Anyone have any experience with this Bluetooth kit?

[jcmeyer5]

GROM FRDU3 interface kit

It looks like it is much more than Bluetooth. Actually on second look, it doesn't include Bluetooth by default. That is an add on. And it seems to take advantage of the satellite radio input (as it says you lose satellite radio by using the kit). Since I don't have or want satellite radio, not an issue for me. It also makes it sound like it integrates into the stereo fairly intimately, and allows use of steering wheel controls.

I think I'm gonna give it a try unless someone who has tried it has bad things to say about it.

 

[GAINMOB]

never seen it before or on here by anyone

 

[jcmeyer5]

Huh. I think I'm gonna give it a try. I'll see about doing a write-up/review.

 

[GAINMOB]

let us know

 

[Flexpedition]

For Bluetooth cell phone connectivity I have & recommend the Ford Mobile Ease.

I'm not clear on what this device offers that can't be achieved via the standard equipment 3.5mm audio jack thats right in front of the gear shifter? We've stored some music on tablets and laptops that we use a $3 male to male cord with - the steering volume and mute work fine as far as I know. Granted, you can't change tracks with the steering wheel controls.

If you don't have the navigation radio, I doubt artist/title/genre info will scroll on your head unit. The website is deceptively vague with "select radios".

I've seen inexpensive 3.5MM to USB converter cables at Best Buy - would that work? (I know it won't provide charging capabilities) Do you store your audio files on SD cards?

 

[jcmeyer5]

The problem with Ford Mobile Ease? It's nearly $400 price tag. Without the harness.

This kit (supposedly) does that at half the cost... I think. I am still looking into it and other options. I spent the entire day yesterday seeing if I could integrate an iPad mini into the dash, and how to get that to work with the rest of the truck. Without cutting the dash panel. More work than it is worth I think, and it would not work the way I wanted I don't think.

 

[jcmeyer5]

That OBDII scanner looks interesting. Would be even cooler with an iPad in the dash!!

 

[jcmeyer5]

In the meantime while I figure out what I want to do, this is what I am using:

http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00GX71GNO

 

[jcmeyer5]

So I got the base item (the USB3) and installed it. Installation was very simple... it sits between the radio and the factory 16 pin connector. It uses a posi-tap connector to get 12V from the radio. I used a lightning cable to connect my iPhone. So installation went about 10 minutes, then using it... sucked. The unit functions correctly, but it cuts out randomly. So I will be listening to something, and it will just stop playing (from my iPhone). I tried support, but they had no help for me. I didn't even bother with the Bluetooth module.

Definitely don't recommend it. Mine is going back.

 

[jcmeyer5]

I am on to the next Bluetooth integration kit. This time I went with the BT45-FORD1 kit from USA-Spec. Instead of connecting via USB, this one is all Bluetooth (although it has a 3.5mm jack you can do as well, but since my truck has one of those, I wont need it), and comes with a mic and a harness to plug it into the radio similar to how the GROM worked. Uses the SAT1/2/3 "bands" on the radio.

I'll get it installed tonight.

Just as an aside, you might be asking "why not just replace the stereo with an aftermarket unit?" Well, for a few reasons. First, I don't want to lose the various different features of the stock system (rear seat controls, dual zone, steering wheel controls, etc.). Second the stock head unit has a 6 disc changer in it. Finally, it ends up being cheaper and keeps the stock "dont steal me" look. That said, this is my last effort to make a kit like this work. After this, I will have to start looking at aftermarket head units. But I have a good feeling about this one.