PhatHack

The Hacking Hoedown => PhatBox Hacking => Topic started by: albertbug on December 06, 2005, 02:27:02 pm

Title: VW Phatbox into a Porsche ?
Post by: albertbug on December 06, 2005, 02:27:02 pm

Hi,
I recently traded a VW for a Porsche Boxster, and prior to the trade, I removed my VW Phatbox in the hope that I could install it into the Porsche. Is it possible to install the VW unit into the Boxster, and if so, how ???

Many thanks

Title: Re: VW Phatbox into a Porsche ?
Post by: judb on December 06, 2005, 08:45:35 pm

I think you'll need the right cable (provided your head unit is supported) to connect to the stereo and you'll have to flash the phatbox with the porsche code.

Title: Re: VW Phatbox into a Porsche ?
Post by: albertbug on December 06, 2005, 09:30:37 pm

I know that the headunit is supported (as Phatnoise do sell a Phatbox for the headunit). However, I have been informed that they do not sell the cable without the hardware :-(

Title: Re: VW Phatbox into a Porsche ?
Post by: markbowen on December 07, 2005, 10:37:52 am

I can't believe that Phatnoise, who make the cables, won't sell you a Porsche cable even at their usual exorbitant prices.  What happens to a user whose cable is damaged for some reason?  "Sorry, you have to buy a completely new system."  I would try again with them and be insistent.  If you succeed they'll probably charge you $150 for the cable.

I don't think Porsche sells the Phatbox OEM, so you won't find any parts from the dealers.  So the other option is to make your own cable.  You'll still have to find an appropriate Porsche CD changer cable and splice the end that plugs into the head unit with the Phatbox end from your VW cable.  AND you have to know the pinouts, with which maybe the more tech savvy people in this forum can help.

Title: Re: VW Phatbox into a Porsche ?
Post by: LloydDobler on December 07, 2005, 05:33:58 pm

Quote

I can't believe that Phatnoise, who make the cables, won't sell you a Porsche cable even at their usual exorbitant prices.  What happens to a user whose cable is damaged for some reason?  

My understanding is that they keep records, or you have to show them your receipt, something like that.  Since they are the only source they can control who gets what.  So they will only sell a replacement cable to someone who can document that they bought the Porsche box new.

The real trick would be to find someone who bought a Porsche box and have them buy the cable for you.  

These policies are the result of pricing the same product at different levels for different customers.  Each car brand was allowed to price it however they wanted.  It's sad however when companies do this, they don't ever quite realize how many people they are alienating, and how many more units they could have sold with customer friendly rather than corporation friendly practices.