We do not really think about the device of the car player until the moment when it regularly performs its functional duties, that is, it plays music with high quality, receives radio broadcasts, and the like. But when, for some reason, when a device is broken or replaced with a newer model, you have to get it out of the standard socket, or rather install the device in its place, the number of multi-colored wires, plugs and connectors puts the driver in a state of stupor.

What is iso connector and adapter for car radio

It is precisely in order to avoid the intervention of a completely ignorant person in the auto-wiring and serious damage to sound-reproducing equipment, there is an iso connector or a Euro connector, which is located on the back of the radio tape recorder. Well, the iso adapter, as is already clear from its name, is a device that allows you to independently connect to it any modern car radio with a Euro connector without rude interference with a standard electrician, while completely preserving the previous functionality and the ability to connect other auto equipment through standard connections.

Features of adapters and iso connectors

The discrepancy between the shape and size of both the iso output socket on the car player and the adapter plug from the standard electrics of the car can hardly be called technical features. Rather, it is a problem and an unnecessary headache for the motorist. The fact is that many manufacturers of audio equipment, as well as car manufacturers, supply their equipment with custom-shaped Euro connectors.

Moreover, on different models of the same company, these sockets may differ from each other. But this can be called a worldwide practice. A striking example of this is the mismatch of chargers between brands and models of cell phones. Moreover, the cost of an iso adapter for a radio tape recorder is by no means small. The average price of a good quality device is about 500-600 rubles. Manufacturers are pleased, but car owners? Soothes only one thing. It is not difficult to buy an iso adapter for a Pioneer radio tape recorder (Sony, JVC, etc.). We will tell you in more detail about some of the features of connecting an iso adapter for a radio tape recorder to Ford Focus 2 cars (Cadillac, Chevrolet Aveo T250, Toyota, Renault).

Iso adapter device for radio tape recorders

A standard adapter consists of the following parts:

• Shoe of an eight-pin rectangular plug that fits into the iso outlet on the radio;
• Plume;
• Divided into two parts or a single block at the other end of the cable train.

One of the parts (halves) of the connector is responsible for the power supply from the car's electrical system. In the diagrams, it is indicated by the letter A and is performed in brown.

The other, B, is painted black and connects car speakers.

Sometimes you can find adapter devices with a third connector (arbitrary color). They are intended to connect additional equipment to the car player;

• Satellite navigation system;
• Amplifiers;
• Side and rear view cameras and the like.

Pinout of the Euroadapter cable

Pinout - designation of the performed functions of wires and contacts in the device by color:

• Brown block, letter A. Power circuits.
• Yellow wire - connection to the vehicle battery.
• Red color - contact with the ignition key.
• The black wire is the mass of the vehicle.
• White (blue) - antenna wire.
• The black block is responsible for the distribution of contacts to the rear and front (left, right) speakers of the car's acoustic system.

Features of connecting an iso adapter for a radio tape recorder to a Cadillac

There are no fundamental technical differences between an iso adapter for a Toyota radio tape recorder or an iso adapter for a Renault radio tape recorder. And it can't be. For the reason that iso is a generally accepted world standard for goods, services and technologies, designed to unite and thereby increase the level of effective interaction between various industries in different countries and consumers. That is, in our case, for example, an iso adapter for a Sony radio tape recorder from the same one, but for a Pioneer player, will differ only by the company that released it, dividing the adapter into one or two heads and the price. And, of course, what we mentioned at the beginning of our article, the external form.

The very connection of the car radio is made by a simple connection through an adapter from the player to the systems of the car.

Toyota

Adapter from manufacturer Intro. Responsible for connecting the power supply and acoustic (sound) signal from the ISO-connector to the standard socket of the radio tape recorder for Japanese-made cars:

• Toyota;
• Lexus;
• Daihatsu.

Renault

ISO-adapter from the manufacturer Intro for quick connection of a modern multimedia system (MMC) or other non-standard device (radio) to the place of the factory device. An adapter of high quality performance at an affordable price, recommended for installation on cars of the brand:

• Peugeot;
• Citroen;
• Renault manufactured after 2005.

This technical adapter is a plug for connecting to the standard connector of the player and a block for car electrical wiring. Without any special tools in a short amount of time.

Recently, more and more of our compatriots are paying attention to the arrangement of acoustic systems in their cars. Today, there are many solutions to ensure high-quality sound of car radios. From this material you can find out what the ISO connector of the radio is and what is its pinout.

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What is ISO connector?

The radio ISO connector is a European-certified audio system plug. In fact, such a device is an analogue of our national GOST. It should be noted that most modern audio systems are equipped with just such connectors, usually there are two of them. In this case, each of them is made in the form of a plug with 8 contacts, but depending on the manufacturer, both plugs can be combined into one design.

One of the data is equipped with power circuits, since voltage sources must be connected to it. These outputs are marked with the letter A and are usually gray (brown). As for the second connector, its purpose is to connect acoustics or speakers. Such outputs are marked with the letter B and they are usually painted black.

Some vehicle models have speakers with three outputs. But such connectors can be called the exception, but not the rule. In any case, even if the radio has a non-standard connector, it can still be connected to the car's acoustics. For this, either an ISO adapter can be used, or the connection can be made directly by cutting off the contacts and connecting them directly.

Of course, this is a preferable option, since in this case the car owner will be able to dismantle the head unit at any time and replace it with another one. If you do not use the adapter, but directly, then later, to replace the audio system, you will need to cut the wires and still install the adapter. Well, or you will again cut the connector on the new radio tape recorder and connect it to the car's on-board network directly.

Pinout and why do you need to know it?

It often happens that when buying a car in the salon or with hands, the new car owner is not satisfied with the sound quality, technical characteristics or functionality of the head unit installed in the car. And when the new owner of the car decides to replace the radio tape recorder with his own hands, he may face a problem when all the cables used for connection have been mixed up. Or at all, their connectors do not match the newly purchased audio system (the author of the video is the Garage TV KR channel).

If so, then it will be useful for the car owner to learn about the pinout. After all, most likely, the optimal solution would be to install an adapter, which can be found in any store with car audio. If you have an adapter on hand, you only need to correctly pinout the plug, and for this, in turn, you need to know about the purpose of the wires. First, let's look at the pinout of the top connector.

As a rule, pins numbered 1, 2, 3 and 6 are not used, especially when it comes to cheaper radios. They are used to connect additional functionality in more modern devices.

For example, these four pins can be used for such functions:

1. ANT. This output is normally enabled when the machine is equipped with a retractable antenna.
2. Thanks to the Remote function, the car owner can connect amplifiers, which in turn will allow connecting more speakers. Typically, this function is implemented in cars with a large interior.
3. The Illumination function is used to adjust the brightness of the radio display color according to the vehicle speed. This option is designed so that the driver is not distracted by controlling the head unit. At high speed, the display dims, and when the machine stops, the brightness returns to the original mode.
4. The Mute option can be used when connecting a mobile gadget to an audio system. When the phone receives a call, the radio automatically activates this function, which helps to reduce the volume of the music or turn it off altogether.
5. The contact marked with the number 4 is usually used to activate the acoustics (the author of the video is the azion channel).

As for the pinout of the contacts directly:

1. Contact number 5 is for connecting the antenna adapter. This wire is rated for a maximum current of 300 microamperes. If the current strength is higher, this can lead to breakdown of the amplifier stage, and in some cases to failure of the radio as a whole.
2. Pin 6 is responsible for the illumination of the audio system.
3. As for the output number 7, it is usually a red wire, it is used to power the volatile memory of the head unit. If for some reason this output is not connected or there is an open circuit in the circuit, which happens periodically, this will lead to a complete reset of all settings. That is, the car radio will return to the factory settings. The voltage level on this wire is 12 volts.
4. Another pin at number 8 has a black wire. It connects to the mass of the vehicle, that is, to its body.

As for the bottom connector, as we have already said, it is used to connect acoustics. It is used in any case, because without it, the sound will simply be absent.

So what is its pinout:

1. Contact B1, is made in a purple wire, this is the rear right plus.
2. This pin has a black / purple wire and is fed to the negative of the rear right speaker.
3. Contact number 3 is made in gray and is connected to the plus of the front right speaker.
4. This output is equipped with a black and gray cable that must be connected to the negative side of the front right speaker.
5. This output has a white cable, it is connected to the positive connector of the speaker installed in the front left door.
6. The black and white wire, output B6, is connected to ground, that is, to the minus of the speaker installed in the left front door.
7. As for the contact number 7, its wire is made in green and the positive output of the speaker installed in the rear left door or on the left side of the shelf is connected to it.
8. To the output numbered 8, the wire of which is black and green, the minus from the speaker located at the rear left is connected.

As you know, most modern audio systems are designed to connect four speakers, and this requires eight wires. As you already understood, two wires are connected to each channel. Remember that the correct flattening plays an important role in the sound quality of the car radio.... Of course, if you mix up the wires when installing the audio system, the speaker will still work. However, the audio system will go into abnormal operation mode, that is, the sound quality will be spoiled.

A bit of theory: the pinout of the ISO connector of the radio is a determination by the functionality of the contacts in the plugs, in accordance with their numbering. The ISO connector of the radio is a connector for connecting the car's head unit, certified in accordance with international standards.

Each of these connectors is designed as an eight-pin rectangular plug, sometimes they are combined into one housing.

When trying to independently replace, for example, a car player from Pioneer with a JVC, car owners are faced with a situation where the wires in the plug are reversed or even do not fit the shapes of the connectors. In order to resolve this issue, you need to buy an iso plug, which is sold in any auto parts store. After that, pinout the head unit connector according to the diagram.

Standard wiring diagrams

1DIN and 2DIN standards

All car radios can be conditionally divided into two types, which are installed by car manufacturers.

• 1DIN standard (single block);
• 2DIN standard (two-block).

European brands prefer 1DIN.

№1	Empty
№2	Empty
№3	Empty
№4	Permanent food
№5	Antenna power
№6	Backlight
№7	Ignition
№8	Weight

And Japanese, American and a number of Chinese car brands use the 2DIN standard.

Double ISO connector

If you see 2 plugs, then one of the connectors connects the "power" circuits to the radio tape recorder, that is, current consumption sources are connected to it (in the diagrams with the letter "A" it is colored black). The second connector is needed to connect acoustics (in the diagrams with the letter "B" and is colored brown).

Adapters for ISO connectors

Now on sale there are many types of different adapters for ISO connectors from one model to another, so you do not have to re-solder the plug by connecting it to the radio, but by writing down the model to buy the necessary adapter.

Pinout diagrams of ISO connectors for Pioneer radios

The model name of the Pioneer car radio, the connection diagrams of which are shown above, can be found from the file name of each diagram.

Remember: when you connect the device for the first time, you first need to supply power to the radio tape recorder, and if it lights up and switches as expected, connect the speakers. Otherwise, you can burn not only the audio player, but also expensive car acoustics.

The abundance of multi-colored panels on the stand in the store starts to ripple in the eyes of any customer. What is the reason for such a variety and which car radio is best suited for you, what is the difference between the devices of even the same manufacturer? This article attempts to resolve these issues.

The car radio is the centerpiece of any car audio system. It is no coincidence that this component is also called the head unit of the system. Car radios have many features that often determine the belonging of the device to one class or another and, accordingly, the price level.

ISO connector

Any car radio is a device in a nondescript technological case. Only the front panel looks beautiful and attractive. But in order to assess the level and capabilities of the device, first you should pay attention not to the bright display and, possibly, the unusual appearance of the controls, but to the back wall of the device case. It contains all the main connectors and wires for connecting the device to the system and for connecting additional devices.

The first thing you should pay attention to is the way of connecting the device to the power supply wires and. Here, all radio tape recorders are divided into two types: with a wired connection and equipped with an ISO connector. Most devices today have an ISO connector and only a few are wired. The ISO connector is a two-piece connector. One part connects all the wires going to the power supply, and the other, respectively, the speaker wires. The main advantage of the ISO-connector over the wired connection is that such a connector is provided in most modern cars, and therefore the installation of a radio with an ISO-connector is as simple as possible: you just need to connect the connectors on the car radio and in the car's installation socket. It does not require soldering the wires as with a wired connection, but provides a reliable connection. In short, it is much more convenient and reliable. The ISO connector can either be built into the radio case, or connected to the radio using the wires sold with the unit.

If the radio you have purchased is equipped with an ISO connector, but the car is not, or vice versa, it is recommended to buy an additional ISO connector separately and separate the wiring from it. Thus, you retrofit the car with a universal connector, which will make life much easier in the event of a car radio replacement. Well, if neither the purchased unit nor the car has an ISO connector, then you still have to tinker with the wires.

Line Outputs

Another extremely important element of the rear panel of the car radio are the line outputs of the preamplifier. Sometimes the line outputs look like an ISO connector. In such a situation, to connect to them, you must use the appropriate connector. But in most cases, each line-out consists of two circular connectors (one usually red, the other white) for the right and left channels. Line outputs of this type are called RCA.

The line-out outputs the signal after the preamplifier, which has not passed through the amplifier built into the headunit. Therefore, it is the line outputs that allow you to supplement the audio system with external power amplifiers. And connecting external amplifiers is the most reliable way to significantly improve the quality of the entire car audio system. And it is, of course, not only about louder and more powerful sound. The overall sound quality benefits greatly from adding a suitable external amplifier to the circuit. In addition to amplifiers, you can connect other useful external components to the line outputs, such as an equalizer, crossover, and surround processor. Line outputs are also needed to connect a passive subwoofer, which can only be connected through an external power amplifier.

Low-end radio tape recorders and some mid-range devices are often equipped with only one line-out for front or rear channels. This design allows you to connect external power amplifiers to the appropriate channels only. If you have two line outputs at once, you can amplify both the front and rear channels. As a rule, devices of the middle and higher categories have two line outputs.

Next to the line frequency outputs is the line input. Outwardly, it looks exactly the same as the line-out. The line-in also allows you to connect additional equipment to expand the system. Through it you can connect external sound sources.

Other Rear Panel Items

In addition to line outputs and connectors for power supply and acoustics, on the rear panel of some devices there is a connector for a CD changer. This device can be connected both to cassette recorders and CD-receivers. You can only connect a changer to the radio tape recorder from the same company as the radio tape recorder itself.

There is also a connector for an external antenna on the rear panel. Retrofitting the radio with an external antenna is mandatory for the tuner to work, since no car radio has a built-in antenna.

Case dimensions

For the convenience of installing the device in the corresponding socket of the car, all radio tape recorders have one of the standard sizes. The most common head unit size is 1 din (about 178x50x180 mm), it fits almost all domestic and imported cars. In American and some Japanese cars, the space for the car radio is allocated twice as much, and especially for such salons, manufacturers produce 2 din (approximately 178x100x180 mm) devices. The latter, in addition to the tuner, usually have several additional sound sources at once, for example, a cassette deck and a CD-player, and sometimes even an MD-player. Thus, in one case, you get a whole music center at once. But in most cases, without changing the design of the "torpedo", it is impossible to install such "wide" devices and one has to be content with devices of 1 din size. Here you already have to choose what to buy. Since, in addition to the tuner, such radio tape recorders provide only one additional signal source: a cassette deck, CD or MD-player. In the last two cases, the head units are also called CD or MD-receivers, respectively. Also on sale sometimes there are radio tape recorders of an intermediate size of 1.5 din (approximately 178x75x180 mm), but this is already a rarity.

An ISO connector is used to connect the head speaker unit with wiring, which provides quick installation. The use of a standard plug avoids cable twisting and reduces the risk of acoustic interference and power outages. When replacing the radio, the owner just needs to remove the old device from the standard socket and unfasten the wiring, which is then connected to the new equipment.

Depending on the manufacturer of the car radio, the connector and retainer have different configurations. In the design of Pioneer radio tape recorders, an M16 type plug was used, which has a complex geometric shape to ensure installation in only one position. Prology equipment is equipped with a wide rectangular connector with a low height.

The standard Euro connector consists of 2 sections, jumpered or made separately. One part contains the power supply wires of the head unit, supplied from the battery, the car body and the ignition switch. The wiring harness is responsible for additional functions of the radio - changing the volume depending on the speed of movement or muting the sound when a phone call comes in.

The power section is indicated on the electrical diagrams with the letter A, the pinout depends on the radio model. When using separate plugs, the power section is equipped with a brown plastic strip. Patch cables are color-coded to help you understand the wiring diagram.

Insulation colors are standard for most vehicles, but exceptions are possible.

The other half is designated with the letter B and is intended for connecting the radio with loudspeakers. If the wiring is equipped with individual plugs, the speaker connector is made of black plastic. The shape of the black and brown plug is identical, which can lead to an error when connecting, therefore a number of manufacturers make guide grooves on the parts, which exclude incorrect installation.

There are acoustic head units with 3 connection plugs or with a common connector that has a non-standard shape, which combines euro-type pads and a special plug. An additional element is used for wiring the line-out on the head unit or for connecting additional navigation equipment.

What is ISO

The connectors of car audio systems used on vehicles are designed to be connected via an ISO plug. The equipment configuration was developed by an international committee in order to ensure standardization of the connection of acoustic head units to the electrical circuit of the car. Prior to this, separate cables were used to run the loudspeakers and the battery. The radio tape recorder had an individual wiring harness, which was connected to the wires on the machine by twisting or soldering.

The ISO plug contains 16 contacts, which are divided into 2 groups. The power supply cables, which have an increased cross-section, are separated into a separate section. There is a safety insert next to the ISO socket on the back of the radio. The standard blade design is designed for a current of 10 A. When the fuse is released, it is necessary to check the safety of the insulator on the power cables and signal harnesses of the loudspeakers. It is strictly forbidden to use inserts with an increased rating or pieces of wire.

Connection diagrams

The radio tape cable in accordance with ISO 10487 contains the following cables in the power section:

• adjustment of the sound of the car radio depending on the speed (option, a cable with any insulator is used);
• decrease the volume or completely mute the sound when a call comes to a connected cell phone (option);
• supply of a positive signal from the car battery to ensure that the settings are saved in the equipment memory (yellow wire insulator);
• positive power supply of the standard antenna (blue wire);
• backlight system for the screen and control keys for the head audio unit (orange cable);
• positive power supply from the ignition switch (red insulation);
• connection to the "mass" of the car (cable with a black protective coating).

The speaker harness contains the following cables:

• positive and negative leads of the right rear speaker (purple and purple-black, respectively);
• Right Front Speaker Harness (Gray and Gray / Black Cables)
• switching the left front speaker (white and white-black insulator);
• Connecting the left rear speaker (green and green-black cables).

1Din and 2Din standards

The Din standard derives from the abbreviation of the name of the German Institute Deutsches Institut für Normung e.V., which developed the standard in 1984. The goal of introducing a uniform head unit enclosure size was to ensure equipment interchangeability. On cars, radio tape recorders of the size 1Din (178 * 50 mm) and 2Din (178 * 100 mm) are used. There is also an intermediate version of 1.5Din (178 * 75 mm), which is used to a limited extent by some manufacturers. All radios correspond to an installation depth of 160 mm.

Using the 2Din size allows for improved cooling of the radio amplifier, placing additional devices (for example, a hard disk) inside the case. The enlargement of the front part allows the installation of a touchscreen display with a diagonal of 5 ″ and above. The standard equipment has the original case configuration; adapter frames are used to install third-party head units.

Japanese-made cars use original acoustic equipment with increased dimensions of the seat.

For the Honda concern, the standard size of the head unit is 190 * 100 mm. Toyota uses radio tape recorders with a size of 200 * 100 mm. Adapter frames and baskets are available to accommodate Din-compliant equipment in Asian vehicles.

The power connection diagrams for the car radio do not depend on the configuration and size of the case. For marshalling 1Din and 2Din head units, ISO connectors with combined or separate plugs are used.

Double ISO connector

OEM head units used on some cars can be connected using a double plug. The cabling does not differ from the split strips.

The halves of the plug are interconnected with a strong plastic jumper, fixed with a common clamp. To ensure correct installation, a guide groove is used, which excludes the possibility of installing the plug in the wrong position.

Adapters and accessories

Vehicles made for the American or Japanese market are equipped with an original radio connector. The equipment has a tuner, the frequency range of which differs from European standards, so many car owners are forced to use various adapters or change the head unit. Chinese manufacturers produce flat cables for car radios that provide switching of such equipment.

There are special ISO connectors for connecting standard antennas of French cars. There are modifications that provide power to an additional amplifier and filter. There are also various chips for a radio tape recorder that ensure the interaction of acoustic components made according to different standards. The list of necessary adapters is determined by the car owner in the process of preparing for installation.

How to make an exit yourself

The vehicle owner can independently install or replace the plug:

1. Purchase an ISO connector from a radio store that matches the plug on the head unit. If a bundle of wires is installed on the radio tape recorder, then a block is purchased that is suitable for switching with a mating part on the car's wiring.
2. Using a test device, determine the cables that are responsible for supplying voltage to the power supply of the radio. The wires have an increased cross-section and are protected with red and black insulation. When installing the plug on the radio tape recorder, briefly apply a voltage of 12 V to the found cables, which will make sure that the device is working.
3. Separate the speaker wires according to the wiring diagram of the machine. When connecting the speakers, it is prohibited to connect the negative wire to a common line or connect it to the car body. Devices connected according to this scheme operate with overload and do not provide high-quality sound transmission.
4. Among the remaining wires, find the cable responsible for the operation of the antenna.
5. Route the cables to the connector contacts according to the purpose. The new connector has special rods to which the bare wire ends are attached. For connection, a special crimping tool is used to ensure reliable contact.
6. Connect the wiring harnesses and check the performance of the head unit and acoustics in various playback modes.

It is possible to purchase a plug with already installed wires, removed from a wrecked car or a broken radio. After finding out the purpose, the cables are connected with crimp pipes. The joint is protected with insulating tape or heat shrink tubing. Excess cable lengths are collected in coils, which are then fixed with plastic clamps. The installed harness should not have contact with the back cover of the radio, which is used as a radiator for the amplifier.

Performing work requires a minimum of tools and skills. If the car owner is not confident in his own abilities, it is recommended to contact the service center that installs acoustic equipment.