Newer Sony Headunits

[az1324]

The list on the Phatnoise website of sony headunits that are compatible with the phatbox doesn't cover models past '03.  Do the newer units work with the Phatbox as well or has Sony changed their protocol?

Thanks.

[judb]

That is a damn fine question.  I am also curious about newer kenwood headunits.  I am sure they work but want to know more before buying an XXV edition HU.

[Paul]

I have a very new headunit (Kenwood 828) and the keg works great.  I also had the newest Kenwood double-din mobile video for a short time, and it worked with the keg as well.

Sorry, I can't speak of the Sony units...

[My_B5]

I want to know as well. I have a Sony cdx M8800, will it work?

[My_B5]

I want to know as well. I have a Sony cdx M8800, will it work?

I mailed them this:

My model is not listed at your site. Is there a
Phatnoise unit that is compatible with my Sony CDX-M8800 (europe model)?
//Staffan"

And I got this answer:

Hello Staffan,

We have not validated many of the new Sony head units. You may purchase
the PhatNoise CAS under our Compatibility Check program in which you
have 30 days to return the unit for a full refund (less shipping
charges) if a verified compatibility issue is discovered. For more
information about this program, please visit this link:
http://www.phatnoise.com/products/digitalmediaplayers/compatibility_chec
k.php

Please let us know if we may answer any other questions you have.

Best regards,

PhatNoise Customer Support

They want me to buy a 699$ + shipping unit and MAYBE it works? CRAZY

[sbingner]

Somebody get me a Sony pinout

Anyways they'll refund your money if it doesn't work... that sounds reasonable to me

[My_B5]

Somebody get me a Sony pinout

Do you mean for the Bus cable?

[sbingner]

yea from sony to the phatbox

[My_B5]

This is Sonys "normal" unilink Connector:

http://users.ntplx.net/~andrew/unilink/unilink/

Don't know if this is the same as Phatnoise uses? What do you think?

[sbingner]

It could be, but I really need to KNOW which pins run where on the phatbox cable... I COULD make an educated guess and make a cable, however there's a chance that whoever used it could fry either their phatbox or their head unit

[admin]

I'd also point out that they didn't say they'd refund your money if it didn't work - they said they'd refund it if there was a "verified compatablitiy issue."  It sounds like this would involve lots of contact back and forth between the user and Phatnoise, and we know how "quickly" that happens.

They'd probably spend 3 months waiting to respond to your e-mail and then tell you that you couldn't return it because your 30 day return period was over.  

[My_B5]

I'd also point out that they didn't say they'd refund your money if it didn't work - they said they'd refund it if there was a "verified compatablitiy issue."  It sounds like this would involve lots of contact back and forth between the user and Phatnoise, and we know how "quickly" that happens.

They'd probably spend 3 months waiting to respond to your e-mail and then tell you that you couldn't return it because your 30 day return period was over.  

And just shipping it across the pond a few times will cost ME a fortune.

This is how the Phatbox-Sony cable looks like:


Is this the only one needed, no RCA cables?

[az1324]

RCA cables are required for the audio.  There is no audio carried over that kind of sony cable.

[My_B5]

So now I got an Audi Phatbox and the original Phatbox-Sony cable. Do I only need to solder RCA connections on the Phatbox (solder point J4 and J5 on the PB) and then download the Sony firmware to the cartridge and then reset my head unit?

"The left audio (J4) is the pad nearer the Cable connection right audio is J5, and audio ground is near the back of the case."

Do I have to ground the RCA connections also?

[az1324]

Yes there are also ground pads there.  What headunit are you using and does it work?  

[My_B5]

When I solder the RCA connections, do I also have to solder some kind of ground to them? If so, how? Excuse me, my electronical skills are close to zero....Have to have help here....
Anyone with pics of the ground pads?

I'm trying to hook up the PB to a Sony cdx M8800 unit. I've tried to email this guy, but no luck.
His post is very old:
http://www.meatpimp.com/phatnoise

[sbingner]

So now I got an Audi Phatbox and the original Phatbox-Sony cable. Do I only need to solder RCA connections on the Phatbox (solder point J4 and J5 on the PB) and then download the Sony firmware to the cartridge and then reset my head unit?

"The left audio (J4) is the pad nearer the Cable connection right audio is J5, and audio ground is near the back of the case."

Do I have to ground the RCA connections also?

No, if you connect them properly, they will be grounded.   One of the plugs in the connection IS a ground

[sbingner]

oh yea, and if you look at the motherboard pics of the Kenwood KHD-C710 it shows the RCA plugs connected