Installation and operation instructions
Chapter 1 – Getting Started
1.1 Subject
The Neo ProLink V9 adapter—an integration that links between an iPod (and iPhone) and a car stereo. The ProLink
adapter features are:
• iPod/iPhone© play, charge and control via EXT2 port.
• Bluetooth capability via additional EXT1 port and Bluetooth Dongle for hands free and wireless audio
streaming from your mobile phone (sold separately).
• AUX-IN 3.5mm connector for many other audio devices such as XM radio, MP3 or DVD player. via EXT1
port (sold separately).
• Firmware upgradeable via micro SD card, universal adapter that fits into many car makes.
1.2 Introduction
Thank you for purchasing the Neo ProLink adapter. It has been designed to provide endless hours of listening
pleasure through most vehicles’ factory radios. You will be able to control your iPod/iPhone with the car stereo
buttons or steering wheel controls, and your iPod/iPhone will stay charged when connected to the car stereo.
Additional EXT port will allow you to connect Bluetooth Dongle or any other audio device that has 3.5mm plug (sold
separately). To ensure that your iPod/iPhone performs correctly in your car or truck, we recommend that you read
your vehicles section in this manual before attempting to install the interface.
1.3 Precautions
Proper mounting location
Securely install the interface in a location that is free from heat, humidity, moving parts, or direct sunlight. Beware of
the hot airflow from your vehicle’s climate control system. We recommend securing the interface to a suitable
location that is free of sharp metal edges using double-sided tape, Velcro, or wire ties.
The iPod/iPhone has not been designed to withstand extreme automotive temperatures. You may damage your
iPod/iPhone if you leave it inside your vehicle on a very hot or very cold day. For further information, please refer to
your iPod/iPhone manual.
1.4 Disclaimer
• This product is not affiliated with any OEM manufacturers.
• Modifying the radio may void any outstanding warranty.
• The purchase of this product carries with it no warranties, either expressed or implied.
• While every care has been taken to provide a quality product, we cannot guarantee that the Neo iPod
adapter will function correctly if installation is not done according to the instructions provided in this guide.
We also cannot guarantee that the NEO adapter will function correctly with an iPod if the iPod is broken or
damaged or not supported.
• We are not liable for the misuse of this product. Misuse includes improper installation, damage to the board
or radio while trying to install it, and the illegal use of the radio.
a) The Neo Car Audio adapter set consists of the 3V9 interface, one iPod dock cable, and one vehicle-specific
cable with optional accessories.
NEO ProLink 3v9 Interface (1) Docking cable (2) Vehicle specific cable (3)
Figure 1. Package contents
b) The basic package does not include the optional accessories that you can purchase separately:
6FT 3.5mm phone jack cable with USB charging v9-AUXUSB Bluetooth Dongle (
Figure 2. Optional Accessories (sold separately)
c) The basic wiring diagram of the NEO Car Audio ProLink adapter is detailed in Figure 3:
BLUBTDV9
)
1.6 Important Compatibility Notes
If your vehicle is equipped with an external factory CD changer, you must disconnect it in order to install the
interface. You will lose the use of the external CD changer to gain the use of your iPod, Bluetooth or MP3 player.
Any built-in CD changers will remain working.
Figure 3. Basic wiring diagram.
Vehicle harness (1)
Black wire (2)
Bolt (3)
.
Chapter 2 – General Installation
2.1 Installation location:
Most installations will require you to remove the factory radio in order to plug in the vehicle-specific harness. For
some vehicles, you will also have the option of connecting the interface to the factory pre-run CD changer cable
located in the trunk or glove box.
2.2 Tools needed:
In many cases, no special tools are required to remove the stereo. For some stereos, it is better to use car stereo
removal tools. Please consult your local car audio shop or your vehicle’s dealership for instructions or assistance as
necessary.
2.3 Preparation and adapter installation
1. Remove all CD’s from Head Unit or CD Changer then turn off car engine and remove key from ignition
2. If your radio uses a Security Code, make sure that you have the code before unplugging the radio.
3. Un-mount your radio from the dash in order to gain access to the back side of the radio. Some vehicles
require special tools to remove the radio. Please consult your vehicle’s dealership or a local car audio
professional as necessary.
4. Attach the car harness connector to the back of the stereo via the CD changer port. Connect it firmly without
forcing it. Connect the other end to the interface
5. VW / AUDI / Seat / Skoda : there is a single black cable on the vehicle specific harness (3) you will
need to attach it to the metal part of the car stereo chassis or other grounding location. Failure to attach the
black cable to the chassis of the stereo or other ground will mean that the NEO adapter will not work!
Remove the PVC from the end of the black wire (2)
(a) Connect the end of the black wire (2) to the metal part of the car stereo chassis or ground. You can
connect it under the bolt (3) if present
(b) Make sure solid contact is maintained between the striped black wire and the metal part of the car
stereo body.
6. For AUDI vehicles only: For some AUDI headunits an additional part or harness modification is required in
order to gain the access to the CD changer port. The 8-pin CD changer port on such stereos is occupied by
a solid 20-pin connector. Please contact NEO Car Audio to get a special harness to retain factory
connections
7. For BMW vehicles only: Please refer to the installation insert for the special guidelines for BMW
installation.
8. For Toyota/Honda vehicles only:
In some Toyota/Lexus/Scion and Honda/Acura vehicles the CD changer port is occupied with a factory harness
(such as NAV or audio harness). The NEO package for Toyota/Lexus or Honda/Acura includes a Y shaped
vehicle cable. In order to connect the interfaces properly please follow to the scheme below.
If the car has no NAV or XM leave the female end of the Toyota or Honda (HON1) harness open.
9. Connect Ipod Cable to the EXT2 Port and connect optional AUX or BT to the EXT1 port
10. Once the interface is connected to the radio, you will need to test the operation of the interface before re-
assembling the dash.
11. Turn your car stereo on and switch it to CD Changer mode using the Disc / Mode / CD / AUX buttons (depending
on the stereo type) on your car stereo until it shows Disc 1, Track 01 on the display. You may have to press CD
twice to access CD Changer mode.
12. Connect the iPod cable to the iPod. Turn on the iPod. You should now hear iPod music coming from the car
stereo speakers.
Once the operation of the interface is confirmed, you may continue with the installation. If you experience
difficulties with the installation, please see our troubleshooting section.
13. Find a place where you can place the module. In many cars there is enough room inside the dashboard to place
the module.
Note: Make sure you mount the module in a place with enough room so that, when you re-mount the car stereo,
you do not break the adapter.
14. You may use the glove box or other spaces on the dash to direct the audio cables out.
15. Re-mount your car stereo, making sure its clips or screws are secure.
Adapter mounting in the trunk (for VW and BMW only)
1. Locate the trunk mounting cable in your car (usually located along the left side of the car in the back).
2. Disconnect the existing CD changer, if present.
3. Attach the matching cables
Note for BMW trunk installation:
Some BMW’s are factory wired for a cellular phone. Except for wire location, the factory cellular phone connector looks
identical to the factory 3-pin connector used for the CD changer. The CORRECT 3-pin connector for the CD changer has
a BROWN wire (ground) in the #1 pin position. Please make certain you use this connector.
The INCORRECT factory cellular phone connector has a BROWN wire in the center position—DO NOT USE THIS
CONNECTOR.
Chapter 2.2 – Neo Interface Installation into BMW cars
Dashboard Mounting Instructions
Picture 1
Tools needed
1. A wire strip tool (optional)
Preparation
1. Turn off the car engine and remove the key from the ignition
2. Using the stereo removal tools carefully remove the radio from the dashboard
3. Locate the vehicle specific cable and Posi-Tap clips that came with your adapter (picture 1)
4. At the back of the stereo locate the harness that connects your radio to the car. It should have pins
like those shown below (either of two shown) in diagram 1. If your radio has a 12 pin connector,
skip the first column of pins (pins 1 & 7) and connect 10 pin connector as shown in diagram 2.
Diagram 1
Diagram 2
5. The 3 (three) wires coming out of adapter’s vehicle specific cables are color coded: black, red, and
white. You will need to connect those wires to the appropriate car stereo wires, following diagram
1 above
6. To simplify the installation, 3 Posi-Tap clips have been included with the adapter: one red and two
blue. Use the red posi-tap to connect the BUS wire, and the blue posi-taps to connect two other
wires. Please refer to the picture below for the proper wire connection (picture 2)
Adapter installation
7. Locate appropriate wires on the car stereo harness (refer to the diagram 1 above)
8. Connect the wires using Posi-taps provided according to the harness diagram and the color of the
adapter wire.
9. The wires that come from your stereo are “HOT” wires referring to the picture 2. Attention: Don’t
forget to strip the free hanging wires from your vehicle specific harness (picture two).
WARNING! NEVER CUT ANY WIRES THAT COME FROM YOUR STEREO!
10. If you have any problems with using posi-taps please contact us for the help.
11. Use the 10 pin black connecter (audio cable) coming out of adapter’s vehicle specific harness and
attach it as shown on diagram 1 to the car stereo (shown as dotted rectangle with ‘+’ signs).
Note: Make sure that two orange wires on that connector are pointing up (as in picture 4)!
Picture 4
12. Find a safe accessible place to secure the module.
13. You may use glove box or other spaces in the dash to direct the cables out
14. Mount your car stereo back into the dash, make sure its clips are securely fastened
15. Now you can turn you car stereo on and switch it over to CD Changer mode. It should show Disk
1, Track 01 on a display. If it is not - see the troubleshooting section below.
16. Congratulations! You have installed your Neo adapter and you may use it right now with your
portable player.
Chapter 3- Usage manual
3.1 Supported iPods
4th Gen iPod and newer / Nano 1st, 2nd, 3rd, 5th Gen and Nano-chromatic / iPod Video / iPod Photo / iPod Classic
1st and 2nd Gen / iPod Touch 1st and 2nd Gen / iPhone / iPhone 3G / iPhone 3GS / iPhone 4 / iPhone 4S / iPhone
5 (with Lightning Adapter).
3.2 Basic features
The 3V9-iPod adapter has two modes of operation:
3.2.1 Simple mode:
iPod stays unlocked. Your iPod can be controlled via its clickwheel or via car stereo controls. The information
displayed on your car stereo does not represent the actual song position on the iPod (the song’s number). There is
no need to prepare your iPod to play in this mode. The simple mode is always selectable by choosing CD1 (DISC1)
from the car stereo. To switch to advanced mode, just select any disk other than 1. Please refer to the section 3.3
of this manual for the description of the supported operations in the Simple Mode.
Your iPod is locked for control and only operated via car stereo buttons. In this mode all data is synched between
the stereo and iPod which allows you to see current information such as track time, number and playlist (disc)
number. Text is also available for certain stereos. In order to use this mode you have to prepare your iPod as
explained below.
The advanced mode is always on for disks 2-9. To switch to simple mode just select DISC 1
“Ok to disconnect” is shown on the iPod display while it is connected to this unit. The clickwheel of the iPod is
disabled when in this mode.
3.3 Supported operations in Simple Mode
In simple mode, your iPod behaves in its usual fashion, with the clickwheel and display being functional. The following
controls are possible from the car stereo:
- Next track
When pressed on the car stereo, the iPod will jump to the next song and the car stereo track number will increase
by 1.
- Previous track
When pressed on the car stereo, the iPod will jump to the previous song and the car stereo track number will
decrease by 1
- Fast Forward
When pressed, the iPod will start moving quickly through the current track.
- Fast Reverse
When pressed, the iPod will start rewinding the current track.
- Play/Pause
When the stereo is turned to the CD changer mode, the iPod will automatically start playing. Turning the stereo
off or switching to another source (FM, AM, etc.) will cause the iPod to pause the current track.
- Disk Change
When changing the disk other than 1 the iPod will switch to the Advanced Mode
None of the information displayed during the simple mode is related to the song currently playing. The
display will show: DISC 1 TRACK xx TIME 00:00. Track information can change from 00-99.
3.4 Supported operations in Advanced Mode
In advanced mode iPod controls will be locked and the following operations will be supported:
- Next track
When pressed on car stereo, iPod will jump to the next song and car stereo track number will represent song
number in a current playlist
- Previous track
When pressed on car stereo, iPod will jump to the previous song and car stereo track number will represent song
number in a current playlist
- Fast Forward
When pressed iPod will start rewinding current track forward. Time on car stereo will represent actual position
within the audio track
- Fast Reverse
When pressed iPod will start rewinding current track backward. Time on car stereo will represent actual position
within the audio track
- Play/Pause
When stereo is turned into CD changer mode the iPod will automatically start playing in simple mode at the last
- Scan
Allow to skip tracks by 10 when set. Next track will jump to current track+10. Previous track will jump to current
track-10. It is helpful to skip the whole album (usually ~10 songs)
- Disk Change
When you select Disk 2-9, iPod will stay in Advanced Mode and will resume last playing track in a playlist. Once
DISK 1 is selected, iPod will switch over to Simple Mode
- Mix/Random
When turned on it will allow playing songs in a shuffle mode through the whole playlist. The track enumeration will
start from 1. When switched off, track enumeration will be restored to the real order in the playlist.
- Repeat
When turned on, will play first track in the playlist after the last track is played.
The display will show disk number, track number and track time of the currently playing track.
3.5 Playlists set up for advanced mode
To use your iPod in Advanced Mode you have to define playlists. The number of playlists depends on the stereo
(usually 5-8). We recommend naming the playlists starting with the number according to the desirable disc position.
1-Andy’s songs
2-Disco dance
3-Favorites
4-House rhythms
5-Smooth Jazz
“1-Andy’s songs” will be mapped to Disc 2; “2-Disco dance” will be mapped to DISC 3, and so on. Therefore selecting
DISC 2 on car stereo will play “1-Andy’s songs” playlist; DISC 3 will select “3-Disco songs” and so on.
Note: For stereos with disc ^ and disc V you may set up to 10 playlists, on some stereos up to 99.
We strongly recommend that you organize your songs into playlists and enumerate them for proper operation of this unit.
If your iPod does not have playlists/songs it may cause unpredictable outcomes and improper operation of the
unit.
EMPTY PLAYLISTS MAY ALSO CAUSE UNPREDICTABLE BEHAVIOURS, ESPECIALLY EMPTY PLAYLISTS THAT
ARE LOCATED IN THE MIDDLE OF ALL OTHER PLAYLISTS.
Note for iPhone users: Once connected to the NEO adapter, your iPhone will register a message stating “This
accessory is not made to work with iPhone.” Simply dismiss the message. It may also ask if you want to “Turn ON the
Airplane Mode.” Please answer “NO”. If the stereo still does not recognize the iPhone, please restart the iPhone
3.6 When the car ignition is OFF
When you turn your car stereo or car ignition off, the iPod will pause, it will then go into sleep mode or other default mode
after being paused. In sleep mode, the iPod will still consume power—although very little—from the car battery. The iPod
is NOT charging when ignition is off. There is no need to disconnect the iPod every time you turn off your car.
However, it is strongly advised that you disconnect the iPod if you do not plan to operate your car for extended
periods.
3.7 Using EXT1 for AUX-IN on your NEO 3V9 adapter
You can connect any alternative audio sources such as MP3 player, DVD, GPS, XM and etc. to the Neo Car Audio
adapter via Mini Din to RCA and 3.5mm phone jack cable (must be purchased separately, is not included in the basic
package). Connect MiniDin end of the cable to the adapter. Connect 3.5mm end to the audio source. Turn ON the audio
source and the stereo. Put stereo into CD changer mode. The music will start playing. We recommend that you unplug the
iPod/iPhone from the dock connector if you are using the AUX-IN RCA 3.5mm cable on Neo Car Audio adapter. If you
don’t unplug the iPod/iPhone and connect the 3.5mm audio source at the same time some sound interference may occur.
3.8 Using EXT1 for Bluetooth connection on your Neo Car Audio 3V9 adapter
You may connect the NEO Bluetooth Dongle to the EXT port on the 3V9 adapter for the hands free use of your mobile
phone and wireless music play. Please refer to the NEO Bluetooth Dongle manual that is supplied with your Bluetooth
Dongle. You can also access the manual online at NEO Car Audio website http://neocaraudio.com/pdf/BLUBTDV9.pdf
The Bluetooth and iPod cables can be connected at the same time and work simultaneously.
3.9 Troubleshooting
Symptom Cause Remedy
No power Bad connection Check connections. Make sure unit has good
ground. Insure all cables are connected
securely with no bent pins.
Radio is not recognizing
iPod interface
You can hear music from
the iPod but you can’t
control it from the stereo
You can’t hear the music
from the iPod
The music is distorted EQ or BASS boost options are turned ON on
For VAG only:
Radio is not recognizing
iPod interface
For BMW only:
Radio is not recognizing
iPod interface
Audio is coming only
from 1 speaker
Audio is not coming from
the speakers
Some car stereos have to be restarted before
the radio recognizes the signal
iPod needs to be reset
or
iPod cable is not connected to correct port
An empty album or playlist is selected on the
iPod
or
No CD changer is selected
the iPod
Single black wire on the vehicle specific
harness (3) is not attached to the stereo
chassis ( stereo body)
iBus wire is loose
Sometimes when using T-Tap clips, the IBus
wire may not receive proper connection due
to its wire size.
The 10-pin sound connector is not aligned
correctly
The audio cable is not inserted properly.
After connecting the adapter turn the ignition
off and back on. You may also have to press
CD twice to access the correct mode.
Reset the iPod (resetting will not erase your
music, it will only restart the iPod)
Make sure iPod cable is connected to IPOD
port
Make sure that the non-empty album or
playlist is selected on the iPod
Make sure CD changer, SAT mode or AUX is
selected ( correct key depends on your
stereo)
Make sure all EQ and BASS boost options
are turned OFF on your iPod
Attach the black cable to the car stereo body
Make sure it is properly grounded
Make sure the IBus wire is securely attached
by using multimeter or slightly tighten the T-
Tap connector so its slot is smaller.
Make sure that 10-pin sound connector on
vehicle cable is aligned correctly
Make sure that the audio cable inserted
properly.
3.10 Support
For questions or technical support please visit http://neocaraudio.com/support.html Your question will be
answered by the first available representative.
Chapter 4. Warranty, license agreement and disclaimers
One Year Limited Warranty
The quality controls used in the manufacture of this product ensure your satisfaction. This warranty applies only to the original purchaser of this product
from an authorized dealer. This warranty covers any supplied or manufactured parts of this product that, upon inspection by NEO CAR AUDIO authorized
personnel, is found to have failed in normal use due to defects in material or workmanship. This warranty does not apply to installation expenses. Operating
this unit under conditions other than those recommended or voltages other than the voltage indicated on the unit, or attempting to service or modify the unit,
will render this WARRANTY VOID. Unless otherwise proscribed by law, NEO CAR AUDIO shall not be liable for any personal injury, property damage
or any incidental or consequential damages of any kind (including water damage) resulting from malfunctions, defects, misuse, improper installation or
alteration of this product.
All parts of this NEO CAR AUDIO product are guaranteed for a period of 1 year as follows:
Within the first 12 months from date of purchase, subject to the conditions above, NEO CAR AUDIO will repair or replace the product if it is defective in
material or workmanship providing it is returned to NEO CAR AUDIO, with PROOF OF PURCHASE from an authorized dealer. If you have a problem
with this product, please call or write to our Customer Service Dept.
All warranty repairs must have a RMA number from our service department. Contact Neo Car Audio for further warranty repair info.
Warning:
1. This equipment may be reset by unintentional electrostatic discharge during operation. Exposure to direct sunlight or extreme heat may cause
damage or malfunction.
2. Do not disassemble or alter the cable and interface box.
3. Make the connections correctly
4. Do not cut away the wire sheath and use the power for other equipments.
5. Do not install in locations which might hinder vehicle operation or create hazards for vehicle occupants.
6. Have the wiring and installation done by professionals.
7. Arrange wiring so it is not crimped or pinched.
8. Do not use this product for purposes other than stated for the vehicle.
Caution:
1. The ACC Switch Output Connector has 10mA drive capability only. You must use a relay if higher ACC power output is required.
2. Use of headphones while operating an automobile or moving vehicle is not recommended and is unlawful in some countries and areas.
3. Be careful and attentive on the road. Stop operation of the Neo Adapter if you find it disruptive or distracting while driving. The driver of a motor
vehicle should not operate the Neo Adapter while driving.
FCC Class B Radio Frequency Interference Statement
This equipment has been tested and found to comply with the limits for a Class B digital device, pursuant to Part 15 of FCC rules. These limits are
designed to provide reasonable protection against harmful interference in a residential installation. This equipment generates, uses, and can radiate radio
frequency energy and, if not installed and used in accordance with the instructions, may cause harmful interference to radio communications. However,
there is no guarantee that interference will not occur in a particular installation. If this equipment does cause harmful interference to radio or television
reception, which can be determined by turning the equipment off and on, the user is encourages to try to correct the interference by one or more of the
following measures:
1. Reorient or relocate the receiving antenna.
2. Increase the separation between the equipment and receiver.
3. Connect the equipment into an outlet on a circuit different from that to which the receiver is connected.
4. Consult the dealer or an experienced radio/television technician for help.
Notice 1: The changes or modifications not expressly approved by the party responsible for compliance could void the user authority to operate the
equipment.
Notice 2: Shielded interface cables, if any, must be used in order to comply with the emission limits.
Copyrights, warnings, and other information
The illustrations, technical information, data and descriptions contained in this publication are subject to change without notice. This publication, together
with all information contained in it, and all intellectual property rights on this publication remain the property of NEO CAR AUDIO. The user may not
pass this publication on to third parties. No liability will be accepted for any inaccuracies or omissions in this publication, although due care has been
taken to make it as complete and accurate as possible
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