Activating A Cdr 23 For Disc Changer (No Pcm, No Amplifier)

[dtwinters]

I dug around the forums and tutorials and couldn't find an answer to this question. I bought a used Dension Gateway off eBay and during a break from doing taxes this weekend installed the unit. I have a '03 Boxster that I bought used with a CDR-23 and no amplifier and no PCM. I was surprised when I pulled out the head unit there wasn't a complicated run of fiber optics going into the car, rather there was only a "u-turn" 5 inch loop of fiber. I went ahead and added the Dension as though it is a cd changer.

I fully understand that the CDR-23 has to be activated to understand a CD changer now exists. And I'm pretty sure this has to be done by the Porsche dealership with the PST2 or PWIWS. I'm just a little confused as to what exactly they are going to connect the tester to that would allow them to program the CDR-23 that doesn't seem to be connected to the car through the MOST bus as I expected. Would they connect something directly to the radio? I'm hoping to coax the Porsche service center to reconfig the radio with some of the wife's home baked brownies so I figure it would be good to have everything accessible so it would go very quickly. And it would be good to know exactly for what I am asking!

And that is why I am looking for some help from the experts...

Thanks in advance,

Trevor

[Richard Hamilton]

The PST2 or PIWIS is simply plugged in to the OBD2 diagnostic connector, and the coding of the CDR-23 is done through that.  It's a 5-minute job.

[dtwinters]

One follow on question upon further reflection. If my 2003 Boxster doesn't have an amplifier, CD changer, or PCM and the fiber optics weren't connected to anything, might I have simply replaced the head unit with an aftermarket stereo/amp that has better text integration with an iPod? All the postings about adding iPod integration led me to believe that the fiber optics are an integral part of the stereo and that is what led me to buy a Dension Gateway off Ebay. I could always resell the Dension and CDR-23 on Ebay and head in a different direction if that would get me the best setup for a reasonable amount of money.

Thanks again for your comments.

Regards,

Trevor

[Richard Hamilton]

If you have the basic radio with copper wires going direct to the speakers, then there isn't any reason you couldn't replace it as you suggest.

Edit: You would just need an ignition-switched supply for a new head unit.

Edited April 14, 2010 by Richard Hamilton

[dtwinters]

Would anyone know if the connectors on the Becker CDR-23 head unit are relatively standardized? And if not, does anyone know where I can buy adapters that would work with the connectors I would find on units I could buy from Crutchfields or someone similar? And does anyone have a suggestion for a great head unit that would work well in my Boxster? I do have two open cubbies.

Thank in advance. Enjoy your weekend. I'm looking forward to handwashing and waxing my car this weekend. It's been way too long!

-Trevor

P.S. I can't imagine spending more than around $350ish.

Edited April 17, 2010 by dtwinters

[Richard Hamilton]

It has standard ISO connectors for the speakers and power plug (A & B in the diagram).  As I say, you would need to add an ignition-switched supply for the new head unit.

CDR23 Connectors.pdf

[dtwinters]

Thanks Richard for the expert advice.

Digging around I found that Blaupankt makes two nice stereos with BlueTooth and iPod integration, the Toronto and the Los Angeles which doesn't seem to have made it to the US, yet. Both of these ship with the ISO connectors but aren't widely distributed in the US.

Crutchfields had a nice Kenwood Excelon KDC-X994 -> http://signature.crutchfield.com/s_113KDCX994/Kenwood-Excelon-KDC-X994.html?tp=5684#reviewDynamicContent

The only challenge is the gloss black finish isn't going to match the matte black I have currently. If any one has any other suggestions for BT and iPod compatible non-MOST bus head units, please chime in!

Thanks,

Trevor

[Richard Hamilton]

A very popular choice here in the UK is the Becker Grand Prix, because of its OEM look: http://www.mybecker.com/enUK/Automotive-Grand+Prix+7990.html

Or if you want navigation, there is the Becker Cascade: http://www.mybecker.com/enUK/Automotive-Cascade+7944-Overview.html