NEO 4V9 User manual

Neo Car Audio 4V9 USB Apple & Android Interface
Installation and Operation Instructions
1.1 Overview
Thank you for purchasing the NEO 4V9 adapter. It has been designed to provide endless hours of
listening pleasure through most vehicle factory stereos. To ensure that your NEO 4V9 interface performs
correctly in your vehicle, we recommend that you read this entire manual before attempting to install
the NEO interface.
1.2 Functionality Highlights
- Easily access your media collection in your car, including shuffling songs, skipping between tracks, and
adjusting the volume—all with only your factory car stereo head unit or multifunction steering wheel
controls (where applicable).
- Android® phone (most supported) play, charge and control through USB port via standard USB to
Android cable.
- iPod®/iPhone®/iPad® play, charge and control via standard USB to iPod cable (supports both 30-pin
and Lightning style connectors).
- Bluetooth or AUX-IN integration. To get AUX-IN you will need NEO MiniDin to 3.5mm audio and 5V USB
charging cable, to get the Bluetooth hands free and wireless functionality you will need the NEO
BLUBTDV9 Bluetooth Dongle (both sold separately).
1.3 Main Features in iPod/iPhone (USB) Mode
- Ability to play, charge and control iPod/iPhone –all using your factory car stereo.
- Playlists on the iPod/iPhone are mapped to an individual “Disc” button on car stereo’s dashboard
(different for SAT emulation –please refer to your installation manual).
- Number of “discs” limited to the car stereo (up to 99 on select stereos)
- Last listened song position within the playlist is remembered (may not apply to some
iPod/iPhone/iPad)
- Last listened song time position is restored upon ignition cycle (may not apply to some
iPod/iPhone/iPad)
1.4 Main Features in Android (USB) mode
- Ability to listen to songs in car from Android phone (using free AALinQ app for Android from Google®
Play Store).
- Ability to control music from car stereo or steering wheel buttons.

- Play lists on Android phone (AALinQ app) are mapped to an individual “Disc” button on car stereo’s
dashboard (different for SAT emulation –please refer to your installation manual).
- Number of “Discs” limited to the car stereo (up to 99 on select stereos).
- Last listened song position within the Playlist is remembered and time position is restored upon
ignition cycle.
- Android phone is charged while in car (0.5Amp charging speed due to the Android software
limitation*).
1.5 Bluetooth Hands Free and Wireless Audio, AUX-IN Features
- With hands free (HFP) you can receive the phone calls through the factory car stereo, answer or reject
the phone calls using car stereo or steering wheel controls, speak to the other person using microphone
provided with NEO Bluetooth Dongle.
- Wireless music play from your phone to the factory car stereo (A2DP), control the music or Pandora®
internet radio with the car stereo or steering wheel buttons (AVRCP).
- AUX-IN 3.5mm audio connector for any audio source, and additional 5V charging port.
1.6 Precautions
Proper mounting location securely installs the interface in a location free from heat, humidity, moving
parts, or direct sunlight. Beware of hot-air flow from your vehicle’s climate control system. The interface
should be secured in a suitable location, free of sharp metal edges, using double-sided tape, Velcro, or
wire ties. The adapter’s operating temperature range is -30°C to +70°C (- 24°F to +158°F)
1.7 Disclaimer
- This product is not affiliated with any of the OEM manufacturers
- Modifying the stereo may void any existing warranty
- The purchase of this product carries no warranties, either expressed or implied
- NEO Car Audio has confirmed the listed stereo and vehicle application to the best of our ability. Due to
uncontrollable factors and various factory options, NEO Car Audio cannot 100% guarantee every listed
application. These factors include variables such as inconsistencies within a factory stereo, factory
stereo models unknown to NEO Car Audio and any partial model year changes.
- Keep your eyes on the road while driving!
- We are not liable for the misuse of this product, including improper installation, damage to the board
or stereo during installation, and the illegal use of the stereo
1.8 Completeness and connection of set
a) The NEO Car Audio adapter set consists of the NEO 4V9 main interface, one automotive grade USB
cable 3FT extension cable, and one vehicle-specific cable.
Included with your package:

NEO 4V9 interface
One Automotive grade USB 3FT
One Vehicle specific cable
Optional Accessories (Not Included. Must be purchased separately)
AUX MiniDin 3.5mm USB charge cable
NEO Bluetooth Dongle
1.9 Important Compatibility Notes
- If your vehicle is equipped with an external factory CD changer, you must disconnect it in order to be
able to install the NEO interface. You will lose the use of the external CD changer to gain the use of your
iPod, iPhone, Android, Bluetooth or MP3 player. The built-in CD changer will remain operational. SAT if
present may need to be disconnected in some case.
- If your vehicle has factory SAT and NEO adapter is using SAT emulation, you must disconnect factory
SAT to gain the use of your device, iPod, Bluetooth or MP3 player. This is applicable to Nissan/Infinity
with SAT emulation, Honda/Acura 03 and up with SAT emulation, Ford/Lincoln/Mercury, Mazda 3,5 08-
09 and Subaru 07-09. For a full version of the NEO compatibility guide, please visit
http://www.neocaraudio.com/contact_us.php
1.10 USB/EXT1/EXT2 ports
It is recommended for you to use NEO automotive grade USB extension cable. It will ensure better
connection using the latch system that withstands the moving vehicle conditions. In addition it will
prevent the wear-out of USB port on NEO 4V9 adapter.
Please refer to the Figure below for the proper connection of the accessories to the EXT1/EXT2 ports on
NEO 4V9 module.

Chapter 2 –General Installation
2.1 Installation location
Most installations will require removing the factory stereo in order to plug in the vehicle- specific
harness. For some vehicles, you will also have the option to connect the interface to the factory pre-run
CD changer cable located in the trunk or glove box.
2.2 Tools needed
In most cases, there are no special tools required in order to remove the stereo. For some stereos (e.g.,
VW, Audi), it is better to use car stereo removal tools. Please consult your local car audio shop or your
vehicle’s dealership for instructions or assistance as necessary. If you are unsure how to install the
interface properly, we recommend contacting your local car stereo shop for assistance. Some
installation examples can be found at http://www.neocaraudio.com.
2.3 Preparation and adapter installation
1. Turn off car engine and remove key from ignition
2. If your stereo uses a Security Code, make sure that you have the code before unplugging the stereo.
3. Remove your stereo from the dash in order to gain access to the back of the stereo. Some vehicles
require special tools to remove the stereo. Please consult your vehicle’s dealership or a local car audio
professional, if necessary.
4. Attach the car harness connector to the CD changer port in the back of the stereo. Be sure to make a
secure connection with no bent pins, but do not force it. Connect the other end to the interface.
For VW/Audi/Seat/Skoda with dashboard cable only:

There is a black single cable on the vehicle-specific harness (Figure 5) that you will need to attach to the
back bolt of the car stereo or the stereo chassis stereo.
Remove the PVC from the end of the black wire (2)
• Connect the end of the black wire (2) to the metal part of the car stereo chassis. You can connect it
under the bolt (3) if it is present
• Make sure that solid contact is made between the striped black wire and the metal part of the car
stereo body.
• Note: Failure to attach the black cable to the chassis of the stereo will result in the NEO adapter not
working! All of the specified vehicles require this black cable to be attached.
5. For Audi vehicles only: Some Audi head units require an additional part (AUDS cable) or harness
modification to gain the access to the CD changer port. A solid 20-pin connector occupies the 8-pin CD
changer port on such stereos.
6. For BMW behind the stereo, Ford, Nissan, Infiniti, Volvo, Mazda 08-12, Mitsubishi vehicles only:
Please refer to the installation insert for the special guidelines for BMW, Ford, Nissan, Volvo and Mazda
installation.
7. For Toyota and Honda (03 and up) vehicles:
On some Toyota/Lexus/Scion vehicles and Honda/Acura (03 and up) vehicles, the CD changer port is
occupied by a factory harness (such as NAV or audio harness). The NEO package for Toyota and for
Honda/Acura (HON1) includes a Y shaped vehicle cable. In order to connect the interface properly,
please refer to Figure 6. If stereo port is already empty, simply plug NEO cable into stereo.
8. Turn your car stereo on and switch it over to CD Changer mode using the Disc/Mode/CD/AUX buttons
on your car stereo (depending on the stereo type). You may have to press CD/Disc twice to access CD
Changer mode. Your display should now show Disc 1, Track 01 or similar.
9. Connect the USB cable to the USB device. Turn on your car stereo and play some music from your USB
device (folders need to be setup). You should hear the sound coming from the car stereo speakers.
10. Once you confirmed the operation of the interface, continue with the installation. If you have
trouble with the installation, please see our troubleshooting section.

11. Find a place for the NEO 4V9 adapter. In many cars, the dash offers sufficient room for installation.
Note: Make sure you mount the NEO 4V9 adapter in a place with sufficient room so that, when you
remount the car stereo, you do not break the adapter. We strongly recommend you mount unit in easy
access location
12. You may use the glove box or other spaces on the dash to direct the USB cables away from the unit.
13. Remount your car stereo, making sure it fits securely.
14. Adapter mounting in the trunk (for VW and BMW only)
• Locate trunk mounting cable in your car (usually located in the left side of the car in the back)
• Disconnect existing CD changer, if any.
• Attach matching cables
Note for BMW trunk installations: Some BMW are factory wired for the cellular phone. Except for wire
location, the factory cellular phone connector looks identical to the factory 3-pin connector used for the
CD changer. The CORRECT 3-pin connector for the CD-Changer has a BROWN wire (ground) in the #1 pin
position. Please make certain you use this connector. The INCORRECT factory cellular phone connector
has a BROWN wire in the center position –DO NOT USE THIS CONNECTOR.
Congratulations! You have installed the NEO adapter and may use it immediately with your
iPod/iPhone/iPad or Android Device.
Chapter 3 –Usage manual
3.1 Different MODES of NEO 4V9
3.1.1 Different MODES of NEO 4V9 (for CD changer emulation only!)
Please read this part entirely before attempting to change the modes. You will need to perform all the
steps below quickly within 1-2 seconds interval.
Depending on your NEO firmware version, NEO 4V9 can work in two modes: USB or AUX (EXT2).
Step I. When you need to switch between the MODES, first you will need to enter into the “MODE
CHANGING” state on your car stereo. There are two possible scenarios:
1. The stereo is already in the CD changer mode (NEO 4V9 is activated). Press FM/AM -> wait 1-2 second
-> press CD (DISC).
2. The stereo is in any other mode (FM, SAT, etc…): press CD (DISC) -> wait 1-2 second -> press FM/AM -
> wait 1 second -> press CD (DISC).
Step II. You will hear the voice announcing the currently playing mode (USB or AUX). To switch to the
next mode, press Next Track button quickly (>, ^ or respective button on your car stereo) while the voice

prompt is announcing. The next mode will be announced right after. If you need to select another mode,
simply press Next Track button again and so on until you select the desired mode.
Note: If you do not hear the voice announcement, it means that you did not press quickly enough and
the adapter is not in the “MODE CHANGING” state anymore. Please perform STEP I again.
Once you hear the desired mode announcement, simply wait for 1-2 seconds and the adapter will start
operating in that mode.
3.1.2 Different MODES of NEO 4V9 (for SAT emulation only!)
Please read this part entirely before attempting to change the modes.
Depending on your NEO firmware version, NEO 4V9 can work in two modes: USB or AUX (EXT2).
Step I. When you need to switch between the MODES, Simply move to the next SAT band.
i.e. XM1 -> XM2 or XM preset A -> XM preset B -> XM Preset C or SAT1-> SAT2 -> SAT3
Step II. You will hear the voice announcing the currently playing mode (USB or AUX). If you need to
select another mode, simply switch to next XM/SAT preset Band again, i.e. XM2 -> X1 until you are in the
mode you would like to be in.
Once you hear the desired mode announcement, simply wait for 1-2 seconds and the adapter will start
operating in that mode.
Note: The USB mode and/or AUX mode is not restricted to just one Satellite Radio Band. (i.e. XM1 only
USB) Both can flip places with each other while changing through the modes. Please listen for the
announcement to know what MODE you are in.
NOTE: If your car is Nissan/Infinity (with SAT/CAT), Ford/Lincoln/Mercury, Mazda 3,5 08-12, Subaru 08-
09, or Honda/Acura with SAT emulation –please use the special instructions that came with your
package for the usage/operation instructions.
3.2 USB iPod/iPhone/iPad MODE Operation
The NEO adapter has two modes of iPod/iPhone/iPad operation:
A. Simple mode:
iPod stays unlocked. Your iPod can be controlled via its clickwheel or via car stereo controls. The
information displayed on your car stereo does not represent the actual song position on the iPod (the
song’s number). There is no need to prepare your iPod/iPhone/iPad to play in this mode. The simple
mode is always selectable by choosing CD1 (DISC1) from the car stereo. To switch to advanced mode,
just select any disc other than one.
Please refer to the section 3.9.1. of this manual for the description of the supported operations in the
Simple Mode. Text is also available for certain stereos.
B. Advanced mode:

Your iPod/iPhone/iPad is locked for control and only operated via car stereo buttons. In this mode all
data is synced between the stereo and iPod which allows you to see current information such as track
time, number and playlist (disc) number. Text is also available for certain stereos. In order to use this
mode you have to prepare your iPod as explained below.
The advanced mode is always on for disks 2-9. To switch to simple mode just select DISC 1 “Ok to
disconnect” is shown on the iPod display while it is connected to this unit. The click wheel of the iPod is
disabled when in this mode. Volume control is available from the steering wheel and from the car stereo
controls in both modes.
Note: iPhone/Pod touch/iPad with newer than iOS7 will not lock out in Advanced Mode.
3.2.1. SIMPLE MODE
In simple mode, your iPod/iPhone/iPad music player behaves in its usual fashion, with the clickwheel
and display being functional.
The following controls are possible from the car stereo:
- Next track
When pressed on the car stereo, the iPod will jump to the next song and the car stereo track number
will increase by one number (1).
- Previous track
When pressed on the car stereo, the iPod will jump to the previous song and the car stereo track
number will decrease by one number (1).
- Fast Forward
When pressed, the iPod will start moving quickly through the current track.
- Fast Reverse
When pressed, the iPod will start rewinding the current track.
- Play/Pause
When the stereo is turned to the CD changer mode, the iPod will automatically start playing.
Turning the stereo off or switching to another source (FM, AM, etc.) or MODE (USB, AUX) will cause the
iPod to pause the current track.
- Disk Change
When changing the disk other than 1 the iPod will switch to the Advanced Mode
None of the information displayed during the simple mode is related to the song currently playing. The
display will show:
DISC 1 TRACK xx TIME 00:00. Track information can change from 00-99.

3.2.2. ADVANCED MODE
In advanced mode iPod controls will be locked and the following operations will be supported:
- Next track
When pressed on car stereo, iPod will jump to the next song and car stereo track number will represent
song number in a current playlist
- Previous track
When pressed on car stereo, iPod will jump to the previous song and car stereo track number will
represent song number in a current playlist
- Fast Forward
When pressed iPod will start rewinding current track forward. Time on car stereo will represent actual
position within the audio track
- Fast Reverse
When pressed iPod will start rewinding current track backward. Time on car stereo will represent actual
position within the audio track
- Play/Pause
When stereo is turned into CD changer mode the iPod will automatically start playing in simple mode at
the last position it was left.
- Scan
Allow to skip tracks by 10 when set. Next track will jump to current track+10. Previous track will jump to
current track-10. It is helpful to skip the whole album (usually ~10 songs)
- Disk Change
When you select Disc 2-9, iPod will stay in Advanced Mode and will resume last playing track in a
playlist. Once DISC 1 is selected, iPod will switch over to Simple Mode
- Mix/Random
When turned on it will allow playing songs in a shuffle mode through the whole playlist. The track
enumeration will start from 1. When switched off, track enumeration will be restored to the real order
in the playlist.
- Repeat
When turned on, will play first track in the playlist after the last track is played. The display will show
disk number, track number and track time of the currently playing track.
3.2.3 PLAYLIST SET UP FOR ADVANCED MODE

To use your iPod in Advanced Mode you have to define playlists. The number of playlists depends on the
stereo (usually 5-8).
We recommend naming the playlists starting with the number:
1- Andy’s songs
2-Disco dance
3-Favorites
9 V.1.0.0
4-House rhythms
5-Blues
“1- Andy’s songs” will be mapped to DISC 2, “2-Disco dance” will be mapped to DISC 3, and so on.
Therefore selecting DISC 2 on car stereo will play “2- Andy’s songs” playlist, DISC 3 will select “3- Disco
songs” and so on.
Note: Depending on your stereo, you may set up from 5 to 99 playlists.
We strongly recommend that you organize your songs into playlists and enumerate them for proper
operation of this unit.
If your iPod does not have playlists/songs, it may cause unpredictable outcomes and improper operation
of the unit.
EMPTY PLAYLISTS MAY ALSO CAUSE UNPREDICTABLE BEHAVIOURS, ESPECIALLY EMPTY PLAYLISTS THAT
ARE LOCATED IN THE MIDDLE OF ALL OTHER PLAYLISTS.
All iPod/ iPhone/iPad models are compatible with NEO 4V9.
3.2.4 WHEN CAR IGNITION IS OFF
When you turn your car stereo or car ignition off, the iPod/iPhone/iPad will automatically will go into
sleep mode. In the sleep mode, the iPod/iPhone/iPad will still consume power—although very little—
from the car battery. There is no need to disconnect the iPod every time you turn off your car.
However, it is strongly advised that you disconnect the iPod if you do not plan to operate your car for
long periods of time.
3.3.1 Android Setup and Operation
The NEO 4V9 adapter when in USB mode allows you to connect your Android device directly to the NEO
USB port. Scan QR code with your phone to download AALinQ app from Google Play store. AALinQ is the
free app that allows you to integrate your Android phone to car stereo. Play and control, charge while in
use. Digital music transmission via standard MicroUSB cable. Once you have AALinQ installed on your
Android device, you can connect your Android to the USB port using your own or provided USB Android