Microphone location for Parrot kit

[Golfgirl]

Today I had the CK3000 Evolution and Multican fitted to my Golf with the microphone located in the interior light cluster (where the factory fitted microphone is located if fitted).  I can hear other people fine (it's REALLY loud actually!) but they can't hear me because it's too muffled and they can't hear what I say .  If I lean right up to the light cluster it gets better, but still not brilliant and I obviously can't do that whilst driving.

Anybody else got the microphone fitted in the same location and had similar problems? Or no problems at all?  I'm thinking of getting it moved ("thinking" = "going to" because it is unusable in it's current state) to the top of the A-Pillar or somewhere near the interior light cluster but outside it rather than inside.

Any feedback greatly appreciated, either from techies in the know or other Mk 5 drivers

[R32UK]

I have mine fitted just behind the rear view mirror and have never had any problems with people hearing me. The unit on the whole has been very disappointing.

Sometimes it doesnt connect to the phone.
Radio cuts in, inbetween conversations.
Screen flickers,
just recently realised that the person who fitted it disconnected my ipod connection too.
Start getting an echo when I recieve a text during a conversation.

I was told to download the latest (nokia) phone software and this will remedy it... did that but it still hasnt worked! He is back out to fix his cockup later this week. Will let you know how it goes... but I have not been very impressed with the parrot so far.. If anything i sound like a kn0b saying everything twice so people can decode what I am saying.

[SteveP]

I had the LS-3200 Parrot kit in my last GTI and had the mic on the A-Pillar, it seamed OK but did get a few comments on road noise sometimes (plus it had to be replaced under warranty twice  ).

I now have the integrated VAG bluetooth kit from VrStu (with the mic in light cluster) in my ED30 and have had no issues with people being able to hear me.

One thought, it might be the Parrot mic's are designed to be directional as they come with the movable bracket? 

 

[vRStu]

Sorry to hear of your problems GolfGirl, I would suggest trying the mic at the top of the A pillar trim.

I have spoken to quite a few people who are disappointed with the Parrot kits and I have fitted them before and don't rate them myself.  I hope you got it cheap. 

[test_richie]

When i used to fit hands free kits a really cool place and out of the way is either on top or below the steering rack. The black plastic where the wheel fits to.

I found they were good there as you face that way while driving. And also on newer cars you have air bags on the A Pillar to mess about with.

[Cass]

I too bought a Parrot but recently sold it because of poor reports (didn't fit it). The dealer I bought it from did recommend fitting the mic at the top of the A pillar as the performance is impaired in the recommended factory position. I've just bought a OEM Bluetooth from Stu and will be fitting that soon. I'm going to try the mic in the factory position but will move it to either behind the mirror or top of A pillar if I have to.

Hope you get it sorted.

Cass

[vRStu]

I've just bought a OEM Bluetooth from Stu and will be fitting that soon.

Very possibly this weekend I should think, it'll be with you before 1PM tomorrow. 

[lsc]

When i used to fit hands free kits a really cool place and out of the way is either on top or below the steering rack. The black plastic where the wheel fits to.

I found they were good there as you face that way while driving. And also on newer cars you have air bags on the A Pillar to mess about with.

That’s where I’ve fitted the mic from my Pioneer bluetooth headunit. The mic sits on top of the steering column cover and was a doddle to route the cable from the back of the stereo and under the dash, this was one of the suggested locations from the Pioneer installation manual.

Unfortunately I can't comment on the sound quality as my Sony Ericsson doesn't like pairing with the headunit!! Due an upgrade now so gonna go for a Nokia.

[Golfgirl]

Thanks for the help, it's given me a few ideas and I didn't think of the steering column.

Was thinking of the OEM bluetooth myself and would have preferred it but want the phone button to be used and not the star button (I know I'm picky )

[Cass]

I've just bought a OEM Bluetooth from Stu and will be fitting that soon.

Very possibly this weekend I should think, it'll be with you before 1PM tomorrow. 

Thanks Stu - just got to hope for some dry weather in the frozen grey north - currently pi$$ing down - AGAIN and off to see Spurs at Boro on Sat (COYS )

Cass