[General Accessories] hays:
Review

Xcarlink - My Review

I was a little bit nervous about purchasing a Xcarlink as there didn't seem to be much said on this forum about what it was like

I didn't want to fit an aftermarket bluetooth car stereo for a few of reasons

1. I prefer the factory fitted look

2. I didn't want the hassle of wiring changes

3. I would forget to remove the face panel - meaning it would get nicked and my window would be smashed

The xcarlink unit is fairly unique as it gives you

Bluetooth handsfree and A2DP

Line In (headphone socket)

USB (flashdisk)

I've never seen a device to offer all 3 options

Also it is one of the few solutions that allow you to still use the cd autochanger

I ordered from www.xcarlink.co.uk

This company is the UK importer for this product. I knew it would be quicker than buying from China, and they offered a money back guarantee if I didn't like the product, which clinched the deal

It was delivered the next day by Royal Mail Special Delivery - excellent service from www.xcarlink.co.uk for getting it out so fast

The package had everything that I needed

Xcarlink interface

Wiring loom/ adaptor (for Audi A4)

Instructions

Radio removal keys (Audi)

USB extension lead and card reader

Aux line in lead (3.5mm - 3.5mm)

Bluetooth module

Fitting

First I removed my audi head unit using the special keys

Then I unplugged the CD autochanger wiring loom from the rear of the head unit

The xcarlink's wiring is basically a male plug and a female socket

I plugged the male part of the xcarlink loom into the head unit

then plugged the previously removed cd autochanger loom into the female xcarlink socket

Then fixed a ground wire to some existing wiring then threaded to other end of the xcarlink loom into my glovebox, where the xcarlink unit itself was to be kept (very compact unit - palm sized)

AND that was it !!!

All working, although bluetooth needed a little bit of a play. No instructions included re the bluetooth which was the only real negative

I then tidied up my cabling, hiding it and avoiding the need for any holes to be drilled and mounted the bluetooth control module on my dashboard

A bonus was that I found the usb socket on the front of the xcarlink, which is meant for a flashcard, actually powers my orbit. The benefit being I was able to tidy up my existing orbit car power, avoiding the need for a bulky cig lighter adaptor

I had a a bit of an issue getting my Orbit to stream it's music - requiring me to goto bluetooth manager each time I wanted to use it

This has been resolved by downloading A2DPToggle freeware

Now I press one button, it starts my bluetooth and my prefered software (S2P)

It also enables wireless stereo mode so everything just works - cool

Sound Quality is great. A very slight buzz if no sound is playing. Nothing bad and barely noticeable - I am fussy !!!

Bluetooth Car kit - my caller said I sounded loud and clear

If I use TomTom and run music, the tom tom intructions come over the music

All in all I am very pleased. I was never happy with transmitters and extra wiring. This is just the right product

And shock horror, if I ever go off a Windows Mobile phone, I still have all options covered for connectivity

Recommended - suitable for DIY installation, everything made simple by each kit being matched to your type of vehicle

Great Service from www.xcarlink.co.uk

I will see if I can get a discount for XDA members

****UPDATE enter "xdadevelopers" at the checkout for 15% discount****