I installed an OmniFi DMP1 ![[B0002CTR9G]](http://www.mikeyp.com/css/external.gif)
in my 2000 Audi A4 this weekend. Well, 'wired up an OmniFi' would be a better way of saying it, as I haven't found an appropriate mounting location for the controller yet. ![:-\](/images/blog_buttons/disappointed.gif ":-\"){kind=small}
Interfacing the OmniFi with the Audi stereo is very simple, thanks to an adapter from BlitzSafe and an extremely useful pre-wired DB25 in the Audi trunk. I reused an adapter that I made for my iPod, and added the wiring for the OmniFi. It took me about 30 minutes to wire up. Here are some pictures: http://www.mikeyp.com/a4omnifi/
One of the coolest features of the OmniFi DMP1 is the ability to sync music from your computer via WiFi . Unfortunately, this only works if you are logged in to your computer and running the included SimpleCenter software (which of course, runs only on Windows XP). My garage is also on the fringe of my WiFi network, and I've only had a successful wireless sync once. Luckily, the hard drive in the OmniFi is housed in a removable USB cartridge, which allows you to sync quickly via USB… as long as you don't use the included USB cable.
When the car engine is not running, I can hear a 'hissy' noise floor, but I'm not sure if this is from the OmniFi, the BlitzSafe, the Audi, or my own wiring. Luckily, when driving, the hiss is obscured by wind and road noise. However, I also hear some high-end distortion or overdrive, which again, I'm not sure of the cause. I can hear it during one of the solo guitar breaks in the Joe Satriani song, Up In Flames on the album Is There Love in Space . Not terribly distracting (yet), but I do hear it.
Other than the hiss and the overdrive, the sound quality of the OmniFi is a actually better than my iPod, even with MP3s. This may be due to using the headphone output on the iPod (no line-out was available on my Gen 1 pod), as well as the much-discussed anemic iPod bass response. The OmniFi has deep-sounding bass and a very well-defined mid-range.
As with the OmniFi DMS1 Home Audio Player, I can't seem to get Lossless WMA files to play, which is a shame. Thankfully, 256Kb VBR MP3s still sound far better than FM radio, which is more than acceptable in a moving vehicle.
The OmniFi DMP1 is a nice solution for in-car digital audio, at least until this stuff is built-in to the next generation of cars (hello, Audi!). So far, I'm having fun with this thing.
What was the part # you ordered from BlitzSafe?
I bought the Blitzsafe AUDI/AUX DMX V.1. I ordered it from AutoToys.com here:
http://www.autotoys.com/x/cust/product.php?productid=31&cat=35&page=1
Thanks for the link!
This part provides direct audio in from the omnifi to the stereo AUX via 13pin to RCA L/R. That is pretty sly.
What about the omnifi's console? I was thinking of installing it in the center console/armrest. Is this what you used the 25 pin lead for - connectivity from the unit to the console in the armrest? Not quite sure how that part fits together.
So I finally got the Blitz cable and installed the OMNIFI. It looks pretty sweet and I thought everything was going great.…UNTIL I started my car.
I installed the DMP1 in my 2001 Audi S4 using the Blitz adapter to the CDC connection and using the power/ground leads from the Audi pre-wired DB25 connector. The install went really well and I got everything working OK with the car in the garage with the ignition key to ACC (not starting the engine). I thought all was well, until I started up the car this morning and the unit turned off! I tried
restarting and it attempts to start but simply shuts-down after about 3-5 seconds. I then turned the car off and sure enough the unit started up just fine and worked ok. Turn the car on and it shuts-down.
I did note the voltage meter on my car's dash reads a true 12v on ACC and when the engine runs it is 14v. So I disconnected the DB25 and stuck a voltmeter on there. Sure 'nuff I get 12v when the ignition is ACC and 15v when the engine is running.
I put this into OMNIFI and this is what they had to say:
"Although it is a bit high that unit should still work at that voltage, when in for repair our technicians actually test these units out at 15.23 volts. Not quite sure why it would be shutting down, our only other suggestion would be to try another 12V source to see if the problem is consistent. If you are getting the same result then you may need to have the unit serviced, repairs are set up through customer service at 1-800-295-1049."
Did you experience any of these issues?
Thanks.
Hmmm, that's interesting. I haven't noticed any problems with my OmniFi at all, other than the audio output being too high. I fixed that problem with some inline attenuators (see this blog entry).
I wonder if I'm using a different power lead in the DB25 than you are? I'll check it next time I get a chance. Are you able to eject your hard drive with the key removed from the ignition?
BTW, how did you end up mounting the controller? I have mine resting in front of the ashtray supported by a piece of plastic I screwed to the back of the faceplate. (Not a permanent install)
