Parrot CK3100 Install (with pics)

[Hotbox]

Hey all!

I just completed my install of a Parrot CK3100 Handsfree kit in our RL. Here's how it went...

Wiring...
I obtained a wiring harness from Expansys so that I didn't have to splice into any of the wiring (See first pic). That was a snap as it used only the 20-pin connector. This included all 4 speaker outputs as well as full-time power and ignition power, so it was truly a one plug install. All of the wiring and cut-off relays fit neatly behind the head unit. The contol unit was down on the floor below and behind the head unit. The only issue that I had with this is that the harness has the ignition power and full time power reversed. The easy remedy was to just unplug both fuse holders and switch them. Everything tested out perfect.

Mounting of the mic...
This one was pretty easy too. I attached it to the underside of the rearview mirror (see pic 2) and ran the wire up where the power to the compass comes from. From there, I ran it under the headliner to the passenger side door, then down the seal between the door frame and the pillar until I got it under the glove box. Then I just ran it to the area under the head unit. This is where I mounted the control box.

Mounting of the display...
This is where things got a little tricky (and took the most time). I didn't want to just stick it on the dash. I wanted the RL to look as stock as possible. The only option I saw was in the NAA ('Not an ashtray'). This would allow Mrs. Hotbox to close it up and keep it out of sight. After I figured out how to remove the NAA, I removed the entire section than contained the NAA (including the cig lighters and seat heater switches). I drilled through the back of the NAA and ran the wiring out back. I then needed to drill through the plastic housing that's behind the NAA to get the wire back to the control box. Walla! (See pic 3)

Operation...
This is really slick. Prior to putting this in, Mrs. Hotbox would be fumbling around in her purse on the floor to find her phone when it rang. Then she would fumble around and get her earbud/mic on and plugged into the phone. I didn't feel that was terribly safe, so I decided on the Parrot CK3100. Now with bluetooth on her phone turned on, it automatically connects to her phone when she starts the RL and when she gets a call, the radio mutes and the call comes over the front speakers without touching anything. Since the control box has it's own small amp, the radio doesn't even need to be on. This unit also has voice dialing and syncs with the phones phonebook. In addition, when she's still on a call and stops the truck and turns off the ignition, the display asks her if she wants to transfer the call to the handset. Very cool!

Gotchas...
The only gotcha I've found is that the sub for the RL is on a different harness on the head unit. Obviously, this is not muted by the relays during a call, so you hear a little bit of bass from the radio while talking (she doesn't listen to it at really loud volumes, anyway). Since this is such a low frequency, I don't think that it's even picked up by the mic, so maybe it's not such a problem.

All in all, this wasn't a very difficult install. The hardest part was mounting it inside of the NAA. For those that are guilty of talking on the phone while driving, this is a really nice alternative.

(BTW, let's not turn this into a discussion on driving and talking on the phone at the same time. That's been covered on these forums before, and I don't care to see that discussion again )

-Hotbox

[SmokyMtnRidger]

Great, detailed thread. Thanks for posting. We admire your work on this. We are too darn lazy and we just bought a bluetooth earpiece for each phone.

[zero]

I did the same thing, Smokey.

Nice write-up on the install and thanks for posting the pics.

[ssg]

wow very cool, thanks for sharing that install and writeup on the product. Interesting to know on the sub out as well...hmm.

[tadtam]

Nice write up and pics. I do not own a cell phone, but I want to know how do you get the FREE CAR WASH coupon

[Swack!]

Excellent Post...!

I've been looking, and loving, the Parrot CK3100, but wasn't sure about the harness... Parrot's website didn't include the Ridgeline for ISO Connections, so I've been skeptical about it's compatibility with the Ridge's Radio....

Looking at your install, it's awesome!

You mentioned an "Expansys" Wire Harness.... Is this needed to not Splice the factory wires?

I have an RTS (no XM, no NAV).

[groupset]

Originally Posted by Swack!

Excellent Post...!

I've been looking, and loving, the Parrot CK3100, but wasn't sure about the harness... Parrot's website didn't include the Ridgeline for ISO Connections, so I've been skeptical about it's compatibility with the Ridge's Radio....

Looking at your install, it's awesome!

You mentioned an "Expansys" Wire Harness.... Is this needed to not Splice the factory wires?

I have an RTS (no XM, no NAV).

Swack - I just finished installing the Parrot CK3100 in my RT; I used an adapter harness from SIO Communications: http://www.siocommunications.co.uk/S...roduct=SOT-071

This harness fit my standard (no sub) factory harness perfectly; no splicing required. Really makes for a simple installation of this Parrot unit. Check eBay before buying this harness, though, I remember seeing some custom-made Parrot harnesses on there cheaper than what SIO was charging (and you can probably get them a lot faster if you purchase off eBay as well). This is the second Parrot CK3100 I've installed in my cars - can't say enough good things about the quality of these units and Parrot's support! After I installed the first unit, I got a new Samsung A900 Bluetooth phone with Sprint - it didn't work with the Parrot unit. I emailed Parrot's US customer support; they got a few other inquiries about this phone so they bought one, engineered a fix for it, and posted updated software on their web site for the CK3100! Downloaded the software then updated the CK3100 via Bluetooth from my laptop and my A900 works great! Unlike Hotbox's slick install in the NAA tray, I mounted my display and microphone on the top portion of dash - works great there for my needs, and keeps it in line-of-sight. And I second his comment about switching the fuse leads on the stock Parrot system - you need to do that when installing it in order for it to power down properly when you turn off ignition.

[ogn.ynot]

the specs on those harness' say that they are not to be used with an external amplifier, have any of you installed this with an external amp? and does anyone forsee any problems if i do so, i'm planning on amping up my system later on and do not want to run into any troubles, but i also want the convenience of a plug and play harness

[Kepeli]

I love my Parrot CK3100....

[Joeyo]

Can you tell what is the part number for the additional wiring harness? Also will this harness work with the factory XM radio?

I really like the system. Nice install

JoeyO