REF Radio w/Aux input

[Clutch-n-Throttle]

I just received my new REF radio with the aux input. Its an easy swap. First I'll describe my modification and then I'll get you the information on where to order one.

I was able to modify my Monster Cable RF modulator. I removed the connection casing and figured out the wires. I modified the ashtray. I used my handy dandy Dremel tool and shaped the inside of the ashtray. I used some spare pieces of plastic from my old RC car racing days and some plexiglass I had laying around. I cut, shaped, sanded and drilled out the plastic bits. I used CA glue to tack glue the pieces together to get the final fit. Once I was satisfied with the angle and fit, I epoxied everything in place. I rewired the Ipod connector to the modulator. The modulator now works as the charging unit when the ignition is turned on. I used some RCA wires and hard wired the Ipod connector on the inside of the radio's aux input. The system works awesome. I have to control the Ipod from itself but it sounds great. Far superior to RF. Total time for the modification, approximately 6 hours. Here are the results:

Ashtray closed. Nothing special. Note: Aux input on lower left of radio.


Ashtray open with Ipod inserted. Something special :D


Close up of Ipod in ashtray.


Detailed view of ashtray modification.



INSTALLATION DETAILS





Solder everything and reverse the order to put it back together.

I have a 05 Magnum RT. I searched in vain for a long time for an adapter. I couldn't wait for JonW's wunderbox form the 300C forum. I was searching the web one day I ran across this electronics company in the midwest. The name is Hunt Automotive Electronics. They are a supplier of electronic parts for DCX. I contacted them and asked about the new 06 REF radios. I talked to the Sales Manager. His name Darrell Anderson(GREAT GUY!!!). He was very helpful and easy to talk to. He stated he had the radios for sale. Note: only the REF(CD player only) radio has the aux input. The list price is $425. He is selling them for $339. If you email him with the part number of you radio, he can check to see if you are eligible for a trade in price of $100 or $125, depending on the radio. I emailed my part number and said I could get a $100 credit. I paid him with PAYPAL. When you get the radio from him, send back the original radio and he will send you back the credit amount. The price for me was $339 plus $8 for shipping. Once he gets the radio, I will get a credit on my PAYPAL or he will send me a check. Final price: $239

This guy is legit. Great service. I got the radio in 7 day via UPS. I am sending back the original radio tomorrow.

The information is:

Darrell Anderson
Sales Mgr.
Hunt Automotive Electronics
Local 586.757.6630
Toll Free 800.624.2726
Fax 586.757.6407
Cell 586.362.4554
email danderson@hunt-radio.com

Again, Darrell is a great guy. I am very happy with the service and product. I'm not getting paid. I am just happy with the results.

Next mod: SRT8 Magnum wheels(soon)

Jose

[liljacky]

2.5 makes these custom. I havent used one yet but check it out.
http://www.2point5.com/whatis_specdock.php

[Bubba's Dragon]

Wow this is really cool!! The company that sales them is a little steep, since you still have to hard wire them into your deck. I just purchased a monster cable like yours and the 06 deck. I think ill try this mod my self. Juat need to get a sauder iron. Thanks for the informative pictures and good write up.

[rebonn]

I have a new 06 Magnum R/T build date 4/05.
The sticker says aux input as well as the manual but I have a set button where the aux input jack should be.

[ZMagnum]

This is a factory mistake. You should be able to get it replaced under warranty. Others have.

Also, welcome. Be sure to introduce yourself in the Newbie section. Pics are always nice.

I have a new 06 Magnum R/T build date 4/05.
The sticker says aux input as well as the manual but I have a set button where the aux input jack should be.

[Pettynerd]

Is the REF radio w/aux. just a plug and play sort of thing?, just picked one up on ebay.

[32Noir]

Absolutely. I did the same swap on my 2006. It only takes a few minutes. I just replced my REF with the REC NAV/radio today and alredy miss my XM & iPod input. I hate FM modulators but the NAV is pretty cool. I'm still waiting/deciding on an aftermarket solution to fix that problem.

[bookeem]

just picked up my REF with aux in too,cant wait to install it at the end of the week..

how do u think it will sound with the BA 6 speaker system,minus the amp,just the 6 speakers,3.5's,6x5's,and 6x9's

[kf1211]

Hi, I am wondering if the other non REF radios have the same circuit board inside with the same connections that can be soldered to despite the absence of the jack on the front. I would have thought it would make sense to use the same board. Has anyone checked if this is the case as I would be keen to perform the same modification but my radio does not have the jack on the outside.

[Clutch-n-Throttle]

Hi, I am wondering if the other non REF radios have the same circuit board inside with the same connections that can be soldered to despite the absence of the jack on the front. I would have thought it would make sense to use the same board. Has anyone checked if this is the case as I would be keen to perform the same modification but my radio does not have the jack on the outside.

The other non REF radio are completely different. They do not have the AUX input. There is no simple way to connect via soldering like I did. This modification ONLY works on the 2006 or newer REF radios with the AUX input.

[mikeyp30]

pics have been removed.. ouch