I'm getting a bit tired of either burning .mp3's to CD or sorting tracks to pop onto a USB flash drive for the MDI in my Fabby Greenline II

 

I just want to randomly pick some music from my 250Gb (and growing) library to match my mood, or even Spotify etc...

 

I know there's two options open to me...

 

Either get the Micro USB cable for my Lumia 830 to the MDI and see if that works... but these seem to be like rocking horse poo, and I can't find a decent one!!

 

Or upgrade my factory 'Swing' Radio with 'Phone Preparation' Bluetooth... The thing is, I don't know if this is actually possible (it's mentioned in the manual)!! I'm currently using a sun-visor Bluetooth for calls, so integrating it into the stereo (with voice activation via Cortana) would be a bonus and the Music Streaming from my phone would unlock my entire music collection!! 

 

I don't want to upgrade the Radio to the Amunsden or Bolero as, after recently buying a Dashcam, I don't have that sort of money left!!

 

So really I have a couple of questions...

 

Where might I get the micro-USB MDI cable, How much would it cost, Would it work (Music Streaming only)?

 

How can I add 'Phone Preparation' to my Swing radio, Is it possible, will it interface with my Steering controls, How much would it cost??

 

Cheers Dudes!!

I would have though you could simply get a 'MDI-standard USB' lead, and then use your 'USB/Micro USB' cable to your phone? I know the MDI doesn't recognise the iPod this way as i've tried it but it should work for a phone i would have thought? They're only £5/10-ish from fleabay...

The best thing you can do really is save up and get a decent aftermarket unit

I got one from my local Skoda direct, it was less than useless and I ended up returning it. I was connecting a Samsung galaxy note 3. As far as I can remember the tracks didn't show on the screen and the controls on the HU didn't work. I would go down the route of Bluetooth, either OEM or aftermarket. I know fabiamk2SE has a decent setup. Bluetooth offers so much more than a cable and you don't have to take the phone out of your pocket.

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I got one from my local Skoda direct, it was less than useless and I ended up returning it. I was connecting a Samsung galaxy note 3. As far as I can remember the tracks didn't show on the screen and the controls on the HU didn't work. I would go down the route of Bluetooth, either OEM or aftermarket. I know fabiamk2SE has a decent setup. Bluetooth offers so much more than a cable and you don't have to take the phone out of your pocket.

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The swing is pretty basic as far as headunits go isnt it. So its never going to be that good at sorting through tracks and what not. As the screens relatively small and simple, its not touch screen and it doesnt have much power.

I am more than happy with my headunit and set up, all the bells and whistles but then it was £700 and you can pick a swing up for about £30.

So i guess somewhere there must be a middle ground

Edited 9 July, 20169 yr by fabiamk2SE

Middle of the road is probably a generic all in Chinese unit or an Amundsen with BT prep

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Middle of the road is probably a generic all in Chinese unit or an Amundsen with BT prep

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I agree! 

 

Certainly not a Columbus though. Those things are ****e... or the one i had was anyway haha

Or something like this.. 

 

https://www.caraudiocentre.co.uk/product_m-pioneer-avh-x2800bt_p-33032.htm

 

I'd certainly go for Pioneer over Kenwood tbh. Kenwood is owned by JVC now. They're chinese owned and not as good as they once were. They got their name from being good 30 years ago, but things have changed and now they hide behind the name abit.