GROM Audio MST3 PLUS, GROM-MST3 PLUS Install Manual

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GROM-MST3 PLUS

MP3 USB Android car stereo adapter kit

for fiber-optic stereos

Optional Bluetooth, AUX-in and iPod/iPhone extensions

INSTALL MANUAL

www.gromaudio.com

Copyright © GROM Audio, 2013

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TABLE OF CONTENTS

Chapter 1 – Introduction

1.1 Subject p.3

1.2 Functionality Highlights p.3

1.3 Main Features in USB and Android® phone Mode p.3

1.4 Main Features in iPod®/iPhone® Mode p.3

1.5 Bluetooth Hands Free and Wireless, AUX-IN p.3

1.6 Precautions p.4

1.7 Disclaimer p.4

1.8 Completeness and connection of set p.4

Chapter 2 – General Installation

2.1 Programming the car for GROM-MST3 PLUS p.5

2.2 Understanding how the fiber-optics works p.5

2.3 Tools needed p.6

2.4 Electrical and optical installation p.6

2.4.1 CD changer is present and activated p.6

2.4.2 CD changer is not present or activated p.8

2.4.3 Important notice for BMW owner’s p.11

2.4.4 Important notice for Volvo owner’s p.11

Chapter 3 – Testing the operation, simple usage guide

3.1 EXT1-EXT2 ports, Accessories cable connection p.12

3.2 Mode selection p.12

3.2.1 Mode selection for BMW- non iDrive p.12

3.2.2 Quick USB operation for BMW- non iDrive p.12

3.2.3 Mode selection for Mercedes Benz p.13

3.2.4 Quick USB operation for Mercedes Benz p.13

3.2.5 Mode selection for Volvo S40/60, V50, XC90 07-13 Singe CD p.13

3.2.6 Quick USB operation for Volvo S40/60, V50 XC90 07-13 Singe CD p.13

3.2.7 Mode selection for Volvo S40/60, V50, XC90 07-13 Singe CD p.13

3.2.8 Quick USB operation for Volvo S40/60, V50 XC90 07-13 Singe CD p.13

3.2.9 Mode selection for Volvo XC90 02-06 p.13

3.2.10 Quick USB operation for Volvo XC90 02-06 p.14

3.2.11 Mode selection for BMW iDrive and Audi MMI p.14

3.2.12 Quick USB operation for BMW iDrive and Audi MM p.14

3.3 Installation troubleshooting p.14

Chapter 4 – Support p.15
Chapter 5 – Warranty, license and disclaimer p.15

5.1 Warranty p.15

5.2 License agreement and disclaimer p.15

5.3 Grant of License p.15

5.4 Operation warning and safety instruction p.15

5.5 Other provisions p.16

5.6 GROM Audio Compatibility Disclaimer p.16

5.7 Engine/System Noise Disclaimer p.16

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Chapter 1 - Introduction

1.1 Subject

Thank you for purchasing the GROM-MST3P adapter. It has been designed to provide endless hours of listening
pleasure through factory stereos of the vehicles with fiber-optic MOST Transport technology, such as BMW,
Mercedes Benz, Volvo and AUDI. To ensure that your GROM-MST3P interface performs correctly in your vehicle,
we recommend that you read this entire manual before attempting to install the GROM interface.

1.2 Functionality Highlights

- Easily access your media collection in your car, including shuffling songs, skipping between tracks, and adjusting
the volume—all with only your factory car stereo head unit or multifunction steering wheel controls.

- Listen to your favorite music directly from virtually any USB mass storage device, flash stick or portable hard drive,
requiring no dedicated media player.

- Android® phone (most supported) play, charge and control through USB port via standard USB cable.

- iPod®/iPhone® play, charge and control via additional IPod cable (sold separately).

- Bluetooth or AUX-IN integration. To get AUX-IN you will need GROM MiniDin to 3.5mm audio and 5V USB
charging cable, to get the Bluetooth hands free and wireless functionality you will need GROM-BTD Bluetooth
Dongle (both sold separately).

1.3 Main Features in USB or Android Phone Mode

- Ability to listen to songs in car on USB mass storage device (such as flash drive) or Android phone (using free
AALinQ app from Google® Play Store).

- Ability to control music from car stereo or steering wheel buttons.

- Folders on the USB drives are mapped to an individual “Disc” button on car stereo’s dashboard. Playlists on
Android phone are mapped to discs. Browsing by Album, Artist, Genre is available on BMW iDrive stereos.

- Number of “discs” limited to the car stereo (up to 99 on select stereos).

- Last listened song position within the playlist is remembered and time position is restored upon ignition cycle.

- Android phone is charged while in car.

1.4 Main Features in iPod/iPhone Mode (with GROM compatible iPod connector cable, which is

sold separately):

- Ability to play, charge and control iPod/iPhone – all using your factory car stereo.

- Playlists on the iPod/iPhone are mapped to an individual “Disc” button on car stereo’s dashboard (different for SAT
emulation – please refer to your installation manual).

- Number of “discs” limited to the car stereo (up to 99 on select stereos)

- Last listened song position within the playlist is remembered (may not apply to some iPod)

- Last listened song time position is restored upon ignition cycle (may not apply to some iPod)

1.5 Bluetooth Hands Free and Wireless Audio, AUX-IN Features (with GROM Bluetooth

Dongle or AUX cable, which are sold separately as the optional accessories):

- With hands free (HFP) you can receive the phone calls through the factory car stereo, answer or reject the phone
calls using car stereo or steering wheel controls, speak to the other person using microphone provided with GROM
Bluetooth Dongle.

- Wireless music play from your phone to the factory car stereo (A2DP), control the music or Pandora® internet
radio with the car stereo or steering wheel buttons (AVRCP).

- AUX-IN 3.5mm audio connector for any audio source, and additional 5V charging port.

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1.6 Precautions

Proper mounting location

Securely install the interface in a location free from heat, humidity, moving parts, or direct sunlight. Beware of hot-air

flow from your vehicle’s climate control system. The interface should be secured in a suitable location, free of sharp

metal edges, using double-sided tape, Velcro, or wire ties. The adapter’s operating temperature range is -30°C to
+70°C (-24°F to +158°F)

1.7 Disclaimer

 This product is not affiliated with any of the OEM manufacturers
 Modifying the stereo may void any existing warranty
 The purchase of this product carries no warranties, either expressed or implied
 GROM Audio has confirmed the listed stereo and vehicle application to the best of our ability. Due to

uncontrollable factors and various factory options, Grom Audio cannot 100% guarantee every listed
application. These factors include variables such as inconsistencies within a factory stereo, factory stereo
models unknown to Grom Audio and any partial model year changes.

 Keep your eyes on the road while driving!
 We are not liable for the misuse of this product, including improper installation, damage to the board or

stereo during installation, and the illegal use of the stereo

1.8 Completeness and connection of set

a) The GROM audio adapter set consists of the GROM-MST3 PLUS main interface, one USB cable, one fiber-optic
connector and P-Tap, and one 2GB USB stick.

1. GROM-MST3P interface 2.One USB cable 3. One fibre-optic POF cable*
* The POF cable is not included for Volvo XC90 2002-2006 package as you will use the existing CD changer connector.

Figure 1. Package contents

b) The basic package does not include the optional accessories that you can purchase separately:

GROM compatible iPod cable AUX MiniDin 3.5mm USB charge cable GROM Bluetooth Dongle

Figure 2. Optional Accessories (sold separately)

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Chapter 2 – General Installation

2.1 Programming the car for GROM-MST3 PLUS

BMW non iDrive

- If original CD changer fitted and MP3 capability is available: no programming is required.

- If original CD changer fitted and no MP3 capability is available, you will need to retrofit “KMP3” option with service
computer

- If original CD changer not fitted or M-ASK used: install GROM-MST3P and retrofit “CDC” option with service
computer.

BMW with iDrive

- If original CD changer fitted: no programming is required.

- If original CD changer not fitted: install an original BMW CD changer and retrofit “CD changer” option temporarily
with service computer.

Mercedes and AUDI

Generally no programming is required but in some cases (e.g. no device was connected onto the optical ring) it is
needed to enable a CD changer with the service computer.

Volvo

No programming is required. Some cars need security component feature to be disabled in order for GROM to
work. You will need to contact your local Volvo dealership and ask to remove Volvo security component.

2.2 Understanding how the fiber-optics works

Fiber-Optic vehicles work on a system utilizing a pulse or pulses of light sent around a ring of devices. Each device
sits on a point of the ring which starts and finishes at the same place. Each pulse will have a unique signal which
can be delivered to a specific part of the chain via a combination of light pulses.

It’s important when installing into the ring of devices that:
a) The ring is not broken and
b) The order is retained after the installation.
Testing the system is quite simple. If you remove one of the directional inputs you should see a pulsing light, if you

don’t see any light you have either the wrong directional ring, or the ring is broken somewhere.

On the next page is an image (Picture 1) of the GROM POF (fiber optic) cable, which clearly shows the direction of
the ring. Please look for the small black arrows on the black connector. On the picture they are in white.

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Picture 1 GROM Fiber Optic Connector

2.3 Tools needed

Car audio dash panel removal/trim pry removal tools, screwdriver. Please consult your local car audio shop or your

vehicle’s dealership for instructions or assistance as necessary. If you are unsure how to install the interface

properly, we recommend contacting your local car stereo shop for assistance. Some installation examples can be
found at www.gromaudio.com.

2.4 Electrical and Optical Installation

1. Turn off car engine and remove key from ignition.

2. In order to install the GROM-MST3 adapter, the external CD changer will have to be disconnected in BMW,
AUDI, Mercedes Benz and Volvo XC90 2002-2006. For Volvo S40/S60/V50 and for Volvo XC90 2007-2003 the
factory CD changer/CD player needs to be left in the fiber-optic ring for the install. In all cases you will not be able to
use factory CD player after GROM install.

If no CD changer is present, the GROM-MST3 will need to be wired into the fiber-optic ring on the vehicle.

2.4.1 CD changer is present and activated (Installation into BMW, Audi, Mercedes Benz and
Volvo XC90 2002-2006 cars)

Scheme A. Connection to BMW, Audi, Volvo XC90 2002-2006, Mercedes Benz