow calls to be routed through a BT speaker, but it will depend on the speaker.

Ours only works for audio and auto disables the connection when receiving a call - might be able to force it back onto BT but never tried. If I'm expecting any calls and I'm on my own then I normally have my plugin headphones.

Bumble -  Thinking about this further, I don't think the dongle I bought will work well for calls, as it doesn't have a microphone. Even if it allowed you to use the microphone on the phone,  I think it times-out if no bluetooth signal, so not your best solution.
However......
Just looking on Amazon and there are similar products which have a microphone and support calls as well as music.

Bluetooth with microphone

I hadn't considered using it for hands-free also, so I may give my son back his dongle and try one of these instead.  Glad you raised the question.  I'll let you know how I get on.

For anyone with a cassette player in their (older) car this gadget works really well, I thought it stood little chance, like many such things, but this proved me wrong. Will stream Spotify from your iPhone and turns off music and becomes hands free kit when a call comes in. Sadly this kit isn't availiable for a CD player! It's called an ION Cassette, I hope the link works...
https://www.amazon.co.uk/d/Car-Audio-Video-Accessories/ION-Audio-Bluetooth-Cassette-Adapter-built-hands-free/B00I3YLHAC

scm_101 wrote:

Bumble -  Thinking about this further, I don't think the dongle I bought will work well for calls, as it doesn't have a microphone. Even if it allowed you to use the microphone on the phone,  I think it times-out if no bluetooth signal, so not your best solution.
However......
Just looking on Amazon and there are similar products which have a microphone and support calls as well as music.

Bluetooth with microphone

I hadn't considered using it for hands-free also, so I may give my son back his dongle and try one of these instead.  Glad you raised the question.  I'll let you know how I get on.

Thanks,

I'd had a look at the one you have and seen the one you suggested in your reply last week, but then also saw that there was a newer (and cheaper) version available:-

https://www.amazon.co.uk/Bluetooth-Receiver-Microphone-Mpow-Hands-Free/dp/B01LXKM8UU/ref=dp_ob_title_ce

My only thought was the actual location of the mike (may require some careful positioning!)

P.

After following Bumble’s suggestion of using bluetooth for hand-free calls as well as music streaming, I finally chose this kit:

Anker SoundSync

Reasons for this product:
1. It can be positioned so the microphone will work for calls
2. It has controls for music as well as phone calls.
3. It’s a good brand.  I have a couple of USB chargers from them, and I’ve heard their customer support is v good.

Things to Notes
1. It doesn’t have a battery, so requires USB power all the time

Thoughts so far:
1. Good sound quality for music and calls - no hiss or buzz
2. Microphone works well for calls
3. It supports Siri on iPhone (which is more than my 1-year-old land rover can do!)

scm_101 wrote:

After following Bumble’s suggestion of using bluetooth for hand-free calls as well as music streaming, I finally chose this kit:

Anker SoundSync

I have found Anker to be a good brand; we have several external battery chargers from them.

The one you suggested is also recommended http://thewirecutter.com/reviews/best-bluetooth-kits-for-every-car-stereo/

Where do you plug the USB cable into? (Brazibays not being over-endowed with USB sockets?!) Via the 12v socket on the dashboard?

P.