VWCDPIC

VWCDPIC

FAQ
Installation Instructions
Additional Diagrams

Board Pinouts

Winamp Remote Control

Rockbox Remote Control (for Archos Jukebox)

Discussion Forum

Developer's Area (schematics, parts list, etc)

Stock Quantity
Order Status

Replacements

The VWCDPIC is a "lock pick," if you will, that unlocks the CD Changer interface by sending the required data stream, fooling the head unit into thinking a real Volkswagen CD Changer is connected. With a VWCDPIC, you'll be able to connect any audio device up to your stock OEM head unit. If you are connecting a PJRC MP3 Player, you'll even be able to remotely control your player from the head unit's buttons up front (after you build a cable described here).

Features

Mates directly to the rectangular CD Changer plug already wired in the trunk of your VW:
Provides standard pre-amp RCA input jacks for easily connecting your own audio device (such as an MP3 player). Direct auxiliary input, not FM modulated!
Fools the stock head unit into thinking a VW CD Changer is connected, allowing you to listen to your audio device through your vehicle's built-in speakers when you select "CD" at the head unit.
Can be used to remote control a PJRC MP3 Player or PC using serial data commands. This requires an extra cable that is not included, but you can make one easily from information on the VWCDPIC Pinouts.
Remote control Pocket PC PDAs when using the third party shareware player RadioPlayer.
Remote controls the Archos Jukebox MP3 players with Rockbox open source firmware. Again, you need a special cable that is not included but can be made easily.
Remote control Apple iPod 3rd generation and later MP3 players using Z-Man's new iPod-VW firmware (available in the Developer's Area).

Protocol Compatibility

Premium/MFD-Navi Single DIN Monsoon Double DIN Single DIN In-Dash CD Player Audi

Works Works Works Works Works

Ed Schlunder's 2001 New Beetle TDI with the standard VW Premium head unit works fine.

Ulrich Geile's MFD-Navi head unit in Germany works.

Vanni Uggè's Seat Leon with seat aura sound system in Italy works.

George Filis's Seat Ibiza in Greece works. Boris's Single DIN Monsoon works.

Note: If you also have the cd player, see "Single DIN In-Dash CD Player" to the right.

Andy W. provided code that fools his Monsoon head unit for reference.

Paul S. provided VWCDPIC firmware changes to make it work on Monsoon.

Thanks to everyone who helped out with this! Lee's 2003 Golf with Double DIN Monsoon head unit works fine (non-Wolfsburg, made in Brazil).

A few folks in the forum with late 2003 Wolfsburg Jetta's had problems with an initial 10-13 second delay and drop out problems. The latest firmware seems to solve these problems.

Turning the scan "jog wheel" produces erratic track number changes when remote controlling through a serial cable, but otherwise it works. You can still do remote track changes using the track/seek up/dn buttons instead. According to Adam, the In-Dash CD Player for Single DIN head units now fully works with VWCDPIC firmware v2.5.

Thanks goes to Svet for contributing firmware improvements that helped get this working properly! Jeff had some luck using the VWCDPIC with his Audi after soldering a new connector on it. VWCDPICs as shipped from me do not mate directly with Audi CD Changer plugs. See developer's area for pinout info if you want to solder your own connector.

WARNING: Modifying your VWCDPIC will terminate your 60 day return period!

European Gamma V Touareg

Works Probably Working
Bernd (Germany) reported that his older Gamma IV, which did not unmute properly with v2.5 nor v2.6, is working properly using firmware v2.7.

Werner Backes reports in the forum that his Gamma V head unit is working with firmware v2.8pre3 on his home made VWCDPIC. Ali R. originally tried firmware v2.5 in a 2004 VW Touareg. This vehicle had a new head unit the VWCDPIC couldn't fool.

Firmware v2.7 may have solved the problem. I now have reports from an inside source that firmware v2.7 is working on European Delta 6 and Touareg Colorado radios. He also had a U.S. Touareg radio working.

Please do not order if you know that your head unit is incompatible (unless you're a developer). I can not magically make new head units I do not have access to suddenly work -- a developer needs to sit down with his/her own head unit and hack the VWCDPIC firmware source code (available in the developer's area).

Caveats

2003+ New Beetles with the CD Changer plug in the center arm rest console are difficult to install into. You may be in for some hand crunching. Gwagg has posted some pictures at NewBeetle.org that show how he installed his VWCDPIC in the center arm rest console.
Low voltage audio players may not produce enough volume to work well with your head unit. See the FAQ for more.
Some power systems for powering PCs from the car will cause the VWCDPIC to operate unreliably (inverters especially). You may need to experiment with different power supplies to get it working well. Click here for a diagram that should help explain the problem.
A ground loop isolator may be needed to solve electrical noise issues if you power your audio player from the car's power system. These can be purchased from your local electronics store (RadioShack, etc).

Limited Warranty

This device may not do what you want. We will refund its purchase price if you return the device to us in original, re-sellable condition within 60 days. Shipping and handling fees are not refundable. There are no other warranties.

In no event shall you hold us liable for damages, including any general, special, incidental or consequential damages arising out of the use or inability to use this item (including but not limited to loss of data or data being rendered inaccurate or losses sustained by you or third parties or a failure of the item to operate with any other device), even if such holder or other party has been advised of the possibility of such damages.

WARNING!
This is a bare circuit board, much like a memory upgrade or expansion card for a personal computer. All standard precautions for handling static sensitive electronics should be strictly adhered to during installation and operation of this device. Refer to a qualified technician for assistance.

Go to The Garage Shop, Shopping Cart, or Ordering Information.

Premium/MFD-Navi	Single DIN Monsoon	Double DIN	Single DIN In-Dash CD Player	Audi
Works	Works	Works	Works	Works
Ed Schlunder's 2001 New Beetle TDI with the standard VW Premium head unit works fine. Ulrich Geile's MFD-Navi head unit in Germany works. Vanni Uggè's Seat Leon with seat aura sound system in Italy works. George Filis's Seat Ibiza in Greece works.	Boris's Single DIN Monsoon works. Note: If you also have the cd player, see "Single DIN In-Dash CD Player" to the right. Andy W. provided code that fools his Monsoon head unit for reference. Paul S. provided VWCDPIC firmware changes to make it work on Monsoon. Thanks to everyone who helped out with this!	Lee's 2003 Golf with Double DIN Monsoon head unit works fine (non-Wolfsburg, made in Brazil). A few folks in the forum with late 2003 Wolfsburg Jetta's had problems with an initial 10-13 second delay and drop out problems. The latest firmware seems to solve these problems. Turning the scan "jog wheel" produces erratic track number changes when remote controlling through a serial cable, but otherwise it works. You can still do remote track changes using the track/seek up/dn buttons instead.	According to Adam, the In-Dash CD Player for Single DIN head units now fully works with VWCDPIC firmware v2.5. Thanks goes to Svet for contributing firmware improvements that helped get this working properly!	Jeff had some luck using the VWCDPIC with his Audi after soldering a new connector on it. VWCDPICs as shipped from me do not mate directly with Audi CD Changer plugs. See developer's area for pinout info if you want to solder your own connector. WARNING: Modifying your VWCDPIC will terminate your 60 day return period!

European Gamma V	Touareg
Works	Probably Working
Bernd (Germany) reported that his older Gamma IV, which did not unmute properly with v2.5 nor v2.6, is working properly using firmware v2.7. Werner Backes reports in the forum that his Gamma V head unit is working with firmware v2.8pre3 on his home made VWCDPIC.	Ali R. originally tried firmware v2.5 in a 2004 VW Touareg. This vehicle had a new head unit the VWCDPIC couldn't fool. Firmware v2.7 may have solved the problem. I now have reports from an inside source that firmware v2.7 is working on European Delta 6 and Touareg Colorado radios. He also had a U.S. Touareg radio working.