Bluetooth connection to NSX stereo

[NSX100]

I have the old iPod conversion in my car which is fine but with iPods going the way of cassette tapes, limiting. Is there a way to adapt the stereo for bluetooth reception without going the whole hog of a full DIN display conversion?

Thanks for any suggestions.

David

[Kaz-kzukNA1]

If nothing changed, I know your setup from years ago but since then, the technologies advanced so much that there are lots and lots of options available.

It really depends on what you want to achieve and the spec of your hardware/devices such as A2DP, etc.

If your OEM audio head unit still works and want to control the bluetooth device through the OEM unit, then the products from GROM will work as long as your device supports the required hardware spec.
Most of modern smartphone, devices, etc will work.

You will need to visit the GROM Audio site and check which product suits you best.
2 producrs.
USB3 - with optional bluetooth dongle.
BT3 - as the name suggests, built-in bletooth.

The bluetooth spec has been advancing over the time so obviously, having built-in bluetooth product has both the pros and cons from the hardware spec point of view.


I use USA Spec PA11-HON with external bluetooth receiver connected to the AUX port because I wanted to use the aptX feature.
http://www.nsxcb.co.uk/entry.php?1443-Bluetooth-Receiver

As it is connected to the AUX port, I can’t control the target device through the OEM audio head unit - unlike the Apple device connected to the PA11-HON through I/F cable.
However, for my purpose, that is fine and personally, I won't use hands-free communication method without the advanced driving assistance feature

PA11-HON is no longer available, by the way.


If you want to leave the OEM system including the AMP and speakers as they are or if the OEM head unit no longer works, there are so many aftermarket options available including the ones designed for marine, etc usage.
There are several examples on NSX Prime.

Kaz

[NSX 2000]

I bought one of these, or something very similar,

https://www.amazon.co.uk/ORIA-Bluetooth-Transmitter-Universal-Hands-Free/dp/B07N767T35/ref=sr_1_3?crid=1N6AH719BMXI7&keywords=bluetooth%2Bcar%2Badapter&qid=1684832098&sprefix=blue%2Caps%2C267&sr=8-3&th=1

It means I stay hands free! It fits in our "recessed" cigarette point and takes up little room and is less than £20.

[NSX100]

If nothing changed, I know your setup from years ago but since then, the technologies advanced so much that there are lots and lots of options available.

It really depends on what you want to achieve and the spec of your hardware/devices such as A2DP, etc.

If your OEM audio head unit still works and want to control the bluetooth device through the OEM unit, then the products from GROM will work as long as your device supports the required hardware spec.
Most of modern smartphone, devices, etc will work.

You will need to visit the GROM Audio site and check which product suits you best.
2 producrs.
USB3 - with optional bluetooth dongle.
BT3 - as the name suggests, built-in bletooth.

The bluetooth spec has been advancing over the time so obviously, having built-in bluetooth product has both the pros and cons from the hardware spec point of view.


I use USA Spec PA11-HON with external bluetooth receiver connected to the AUX port because I wanted to use the aptX feature.
http://www.nsxcb.co.uk/entry.php?1443-Bluetooth-Receiver

As it is connected to the AUX port, I can’t control the target device through the OEM audio head unit - unlike the Apple device connected to the PA11-HON through I/F cable.
However, for my purpose, that is fine and personally, I won't use hands-free communication method without the advanced driving assistance feature

PA11-HON is no longer available, by the way.


If you want to leave the OEM system including the AMP and speakers as they are or if the OEM head unit no longer works, there are so many aftermarket options available including the ones designed for marine, etc usage.
There are several examples on NSX Prime.

Kaz

Amazing as ever, Kaz. Yes, you are correct - it is the original setup you installed years ago. Many thanks to you and the other respondents - I'll look into your suggestions.

[NSX100]

I have the old iPod conversion in my car which is fine but with iPods going the way of cassette tapes, limiting. Is there a way to adapt the stereo for bluetooth reception without going the whole hog of a full DIN display conversion?

Thanks for any suggestions.

David

Apologies for my lack of expertise here Kaz, and since there may be others similarly afflicted, I thought it worthwhile to elaborate on this question.

I have the iPod / USA Spec PA11-Hon fitted to my car and the OEM stereo system works superbly. It has the AUX port into which I presumably would plug a suitable bluetooth receiver ( I agree on the merits of the aptX standard) and play as Disc 6 on the stereo. So far, so clear. The GROM Audio BT3 unit comes in two versions - "Old" Honda (MBUS) and "New" Honda (HON1). Firstly, which is correct for a 1999 NSX and secondly, does this replace the PA11-Hon unit? I simply plug the existing multi-pin plug from the head unit into the GROM unit?

In otherwords, two choices; buy a cheap bluetooth receiver and plug into the existing PA11-Hon system or replace it with the correct GROM unit? By the way, handsfree telephony is not a "must-have"; I am more interested in the music streaming function from my mobile. A third really cheap option is the one suggested by NSX 2000.

Many thanks

David

[RedCarsGoFaster]

I have a GROM unit fitted to my NSX, and struggled with the same question.

You need to order the "Old" Honda version (MBUS), and ensure that you specify the HON92 cable. This will then plug in to the round multi-pin CD changer socket, either at the back of the stereo or at the end of the extension cable behind the passenger seat of an RHD car.

GROM seem to have sold out of their Bluetooth-included adaptors at the moment, so your options seem to be limited to the USB3 with GROM's Bluetooth dongle.

[Kaz-kzukNA1]

Hi, David.

You need to get the M-bus spec product with M-bus adaptor loom that has the round DIN style connector where it connects to the OEM port.

GROM products for older Honda models will state ‘MBUS’ in their model number for both the USB3 and the BT3.

For the adaptor I/F loom, as mentioned by RedCarsGoFaster, you need the one labelled as ‘HON92’

My old blog post should help you; http://www.nsxcb.co.uk/entry.php?2241-Brake-OH-DR-shaft-etc-10

Please note the very short length of the ‘HON92’ loom if going for the GROM products.

If adding optional loom later, you need to carefully decide where to install the main unit.


The audio head unit on our NSX is from Alpine (not Bose) and while there are some differences depending on the country spec and the year models, the command protocol for the CD changer is the same.

For the classic models with DIN style round connector, Alpine was using the single signal line with pulse width based command called M-bus.

If you are interested, search the web with 'alpine mbus protocol' and you'll find lots of examples of people trying to emulate the CD changer in order to connect their own devices to the OEM head unit by forcing it into CD mode.

Please note that Alpine (or could be Honda) on purposely swapped the pinout of the DIN style connector on Honda audio head unit compared to their aftermarket products.
The Signal GND and R-ch were swapped that if you simply connected the Alpine M-bus aftermarket CD changer to the OEM head unit, both the L and R channels would not sound properly.


As the CD changer, the USA Spec PA11-HON and the GROM products all connect to the same port (at the back of the head unit, behind the left side seat or inside the boot), unless you create your own port switching circuit, only one of them can be connected to the head unit.

You already have PA11-HON connected so without the extra DIY circuit, the PA11-HON and the GROM can’t exist together.


Some of the pros and cons but as in my previous post, it really depends on exactly what you are aiming for.

PA11-HON + aftermarket Bluetooth receiver at AUX port ( still using the same setup on mine for years now; http://www.nsxcb.co.uk/entry.php?1443-Bluetooth-Receiver )
You already have the main hardware so just the receiver required.
Can’t control the Bluetooth device through the head unit but you can use voice command of your own device.
Some Bluetooth receiver comes with its own remote controller or equipped with switches/buttons to send A2DP command such as skip, forward, answer, end, etc, just like your wireless earphone.
Streaming as is or control using voice command or the function of the receiver.
No dedicated microphone for the hands free call.


USB3 + optional Bluetooth dongle (mic included in the dongle kit)
Comes with USB Type-A receptacle cable so wired connection can be done using your existing USB plug cable.
Please check the compatibility of wired connection.
Android may require App installation for wired connection control.
Can control the Bluetooth device with the optional dongle.
Hands free call capability through the optional dongle including the microphone.
Addition to the main hardware, you need to pay for the dongle/mic kit.
As far as I know, you’ll stick with whatever the Bluetooth spec of the dongle.


BT3
Can control the Bluetooth device.
Hands free call capability.
As the name stands for, it is mainly for the Bluetooth and wired connection is optional.
If wired connection required, it will be through the AUX-IN 3.5mm connection sold separately.
Firmware updates available but as far as I know, you’ll stick with whatever the Bluetooth spec of BT3.



Kaz

[NSX100]

As always Kaz, an amazing response. Very many thanks.

David

[havoc]

I bought one of these, or something very similar,

https://www.amazon.co.uk/ORIA-Bluetooth-Transmitter-Universal-Hands-Free/dp/B07N767T35/ref=sr_1_3?crid=1N6AH719BMXI7&keywords=bluetooth%2Bcar%2Badapter&qid=1684832098&sprefix=blue%2Caps%2C267&sr=8-3&th=1

It means I stay hands free! It fits in our "recessed" cigarette point and takes up little room and is less than £20.

Good call.

I'm still using even older tech - a cassette adapter with a 3.5mm jack. Jack goes into the phone, phone sits in a cradle, push the cassette into the slot and instant connection from phone to stereo for music and calls. :D

I might join the 20th century soon...

[Heineken]

Considering the audio quality of cassette adapters and the NSX tape deck you should be positively surprised :)

[Silver Surfer]

Good call.

I'm still using even older tech - a cassette adapter with a 3.5mm jack. Jack goes into the phone, phone sits in a cradle, push the cassette into the slot and instant connection from phone to stereo for music and calls. :D

I might join the 20th century soon...

What phone do you have....A Nokia??! LOL

SS