21ˢᵗ Century Fiat / Abarth 124 Spider

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courtesy of: Tazilon ♦ original photo credit: Michel Deslauriers

I really like the 124 Spider Italia’s logo! That should be the official emblem 😉

ameridan’s   RADIO  SILENCER

for
FIAT^® 124 SPIDERS  with FIAT CONNECT 7.0 Infotainment Systems

… can also be used in
All Mazda^® vehicles with MAZDA CONNECT 7.0 Infotainment Systems

Since a primary function of the CMU (Connectivity Master Unit) is apparently to serve as a go-between device linking HS-CAN and MS-CAN protocols within the vehicle, there is no power switch.  If your vehicle doesn’t have the 7″ touchscreen though, there is no CMU, so I gather that it isn’t necessarily a required go-between, but it does provide for a convenient interface to personalize many preferences, rather than having to go to the dealer to alter default settings for you.

To the typical driver looking at the display of their “tablet” radio though, that purpose and function is probably unknown, and begs the question…

“Where’s the switch to turn the radio off?”

Since no option currently exists to turn the “radio” off, other than muting the audio system, I’ve come up with an inexpensive hardware alternative.

Introducing Ameridan’s Radio Silencer:

• no surprise FM music when transitioning in/out of Bluetooth audio or Android Auto / CarPlay modes, especially as you shutdown/restart your vehicle
• allowing you to leave volume level alone to experience normal audio behavior of all other audio phone calls and messages (navigation guidance announcements have their own volume setting)
• no huge “Mute” icon obliterating your screen, resulting in the entertainment menus being inaccessible until canceled
• rather than turning the volume down to zero while a radio station is tuned in, with the station’s ID, advertisements, song titles and perhaps even album art constantly changing, enjoy your background image in the AUX screen mode instead

Instructions:

1. Unless you wish to use the AUX input as an actual audio source, simply plug Ameridan’s Radio Silencer into your AUX jack and leave it there (it is minimal in size and there are no wires attached to clutter up your cockpit and get tangled with your USB cable(s), and the black color blends in well with your USB / AUX ports panel).
2. Whenever you want your radio off, simply select AUX as your audio source. Besides using either the Commander knob or the touch screen, you can invoke the selection using voice command by saying “Ox” or “Play Ox” (interpreted as Aux) or “Play Auxiliary” or “Go to Aux”.  The AUX setting will remain, even after shutting down your vehicle and restarting, until you select another audio source, as long as you leave Ameridan’s Radio Silencer plugged in.

NOTE: If you have your phone paired via Bluetooth for listening to music, it will override your selected audio source if within range and powered on – until it becomes un-paired, when your system will return to your previously selected audio source.  If you have selected AUX in conjunction with Ameridan’s Radio Silencer,  the only audio you will hear are your navigation guidance announcements (providing you’ve entered a destination).

Although I’ve had a link here for almost 3 years, giving these away to U.S. readers as thanks to donations to my coffee fund, after going through my initial order of 500 pieces, I’ve decided not to order another bulk lot of these 3.5 mm audio plugs.

As an alternative, you might consider cutting the 3.5 mm plug off of some old ear buds, but make sure it’s a clean cut, so that the pair of copper wires aren’t touching each other.

♦♦♦♦♦

If you are just becoming familiar with your 124 Spider, you might consider reading my introductory article, to get the best experience during your first drives – Pre-delivery Reminders.

Also, be sure to check out my tweaks page for other ways to improve your experience with your Infotainment Center, my control buttons blog page for more on the Commander interface panel, and my navigation blog page for more on adding/using that option to your Infotainment Center.