tom @ aes,
just a reminder to not forget to tell me when your new hands free blue tooth product for Mini is ready. I live in CA.
Billie

 

We'll definitely be updating the thread as we get closer to release. Where in CA are you located?

 

yo Tom same here! i'm interested in ur upcoming BT product. I live in Pasadena area, South California.

 

You need the "Complete Kit" [link]. Choose the proper kit depending on which type of stereo you have. You cannot mount the mic inside the stock mic mounting location - there's just too much noise inside the headliner/roof for the Parrot mic to work worth a darn - I tried it. My guess is the MINI BT kit has some sort of insulation for the mic to dampen this noise.

You can mount the Parrot mic to the exterior of the overhead mic grille, though. The Parrot mic includes an adhesive mounting bracket with a swivel ball, so that you can position the mic towards the driver. It also comes with two mounting clips for the sunvisor or the edge of the headliner. I moved the sunroof switch to the right and the mic grille to the left position, so the mic would be closer to the driver.

 

I ran the mic up the door trim and connected it using a clip to the pillar. Pointing the mic is important as it is sensitive to direction. As stated above, you will need the complete kit that Mikey put together. This is a Parrot EVO 3000 with a harness that will interface with your MSFW.

Here is my review:

http://www.mini2.com/forum/interior-...th-review.html

Here is the page for the Parrot EVO on Newministuff

http://www.newministuff.com/new/shop...uctshow&id=256

and here is the install link.

http://www.newministuff.com/new/inde...on=13&diyid=12

Installation is pretty easy.

 

I still like the mounting location right between the speedo and the tach on the nav cars, you could easily just tuck it to one side of the tach if you don't have nav, and its a very easy install that way.

 

Hey Tom,

I am also looking forward to hearing about your BT set up and if you need a car to install it in to test it out (do I get the unit for free ) let me know.

 

How do I know what sort of radio I have? I know I don't have HK but I don't know the difference between Wave and Boost...

 

Radio Wave = Cassette
Radio Boost = CD

 

Sweet...thanks.

 

As a Usability Professional and gadget geek, I'm VERY interested in how the new kit works and integrates with the MINI and the phone.

I have the newministuff Parrot EVO kit installed in my '06 with H/K stereo and NAV. Works OK and as advertised, but there are a few "gotcha's" that I'd really like to see fixed in any replacement unit. BTW, I installed MS Voice Command in my Cingular 3125 WM Smartphone. When it works, it's very cool to have complete natural voice access to my calendar, contacts, etc... Of course, all that changes in June when I replace the 3125 with an iPhone :-)

 

will the kit from EAS be dependent on the stock MINI stereo? I'd assume so, but want to ask as I'm considering ditching my stock CD for an aftermarket unit

 

That's the intention - it would make no sense going to an aftermarket unit.

 

updates ???

 

Testing this week and will be updating the thread as soon as we have the results.

 

Thanks

I want 1 ...!

 

Testing was completed on our MY04 MINI Cooper S w/ NAV:



A few bonuses were present also, we're going to open a new thread soon.

 

Whoa, that is cool...makes me wish I had Nav.

It works on non-Nav as well, I assume...?

I've been holding off on the Parrot to see what you guys came up with

 

That is exactly the same screen I get with my "expensive" OEM Bluetooth kit, so you've definitely made progress, Tom!

Just curious... did the testing also resolve any questions about Nav integration for the DICE? In particular, how to interact with the head unit and leave the Nav undisturbed... or even better, how to show track names without taking over the Nav map screen.

 

Yes and no. I misunderstood and thought we had a MY05 MINI arriving, however it did not have a SV of 50 or higher needed for testing. Luckily, our tester has another MINI (MY06) that we will be performing testing upon in 2 weeks.

More info soon!

 

Updates started on new thread:

https://www.northamericanmotoring.co...splay.php?f=14