Bluetooth Module DIY

[SuperBuick]

Does anyone have a link to a good DIY for adding a bluetooth module to a stock 1992 tape head unit?  I saw @MemphisMan and @White93z34 have done it, and others, but searching here I can't find a step by step for dummies like me.  Any help appreciated!

Edited March 31 by SuperBuick

[jiggity76]

Have you seen his video?  He doesn't go in depth on it, (MemphisMan), but he does explain a little bit about it.  I would reach out to him for the details...or I'd be happy to ask on your behalf.

[White93z34]

Not able to give a great step by step one because last time I did it was awhile ago. and the radios differ so much inside from radio to radio.

Last one I did was the 5 band EQ tape deck in my IROC. I found the Left and right audio signals coming from the tuner to the amplifier and severed them, got a small 6 conductor wire, and snaked it out and through the console to a ON-ON switch in the console. one position lets the radio pass through as usual, the other lets the bluetooth module interrupt and go to the amplifier instead. I stuffed the bluetooth module inside the radio itself and its powered by the power switch of the radio so its truly hands off. Been working well for awhile now.

So basically I broke out the right and left tuner from going into the amplifier, brought those along with the BT out left/right and another set of wires going back to the tuner so I can still keep factory functionality.

[SuperBuick]

1 hour ago, jiggity76 said:

Have you seen his video?  He doesn't go in depth on it, (MemphisMan), but he does explain a little bit about it.  I would reach out to him for the details...or I'd be happy to ask on your behalf.

I did - and loved it - but no detail on "which wires to solder". 

[jiggity76]

2 hours ago, SuperBuick said:

I did - and loved it - but no detail on "which wires to solder". 

Ok, I'll give him a shout.

[Black92GS]

Does the tape deck still work? If so, might be worth using a Bluetooth cassette adapter. I use one in the Regal and it works pretty damn good. I did need to shim the tape head in the adapter for it to work well though. The one I have has a small wire/dongle that sticks out with a button to turn it on and off, pause and skip tracks, and it also contains the mic for hands free calling. For around $20, it might be a good alternative for a fair weather vehicle. 

I did consider modding mine, but I haven’t decided to pull the trigger yet, specifically because I don’t drive the car daily….and when I do, I don’t always have going anyways. 
 

Here is a small sample of how it sounds. There is some “tape print through” in the actual track that came through very clearly in the video, which kind of shocked me that my phone picked it up….but it also helps show how well the thing actually works.
 

 

Edited April 7 by Black92GS

[SuperBuick]

The tape deck definitely still works - I was just hoping for a more “integrated” solution that I know folks have done - just cant find the detail on “how”. 
 

thank you!!!

[Black92GS]

You're wanting to do this for the STE, right?  If I remember correctly, all of the early 1st gen Ws used what is essentially the same radio module.  The main difference being that some used a separate display and tape/CD deck (Regal and earlier GP), where as others had everything packaged in the form of a 1.5 DIN HU, with the radio module still being a separate, removable item.  When I had my 92 cutlass, I had replaced a non-functional tape deck with one from an 88 Regal with the 5 band EQ, as it was the exact same part....just contained in a vastly different package.  

My Regal FSM has a section that identifies the various connecter pin outs, and also seems to imply that there is 5 volt signal used to switch between Radio and "Aux" inputs.  I'll post up some of the information, as it may help in your case. 

[Black92GS]

The pinouts and the functionality of the radio module is likely the same on your HU. Based on the last page, it appears that there is a 5 volt signal used (C2 pin 12) to switch from radio mode to “aux input” mode. While you won’t have the external wiring harness like the Regal does where all the mods can be done, you may be able to use the info to trace the pinouts in the display portion or the radio module of your HU in order to do it. 

From what I remember from having my my cutlass HU open all those years back is that there is a connector C2 like shown above going into the radio receive module from the display/tape deck portion of your HU. If there is enough room, you could potentially make all of the mods within that harness.  What I can't recall though is if the wiring for that connector is in the form of wiring harness, or if it is more of a ribbon cable setup.  

Gotta say....looking at all of this is making me re-consider doing this mod to the Regal.   

Edited April 9 by Black92GS

[SuperBuick]

What would the factory have used “aux input” for?

[Black92GS]

35 minutes ago, SuperBuick said:

What would the factory have used “aux input” for?

It's not an official "aux" input....it's the line level audio input from the cassette or CD player.  Based on what I see in the FSM, there is a 5 volt signal sent to the radio module when one is inserted, which triggers it to switch from radio mode to the tape/cd input. In theory....you put a switchable 5 volt signal on the correct pin and tap the audio lines....you can add your own audio source and switch between sources. 

I know your setup is different...however my 92 Cutlass used the 1.5 DIN HU, and it used the exact same radio module that my Regal did...it was just bolted directly to the HU instead of being tucked away elsewhere.  If the GP also uses that setup, the pinouts/wiring diagrams I posted might help in determining how you could add a Bluetooth module. 

 

[SuperBuick]

Thank you very much!

My skill at reading wiring diagrams and soldering is between zero and zero, so you I think I may have to find a professional service!  Though if you think you could do it, happy to send the unit to you and pay you!!!!!