Today at Atelier Kaz - ex-Honda R&D, F1, Indy/CART engineer

As I have been so busy for more than 7 weeks now,
doing bit of catch up with updating this Blog.






The iPod adaptor USA Spec PA11-HON.
It’s the latest model that has the dongle like part on the cable going to
the Apple device.

USA Spec released new Bluetooth version a while ago but unfortunately,
our headunit is such an ancient model (we even have cassette tape deck in there) that
it seems to be not supported and thus, we won’t be able to control the Apple device
using the headunit over the Bluetooth.


GROM adaptor device seems to support Bluetooth feature even for
our ancient head unit but there seemed to be mixed feedback of
several issues so I have never used it.












I normally connect the adaptor loom at the DIN connector behind
the panel at the left side seat and run it towards the centre of the
chassis and then down towards the centre speaker and
to the centre arm rest glove box.











Quick check before putting all the panels back in place.










Installed and happy with the sound as well as controlling the
iPod through the head unit.


For me, the OEM sound quality is good enough when all four speakers are
operating properly even using the compressed MP3, M4A, etc format as
the signal source.


So, I just stay with the ancient OEM head unit.











Initially, we were discussing about putting the Apple device in
one of the upper compartment divided in two but if the owner decides to
get iPhone or other devices, it won’t fit there so kept everything in
the arm rest box.

By the way, the new iPhone 5 and a few other Apple devices started using
different connector and no longer equipped with the Dock connector.

There is an adaptor connector avaialble but not all of the aftermarket devices are
supported so it will be interesting whether it will work with PA11-HON or not.


The PA11-HON controller can be installed behind the seat but
I normally keep it here in case the owner may want to access the
dip switches as well as the AUX port.

There is also some spaces around the centre speaker behind the panel but
not sure about installing the controller near the magnetic field of speaker.

Also, you may need to check what has been done on the PA11-HON for
the case GND.


Our audio head unit is using the case GND for the coax shield and analogue GND
and hence, you must install it using the threaded bolt at the lower side of
the case and not the tapping screw in order to create good connection to
the chassis GND.

DIN cable is also connected to the case GND at the audio head unit side so
you don’t want to touch the body panel at the PA11-HON side if its box is
also using the case GND.



Done.