Parrot Handsfree Kit

[jkh112]

At last I have my A4, an ibis white s-line, and I am really pleased with it.:D

I ordered a parrot ck3100 handsfree kit to be installed ( I think this unit will fit very neatly just behind the gearlever on the blank piece reserved for the satnav controls).

Unfortunately the installer called me today to say that there is some confusion as to whether a specific interface lead is required to mate it to the A4 wiring as the B8 cars are not yet listed by parrot.:confused:

Anybody had a parrot installed and if so do you know what interface lead was used?
Jason

[JohnsA4]

Yes...I have had a Parrot kit fitted, the installer wouldn't put it just behind the gear lever....he said the wire wouldn't fit between the console without cutting a section out....he fitted it on a universal Parrot bracket which looked absolutely dreadful (like a piece of meccano full of holes)...so he came back and the best place for it was next to the key hole, there is a flat section to the right just big enough for the control and the wire fits between the dash as though it was made to fit there and doesn't interfere with getting the key in and out , the really good bit is that you can see the control through the steering wheel whilst you are driving so really good for the H&S boys!!! Voice activation as well, brilliant piece of kit...

[jkh112]

Do you have the 3000 or the 3100 (with the small lcd screen) fitted? Also do you know what if any cable was used?

[JohnsA4]

Might have had a Stella moment :beerchug:...so forgive me if this appears twice....definitely a CK3100LCD kit, don't know about the cable though, have you or your installer tried the Parrot web site, lots of techical data available although I couldn't see anything for the B8..

[jkh112]

Thanks. I tried the parrot site and agree that there seems to be nothing for the B8. My install is now on hold until my installer can find the right cable.
I do hope he is able to fit it behind the gearlever, your suggestion of next to the key is quite good though.

[JohnsA4]

IMHO the best place really is next to the ignition key slot..very discrete and away from prying eyes...it would be on display on the console and my installer said the cable really would not fit between the console as the wire is surprisingly large especially where it fits into the control unit and the bend on the cable to go round 90 degrees would mean a huge hole in the console....it's your call obviously....leased or bought your car? if leased you might have issues when returning the car. I'll try and take a photo of my install so you can see how good it looks :D

[jkh112]

Thanks. My car is leased and will be returned with the kit fitted, but I still cannot make any holes.

I looked at the space next to the key this morning and see there is a similar space on the other side next to the light switch - depends on whether left or right handed - lol.

Unfortunately I have the steering wheel set high and would not be able to easily see the display, but it is still a nice discrete location.
Pics would be appreciated.

[Richmix]

I got the Parrot fitted and mine is situated on the silver facia just below the airbag off sign and the hazzard switch.

It was fitted by a company in Gateshead back in June and their electrician had to bridge the system because of this cable that isn't yet available.

It works reasonably well but sounds very tinny and it seems to sometimes self activate the voice recognition. Still better than having nothing at all I suppose.

I ring the installer every couple of weeks to see if there's an update on this cable but I think it will be some time yet.

It works and it's pretty simple but it's nowhere near as good as Audi's in built system.

[2.7 S-line]

this may be a silly question :Blush2: (as i know next to nothing about what can and can't be fitted by audi in terms of phone solutions)

but can't you just get the standard "phone prep low" Audi system retro-fitted your car by an Audi dealership ?

[jkh112]

If i get audi to fit it then I pay more on the lease, but if i get a parrot then my company pays for the install.

[2.7 S-line]

ah I see - never had a leased or company car - so i wasn't aware of that

[JohnsA4]

3359

Not sure how this will look but this is the view from behind the steering wheel

[JohnsA4]

3360

and another from below the wheel

[jkh112]

Thanks for the pics. It fits there very well.
My installer has now ordered the correct cable and has rescheduled the install for Monday.

[Satch]

I have a Parrot kit installed. I didn't want the actual LCD screen to be seen so I have it hidden in the footwell on the drivers side.
I have the phone on a window bracket and I use the phone buttons instead of the Parrot buttons. I just didn't want the parrot visible or to take away from the dashboard.

My installer told me that an interface should become available soon to allow the buttons on the steering wheel to be used with the parrot.

My Audi dealer told me that they can't retro fit the Audi system.:mad:
I only wish I had paid the extra for it.:(

[greenpants]

Thanks for the pics. It fits there very well.
My installer has now ordered the correct cable and has rescheduled the install for Monday.


Hi,
I'm planning to get one of these kits installed. Any chance you can get a part number so there are no delays from my installer?

cheers
Dan

[jkh112]

My parts arrived this morning. In addition to the standard parrot ck3100 in a sealed box I have two packs of cables from a company called elanmutes.com.
The cables are:
Parrot CK3100 Harness, part number EAH 015
and
A4 2008 onwards (without Bang&Olufsen) Harness kit, part number EIK 067

Not had it installed yet though.

[Richmix]

If you hear when this interface cable / connection is available let me know please- likewise I will if I hear from my installer

[neilb]

bluetooth audi A4 retro fits:
http://www.tclsatnav.com/index_015.htm

or take a look at this touch screen from Bury GmbH & Co.
http://www.bury.com/en/hands-free-car-kits/system-bt-bluetooth-systems/cc-9060/

nlb.

[Satch]

bluetooth audi A4 retro fits:
http://www.tclsatnav.com/index_015.htm

or take a look at this touch screen from Bury GmbH & Co.
http://www.bury.com/en/hands-free-car-kits/system-bt-bluetooth-systems/cc-9060/

nlb.


Are these fohe B8 or only older models?

[neilb]

Satch, for the B8 as well.

nlb.

[SillyCone]

Hi everyone! Greetings from Russia! :)

I am new here, and would like to a) thank all for helpful info, and b) share some new info that may be of use for others.

I've also encountered problems with fitting Parrot CK3100 into my new A4/B8. But with the help of local Parrot distributor, I got the ISO2CAR adapter kit (see pic below). Two bigger blocks go between radio outs and radio connector on the car wiring, smaller ones connect to Parrot's standard ISO connectors.


This is manufactured by KRAM Telecom (www.kram.dk (http://www.kram.dk/)), part number is 86200. Manuals and even a detailed installation video is available on the site. Those guys have other stuff which one may find useful.

Plan to take it to Audi dealer next Monday and actually stay there and watch them do it - lazy ******** must be supervised! :)

Cheers,
Alex
(Moscow, Russia)

PS: ...and no, not all Russians drive tanks! ;)
http://www.kram.dk/images/productimages/86200.jpg

[Satch]

SillyCone, did they manage to get it working with the steering wheel buttons?

[SillyCone]

Satch, they did not manage anything yet - except for saying "it's impossible the way you want it".
Like I said, I'm taking the car to Audi next Monday to get the things done.
However, reding thru that ISO2CAR manual, I don't think it is possible to use buttons on a steering wheel.
Essentially, it is just a way to insert Parrot into car stereo signal path, and the muting is done by relay swithching the sources (radio / Parrot). Not the ideal solution, but acceptable, IMHO.
Will keep you informed on progress / results.

Cheers,
Alex

[sunil1234]

will this work?

http://caraudiosecurity.com/shop/product/products_id/8711.html

http://www.fitbluetooth.co.uk/files/details.php?id=245

[Satch]

will this work?

http://caraudiosecurity.com/shop/product/products_id/8711.html

http://www.fitbluetooth.co.uk/files/details.php?id=245


I would be interested to know if it would work. I was told that there wasn't currently an interface for the A4 B8, but they could be wrong.

[sunil1234]

I would be interested to know if it would work. I was told that there wasn't currently an interface for the A4 B8, but they could be wrong.

i am not sure exactly what model years it covers but maybe you can contact parrot themselves?

[SillyCone]

Hi again,

Just an update (no good news I am afraid) - the solution from Kram did not work. It appears that they (Audi) have so many versions of the car stereos and each has different connectors. :zx11:

Just in case - mine's Audi Concert with 8 speakers and MMI interface (no navi though).

I've spoken to local Parrot distributor again, and they said there's a new product from Kram which should fit. It is under development now, but they offered me to be a beta-tester. I accepted it, and the item will be delivered next week, then we'll have another go.

I will keep everyone interested informed...

Have a nice weekend,
Alex

[Issac Hunt]

I'd get the Audi kit retro-fitted. Much neater solution than having to have an extra lcd screen stuck on the dashboard somewhere!

[jkh112]

as previously promised here are a couple of pics of my parrot install. Not the most visible of locations, but nice and discrete and fine for the few calls I make.

[pauldoherty]

I found this website today offering full integration with MMI - too pricey for my company but I know there are alot of you out there who would find it of interest.

Incidentally, I am having my CK3100 fitted this afternoon, but still am undecided as to where to put it!

http://www.venturatechnology.com.mx/products.asp?product=VT-AUDIMOSTCK3100-100

[pauldoherty]

Just thought I would post a couple of pics to show my installation - took advice from a previous post and altered it slightly. I have to say that the parrot is a fantastic piece of kit - I have always used Nokia kits, but they are poor in comparison.

[cl0nd0n]

Hi again,

Just an update (no good news I am afraid) - the solution from Kram did not work. It appears that they (Audi) have so many versions of the car stereos and each has different connectors. :zx11:

Just in case - mine's Audi Concert with 8 speakers and MMI interface (no navi though).

I've spoken to local Parrot distributor again, and they said there's a new product from Kram which should fit. It is under development now, but they offered me to be a beta-tester. I accepted it, and the item will be delivered next week, then we'll have another go.

I will keep everyone interested informed...

Have a nice weekend,
Alex


Guys

Did this gte anywhere?

I need to get a bluetooth kit fitted. I have an S-line without the MMI / Navi so basic Concert stereo.

Ideally it would be nice to use the steering controls wiht the Parott. Do we know i fthe lead is available yet?

Has anyone had the Audi Bluetooth retro fitted to the car yet?

Thanks

Chris

[Richmix]

Hi All

I've chased and chased and finally my local fitter has been in touch with someone who claims they have the correct lead for the Concert system

It's been posted to them and hopefully I'll have this fitted in the next few days.

Remember this lead that I'm waiting for simply enhances the audio and utilises the Concert speakers. I have had the Parrott connected and working since June but the sparky who fitted it had to bridge the system and the sound (which appears to only come from the centre dash speaker) is very tinny and sounds pretty rubbish.

I'll report back after fitting.

[SillyCone]

Hi,

Like I said before - there are adapters by KRAM company (Denmark) to fit Parrot Kits into Audi's. BUT - the one for B8's (with standard Concerto stereo / 8 speakers / MMI-type display) is not yet commercially available. It is ready, but they need to test it first.

I agreed to do this test installation on my car. But the shipment took them longer than expected (apparently they had to do some tech brush-up or something). Finally, I received the adapter kit yesterday. Hope to schedule the installation for next week (depends on Audi dealer now). Will inform the community accordingly, as promised.

BRGDS,
Alex

PS: Note that this adapter kit is supposed to ensure proper functioning of the Parrot BT Kit, except for using controls on a steering wheel. You'll still need to reach out for Parrot's buttons. Otherwise all should be cool - voice routed to all 8 speakers, stereo muted during the call.

[jkh112]

That is what the kit I have fitted already does. It mates with the concert stereo and mutes the radio automatically with the sound coming from all the standard speakers. It does not use the steering whel controls though, I have to use the buttons on the parrot unit. The part numbers for this lead are in my earlier post.

[SillyCone]

The part numbers for this lead are in my earlier post.

(The cables are: Parrot CK3100 Harness, part number EAH 015 and A4 2008 onwards (without Bang&Olufsen) Harness kit, part number EIK 067


These? Sorry, I didn't quite get which make are they? Parrot's? This is interesting then, because local Parrot's distributor only recommended me KRAM's stuff (obviously, with different part numbers...).

Anyway, the more options the better, right? And it is kinda fun to be a tester. (Hope it won't fry my stereo... ;)). If it works out, other noobs to B8 will have more choice. :)

BRGDS,
Alex

[jkh112]

Alex, yes those are the cables I had and they came from elanmutes.

[Airgun]

These people should have a more integrated kit for the B8 in the next week or two:

www.fiscon-mobile.de (http://www.fiscon-mobile.de)

I plan to order one, I will post how I get on - copy of last email:

Hi,

I have good news for you. The Fiscon unit for the new A4/A5 without MMI High is to be finished soon. We continued development on that product and on the first tests we made it is working very good with support of the color display and the MMI wheel. In the beginning there is no support of the FIS tacho display but that is not so important.

You can order now, price is 299€ + 11,80€ shipment. We can send it probably in 2 weeks.

Schöne Grüße / Best regards

[cl0nd0n]

These people should have a more integrated kit for the B8 in the next week or two:

www.fiscon-mobile.de (http://www.fiscon-mobile.de)

I plan to order one, I will post how I get on - copy of last email:

Hi,

I have good news for you. The Fiscon unit for the new A4/A5 without MMI High is to be finished soon. We continued development on that product and on the first tests we made it is working very good with support of the color display and the MMI wheel. In the beginning there is no support of the FIS tacho display but that is not so important.

You can order now, price is 299€ + 11,80€ shipment. We can send it probably in 2 weeks.

Schöne Grüße / Best regards


Excellent find! This looks like just the thing for those of us with no Navi and want to use the steering controls!

[neilb]

agreed, looks perfect. Any UK installers?

[Airgun]

agreed, looks perfect. Any UK installers?

I'm not sure - I think you may find a couple of businesses on Ebay selling the kit for the older A4 with installation, the price they quoted for the kit was a lot more than buying direct from Germany.

I've emailed the manufacturers to ask if when they update the unit to display the callers name in the instrument I will need to post the unit back or if I can update it myself.

If / When I get the unit I will take some photo's showing the installation - I like a challenge!

[SillyCone]

OK, folks, my Parrot saga is over, and I am afraid I don't have any useful info to share.

New adapter from KRAM did not work either - "wrong model" (again). Parrot's engineer who came to help Audi guys with installation said "I will try and find a solution" and left...

Then a typical Russian thing had happened - a modest mechanic in oil-stained clothes called me to "chat outside", and said he can install Parrot without any adapters with his own know-how. And, for just over 100 euros (cash right to his own pocket :)) - he did just that!

So, for me the issue is solved, but I am afraid this can't be of any help to others. :)

Anyway, thanks to all for help - I used your installation ideas, and now the unit sits nicely next to the keyhole, and all looks and works fine.

Cheers!
Alex

[Richmix]

My saga / nightmare continues too!

I had my lead shipped up and fitted the other day. It looked like the internal workings of R2D2 in a huge plastic bag. I couldn't believe this amount of wires and connectors was simply to broadcast my Parrot at the best quality through my Concert system?

The lead cost £65 + vat and then another £70 to fit. When I got my car back only two of the speakers were working. Horrified, I got the technician back over (who clearly didn't check everything was working)

Upon closer inspection he had to dig out another lead that ran from the black control box in the boot to the head unit. This mammoth amount of wiring still didn't work and after speaking with the Company who supplied the lead, they said you need to close the loop back from the head unit in the front to the controller in the boot.

What an absolute nightmare. The car is back there this morning trying to be fixed with this additional wire.

Like the engineers say, keeping up with the technology is so difficult and Audi make it as difficult as possible for people like me to get these retro fits done. It's a huge learning curve for the engineers who now know (should today's installation be successful) that any subsequent installations of this kind will now cost the punter £300 easy.

In hindsight, my Company probably wished they went for a factory fit.

Will report back if this works!

[Richmix]

Update

Just got car back and it all works just lovely!

Stereo back to it's original self and Parrot loud and clear through ALL speakers!

Hooray

[parsen66]

Richmix, please help. I am suffering from many attempts at having the sound from my Parrot kit supplied to ALL speaker inside the car. All they can do with the cables they have is have the sound from the two rear door mounted speakers.
Can you tell me who supplied the cable and the part number? You will be doing me a great service and stop me from pulling out the rest of my hair.

[The Fingers]

I dont know if this will help your new audi guys but

I have fitted two LS3200 parrot kits recently one to a new passat with the RCD300 and one to a touran with the RCD510, the conversation adaptor used was the SOT 076, granted it does need a bit of modification, (swap the red and orange cables round at the fuse holder, then run a ign live from cig lighter fuse to the orange lead) but they work fine, in fact we timed the install on the touran and it took 25 mins from start to finish.

As far as i am aware this lead will work with all new vw / skoda / audi stereo's although there can be amplificaion issues when BOSE / Dynaudio are installed and it only costs about 12 quid

The only issue really is hiding the 500 miles of cabling and plugs from the SOT 076 lead behind the dash.

They are also really easy to get working without the conversion lead, using the connector blocks where you dont cut the cable (it just slices through the insulation) scotch blocks? i think. all the cabling is labelled up clearly in the parrot book.

Good luck

[Richmix]

Hi parsen66 (http://www.vwaudiforum.co.uk/forum/member.php?u=57500)

Sorry but I don't know what kit my people fitted. As I mentioned earlier, they had a nightmare getting the right wires.

The Company is called KTD and they are in Gateshead, Tyne & Wear. You could always contact them and ask to speak to Sara. Just mention the silver A4 that had the various Parott wiring put in and she'll know which one.

Visit their website here (http://www.ktduk.com/site/content.cfm?id=A60EBB96-FD1E-AC4F-D3D50FE9EC248809)

Hope this helps?

[pauldoherty]

As I mentioned in an earlier post, I have the 3200 kit installed. I had it installed at Dunmorris in Northern Ireland, and the guy had the correct cable for the amplified (standard) setup, and it was fitted in 40 minutes with no problems. I get the sound through all speakers with no fuss.

If anyone wants to find out the exact cable used, just google dunmorris in Lisburn.