Navigation & Audio Everything about the Parrot CK3000 Evolution
Everything about the Parrot CK3000 Evolution
I've created this thread to document everything that is known about the Parrot CK3000 Evolution phone kit. I bought mine from Mikey at www.NewMiniStuff.com in the UK and paid approx. US$330 after the exchange rate and shipping. It took about 2 weeks to arrive.
The intent of this thread is to discuss real world applications. As a new owner of this product, I've had some problems that I couldn't find answers to anywhere, and despite the various reviews on the product, none addressed these issues.
To set the stage, I've got a 2005 MCS with no HK. I've got the Aux In and iPod connector which is not being used. I don't have a CD changer. I use my Garmin Nuvi 360 as an MP3 player/nav on the Aux In, and till now, used the Bluetooth phone functionality which unfortunately is very limited. Callers complained they couldn't hear my voice--even with the Garmin external mic installed and me holding it right up to my mouth it was no better.
Thanks to MLWagner79, she told me about her Parrot CK3000 Evolution and that it worked great for her. Knowing that the unit would cost almost as much as my Nuvi 360, it was a big risk to take, but I took it, hoping that I could improve the hands free phone operation especially now that the California law for handsfree phone is almost in effect.
My MCS isn't exactly quiet. I've got an Invidia exhaust, and a 16% pulley, and Alta Intake. I've also got Powerflex bushings which means that rattles and vibrations are even more pronounced in the cockpit. My tires are Nitto Neo Gens and they are fairly quiet. With the rear seats pulled however, the Invidia exhaust is loud enough to make me want to wear ear plugs while driving.
So when I set out to improve my hands free phone operation, I decided I would also take steps to quiet the interior. I pulled the seats and carpeting from the battery area, and the plastic interior piece that surrounds the boot latch. I decided to use RAAMAudio BXT for it's high ratings in terms of heat (not melting under high heat--important for my black MINI), and low cost. The roll I purchased weighed 23 pounds. It's just a peel and stick procedure, but very messy. The BXT is a very sticky black substance that gets on everything, its best to cut it with a knife and not scissors. You can clean tools up with rubbing alcohol however.
I placed this on all the exposed metal surfaces under the rear seat bench to inside the battery box--I removed the battery. I also plugged up the "sound holes" in the rear with the Ensolite MLC that comes with the kit.
Read this article for more info on what you need to do.
http://www.raamaudio.com/cgi-bin/ind...01b2f026e736ee
After putting the car back together, I noticed a drop in noise which seemed almost a 50% drop in sound output. The exhaust had a slightly muffled sound--the overall road noise felt like I was wearing ear plugs--it was significantly quieter. I plan to remove the front seats and carpeting next and do the doors as well. But even this little bit made a huge improvement.
The quieter interior meant that when I used the Voice Recognition feature of my AT&T Tilt phone, there were fewer errors in understanding me. A phone call while driving at freeway speeds, and the wife said that my voice sounded fine--wasn't excessively noisy, so that was a good sign as she used to complain about the background noise.
The CK3000 has a number of very cool functions. One of them is the ability to be activated by having it memorize a keyword such as "Telephone". Once activated, I can simply say "Telephone" and it goes into voice recognition mode. Here I can give my phone any command that it recognizes. For my situation that means I can say "What time is it?" "What is my next appointment" "Call voicemail" "Dial 1-800- xxx-xxxx" etc....
The Parrot's voice recognition functionality works only for what are called Voice Tags--where you record the sound of your voice and it matches that sound to recall a contact or phone number. With my AT&T Tilt, I can beam a contact to the Parrot, and then record a tag. The benefit of using Voice Tags is that the Parrot seems to do an excellent job at recognizing voice commands--possibly better than the softeware on my phone.
However with voice tags, you are limited to the commands that you have recorded, so if you might call someone using different names--you'll have to remember each of those for it dial correctly. With the software on my phone, it will ask me if it pulled the right name, and I can confirm or deny it by voice. Just more flexibility with potentially slightly less accuracy. Most importantly for my situation was to reduce the background noise, and it seems I'm moving in the right direction to achieve that.
Installing the Parrot was simple enough. Just pull the head unit out, unplug the harness from the back of the head unit, unplug the Aux In cables from that as well. Plug in the new Parrot harness to the head unit, and plug the Aux In (if you're using it) into the Parrot harness that's plugged behind the head unit. The plug that you removed from the head unit is plugged into another location on the Parrot harness.
All of the other plugs are pretty much self explanatory.
There is a little control **** that consists of a green and red LED. The **** can be pressed as well. Although most of the literature states you need this for pairing the phone, you actually need this for far more than that.
It controls the output volume of the parrot, and also allows you to switch from the car stereo speakers to your phone for "discrete mode" by pressing the green button. Also the **** functions as a numeric input when you're calling your voicemail and have to navigate it.
One of the things that initially concerned me about the CK3000 is the lack of display. Is it a drawback not having a display? Absolutely not. To set the system up, it speaks to you, and you confirm with the controls, so you lose nothing by not having the display.
In operation, the Head Unit displays Phone on the display. However in my case, the stereo **** has no effect on raising or lower the volume. Based on various Parrot FAQ info, this is the proper install, as the Parrot has it's own internal amplifier that outputs to your speakers. With my MINI parked, the Parrot output is fine, but while driving, and combined with a caller with a less than perfect connection, I can barely hear them even on max volume.
I'm currently trying to find a way to get it to work like MLWagner79's where her stereo volume control affects the loudness. My **** neither reduces nor increases the volume. If I can't do that, I will find a way to install a small amplifier to increase the volume, or potentially just install it's own speaker.
This thread grew out of this NAM thread
https://www.northamericanmotoring.co...=1#post2301091
The Parrot USA/Canada forum is here
http://www.parrot.com/forums/usa/pro...ntials&id=3684
The Parrot UK forum is here
http://www.parrot.com/forums/english...tials&id=10989
The Parrot Support Center is here
http://parrot.helpserve.com/index.php
Also here
http://www.parrot.com/usa/support/on...k3000evolution
To register your Parrot go here
http://parrot-register.com/declaration.asp
To install a dedicated speaker go here
http://parrot.helpserve.com/index.ph...nloaditemid=22
Updating the Parrot Firmware
Apparently it's possible to do this with a Parrot serial cable. There are instructions for doing it via bluetooth but for some reason they say you still need the Parrot serial cable and I don't understand why, so I'm looking into it, but it seems most of the issues the firmware resolves are phone compatibility issues.
An excellent Support Thread on the Volume Issue
http://www.parrot.com/forums/english...d=18730#p18730
I bought my Parrot along with all the correct adaptors for the MINI from
http://www.newministuff.com/new/shop...uctshow&id=256
The intent of this thread is to discuss real world applications. As a new owner of this product, I've had some problems that I couldn't find answers to anywhere, and despite the various reviews on the product, none addressed these issues.
To set the stage, I've got a 2005 MCS with no HK. I've got the Aux In and iPod connector which is not being used. I don't have a CD changer. I use my Garmin Nuvi 360 as an MP3 player/nav on the Aux In, and till now, used the Bluetooth phone functionality which unfortunately is very limited. Callers complained they couldn't hear my voice--even with the Garmin external mic installed and me holding it right up to my mouth it was no better.
Thanks to MLWagner79, she told me about her Parrot CK3000 Evolution and that it worked great for her. Knowing that the unit would cost almost as much as my Nuvi 360, it was a big risk to take, but I took it, hoping that I could improve the hands free phone operation especially now that the California law for handsfree phone is almost in effect.
My MCS isn't exactly quiet. I've got an Invidia exhaust, and a 16% pulley, and Alta Intake. I've also got Powerflex bushings which means that rattles and vibrations are even more pronounced in the cockpit. My tires are Nitto Neo Gens and they are fairly quiet. With the rear seats pulled however, the Invidia exhaust is loud enough to make me want to wear ear plugs while driving.
So when I set out to improve my hands free phone operation, I decided I would also take steps to quiet the interior. I pulled the seats and carpeting from the battery area, and the plastic interior piece that surrounds the boot latch. I decided to use RAAMAudio BXT for it's high ratings in terms of heat (not melting under high heat--important for my black MINI), and low cost. The roll I purchased weighed 23 pounds. It's just a peel and stick procedure, but very messy. The BXT is a very sticky black substance that gets on everything, its best to cut it with a knife and not scissors. You can clean tools up with rubbing alcohol however.
I placed this on all the exposed metal surfaces under the rear seat bench to inside the battery box--I removed the battery. I also plugged up the "sound holes" in the rear with the Ensolite MLC that comes with the kit.
Read this article for more info on what you need to do.
http://www.raamaudio.com/cgi-bin/ind...01b2f026e736ee
After putting the car back together, I noticed a drop in noise which seemed almost a 50% drop in sound output. The exhaust had a slightly muffled sound--the overall road noise felt like I was wearing ear plugs--it was significantly quieter. I plan to remove the front seats and carpeting next and do the doors as well. But even this little bit made a huge improvement.
The quieter interior meant that when I used the Voice Recognition feature of my AT&T Tilt phone, there were fewer errors in understanding me. A phone call while driving at freeway speeds, and the wife said that my voice sounded fine--wasn't excessively noisy, so that was a good sign as she used to complain about the background noise.
The CK3000 has a number of very cool functions. One of them is the ability to be activated by having it memorize a keyword such as "Telephone". Once activated, I can simply say "Telephone" and it goes into voice recognition mode. Here I can give my phone any command that it recognizes. For my situation that means I can say "What time is it?" "What is my next appointment" "Call voicemail" "Dial 1-800- xxx-xxxx" etc....
The Parrot's voice recognition functionality works only for what are called Voice Tags--where you record the sound of your voice and it matches that sound to recall a contact or phone number. With my AT&T Tilt, I can beam a contact to the Parrot, and then record a tag. The benefit of using Voice Tags is that the Parrot seems to do an excellent job at recognizing voice commands--possibly better than the softeware on my phone.
However with voice tags, you are limited to the commands that you have recorded, so if you might call someone using different names--you'll have to remember each of those for it dial correctly. With the software on my phone, it will ask me if it pulled the right name, and I can confirm or deny it by voice. Just more flexibility with potentially slightly less accuracy. Most importantly for my situation was to reduce the background noise, and it seems I'm moving in the right direction to achieve that.
Installing the Parrot was simple enough. Just pull the head unit out, unplug the harness from the back of the head unit, unplug the Aux In cables from that as well. Plug in the new Parrot harness to the head unit, and plug the Aux In (if you're using it) into the Parrot harness that's plugged behind the head unit. The plug that you removed from the head unit is plugged into another location on the Parrot harness.
All of the other plugs are pretty much self explanatory.
There is a little control **** that consists of a green and red LED. The **** can be pressed as well. Although most of the literature states you need this for pairing the phone, you actually need this for far more than that.
It controls the output volume of the parrot, and also allows you to switch from the car stereo speakers to your phone for "discrete mode" by pressing the green button. Also the **** functions as a numeric input when you're calling your voicemail and have to navigate it.
One of the things that initially concerned me about the CK3000 is the lack of display. Is it a drawback not having a display? Absolutely not. To set the system up, it speaks to you, and you confirm with the controls, so you lose nothing by not having the display.
In operation, the Head Unit displays Phone on the display. However in my case, the stereo **** has no effect on raising or lower the volume. Based on various Parrot FAQ info, this is the proper install, as the Parrot has it's own internal amplifier that outputs to your speakers. With my MINI parked, the Parrot output is fine, but while driving, and combined with a caller with a less than perfect connection, I can barely hear them even on max volume.
I'm currently trying to find a way to get it to work like MLWagner79's where her stereo volume control affects the loudness. My **** neither reduces nor increases the volume. If I can't do that, I will find a way to install a small amplifier to increase the volume, or potentially just install it's own speaker.
This thread grew out of this NAM thread
https://www.northamericanmotoring.co...=1#post2301091
The Parrot USA/Canada forum is here
http://www.parrot.com/forums/usa/pro...ntials&id=3684
The Parrot UK forum is here
http://www.parrot.com/forums/english...tials&id=10989
The Parrot Support Center is here
http://parrot.helpserve.com/index.php
Also here
http://www.parrot.com/usa/support/on...k3000evolution
To register your Parrot go here
http://parrot-register.com/declaration.asp
To install a dedicated speaker go here
http://parrot.helpserve.com/index.ph...nloaditemid=22
Updating the Parrot Firmware
Apparently it's possible to do this with a Parrot serial cable. There are instructions for doing it via bluetooth but for some reason they say you still need the Parrot serial cable and I don't understand why, so I'm looking into it, but it seems most of the issues the firmware resolves are phone compatibility issues.
An excellent Support Thread on the Volume Issue
http://www.parrot.com/forums/english...d=18730#p18730
I bought my Parrot along with all the correct adaptors for the MINI from
http://www.newministuff.com/new/shop...uctshow&id=256
Last edited by OctaneGuy; Jun 16, 2008 at 08:42 AM.
Wow, we have exactly the same situation all around. Excellent post and I believe I will also go for the RAAMAudio BXT install, it just can't hurt to block a little of the road noise. Thanks again and I'll PM for some sound deadening tips and details.
It's less expensive than Dynamat and performs like the more expensive Dynamat Extreme. I found a great review comparing all the different types of deadening material including the asphalt type stuff you can get for cheap at Home Depot. The primary reason for avoiding this lowest cost option is heat resistance.
Here is an excellent article on how to do this.
http://www.sounddeadenershowdown.com/
The key things to remember are that with BXT you've got two materials. A buytl adhesive material--that looks like foil in all the pictures. To quiet the interior you have to do two things.
1.) Keep the thin metal panels from resonating (if you tap on a panel and it sounds hollow, you apply BXT and it sounds dead. If not you apply more BXT). On a large panel, the part that resonates the most is the thin middle portions--so applying BXT to that can deaden it without having to cover it all the way to the edges.if you get lazy, lol.
2.) You apply a layer of Ensolite which feels like foam rubber. This is used to absorb ambient sound. Currently, I only have BXT on the floor. I put Ensolite in the rear boot hatch lid and also in the holes in the rear covered by foam to block the outside noise.
I spent about $200 and I "think" it's enough to do the MINI. I might need another roll of BXT however, not sure.
Pulling the carpet in the boot above the battery requires removing three plastic plugs, after the seats are removed. It's a very simple operation. I still want to cover the areas above the wheels too, but have to remove more of the interior plastic.
Richard
Here is an excellent article on how to do this.
http://www.sounddeadenershowdown.com/
The key things to remember are that with BXT you've got two materials. A buytl adhesive material--that looks like foil in all the pictures. To quiet the interior you have to do two things.
1.) Keep the thin metal panels from resonating (if you tap on a panel and it sounds hollow, you apply BXT and it sounds dead. If not you apply more BXT). On a large panel, the part that resonates the most is the thin middle portions--so applying BXT to that can deaden it without having to cover it all the way to the edges.if you get lazy, lol.
2.) You apply a layer of Ensolite which feels like foam rubber. This is used to absorb ambient sound. Currently, I only have BXT on the floor. I put Ensolite in the rear boot hatch lid and also in the holes in the rear covered by foam to block the outside noise.
I spent about $200 and I "think" it's enough to do the MINI. I might need another roll of BXT however, not sure.
Pulling the carpet in the boot above the battery requires removing three plastic plugs, after the seats are removed. It's a very simple operation. I still want to cover the areas above the wheels too, but have to remove more of the interior plastic.
Richard
So I've been talking a fellow in the UK about the lack of volume control and he mentioned about one way of fixing this and that is to pull the Parrot audio out and channel it to the head units Telephone Input, if it exists.
From a MINI Install Guide for the MINI Traffic Pro installation, I found a legend for the Boost Radio and it shows two pins as having:
Low frequency telephone input
Earth telephone input
This is good news I think. First I need to see if those are even being utilized by the the Parrot harness or not. Maybe it's an install issue, or maybe it's a change in the wiring harness, I don't know, but I'm going to get to the bottom of this, lol.
From a MINI Install Guide for the MINI Traffic Pro installation, I found a legend for the Boost Radio and it shows two pins as having:
Low frequency telephone input
Earth telephone input
This is good news I think. First I need to see if those are even being utilized by the the Parrot harness or not. Maybe it's an install issue, or maybe it's a change in the wiring harness, I don't know, but I'm going to get to the bottom of this, lol.
Tomorrow, my electrical guy will be looking over the schematics with me to see if we can figure out a way to make the audio louder. Or maybe he will just look over my install and realize a wire got loose and that's why it's not working the way it should, lol.
I took a call coming into the shop today and could just barely make out what the caller was saying---pretty frustrating. I actually ignored a second incoming call because of it.
Richard
I took a call coming into the shop today and could just barely make out what the caller was saying---pretty frustrating. I actually ignored a second incoming call because of it.
Richard
Last edited by OctaneGuy; Jun 16, 2008 at 12:58 PM.
Banned
Joined: Nov 2006
Posts: 4,862
Likes: 3
From: Fresno Ca.
Hi, you wrote here "To set the stage, I've got a 2005 MCS with no HK. I've got the Aux In and iPod connector which is not being used" So are you saying the "stock" radio has a "Aux In and ipod connector"? I hava a 03 MCS and am looking into the Parrot also, Thanks.
4th Gear
Joined: Jun 2007
Posts: 305
Likes: 0
From: Pasadena, CA
We've had the CK3000 in another vehicle (Honda Odyssey) for about 8 months and it's been awful so far. After install, it was way too loud, and the attenuator in the unit only seems to drop by about 10db (I'm an audio engineer by trade and am pretty sensitive to changes in SPL). Turned out there was a problem with the harness, but the new harness only helped marginally. Then after a few months, the second harness failed altogether and we're now on our third.
Because of the volume issues, we're currently considering going the dedicated speaker route, but the quality of the audio in the Parrot is so bad that a new speaker will have to be installed pretty directionally in order to be effective (my wife can barely make out what people are saying even with volume as loud as it is).
A friend of mine is a distributor for Parrot in SoCal and hasn't been able to help. I'd love it if there was some kind of pre-amp solution, because as it is now, this direct-amp-injection solution is really no solution at all.
Because of the volume issues, we're currently considering going the dedicated speaker route, but the quality of the audio in the Parrot is so bad that a new speaker will have to be installed pretty directionally in order to be effective (my wife can barely make out what people are saying even with volume as loud as it is).
A friend of mine is a distributor for Parrot in SoCal and hasn't been able to help. I'd love it if there was some kind of pre-amp solution, because as it is now, this direct-amp-injection solution is really no solution at all.
Trending Topics
I bought the Aux In jack from Outmotoring.com for my '05 Head Unit. The factory iPod adapter was installed by the previous owner of my MINI.
I have a link in my first post that takes you to instructions on how to install a dedicated speaker with the CK3000.
http://parrot.helpserve.com/index.ph...nloaditemid=22
It's interesting that you find it too loud--on my MINI it's too quiet.
I think that if there is any hope in making this product satisfactory, we're going to have to find the solution ourselves. It seems there are quite a few happy people with the product already.
http://parrot.helpserve.com/index.ph...nloaditemid=22
It's interesting that you find it too loud--on my MINI it's too quiet.
I think that if there is any hope in making this product satisfactory, we're going to have to find the solution ourselves. It seems there are quite a few happy people with the product already.
We've had the CK3000 in another vehicle (Honda Odyssey) for about 8 months and it's been awful so far. After install, it was way too loud, and the attenuator in the unit only seems to drop by about 10db (I'm an audio engineer by trade and am pretty sensitive to changes in SPL). Turned out there was a problem with the harness, but the new harness only helped marginally. Then after a few months, the second harness failed altogether and we're now on our third.
Because of the volume issues, we're currently considering going the dedicated speaker route, but the quality of the audio in the Parrot is so bad that a new speaker will have to be installed pretty directionally in order to be effective (my wife can barely make out what people are saying even with volume as loud as it is).
A friend of mine is a distributor for Parrot in SoCal and hasn't been able to help. I'd love it if there was some kind of pre-amp solution, because as it is now, this direct-amp-injection solution is really no solution at all.
Because of the volume issues, we're currently considering going the dedicated speaker route, but the quality of the audio in the Parrot is so bad that a new speaker will have to be installed pretty directionally in order to be effective (my wife can barely make out what people are saying even with volume as loud as it is).
A friend of mine is a distributor for Parrot in SoCal and hasn't been able to help. I'd love it if there was some kind of pre-amp solution, because as it is now, this direct-amp-injection solution is really no solution at all.
Thanks for the heads up and you're welcome....I think this product has a lot of potential, and I want to make it work. There seem to be variations out there in terms of how it works among the MINIs--even between 2005 and 2006 models. And surprisingly there is very little information on the forums that would help those of us not having optimal results and I want to get to the bottom of this! =P
Oh come on PGT--let's stay on topic--this is for everything about the CK3000 Evolution. lol.
Audio Issues?
SOURCE: http://www.quickconnectproducts.com/Find/support.php
If you are using the Parrot CK3000 Evolution which doesn't have low level
line out wires, you should not cut off the brown Parrot connector on our
harness but instead cut the blue and green wires and insert a line output
converter (LOC) inline. An LOC is available at most car stereo shops.
SOURCE: CK3000 Evo FAQ.pdf
I have an external speaker and the volume is too low even when turned all the way up. What can I do?
If this is the case, the reason for the problem is a high impedance speaker.
It is recommended to use a four ohm six watt speaker. For more audio, a
lower impedance speaker (as low as 2 ohms) or two external 4 to 6 ohm
speakers may be used. Also, make sure the proper wires are used to
connect to the speaker. Only the red and orange pair or the blue and green
pair of wires from the black male pin connector (the larger of the two
connectors) can be used. Also, the rear-channel outputs do not carry any
phone audio and therefore can not be used.
There’s no audio going to my external speaker. What’s wrong?
Check the wires connected to the speaker. The only wires that will
provide the output necessary to drive the speaker is the red and orange pair
or blue and green pair of wires from the bigger of the two black
connectors.
If you are using the Parrot CK3000 Evolution which doesn't have low level
line out wires, you should not cut off the brown Parrot connector on our
harness but instead cut the blue and green wires and insert a line output
converter (LOC) inline. An LOC is available at most car stereo shops.
SOURCE: CK3000 Evo FAQ.pdf
I have an external speaker and the volume is too low even when turned all the way up. What can I do?
If this is the case, the reason for the problem is a high impedance speaker.
It is recommended to use a four ohm six watt speaker. For more audio, a
lower impedance speaker (as low as 2 ohms) or two external 4 to 6 ohm
speakers may be used. Also, make sure the proper wires are used to
connect to the speaker. Only the red and orange pair or the blue and green
pair of wires from the black male pin connector (the larger of the two
connectors) can be used. Also, the rear-channel outputs do not carry any
phone audio and therefore can not be used.
There’s no audio going to my external speaker. What’s wrong?
Check the wires connected to the speaker. The only wires that will
provide the output necessary to drive the speaker is the red and orange pair
or blue and green pair of wires from the bigger of the two black
connectors.
thought it might be an interesting option for those looking for a Parrot product who don't want an external device (like me). Feel free to delete 
Haha I can't delete--I'm not a mod, lol. It's cool..we just need a different thread for the other Parrot products...this particular one --CK3000 just has some quirks and we need to figure it out for others, lol.....thanks.
4th Gear
Joined: Aug 2005
Posts: 319
Likes: 0
From: Hillsboro, OR
I had a similar issue at first too with the kit when it came to volume level. The fix for me was to simply crank up the Bluetooth volume all the way on the cell phone. With it on MAX and the Parrot on MAX, the audio is just fine. However, it should be noted I have HK, so the audio goes through the HK amp and may get more of volume increase then the Parrot amp alone.
For mic issues, I actually mounted mine in the roof. I moved the sun roof control to the passenger side and duct taped the mic to the grill insert that is now on the driver side. I've been meaning to add some sort of sound dampening material behind it, but never bothered as most people can understand me just fine. I'm guessing the tape is sealing enough of the external sounds out and channeling the cabin sounds in.
However, I did notice that some people can't hear me when a window is down a bit or the road surface is really bad creating more noise then usual. Maybe the Parrot can only handle so much background noise and anything beyond stock levels of noise the system can't compensate??? Just a guess.
For mic issues, I actually mounted mine in the roof. I moved the sun roof control to the passenger side and duct taped the mic to the grill insert that is now on the driver side. I've been meaning to add some sort of sound dampening material behind it, but never bothered as most people can understand me just fine. I'm guessing the tape is sealing enough of the external sounds out and channeling the cabin sounds in.
However, I did notice that some people can't hear me when a window is down a bit or the road surface is really bad creating more noise then usual. Maybe the Parrot can only handle so much background noise and anything beyond stock levels of noise the system can't compensate??? Just a guess.
One of my callers told me yesterday that my voice sounded kinda robotic--I'm guessing it's the noise reduction trying to do it's thing--he said my voice would cut in and out. Of course I couldn't hear him at all.
I've my phone set to Max loudness..I've got sound profiles, and so it chooses my Car profile in bluetooth mode. I'm just wondering if any of these issues I'm experiencing are phone related or not. I don't currently have another bluetooth phone to test it with.
re: HK
Yeah that could very well be.
I'm still trying to find more information on the "Low frequency telephone input".
"earth telephone input" Earth seems to be the UK term for Ground??
I see a lot of aftermarket head units have this Low Frequency Telephone Input as well as Mute control. Our Boost units have this, but no one can yet confirm if the Parrot utilizes this LF Telephone Input or not.
Richard
I've my phone set to Max loudness..I've got sound profiles, and so it chooses my Car profile in bluetooth mode. I'm just wondering if any of these issues I'm experiencing are phone related or not. I don't currently have another bluetooth phone to test it with.
re: HK
Yeah that could very well be.
I'm still trying to find more information on the "Low frequency telephone input".
"earth telephone input" Earth seems to be the UK term for Ground??
I see a lot of aftermarket head units have this Low Frequency Telephone Input as well as Mute control. Our Boost units have this, but no one can yet confirm if the Parrot utilizes this LF Telephone Input or not.
Richard
I had a similar issue at first too with the kit when it came to volume level. The fix for me was to simply crank up the Bluetooth volume all the way on the cell phone. With it on MAX and the Parrot on MAX, the audio is just fine. However, it should be noted I have HK, so the audio goes through the HK amp and may get more of volume increase then the Parrot amp alone.
For mic issues, I actually mounted mine in the roof. I moved the sun roof control to the passenger side and duct taped the mic to the grill insert that is now on the driver side. I've been meaning to add some sort of sound dampening material behind it, but never bothered as most people can understand me just fine. I'm guessing the tape is sealing enough of the external sounds out and channeling the cabin sounds in.
However, I did notice that some people can't hear me when a window is down a bit or the road surface is really bad creating more noise then usual. Maybe the Parrot can only handle so much background noise and anything beyond stock levels of noise the system can't compensate??? Just a guess.
For mic issues, I actually mounted mine in the roof. I moved the sun roof control to the passenger side and duct taped the mic to the grill insert that is now on the driver side. I've been meaning to add some sort of sound dampening material behind it, but never bothered as most people can understand me just fine. I'm guessing the tape is sealing enough of the external sounds out and channeling the cabin sounds in.
However, I did notice that some people can't hear me when a window is down a bit or the road surface is really bad creating more noise then usual. Maybe the Parrot can only handle so much background noise and anything beyond stock levels of noise the system can't compensate??? Just a guess.
4th Gear
Joined: Aug 2005
Posts: 319
Likes: 0
From: Hillsboro, OR
"earth telephone input" Earth seems to be the UK term for Ground??
I see a lot of aftermarket head units have this Low Frequency Telephone Input as well as Mute control. Our Boost units have this, but no one can yet confirm if the Parrot utilizes this LF Telephone Input or not.
I see a lot of aftermarket head units have this Low Frequency Telephone Input as well as Mute control. Our Boost units have this, but no one can yet confirm if the Parrot utilizes this LF Telephone Input or not.
Mike made up the hardness, so he can confirm how it works. But with the Parrot probably just having a "speaker level" output, I would suspect Mike wired it directly to the speakers instead of using the LF input as that would have required more hardware. Again, I'm back to guessing mode with that.
Correct!
I just got an email where he confirms that he's not using the Boost Telephone Input in his harness. So there is hope for additional loudness.
I'm going to experiment with this today to see if I can patch the Parrot output to the telephone input.
Btw, Mike says the loudness is fine for him in his MINI. So once again I'm going to double check my install. I know there were some loose wires behind the head unit and I didn't have the wiring schematics at the time to know which wire did what.
Richard
I just got an email where he confirms that he's not using the Boost Telephone Input in his harness. So there is hope for additional loudness.
I'm going to experiment with this today to see if I can patch the Parrot output to the telephone input.
Btw, Mike says the loudness is fine for him in his MINI. So once again I'm going to double check my install. I know there were some loose wires behind the head unit and I didn't have the wiring schematics at the time to know which wire did what.
Richard
Yes, they call a ground "earth". My DeLorean which was engineered by Lotus and built in Ireland uses the same terminology.
Mike made up the hardness, so he can confirm how it works. But with the Parrot probably just having a "speaker level" output, I would suspect Mike wired it directly to the speakers instead of using the LF input as that would have required more hardware. Again, I'm back to guessing mode with that.
Mike made up the hardness, so he can confirm how it works. But with the Parrot probably just having a "speaker level" output, I would suspect Mike wired it directly to the speakers instead of using the LF input as that would have required more hardware. Again, I'm back to guessing mode with that.
Well tonight my long time mobile electrical wizard friend, Doug Ioki, came over and we completed my DVD install in my MINI as well as checked over all the wiring for the Parrot. He's done many Parrot installs and was quite familiar with how it worked. Except for a loose grounding wire, which he fixed, everything else was perfect---sadly, there was no resolution at this time for louder audio. But he agreed that it wasn't very loud.
Looks like I'll be going the route of a dedicated speaker--as utilizing the telephone input opens up a large can of worms with affecting the stereo audio as well.
For the dedicated speaker I'm considering a number of locations and the top choice right now is in the roof where the factory alarm motion sensor goes--having the speaker pointed down. My only concern is that if it's truly loud, it could annoy my son who sits directly below it, lol.
My friend is going to be gathering some parts from past Parrot installs to see how we can rectify my problems.
Stay tuned!
Richard
Looks like I'll be going the route of a dedicated speaker--as utilizing the telephone input opens up a large can of worms with affecting the stereo audio as well.
For the dedicated speaker I'm considering a number of locations and the top choice right now is in the roof where the factory alarm motion sensor goes--having the speaker pointed down. My only concern is that if it's truly loud, it could annoy my son who sits directly below it, lol.
My friend is going to be gathering some parts from past Parrot installs to see how we can rectify my problems.
Stay tuned!
Richard
Richard:
I have recently changed phones, and was so disgusted with my CK3000 that I did not even pair them. So, I just paired them, then connected them and made a few test calls, from the garage, with the engine off.
Unlike as DeLorean reports, maxing out the volume on the phone is the same as maxing out the volume on the CK3000 keypad. The volume indicator level on the phone moves with the keypad OR the volume adjustment on the phone. So, I get no addiitional volume just by pressing the phone volume button instead of, or in addition to, maxing out the keypad **** on the CK3000.
It functions pretty damn perfectly with the engine off, it did with the old phone, and it still does now. However, it does seem a bit louder with this new phone, only a road test will tell the truth.
Recall that I have an the H/K model on my '06.
I will update tomorrow.
I have recently changed phones, and was so disgusted with my CK3000 that I did not even pair them. So, I just paired them, then connected them and made a few test calls, from the garage, with the engine off.
Unlike as DeLorean reports, maxing out the volume on the phone is the same as maxing out the volume on the CK3000 keypad. The volume indicator level on the phone moves with the keypad OR the volume adjustment on the phone. So, I get no addiitional volume just by pressing the phone volume button instead of, or in addition to, maxing out the keypad **** on the CK3000.
It functions pretty damn perfectly with the engine off, it did with the old phone, and it still does now. However, it does seem a bit louder with this new phone, only a road test will tell the truth.
Recall that I have an the H/K model on my '06.
I will update tomorrow.
Last edited by mini_racer; Jun 20, 2008 at 09:48 PM.
Cool I look forward to hearing from you....I've tried so many variations and having the same luck as you.
I have found some ways to quiet my interior, lol.
1.) Changed from Megan coilovers to Crosses for smoother ride and less noise from bumps and the road.
2.) Added Raamaudio BXT sound dampening
3.) Got an alignment so vibration is nearly nonexistant
Still it's not working for me yet however. Loudness is all I need! I've heard that a dedicated speaker not only can increase volume and direct the sound closer to you, but the sound quality can be higher for better recognition. We shall see.
Richard
I have found some ways to quiet my interior, lol.
1.) Changed from Megan coilovers to Crosses for smoother ride and less noise from bumps and the road.
2.) Added Raamaudio BXT sound dampening
3.) Got an alignment so vibration is nearly nonexistant
Still it's not working for me yet however. Loudness is all I need! I've heard that a dedicated speaker not only can increase volume and direct the sound closer to you, but the sound quality can be higher for better recognition. We shall see.
Richard
Richard:
I have recently changed phones, and was so disgusted with my CK3000 that I did not even pair them. So, I just paired them, then connected them and made a few test calls, from the garage, with the engine off.
Unlike as DeLorean reports, maxing out the volume on the phone is the same as maxing out the volume on the CK3000 keypad. The volume indicator level on the phone moves with the keypad OR the volume adjustment on the phone. So, I get no addiitional volume just by pressing the phone volume button instead of, or in addition to, maxing out the keypad **** on the CK3000.
It functions pretty damn perfectly with the engine off, it did with the old phone, and it still does now. However, it does seem a bit louder with this new phone, only a road test will tell the truth.
Recall that I have an the H/K model on my '06.
I will update tomorrow.
I have recently changed phones, and was so disgusted with my CK3000 that I did not even pair them. So, I just paired them, then connected them and made a few test calls, from the garage, with the engine off.
Unlike as DeLorean reports, maxing out the volume on the phone is the same as maxing out the volume on the CK3000 keypad. The volume indicator level on the phone moves with the keypad OR the volume adjustment on the phone. So, I get no addiitional volume just by pressing the phone volume button instead of, or in addition to, maxing out the keypad **** on the CK3000.
It functions pretty damn perfectly with the engine off, it did with the old phone, and it still does now. However, it does seem a bit louder with this new phone, only a road test will tell the truth.
Recall that I have an the H/K model on my '06.
I will update tomorrow.
Had an opportunity for one quick road test with the new mobile phone.
To be honest I was pleasantly surprised. Definitely not perfect, but still better than I remember with the old phone.
On the noisy side:
1. I have an after market cat back system.
2. I have a loud CAI, and can really hear the SC whine.
3. 15% pulley, increases #2
4. 2 yr old original OEM runflats
On the quiet side:
1. Stock suspension on my JCW car is relatively quiet.
2. Also, engine RPM is EVERYTHING for the BT experience in my car. During my test today, if I kept RPMs low and shifted early, the BT system worked marginally. More volume is still required, but I could actually use it, at least below 60 mph anyway.
I will do the Raamaudio BXT upgrade, thanks for the awesome info there.
However, an external speaker is not an option for me. That just seems to defeat the purpose of having a neat integrated installation, I want my BT kit to be invisible.
To be honest I was pleasantly surprised. Definitely not perfect, but still better than I remember with the old phone.
On the noisy side:
1. I have an after market cat back system.
2. I have a loud CAI, and can really hear the SC whine.
3. 15% pulley, increases #2
4. 2 yr old original OEM runflats
On the quiet side:
1. Stock suspension on my JCW car is relatively quiet.
2. Also, engine RPM is EVERYTHING for the BT experience in my car. During my test today, if I kept RPMs low and shifted early, the BT system worked marginally. More volume is still required, but I could actually use it, at least below 60 mph anyway.
I will do the Raamaudio BXT upgrade, thanks for the awesome info there.
However, an external speaker is not an option for me. That just seems to defeat the purpose of having a neat integrated installation, I want my BT kit to be invisible.
3rd Gear
Joined: Sep 2002
Posts: 210
Likes: 0
From: Palmdale, CA
To throw another voice to this mix, I've had Mikey's set-up for about 2 years now in my '06 MCS. I bought one for my daughter's '06 MC as well. I have a Blackberry Pearl, she has a Blackberry Curve. As long as my phone (handset) volume is turned up while on a BT call, I rarely have issues hearing other callers. I do have the DPSM set-up in my car which does help marginally with the sound. The MC with the stock sound system sounds almost the same as my car, so I doubt the DPSM makes a big difference.
The problem I encounter is people hearing me clearly over the ambient noises in the car. I have dynamat in the trunk area as well as the DPSM sound deadening material in the doors. I have my mic mounted between the tach and speedo gauges (I have the Chrono pack) and that position is probably not too good. I would recommend putting the mic on it's little pedestal and wedge it above your head in the rubber surround at the door. I think this will produce the least amount of noise relative to your voice.
As an aside, I installed a CK3000 Evolution in my other daughter's '07 Jetta and it sounds fabulous. I also have the CK3200LS in my '08 Yukon (Yes, it is a hybrid) and it too sounds great. Most people I talk to in either of these cars cannot tell I am using a BT device.
Based on these observations, I think the MINI is just a really noisy environment and that perhaps Mikey's kit does not take full advantage of the CK3000 capabilities.
The problem I encounter is people hearing me clearly over the ambient noises in the car. I have dynamat in the trunk area as well as the DPSM sound deadening material in the doors. I have my mic mounted between the tach and speedo gauges (I have the Chrono pack) and that position is probably not too good. I would recommend putting the mic on it's little pedestal and wedge it above your head in the rubber surround at the door. I think this will produce the least amount of noise relative to your voice.
As an aside, I installed a CK3000 Evolution in my other daughter's '07 Jetta and it sounds fabulous. I also have the CK3200LS in my '08 Yukon (Yes, it is a hybrid) and it too sounds great. Most people I talk to in either of these cars cannot tell I am using a BT device.
Based on these observations, I think the MINI is just a really noisy environment and that perhaps Mikey's kit does not take full advantage of the CK3000 capabilities.
1st Gear
Joined: May 2008
Posts: 17
Likes: 0
From: Los Angeles, CA
If you have to use the Aux In for the Parrot, what do you do about using an iPod? Do the iPod integration kits use something other than the Aux In? Is it possible to have an a/b switch for the Aux In?
Also, is anybody successfully using the Parrot with the Mini Cabrio? Where are you mounting the microphone?
TIA,
Abby
Also, is anybody successfully using the Parrot with the Mini Cabrio? Where are you mounting the microphone?
TIA,
Abby
The iPod connection is different from the Aux In connection. I've got both plugged in to my head unit.
I don't think you can use the Parrot with the top down. Those of us with hardtops are having a hard enough time using it, lol.
I visited my local Al & Ed's stereo shop since they are authorized Parrot installers. The lady I talked to on the phone seemed fairly knowledgable. She mentioned some possibilities including channeling the audio to one speaker instead of both front speakers, so I set the appointment. I get there, and she's not there, and none of the experts seem to know what to do.
They don't know how the Parrot works, they tell me to give them my keys so they can bring the car inside the shop--and I tell them that I'll drive it in--there is a dip before the entrance that scrapes my car..course the owner gets all huffy that his insurance won't allow me to do that.
After 30 minutes, I'm told to leave details about my head unit and Parrot setup so they can research it.
So much for expecting authorized Parrot installers to know more than I do.
I still haven't made much progress in my search.
Richard
I don't think you can use the Parrot with the top down. Those of us with hardtops are having a hard enough time using it, lol.
I visited my local Al & Ed's stereo shop since they are authorized Parrot installers. The lady I talked to on the phone seemed fairly knowledgable. She mentioned some possibilities including channeling the audio to one speaker instead of both front speakers, so I set the appointment. I get there, and she's not there, and none of the experts seem to know what to do.
They don't know how the Parrot works, they tell me to give them my keys so they can bring the car inside the shop--and I tell them that I'll drive it in--there is a dip before the entrance that scrapes my car..course the owner gets all huffy that his insurance won't allow me to do that.
After 30 minutes, I'm told to leave details about my head unit and Parrot setup so they can research it.
So much for expecting authorized Parrot installers to know more than I do.
I still haven't made much progress in my search.
Richard
If you have to use the Aux In for the Parrot, what do you do about using an iPod? Do the iPod integration kits use something other than the Aux In? Is it possible to have an a/b switch for the Aux In?
Also, is anybody successfully using the Parrot with the Mini Cabrio? Where are you mounting the microphone?
TIA,
Abby
Also, is anybody successfully using the Parrot with the Mini Cabrio? Where are you mounting the microphone?
TIA,
Abby