 Omnifi MP3 player - integrated
Not a lot of new posts here, so I'll add one: pictures and description of my Omnifi MP3 player installation.
If you're not familiar with the Omnifi, I'll let you do a web search to learn the details. But basically it is a car MP3 player, I think discontinued but still available at bargain prices. A unique feature is its WiFi option which allows wireless synchronizations when you add new music to your library.
I decided to mount the main unit with removable hard drive cartridge in the passenger compartment to help provide a suitable environment. The Omnifi will not operate at very cold temperatures, but that's not much of a problem in the heated cabin. Only a very tiny amount of passenger seat travel was sacrificed. I constructed a mounting plate out of sheet aluminum. Care is needed to do this - the gas tank is back there!
The control panel is just about exactly the same size as the cigar lighter cubby hole in the center console - so close that I couldn't resist using it. I relocated the cigar lighter to the inside of the larger bin, where I actually prefer to plug in my cell phone power adapter as it is out of the way. The Omnifi control can be quickly hidden from view by sliding the door shut.
After going through a tape adapter and then my own MP3 adapter, I finally designed a modification to the Mercedes head unit for audio in. The mod provides an aux in jack at the back of the head unit much like many aftermarket head units. To play the Omnifi, I press the Tel button on my Mercedes head unit. The Omnifi plays through the stock sound system. All controls - volume (including speed sensitive), balance, bass, treble - function at the head unit just like any other audio source. To switch back, I just press the Radio button. Tape and CD function as per normal. Sound quality is excellent. I've done A-B comparisons to a CD in the changer and the Omnifi with the same source material.
I really like the fact that the installation by and large preserves the stock appearance of the interior.
More info at bipesauto.com. |