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The OFFICIAL Clarion II MP3 setup.

1994 Views 19 Replies 7 Participants Last post by  Big Port Jimmy 6, 
S
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Some time back I decided to add MP3 hookup to my Clarion II radio. It took me a few weeks to figure out the wiring, but eventually I decided to go with a non-invasive plug and play approach.

Cost:
Less than $40 if i remember correctly

Time:
30 minutes give or take.

Materials needed:

Phillips screwdriver


5-pin DIN Y-cable

http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=330357215346&ssPageName=STRK:MEWNX:IT

5-pin DIN to 3.5mm headphone cable
http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=120311276096&ssPageName=STRK:MEWNX:IT

Procedure:

Using the screwdriver, gain access to the radio components by removing the tape deck (if applicable), left and right fairing pockets, and turn signals. This is VERY easy, if you have never done this before, it will take no more than 5 minutes.

If you have just a radio, with no intercom, CB, or tape use PART 1. If you have any of the aforementioned accessories, use PART 2.

Part 1:
Directly under the right side fairing pocket you will find the radio tuner box. There are a few cables coming off of it, you will find a DIN connector with Green Stripe on it coming off it it. It should only be about 8 inches long. Unplug it from it's associated cable. Connect the headphone cable to the Y connector, Connect the Green stripe cable to the Y connector, then connect the Y connector to the cable you unplugged from the green stripe cable. Rout the headphone cable to the desired location and reassemble the bike.

Part 2:
Locate the distribution box. Find the connection for the tape player.

If you do not have a tape player, you do not need to buy the Y cable. You can simply connect the headphone cable you bought to the tape player input. Rout the headphone cable to your desired location, and put the bike back together.

If you have a tape player, disconnect the tape player feed, and connect it to the Y cable. Connect the headphone cable the the Y cable, lastly plug the Y cable into the tape player input on the distribution box. Rout the headphone cable to the desired location and put the bike back together.

Operation:
Turn the key to the on position. Turn the volume knob up just until it clicks on. The display should light, but no sound should come out, because the volume is all the way down. Leaving the volume all the way down, connect your MP3 or other electronic device. You should be able to hear your device loud and clear, and be able to adjust the volume ONLY through the device itself. Should you want to switch to radio, you can turn off the device, and use the radio normally.

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Bagmaster
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Even better, it cost me all of 8 bucks to do the same thing with a pre-made cable from the UK. Plugged it right into the cassette jack on the distribution box since I don't have a cassette player.

http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=120311276096&ssPageName=STRK:MEWAX:IT
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Bozack0
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Thanks SpeedDemon! This is exactly the post I've been lurking for!
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RayandTracy
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Bagmaster wrote:
Even better, it cost me all of 8 bucks to do the same thing with a pre-made cable from the UK. Plugged it right into the cassette jack on the distribution box since I don't have a cassette player.

http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=120311276096&ssPageName=STRK:MEWAX:IT
Click to expand...
will this work on the 1200's:baffled:
Thanks, Ray:waving:
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S
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I believe the 1200's have a different set up.
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S
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Bagmaster wrote:
Even better, it cost me all of 8 bucks to do the same thing with a pre-made cable from the UK. Plugged it right into the cassette jack on the distribution box since I don't have a cassette player.

http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=120311276096&ssPageName=STRK:MEWAX:IT
Click to expand...
"Part 2:
Locate the distribution box. Find the connection for the tape player.

If you do not have a tape player, you do not need to buy the Y cable."
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Bagmaster
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I can use that "Y" cable for something else though.
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Bagmaster
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The 1200's use a junction box instead of a distribution box and has less inputs to play with. I've always wondered though if you could use the clarion 2 distribution box in a 1200 to replace the junction box.

You only get the junction box when you install the cb kit on the 1200's, it comes in the cb kit.

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sandcastcb750
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That is a good tip about using the cassette player connection. My cassette is toast.
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RayandTracy
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Bagmaster wrote:
The 1200's use a junction box instead of a distribution box and has less inputs to play with. I've always wondered though if you could use the clarion 2 distribution box in a 1200 to replace the junction box.

You only get the junction box when you install the cb kit on the 1200's, it comes in the cb kit.

Click to expand...
I'll be installing my cb system this winter in my 84, I finally have everything togather:clapper:
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Big Port Jimmy 6
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I wonder if you could do something similar on a type 1? Mine has a loose din cable connection. Possibly for the intercom, or you could Y the feed to the amp and use a switch to cut on the amp.
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Bagmaster
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Big Port Jimmy 6 wrote:
I wonder if you could do something similar on a type 1? Mine has a loose din cable connection. Possibly for the intercom, or you could Y the feed to the amp and use a switch to cut on the amp.
Click to expand...
Dose your type 1 have two short din connectors coming out the back of it about 8" long? If so then either one can be for the intercom and the other goes to the speaker amp. That's what I first had on my 1100 until I acquired all the parts for the Clarion 2 system.

when I bought the adapter cable I ordered 2 of them, if you want the spare then just ride up here one day and I'll give it to you. Won't take but a couple of minutes to hook it up and test it.
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Winger in San Diego
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My LTD has the CB built in. With the part 2 hookup, is there a way to run the sound through the speakers in addition to the headset???
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Bagmaster
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Winger in San Diego wrote:
My LTD has the CB built in. With the part 2 hookup, is there a way to run the sound through the speakers in addition to the headset???
Click to expand...
I don't think so as the junction box that comes with the 1200 cb kit doesn't have all the inputs on it the distribution box does used on the 1100's setup. The 1100's has separate inputs for all the components whereas the 1200 radio/cassette player/intercom is a combined unit. So it doesn't require all the inputs on the junction box the distribution box has on the 1100's.

What we need is a 1200 owner that's willing to experiment with using a Clarion 2 system distribution box in replacement of the junction box. I just have a 1100 so that leaves me out to try it. I have a sneaky feeling it would work, maybe. If it did then you would have at the least 2 extra empty connections on the distribution box to experiment with.

The reason I think it will work is that all the components use 4 ohm outputs on both systems.

Also the junction box on the 1200's doesn't use a power lead as it's just a pass through device, the 1100 distribution box requires a power lead and a ground. Also it 's larger in size than the junction box so you have a space limitation to work with.
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RayandTracy
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Bagmaster wrote:
Winger in San Diego wrote:
My LTD has the CB built in. With the part 2 hookup, is there a way to run the sound through the speakers in addition to the headset???
Click to expand...
I don't think so as the junction box that comes with the 1200 cb kit doesn't have all the inputs on it the distribution box does used on the 1100's setup. The 1100's has separate inputs for all the components whereas the 1200 radio/cassette player/intercom is a combined unit. So it doesn't require all the inputs on the junction box the distribution box has on the 1100's.
Click to expand...
Thats good info:cool: Thanks Baggie
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Bagmaster
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RayandTracy wrote:
Bagmaster wrote:
Winger in San Diego wrote:
My LTD has the CB built in. With the part 2 hookup, is there a way to run the sound through the speakers in addition to the headset???
Click to expand...
I don't think so as the junction box that comes with the 1200 cb kit doesn't have all the inputs on it the distribution box does used on the 1100's setup. The 1100's has separate inputs for all the components whereas the 1200 radio/cassette player/intercom is a combined unit. So it doesn't require all the inputs on the junction box the distribution box has on the 1100's.
Click to expand...
Thats good info:cool: Thanks Baggie
Click to expand...
You responded too quick, Ray. I edited my post, read it again.
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Bagmaster
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Now I wish I hadn't sold that 1200 install kit I had 6 months ago. It had everything in it except for the cb unit.
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RayandTracy
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Bagmaster wrote:
Now I wish I hadn't sold that 1200 install kit I had 6 months ago. It had everything in it except for the cb unit.
Click to expand...
I've got everything for the cb install to include a passenger PTT button coming from Jerry (Thanks Jerry) and will be intalling it this winter. I had the 84 running yesterday first time in about 2 months, battery was dead:cheeky1: Needed to change out the distilled water for coolant for the cold weather coming. I'm kinda dreading the compressor overhaul but as usual I'll figure it out with the help of the manuals and you great folks:cool: The 84a is replacing the 85I and to tell the truth I'm gonna miss the ol beast. Oops think I'm guilty of hijacking here:shock: I'd volunteer to try the 1100 box but I really am leary due to going with a fresh install of the cb myself and not having dealt with it before;)
Ride Safe, Ray:waving:
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Winger in San Diego
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Let me see if I can find an 1100 box. My cassette player is toast and I have 8500 tunes I would love to listen too. Tried the inline fm modulator, lousy reception.
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Big Port Jimmy 6
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Bags Pm me your cell Im gonna be in Greer Sunday. Ill give you a holler. Jay
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