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NG Radios
Functional Overview
NG Radios
Radio Operation with KL R off
Operation is possible with the key off on the C53 and CD 53 radios. If the radio is turned
on with KL R off, it will play at the last stored volume and settings for 16 minutes until the
General Module sends the sleep command. No changes may be made to the radio unless
KL R is switched back on. The radio can be turned on and off as many times desired.
Diversity Antenna
Antenna diversity has been adapted to the new generation of radios. When the radio is in
operation, the diversity control unit is activated by the “RAD ON” signal.
World Frequency Radio
Radios on vehicles sold in the U.S. are world radios. Specific country settings can be made
using the service mode. The settings are stored in an EEPROM.
Car Memory
If programmed, when locking the vehicle using the remote transmitter the:
last station
Volume setting
Last audio mode (Tape, FM, CD etc.)
are stored according to the key number used. Unlocking the vehicle with the same
transmitter will restore the settings. There is a maximum setting for volume which may be
lower than the setting when the radio was last operated.
Clock
Time can also be displayed when KL R is off by pressing the clock button on the
Radio/MID.
Backlighting
The LCM/LSZ produces two signals for the control of radio backlighting.
Hardwired KL 58g
Lights on/off over the K/I Bus.
The radio contains a photo-cell for adjustment of backlighting to ambient conditions.
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NG Radios
Reset and Voltage Monitoring
A radio reset is triggered by under voltage or the internal processor monitor. The reset
function restarts the radio, similar to turning it off and back on again. Operating voltage is
measured at the KL 30 input. The radio is switched off if the system voltage exceeds 17V
to protect the radio, it will switch on when the voltage falls below 16V.
GAL (Speed Dependent Volume)
The speed signal from the IKE/KOMBI is available to the radio over the K/I Bus. GAL is not
a feature on vehicles equipped with DSP.
Bus Communication
The radio communicates with other modules via the K bus or I Bus dependent on the
model. The information shared over the bus line includes:
IKE/KOMBI - Terminal status (KL 15, KL R)
LCM/LSZ- Lights on
IKE/KOMBI link to TXD- Diagnosis
MID or BMBT- button or rotary knob status.
GM- Key used to lock or unlock vehicle
MFL- audio controls status
NG radios do not use anti-theft codes. Operation of the radio is only possible if
connected to a bus line and the detection of at least one other component.
Multi Information Radio (MIR)
The Multi-Information Radio (MIR) is used in the E52 Z8 and is the first of the NG series of
radios. The MIR contains the radio receiver, display screen, and control panel all in one unit.
A cassette player is not included.
The MIR is used to control and display the:
GPS-Navigation System
Audio system including CD Changer
Telephone
Outside temperature
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NG Radios
Station Search Button
Every time the MIR is switched on it looks to see if a navigation computer is installed and
displays the correct menu options. Text and symbols on the display are generated by the
navigation computer and transmitted to the MIR via the “Navigation” Bus. If the MIR does
not detect that a navigation computer is connected, the MIR itself will generate it’s own dis-
play signals. The screen display is monochrome only.
The navigation elements of the MIR will be discussed in the MK3 module.
Audio Mixing
Audio mixing allows the vehicle passengers to listen to navigation instructions without
muting the radio or CD player.
On-Board Computer Functions
Outside temperature is the only on-board computer display possible for the Z8.
AM FM
MODE
TONESEL
MENU
123456
AUDIO
NAVIGATION
TELEFON
A-TEMP
Photocell Sensor-used to control display backlight
Telephone Send/End-used to begin or end a call Menu Button-recalls main menu for display
Left Knob-radio volume control
Mode Button-switches between radio and CD operation
Station Keys-radio/CDControl Knob-used to control
operation of systems in display
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NG Radios
Service Mode Functions
1. Serial Number:Display of the radio serial number.
2. Software version:Display of the radio software version. Displayed as (calender week,
year, version)
3. GAL: Speed-sensitive volume control. Can be adjusted from level 1-6 using the 6 pre-
set audio buttons. Vehicles equipped with DSP do not use this feature.
4. Field strength and Quality (F/Q): The station currently displayed can be assessed for
field strength and quality. An “F” (i.e. F15) number is used to indicate the strength of the
signal being received by the radio. This is a good test of the antenna system, station sig-
nal, and the radio itself. A “Q” (i.e. Q-00) number is used to determine the quality of the
radio station including both the audio and RDS signal if applicable.
5. DSP: This function provides information about whether the vehicle is fitted with DSP.
The value is displayed as a one (fitted) or zero (not fitted) and is communicated by the DSP
amplifier via the I/K bus.
6. TP Volume: Provides adjustment for traffic report minimum volume. Not used in the
US.
7. AF: Alternative Frequency tracking setting. Not used in the US.
8. Area: Used to select the appropriate market setting (USA, Canada, Europe, Japan and
Oceania). Adjust using the pre-set buttons.
9.Index: Display of the revision index.