Cheap(er) xcarlink on eBay?

sailesh

A2OC Donor
Hi folks, I’m looking for a Bluetooth xcarlink module and found a much cheaper but seemingly identical option on eBay (£90 vs £120) - can anyone vouch for it?

The seller doesn’t recognise the UK SKU but says it’s fully compatible - just want to check before taking the plunge! Thanks

 
Plasticmac, which radio have you got in your A2? I have a concert in one of mine and the 1080 looks the business.
 
Plasticmac, which radio have you got in your A2? I have a concert in one of mine and the 1080 looks the business.

I've used the 1080 before, and can confirm it does the business. Very quick install (even for me!), just needed earthing. Like I've said elsewhere the file/folder naming convention is a bit awkward if you're using SD cards, but for streaming it's very good.
 
Plasticmac, which radio have you got in your A2? I have a concert in one of mine and the 1080 looks the business.
Mine's actually in my Mk1 TT, yet to do my A2 (only had it a couple of months). The TT radio is a Chorus II (with cassette player). As long as the radio supports a CD changer, (doesn't matter if one's fitted or not) the CD connector will be present, and that's where the AnyCarLink adapter fits.
Mac.
 
Just one thing to note though, the unit REPLACES the CD changer, so if you already have one it doesn't appear to be compatible with both at the same time. You can always just ditch the CD changer.
 
Just one thing to note though, the unit REPLACES the CD changer, so if you already have one it doesn't appear to be compatible with both at the same time. You can always just ditch the CD changer.
That's correct, BUT the AnyCarLink 1080-B has an SD card slot (and a USB Thumb Drive slot). The SD supports 9 folders, with 99 files in each (nearly 900 tracks!), and plays through the CD mode on the radio, as if it was a CD changer. So, no problem at all.
One thing to be aware of is that the play order from the SD is file creation time. So, to play tracks in the right order, download one of the free software tools to edit the file meta data to suit. This file creation time convention seems common in automotive companies, a neighbors MX5 has the same setup.
Easier still, play from your phone via BT, and your chosen player (I use Poweramp) will sort it out. Mac.
 
That's correct, BUT the AnyCarLink 1080-B has an SD card slot (and a USB Thumb Drive slot). The SD supports 9 folders, with 99 files in each (nearly 900 tracks!), and plays through the CD mode on the radio, as if it was a CD changer. So, no problem at all.
One thing to be aware of is that the play order from the SD is file creation time. So, to play tracks in the right order, download one of the free software tools to edit the file meta data to suit. This file creation time convention seems common in automotive companies, a neighbors MX5 has the same setup.
Easier still, play from your phone via BT, and your chosen player (I use Poweramp) will sort it out. Mac.

Nearly correct on the file format...

If you name the folders in CD01, CD02, CD03 ... CD06 these will be recognised by the changer as CD1, CD2 .... CD6 and the files inside the folder will go in alphabetical order. If you try to name them CD1, CD2 it won't work and does it by as you say folder upload order...

I only ever managed to get 6 folders on mine, but your experience could be different.

I agree with the last statement, although the BT quality is slightly lower than the 320kbps used from SD card for convenience though it wins.

+1 for PowerAmp :)
 
I’m interested in fitting one of these. I have an exhausting Nokia CK-1W handsfree Bluetooth fitted to my Chorus 1. Will this need to be removed or can I keep it in?

Tim
 
Looks an interesting alternative even a slight improvement to the bluetooth / 3.5mm aux xcarlink.

Xcarlink I have has no sdcard/ usb slot which I do miss.
 
Does this mean you're back in the fold again @sailesh ?

Indeed! Paid but haven’t yet collected a 68k FSI Sport with OSS and black leather in Mauritius Blue. May as well start “re-buying” the toys that have gone on all my previous A2s.. looking forward to being back in the club :)
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Having done some research it sounds like one of these will not work with my Chorus 1 due to lack of CD a hanger connection. Is this right? There are some sellers claiming they will be compatible.
 
I
I’m interested in fitting one of these. I have an exhausting Nokia CK-1W handsfree Bluetooth fitted to my Chorus 1. Will this need to be removed or can I keep it in?

Tim
I'd think your existing (predictive text is exhausting) BT kit uses the CD changer input, if so, yes, it'll go. The phone will pair happily with the AnyCarLink adapter though. Mac.

Edit: It seems (lots of Googling) the Chorus I has to be programmed (DashCom/Audi) to make it CD compatible. Some were done as OEM, and just work. If not, best buy a used Chorus II or Concert II I'd think. Mac.
 
Hi folks, I’m looking for a Bluetooth xcarlink module and found a much cheaper but seemingly identical option on eBay (£90 vs £120) - can anyone vouch for it?

The seller doesn’t recognise the UK SKU but says it’s fully compatible - just want to check before taking the plunge! Thanks


Good news - the eBay xcarlink works exactly the same as the “more expensive” one.

Just to note, if you have a double din unit (e.g. symphony) the built in CD player still works with a second press of the CD button.

I’ve installed mine in the ashtray by drilling a hole at the rear to feed the xcarlink cable through. I’ve also left the mic in the tray - it should work fine for calls, being in a quieter spot of the car.

Another plus is being able to route a usb power cable through the hole vacated by the ashtray liner, so that the lid can be shut for a nearly OEM look (I have an air-vent mounted QI phone charger). For an even cleaner look, I guess a USB power cable could be routed behind the head unit and back via the air vent, though I suspect this would be somewhat more involved..

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I have the AnyCarLink 1080-B, at about £75. It does Bluetooth, USB, hands free, SD Card etc. Comes with everything you need, including radio extractors, and is plug and play. What extra does the XCar do, to justify the premium price? Mac.
 
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