FTO standard CD Changer

[Mustang]

I have a standard (single din) mitsubishi head unit in my car with boot mounted CD changer. I'm looking into replacing the head unit, but want to retain the original CD changer. Therefore the new unit would have to be compatible with the CD changer.
Question is does anyone know who is the original equipment manufacturer of the standard CD changer, and following on from that does any know the 'protocol' that is used? (From my limited knowledge it's not just a case of matching the manufacturer e.g. sony head unit, sony CD changer. AFAIK the protocols used are specific, at least that's the case with remote hand contols, think the same applies to CD changers!)
Any advice welcome.

Mustang

[CJ]

Is there any branding on the cd changer, is it 6\10\12 disk? If its a standard Mitsi is probably made by Panasonic\Matsushita.

CJ

[Mustang]

CJ,
It's the 6CD changer. Pretty sure there's no branding. I'm inclined to think it's Panasonic. Think the labelling looks similar to other Panasonic stuff I've seen but it's only a guess at this stage.
Mustang

[CJ]

It's the 6CD changer. Pretty sure there's no branding. I'm inclined to think it's Panasonic. Think the labelling looks similar to other Panasonic stuff I've seen but it's only a guess at this stage.

I've taken a look in CAPS and I can't find anthing relating to a CD changer in a GR (or any other model for that matter), if you want to send me over your chassis number I can have deeper dig. If its is Panasonic then you should be able to match it up with a head unit from the same manufacturer pretty easily, the connector at the head unit end may be different but you should be able to get an adaper handy enough. If you don't want to limit your preference to one model, I'd consider getting a head unit\changer package, that way, you can double the capacity, later models tend to have better skip protection built in as well.

CJ

[Mustang]

Thanks CJ.
I might have a look through CAPS myself. This particular project is low on the list of priorities for the moment. Your post relating to the CD changer got me thinking though.
BTW think I may have been wrong with regard to the protocol issue, after doing some more research I think that just relates to interfacing stalk controls, etc, with the head unit.

Mustang

[kevinod]

There is something there alright, looked into it a little when I was looking at putting a stereo/changer in mine. I know for VW stock radios you can get adapters to use a lot of different CD changers (not JVC strangely enough) but I've seen here and there where you can only access the first 6 cds then, guess its the head unit limitation but not sure. There seemed to be very little mixing and matching between heads and changers from what I saw.

I'd be inclined to chat to someone in a car stereo shop (decent stereo place rather than a car shop that happens to sell a few radios) and see what they know about it. SecureSounds on Coburg street in Cork would be an example, specialists in car ICE - heads, changers, amps, leads, all that kinda stuff.

If you're looking to change your head unit you could easily get a head/changer package, from what I've seen on the forums the stock 6cd changers tend to lock up? Also, I've seen guys mention the MP3 cds - you can get changers that take MP3 cds, so have 10 mp3 cds in there, never need to change cds again!

Good selection on Ebay.co.uk, automotive, In car entertainment, worth looking at. Got my Sony head/changer for ~160euros, and ok its used but a new one was €350+ locally, and the used one I got is in good nick and works perfectly.

Kev.

[CJ]

Good selection on Ebay.co.uk, automotive, In car entertainment, worth looking at. Got my Sony head/changer for ~160euros, and ok its used but a new one was €350+ locally, and the used one I got is in good nick and works perfectly.

Can't agree more, I bought my amps, speakers and headunit off ebay, the head unit was nearly new and I saved over €400 over a new unit (rrp €600 at the time). I was in a situation where I wanted to match up my existing 12 disk changer with a head unit, all I need was a JVC 'J-link' adapder to finish things off. Now its looking like I'll have to buy a changer to match the head unit!

CJ

[pergau]

I took mine apart a while ago - combination of stuck CD and inquisitiveness but it's a Panasonic.

[Mustang]

Nice one pergau.
Cheers

[steelroe]

It is a panasonic, and a panasonic dealer should be able to find a compatible head unit without any bother. I have done this with other brands previously i.e JVC

The part number for the changer and CD cassette are in CAPS program.