I am fortunate enough to have a PhatBox in my MINI, so I have no need for an AUX input. However, what I DO need is a MUTE function for when the phone rings (and no, it's a blackberry, so apparently no way to wire into a handsfree kit).

Since connecting an AUX jack apparently adds another "Mode" to the list of available inputs, I thought that I could achieve my MUTE function by somehow convincing my HK that there's an aux jack connected.

Since I don't need the jack, I'd rather not buy the whole AUX kit. Does anyone know HOW the head unit detects that an AUX jack is connected? I am hoping that it is as simple as a wire jumper or a physical switch on the back of the head unit.

Any ideas? Worst case I guess I have to buy an aux jack, but I'd rather spend the money on an armrest or window tint or parcel shelf....

 

Why not just press the volume ****? That is a pretty effective mute!

 

I've got the Aux input, and I still just turn the radio off when I need to mute it...

 

You might want to research into using the NAV inputs for the mute function, as well as the factory phone kit input as well. Both of these have control lines which mute current program material for their corresponding inputs. The Aux kit in and of itself does not actually have a mute, unless you install the kit and dont bother connecting anything to it, the aux input selection will act as a mute. This would have to be selected by multiple presses of the mode switch.

 

Well, here's why I want to fool the mini into "pretending" to have a device connected.

Using the on/off button has two disadvantages: (1) no steering wheel control, and (2) volume gets reset (generally, turned way down) when powered back on.

Mode switch is nice because it is right there on the steering wheel. It's a second-best to figuring out a way to use the "dead" middle button on the left side of the wheel.

I would think using the NAV or phone inputs might have the same problem. The real issue is that my phone - a blackberry - doesn't have any kind of handsfree kit that can send a MUTE signal, at least as far as I can tell.

I wonder if there's any way to wire the dead button to the NAV or phone MUTE line? That would be ideal.

In the interim ... I would think that something like putting a resistor across the AUX +/- lines might do it. How does it really detect whether something is connected?

 

And - the other advantage of using the MODE button over the MUTE button is that it acts as a PAUSE rather than MUTE, which is handy when listening to anything other than the radio. Usually what I really want is PAUSE, when I get a phone call.

monty

 

What did you end uo doing mkosma?

 

I use the Aux function for mute, and it works well, for all the reasons that mkosma states. As I was listening to books on CD crossing the country, the 'pause' function worked much better than having to turn the head unit off or muting it and having to backtrack. I haven't plugged anything into the aux port yet (ipod? Hell, I still remember 8 tracks! ) but I'm happy to have it just for the pause/mute function.

 

Am I reading this post right, are you talking about the three spoke wheel, and it has a way to change Modes for the HK.

This is a new one too me.

Butch

 

Note that this thread is from 2004. The mode button died with the two spoke MFSW. I think the new wheels feel very nice (much nicer than the non-sport two spoke) but the buttons are a disappointment.

Fortunately, some of us still have the two spoke MFSW, with its stealth volume, channel and mode buttons.:smile:

 

Bummer. I didn't notice the date, thanks for pointing it out. Switching modes is the one thing that I am disappointed about with the MFSW. Oh well.

Butch