We’re happy to announce that the HF (Hands-Free) cables are now available for the OG generation as well. With these cables, you can connect the BT Changer in a way that enables hands-free mode. However, it is essential that your car has the factory microphone and the phone connector.
TELEPHONE1 connector
As far as I know, all OG 9-3 and 9-5 models were pre-wired for phone systems. However, depending on the model year, there are two types of connectors: a 10-pin and an 18-pin version.
To my knowledge, both model equipped with a 10-pin connector from 1998-2000, and from 2001 onwards with a more modern 18-pin version. Unfortunately, I can’t give you exact details — this must be checked manually. For both models, the TELEPHONE1 connector can be found behind the climate control panel.
MICROPHONE
The BT Changer was designed to support HF mode exclusively through the factory microphone. Whether your car has this microphone depends on the trim level and the target market it was manufactured for. You’ll need to remove the trim to confirm whether the microphone is present. In some cases, the VIN may help.
If you have found and examined the 10-pin phone connector, you can determine whether your car has a microphone by the number of wires. If you only see 5 wires (as you can see in the picture), then you can be sure that there is no microphone installed.
THE CABLE
The OG Hands-Free cable is not plug and play. It has two connectors: one for the BT Changer and another for connecting to the factory phone prep. In addition, the CAN wire (green/white) and the audio connection (yellow/orange/grey) must be soldered to the head unit’s original wiring. It’s not a difficult task, but it does require some skill and experience — you’ll need to solder 5 wires to 6 cables, because the audio ground needs to be shared.
WHAT ELSE IS REQUIRED?
OG HF mode requires at least V7 hardware and base software version 2.3.3 or higher. To enable it, you must activate HF mode via the Wi-Fi admin interface.
STEERING WHEEL CONTROLS
These are not strictly necessary, but I consider them essential for safe call handling. OG models didn’t have this function from the factory. The BT Changer uses the FWD button to accept calls and the REV button to end them.
This has been tested on the 9-5, but not yet on the 9-3.
It’s important to note that hands-free mode might seem like a simple function at first glance, but in reality, it’s a highly complex system. For it to work properly, many factors must be considered — such as the type of Saab, the phone model, background noise, head unit volume, speaking habits, and more.
Since the BT Changer is a retrofit device, it can only access and use the parameters and features allowed by the existing system. This puts it at a disadvantage compared to modern car audio systems that can interface with the entire car’s systems.
During the long development process, we always tried to find the best possible solution — making compromises where necessary. Some limitations can no longer be changed, but there is still some room for further development. For instance, displaying the caller’s name is already on our roadmap. We gladly welcome all feedback regarding its use.
Please don’t hesitate to write if something isn’t working properly or if something doesn’t feel right. We can’t guarantee a solution, but maybe we can improve it. 🙂
The sets will be available at the beginning of June.
