I finally figured out a way how to use non-MB V60 phones and also other phones, fully integrated (using head unit, steering wheel, mic&audio, etc.). This however will require an additional piece of hardware that I might build, if there is demand for it. I set up a web page, so you can tell me if you are interested.

Here it is:
http://www.mikbox.com

 

yes i am intersted, please let us know when the gsm and bluetooth capability will be ready thanks

 

Mercedes already came out with a UHI interface.

 

but not in the US

 

I am sceptical about the UHI, since it doesn't fit in Motorola's usual pattern of strategies. Their older PSE's are perfectly capable of controling ALL the motorola P2K series phones, if Motorola just wanted that. So my guess is they will be coming up with a different way of getting their money. Also, I don't think it will ever work with Nextel phones, since those use an entire different communication protocol.

 

when you come out with the bluetooth model, where are we suppose to mount the button to sync the phone with the car? Also, do you have any pictures of the system working with different phones?

 

Which PSE will work with the MIK BOX? Some people have the Nokia PSE, Motorola PSE, and UHI PSE from motorola.

 

I have only tested it with two different versions of the V60 PSE so far. But if the demand is high enough, I will support every PSE that is out there.

I can't give any date on the bluetooth yet, since I want to field the basic unit first. If that works out well, I'll look into the bluetooth. How it will be controlled by the user... I don't know yet. For the COMAND I am pretty flexible. On the normal HU there will be a *# code that has to be typed into the keypad I guess.

My biggest issue for non V-60 phones is the lack of a cradle or a cable that has the Motorola plug on the one side and the RJ48 on the other side. I am waiting on special built cables right now. In the meantime, I am testing it with a disassembled V60 cradle. It is painful but it works :-) ! If you want I can post pictures of that.

 

That would be great if you can post pictures. I think the Nokia Cradle is rj48 but I don't think it will fit into the center console. I may be wrong on this though. I may just go for the regular one. I already ordered my UHI kit from Germany and it's on it's way so I will see if your kit works with the UHI PSE.

 

That would be great if you can post pictures. I think the Nokia Cradle is rj48 but I don't think it will fit into the center console. I may be wrong on this though. I may just go for the regular one. I already ordered my UHI kit from Germany and it's on it's way so I will see if your kit works with the UHI PSE.

 

That would be great if you can post pictures. I think the Nokia Cradle is rj48 but I don't think it will fit into the center console. I may be wrong on this though. I may just go for the regular one. I already ordered my UHI kit from Germany and it's on it's way so I will see if your kit works with the UHI PSE.

 

That would be great if you can post pictures. I think the Nokia Cradle is rj48 but I don't think it will fit into the center console. I may be wrong on this though. I may just go for the regular one. I already ordered my UHI kit from Germany and it's on it's way so I will see if your kit works with the UHI PSE.

 

That would be great if you can post pictures. I think the Nokia Cradle is rj48 but I don't think it will fit into the center console. I may be wrong on this though. I may just go for the regular one. I already ordered my UHI kit from Germany and it's on it's way so I will see if your kit works with the UHI PSE.

 

That would be great if you can post pictures. I think the Nokia Cradle is rj48 but I don't think it will fit into the center console. I may be wrong on this though. I may just go for the regular one. I already ordered my UHI kit from Germany and it's on it's way so I will see if your kit works with the UHI PSE.

 

holly repost!

 

easy on the mouse, sunman! seriously, did anyone else see this on benzworld:

http://benzworld.org/publications/pub.asp?id=85

looks like you might be able to put ANY phone in the MB...

 

True, but that solution will only do the audio part. There will be no phonebook, steering wheel controls, etc

 

agreed, the method the person used on mbworld is just utilizing the mic and speaker. It's not really integration into the car system.

 

>when you come out with the bluetooth model, where are we >suppose to mount the button to sync the phone with the car? >Also, do you have any pictures of the system working with >different phones?

I finally built a cable that works for all the P2K and Nextels.
Here are pictures of the V300 hooked up:




sorry about the quality. It was dark, and my camara is old.

 

That's awesome! I want that for my car NOW! I want to use a motorola v600 or v525 with it. Any testing done on those phones? Also, what about the antenna part of it. THe cable you show is just data. Do the cradles have to be built still so they can accomidate the antenna part?

 

Here is a picture of the cable.
This used to be a P2K serial cable. The kind that has the level converter on the DB9 side. What I did is, I opened the Motorola connector and switched the pins, so that they would meet the MB specs (this was real precision work !!!). Then I cut off the DB9 connector and crimped on the RJ45. Yes its only an 8 pin, so the recharging does not work, but its good enough for now for testing.

I am currently talking to a company that custom builds cell phone cables. I will have them build cables that are laid out like this one, but have a coil cord, and the antenna plug also. Maybe I will come up with an adjustable rubber piece for the antenna plug, so that it is easier to accomodate for the different cell pone types.

I would love to have individual cradles, but I don't have the means to build them. If anyone has ideas about that, please contact me.

 

I am in the bind where Cingular won't let me change any phone plan unless I change to GSM. I currently have the MB TDMA v60.

Quote to Cingular "Wow, thats a great idea, I would love to render my $2500 worth of phone and equiptment useless just so I can change my monthly plan and move to your fancy GSM"

If there is any phone change I want to not only have hands free calling but also all the features the MB phone gave me. Bluetooth would be icing on the cake (v600) since I have a bluetooth connection at home and a Palm Tungsten T.

All I really have to say is MIK Sign me up!

Thanks for desiding to share your work to help others. If there is anything I can do to help, feel free to PM me.

-Eric

 

Mik,

There is a company in Germany that makes cradles for the benzo called Pieken I think. I don't know how hard it would be to work with them on this though.

 

Mik,

Does the factory voice control still work with your system? I have voice control installed in my C class.

 

Yes the VRM works fine.

On the SLK there is a lever on the steering wheel for voice activation. Is that the same in every MB, or do others have it atually ON the steering wheel ?

When in Nextel Push-to-talk mode, the lever is used as the PTT-button. For people who don't have the VRM already installed, I will probably add that lever to the kit. The wires should be there at least in all the US spec cars.