Omnifi MP3 installation pics

[wkparker]

I just installed an OmniFi 20GB MP3 player in my '05 SR5. The unit has 3 parts - a DIN-sized control panel, a small control interface, and a hard drive box with a removable drive. You can pop the drive out and load it via USB or connect a WiFi antenna and add files wirelessly.

I mounted the drive unit in the arm rest storage compartment. I had to cut a bit out of the bottom of the compartment, then attach a piece of 1/2" MDF to mount the drive. A velcro elastic band (salvaged from a Creative MP3 player) holds it in place. Here's a shot of the final install:

Open the armrest, and a small laptop USB light comes on to light up the compartment:

The control interface is mounted underneath:

To connect it to the stock head unit, I used an interface from Crutchfield. It connects to the CD changer port and lets you add 2 RCA inputs.

USC SPEC interface

I wanted to keep the control panel hidden, so I cut down the back of the storage compartment under the HVAC controls. Here is how it mounts:

I had to cut a bit out of the dash behind the door so it would close:

Here is how the final install looks from the driver's seat:

Close the door and it just disappears...

 

[Cliff s]

Nice looking install!!!

This is the best idea I have seen. Just might copy it for my 2004 T4R SE.

Cliff s

 

[Kenn]

Are there any issues with the functionality of the Omnifi. I heard there were some software/hardware issues with it. It looks good though and that is something I may look into. Any problems so far?

 

[wkparker]

I haven't had any issues with the operation of the OmniFi yet. The PC software is another matter - it's slow, unintuitive, and must have been created by someone who hadn't used the unit. I accidently put some music files on the hard drive that I didn't want, and so far tech support's answer is to reformat the entire drive to remove them! Since XP treats it as a hard drive, they should just enable drag and drop, but it looks like it puts the files in a proprietary structure.

I'm still swapping emails with them to see if there is a better way, but even if I do reformat, the USB 2.0 interface makes loading pretty quick (even with >3,000 MP3 files).

 

[noodlesfusion]

hey wkparker:

i clicked on the crutchfield link for the usc spec interface adapter and there was no link to to that adapter. can i get the model and number so i can contact crutchfield? btw clean install dude-thanks!

 

[Skyline]

How much do these units cost?

 

[wkparker]

Noodles, do a search for part # 581DFTOY - I just checked it and it showed up.

BTW - if you order more than $200 from Crutchfield, use this referral code for $20 off (yeah, I get $20 towards my next order): prrac-fk14v-r9csr

 

[wkparker]

Skyline, I paid ~$250 for the OmniFi and $60 for the interface. I thought about using a stand-alone player (like an iPod) instead, but none have very good displays for driving, IMHO. Plus, if you leave your iPod out the bad guys like to "borrow" them. I saw something on Crutchfield about an iPod interface for the T4R, but it won't be ready until the spring.

 

[wkparker]

One note if you use the USA SPEC interface. I wanted to keep the RCA jacks accessible, so I mounted it behind the metal shield that is under the lower dash cover. It's just behind and below the ignition switch, with the RCA jacks pointing towards the floor. One the plastic went on you don't see it. I ran the cables from the OmniFi inside the transmission covering and also ran another RCA male to1/8" male stereo plug cable (it's on the left in the first picture) into the armrest compartment so I could plug in another source.

 

[noodlesfusion]

wk- thanks

 

[atomic punk]

Is that MP3 player upgradable???

Any chance of removing/replacing the HDD in that player with a larger laptop drive? (or is it a desktop 3.5" drive) ?

Good prices on ebay for 20gb of storage though.

I've been looking at the Omnifi and the Empeg MK2a one, but I really don't see a large enough difference in the two units to justify the Empeg being $300 more.

 

[Kenn]

wkparker,

How did you do the install for the usb light. which light is that? where did you get it? what powers it? what extra accessories did you use to install? Cool mod!!

thanks

 

[wkparker]

Atomic, sorry for the delay - I've been out of town. I do think that you can upgrade the drive - I've seen at least one site that talks about hacking it - but if course the warranty would be toast. I'm also pretty sure that it uses a 2.5" drive.

I'm with you - I didn't need to be able to tweak the OS (like you can with an Empeg) so this really fit the bill. The prices on eBay are generally running about the same as the Crutchfield price, so you could probably save a few bucks if you're willing to trade off the customer support and free return shipping that Crutchfield offers.

BTW - Woot (www.woot.com) had this unit, with the home system *and* WiFi antenna, for $200 yesterday! Of course, I bought another ...

 

[wkparker]

Ken, the light was designed to clip to a laptop and be powered from the 5vdc USB port. I bought it for about $2 at Big Lots. To power it, I used a clip to hold 3 AAA batteries (4.5vdc is plenty) and used hot glue to hold it inside the small plastic box the light came in. I had some small mercury switches left from a project, so I wired in so that it turns on when the lid is raised. I wrapped the box with a small piece of high density foam to hold it in place and stuffed it in the tissue holder. It works great to light up the storage area and the batteries will probably last for years. I'll be happy to post a better picture of it if you want a closer view.

 

[Kenn]

wkparker,

What a 'bright' idea!! Thanks for the mini write up. I would appreciate more pics. Can you post a pic of the switches and other angles?

Thanks,

Ken.
sorry for the bad joke........

 

[sharp4runr]

WK - Excellent install, it looks very clean. How do you power the omni unit?

 

[wkparker]

Thanks, Ken - I'll take some pics and post them this weekend (if you promise to stop the bad puns )

 

[wkparker]

Thanks, Sharp. The control interface (the third picture down) connects the display, hard drive unit, and power. It needs 4 things:

1 - 12vdc switched from ignition, which I pulled from the lighter/power plug in the the console
2 - 12vdc switched from lights (dims the display), which I tapped from the lights in the cup holder
3- constant 12vdc (maintains the "last played" memory and lets it start up for timed wireless downloads), tapped from the fuse panel
4 - ground, connected to a bolt for the console mounting bracket

I connected everything with spade disconnects so it could be removed, and only had to bring one long wire from the fuse panel.

Is that what you were asking?

 

[sharp4runr]

Wk - Thats exactly what I was looking for. Which fuse did you tap into for the constant 12vdc? Can you take a pic of that too?

 

[wkparker]

Sharp, I'm 99% certain that I used the fuse for the horn. I'll take a look this evening and see if I can post a pic.