Volvo BT Phone P2v2 - Phone Module (PHM) Bluetooth update
 

Hi everyone,
If you have a Phone module (PHM) in the car but you don't use it (it needs an extra SIM card) then it's possible to rebuild it into Bluetooth Hands-Free module.

I would like to introduce my product: Volvo BT Phone P2v2.
You can simply replace obsolete GSM modem in the PHM by this Bluetooth module. And you can enjoy these new features:

Hands-Free:
- it's not a GSM phone module anymore but Bluetooth Hands-Free with the use of original microphone (in rearview mirror) and speaker (drivers seat)
- contacts are read out from the connected cellphone (max. 350 - 500 contacts, depends on original GSM modem: Ericsson - 350; Wavecom - 500).
- maximum of 16 paired devices (just one active connection).
- automatic connection with last connected cellphone, if not find then it tries to connect to any paired
- incoming and outgoing calls on the Dashboard + you can see it also on the radio (if not muted, depends on settings).
- same control like before - buttons on Steering wheel and Phone module. Green button - accept the call, red button - reject the call
- DTMF tones are also supported

Music in the radio:
- you can listen the music from your cellphone in the radio (A2DP + AVRCP).
- you can set the module into following radio modes: CD-CHANGER (all HU radios supports it), MD-CHANGER (only HU-x0x radios) or SAT (only HU-x5x radios).
- Song ID tags on the radio. Spotify is working too. (MD-CHANGER or SAT mode)
- Remaining or total time (CD-CHANGER or MD-CHANGER mode).
- next / previous button on the radio or Steering wheel is working. In the SAT mode just on the radio.
- if you have the RTI or another device connected to the MELBUS, you need "Y" cable. It's not a part of package.

Another features:
- simple firmware update and extra settings via Bluetooth. You can use smartphone or laptop.

Supported cars:
- S60 (2000-2009)
- V/XC70 (2000-2007)
- S80 (2000-2006) - PHM with the SIM slot under buttons.

Caution: iPhone works well but it doesn't support send files via Bluetooth! For the first run you will probably need a laptop or smartphone with Android or Windows Mobile.

Few videos (not in English)
Documentation
Firmware to download

Order form

Everything just by replacing one board in the PHM module. Nothing that marred the interior of the car.

The Installation Guide in English is ready. I hope it does make sense because of my English. If anything is stupid let me know ;) . Now I will start with the User Guide.

I have finished the translation of the User Guide.

Hi,

This sounds interesting. However, my problem would be extracting the existing phone module from the dashboard. I have tried but can't see how it can be done - can you advise? The car is a 2006 v70 T5 SE.

Thanks,

John

You need to remove the whole unit (radio, climate control panel & keypad) to access it from the rear. Plenty of videos on YouTube. Once you've got the knack, it's only a 5 / 10 minute job to whip it out.

Thanks, Simon.

I have previously taken the whole head unit out - climate control and all. And I've taken the trim plate off the front, but for the life of me I haven't been able to work out how to get the phone out.

I'll have a look at YouTube - 5/10 minutes sounds like my kind of job.

(Incidentally - search YouTube for "Dilbert, the Knack" next time you're on there. It cracks me up every time!)

I have to admit, I've never tried to remove a phone unit (as I didn't have one) but the cupholder clips into the plastic frame somehow.

http://i81.photobucket.com/albums/j2...psoyjptrks.jpg

It is a while since I took my unit out (and I didn't take any picture - what a good idea for the future).

However, as I recollect, there seemed to be a fairly obvious spring loaded clip, which I released with a screwdriver. I got the module to move a fraction, but then it stuck, as if there were another clip somewhere that I had missed.

How many clips were there on your cup holder - the phone and cup holder must fix roughly the same way.

Hi Marek,

Very ingenious system, I was wondering if it is possible to change the 2G gsm module to one that supports a 3/4G network based on the work you have done? I imagine it is not as easy as substituting modules on the board even if one was available. Australian carriers have started the 2G network shutdown and my phone no longer works. I have a Grom audio unit in for USB/BT playback and would like to keep the car phone system going seeing as I already have a separate sim for it.

Hi, the worst was implementation of three types of GSM modem into one firmware. At the beginning I was scared about melbus (text on the radio) but at the end it was easier than GSM modems. I have a lucky because I have started with the most complicated type (Ericsson, older models), from the hw side.

Will software updates at volvodealer affect this modification?
I know from earlier that all modules must be present to perform a software upgrade

Shouldn't be. It replacing GSM modem inside and the main part will stay without change. So also after the update (Volvo dealer) the commands between PHM and GSM must stay without change.

I placed an order 2 days ago, but have not heard from you. Really wanting this asap! =D

I'm sorry. I'm little busy now. I implementing the support for 2 devices connected in one time. The first device in Hands-Free mode (driver's cellphone) and the second one in audio mode (passenger's cellphone or tablet with music and navigation). So it takes me all free time. I have checked Order form and I have found 4 new registrations.
I'm able to make just 3 until the end of January. I have to make a new order of PCBs so the next series will be available in March. I will send emails with information.

And if somebody need "Y" cable then he has to buy it by himself. It's not part of the package.

No problem. Will that be a firmware upgrade only or hardware update?

just the firmware.

Hi marekbm!

I just placed an order on the BT phone module, I can't wait to get!

I will probably make a tutorial on how to install it in the car aswell as how to set it up, if that is ok with you? :)

Hi, I'm sorry but you have to wait. At the moment I don't have any available. The next series will be available on March. There is a documentation (hope useful) but if something is missing let me know ;) .
This date is not for already registred who received a confirmation. For some I will send the boards next week. ;)

So the firmware supporting 2 devices is released. The module now supports one device as a Hands-Free and the other as a audio source. You can also see this poster ;) .
It's disabled in default. To enable dial "*0#". After that you can manually connect second device. To deactivate dial "#0*". The second device will be disconnected and the audio is mode back into the first device.

Hi Marek,

Very interested in this. Currently got a Grom unit which I'd take out when I get one of your units.

I have RTi so I'll need a Y cable too. Where can I get hold of the Y cable?

Regards

Andy

Hi, in general is easy to find. Just try to find "volvo radio y cable". for example:
"aliexpress here" or "ebay here".

new firmware released:
V2017-08-02_1
Fixed
- Bluetooth: Audio gain control settings.
- Modem: Some updates regarding Paired device management.

More info here in changelog.

Good morning Marek,

I've completed an order form this morning. Are we still looking at March for shipping or do you now have more orders to fulfil?

Let me know how and when to send payment and how much shipping will be and I'll get payment sent.

I've ordered a splitter. It's a melbus splitter from volvotech which I think is the right one. It's a little more expensive than the eBay ones but I was ordering something else from them anyway so there's no additional shipping cost.

Looking forward to hearing from you.

small bugfix:
V2017-02-12_1
Fixed
- Modem: Paired list fix (Wavecom modems).

the new firmware brings new feature: it's possible to use microphone for the voice command. if the microphone is required the new incomming call named "Microphone" appears. after accept the call by green button you can speak ;) .
example (in czech) is here.
v2017-02-19_1
News
- Modem: It’s possible to use Car Microphone for voice commands.
Fixed
- Radio: Invalid status on the Radio display (in the SAT mode).
- Bluetooth: Some small updates.

You are a fantastic, beautiful human!

I've been waiting for something like this since buying my car with the antiquated phone and having to use a second SIM card with its own phone number...

I will gladly buy two units; do you have an updated lead time for availability?

Many thanks, you've really made my day!

On-Call
 

One potential issue; my phone module has the On-Call and SOS buttons, with a built in backup battery.

How will your Bluetooth module affect the operation of these features? I'm assuming that pressing one of the buttons will make a call to the On-Call operator via a Bletooth connected phone, and any features like remote car unlocking etc will not work... Is this correct?

What would the phone module have to do with remote unlocking of the car?

What ecto is talking about is the ability to have the car unlocked remotely without the remote.

A phone call to Volvo on Call, some verification and ping, your doors are unlocked.

Indeed; very handy if you manage to lock yourself out. The operator can also track your car via the built-in GPS if you forget where you've parked...

Neither of which is likely, but it does give me the warm & fuzzies knowing it can be done.

to be honest i have never met the car with this system. so, if something from VOC is regarding phone call (dial a number, ...) then it will probably work. if there is also some data communication (GPRS, EDGE, ...) then it will not work.
i'm waiting for ordered parts. hope i will start with assembly next week. if you fill out the form i will be able sent it probably in the middle of the March because i'm able to make at around 3 to 5 pcs per week.

As far as I'm aware, VOC uses the same SIM card for all functions via voice and possibly via SMS. Obviously when using your Bluetooth module and no phone is paired, then any On Call function would not work; but would having your module fitted in this way be likely to cause errors to be logged by the car?

Is there any way to route the MELBUS cable from your module if the backup battery and cover are not removed from the PHM?

yes, if the cellphone is not connected any function will not work. but i didn't implement SMS function because there wasn't a reason. and also it's not comfortable.
if you want to update PHM with the bluetooth module then it's probably better to turn VOC off. because if you leave the car then it's like you remove all SIMs (if it has own for the safety).
if there is space for the MEBUS cable then you just have to make a hole into the battery cover and pass the cable through.

I'm pretty certain that the built-in telemetry system is going to require its own SIM to function, so in theory if you have one in the slot, it could still work.

https://www.volvoclub.org.uk/press/r.../idnr743.shtml

For 2012 onwards vehicles, VOC is a subscription service so it may be worth checking that any older vehicle still has the feature freely available.

http://support.volvocars.com/uk/Page...a801516e61869a

the new version has been released. there is a feature for the simple test if the device is usable for bluetooth update. just connect the device, send the file "btphone_tst.btb" (part of the package) and you will see the result on the Dashboard (instead of device name). if all ok the then you will see "Test OK" otherwise some number is appears (let me know).
v2017-02-24_1
News:
- Bluetooth: Simple compatibility test.
Fixed:
- Modem: Added a new instruction used in the latest models (V/XC70).
- Modem: Missing connected device name on the Dashboard

Don't forget to update the user manual! I spent an hour in my car trying to connect two devices :-(

Seem to work fine, but I have maybe a compability issue regarding audio playback. If using my cell phone (Samsung Galaxy S5) there is no problem, but when trying to play same spotify app from tablet Galaxy Tab S (?) the music is on for 2sec, then stopping. I can press play again and then there is two more seconds of music. When the music stop, radio display indicate SAT channel change a couple of times and the song text is still showing but no music :-( any idea? Both units is last official android version.

Edit: regarding this playback issue, I had no problems with Grom audio wich I used before.

Edit 2: In manual there is an option for phonebook intelligent readout mode, but in menu I can't find M: Cont.int, onlye M: Cont.std and M: Cont.off Any idea?

Edit 3: Vehicle is 2007 V70 with HU850 radio.

the documentation is now updated (today).

regarding contacts:
there are only 2 options at the moment. if turned on (not changed in the firmware so its named std. yet) then it's like intelligent mode before. or you can turn it off.

regarding playback. which version of the firmware do you have?

I figured it out about the playback issue, if I have connected both phone and tablet I could play music without problems from my tablet, If the tablet is the only unit connected both Phone and Media sound via bluetooth must be activated. Strange, because this tablet is without modem and is technically not a phone.

Seem to work very well, except that I really think the sound quality is better when playing from my phone. When listening to the tablet sound quality is much worse. In spotify settings the quality is set higher on the tablet.

I have the latest firmware, v2017-02-24_1.

i will check.

Also, I would like to discuss with you about how to enhance the sound from microphone. When talking to people in hands-free mode they always complain about sound quality. If speaking in the handset (PHM handset) then sound is good.

I assume that this phone design is from the early 90's and the technology is now much better, so maybe we could find a more suitable mic, and maybe also relocate it. I don't know where it is, but assuming it's inside the rear view mirror. Maybe mounting a new mic on the side of the mirror and pointing it at the driver?