JVC KD-AVX44 piggyback on CDR-23

[sd_boxster]

I could not bear to fork over $2000+ for an AVIC transplant, so instead I'm going to piggyback a JVC KD-AVX44 head unit onto my CDR-23 using an inline RF modulator*.

This DIY will document adding the JVC KD-AVX44 into the console slot that currently houses the CD storage tray. The JVC should look awesome in the console.

If things go as I hope, my '03 will remain almost entirely stock, and I will enjoy DVD, MP3/AAC/WMA, Bluetooth, and Sirius capabilities.

Items ordered today:
• JVC KD-AVX44 Multimedia Receiver
• Scosche Audio FM Modulator (with RCA inputs)
• European to Motorola antenna adapters
• JVC KSSRA100 Satellite Radio Interface
• Sirius Radio SC-C1 kit

Stay tuned!

*I am aware that some of you will think this is a horrible idea. I appreciate that you have an opinion, but I don't need to hear that opinion. I'm trying something new, so please table any negativity for the time being. Thanks!

[sd_boxster]

Evening 1: Console out. The harness I'll use to tap constant and switch power is also visible...



After some measurements to ensure I wasn't blocking the mounting ears or screws for the console, I siliconed the RF modulator in place, leaving the frequency switch exposed. It's off-center to leave a little extra room to get the RCA plugs into the side.

I also mounted up the Sirius tuner with a couple of screws, a nylock nut, and a little silicon to ensure there's no vibration.



I rotated the console 180 degrees away from me so you can see what it looks like in its "normal" orientation...



Everything else arrived Friday, including the correct antenna cables and the receiver. Spent about an hour last night soldering up the harness - since I'm using the line outs, I just heatshrinked the ends of all the speaker outs so they don't inadvertently ground out, connected up the RCA's for the front line out, and dealt with the antenna (Boxster antenna goes into new headunit, audio out from new headunit goes into FM modulator which feeds CDR-23 via antenna in). I connected up the constant, switched, and ground for the headunit, the JVC sirius interface, and the FM modulator and ran the Siruis antenna to the satellite cutout on the dash.

Enough talk - here's what she looks like all buttoned up:



The JVC deck comes with a USB 2.0 cable for playing music off a USB thumb drive or for controlling an iPod - so I ran that to the center console...



Here's a YouTube video clip showing how it looks and works...

[Cornell89]

I'm thinking about upgrading the stock stereo in my 2000 Boxster.
Main wants are iPod connection/control and handfree bluetooth.
Your solution has a lot of advantages - namely low cost and low hassle.
Now that you've lived with it a few month, how well is it working?
Are you satisfied with the audio quality? How about handfree bluetooth - does that work well?

Thanks!
Cornell89

Originally Posted by sd_boxster

Evening 1: Console out. The harness I'll use to tap constant and switch power is also visible...



After some measurements to ensure I wasn't blocking the mounting ears or screws for the console, I siliconed the RF modulator in place, leaving the frequency switch exposed. It's off-center to leave a little extra room to get the RCA plugs into the side.

I also mounted up the Sirius tuner with a couple of screws, a nylock nut, and a little silicon to ensure there's no vibration.



I rotated the console 180 degrees away from me so you can see what it looks like in its "normal" orientation...



Everything else arrived Friday, including the correct antenna cables and the receiver. Spent about an hour last night soldering up the harness - since I'm using the line outs, I just heatshrinked the ends of all the speaker outs so they don't inadvertently ground out, connected up the RCA's for the front line out, and dealt with the antenna (Boxster antenna goes into new headunit, audio out from new headunit goes into FM modulator which feeds CDR-23 via antenna in). I connected up the constant, switched, and ground for the headunit, the JVC sirius interface, and the FM modulator and ran the Siruis antenna to the satellite cutout on the dash.

Enough talk - here's what she looks like all buttoned up:



The JVC deck comes with a USB 2.0 cable for playing music off a USB thumb drive or for controlling an iPod - so I ran that to the center console...



Here's a YouTube video clip showing how it looks and works...

[Lobo1186]

what head unit do u need in the porsche for this to work? also its hard to tell but does it sit flush with the facia of the console? it does look very nice tho but im sure you know this already

[sd_boxster]

Any Porsche head unit with an FM tuner would work, since this configuration uses the RF modulator. Better would be a Porsche stereo with an AUX in, but no joy for those of us MOST owners.

Yes, the JVC is flush with the console - when it's off, it's very unobtrusive.

[vath2001]

Can you take a pic and show the final install. I'm looking for ideas when my CDR210 finally dies.

Thanks

[sd_boxster]

Woohoo! Install done - second post updated with "after" pics. Video clip (same as the one linked above)

Still a couple of things to do - need to run a wire to the e-brake switch to enable DVD playback (which I don't really care about) and a couple of odds and ends, but it's 100% functional and I'm really happy with how the install came out.

[vath2001]

Fancy... impressive job. Too big for me, I'll probably just change out the CDR210 and keep it simple
Thanks

[edevlin]

Looks great and you did not have to grind away places like you have to do in some of the full-size double din installed units, enjoy,

Ed

[fehlingd]

That looks great! Do you have installation instructions available? I am looking to install something to play my Android (captivate) music in my Boxster.
Thanks,
Dan