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Audio Mode, Function - GF82.85-P-2030GWA

Model 463 

as of model year 2017 up to model year 2019 

with code EU4 (COMAND Online) 

G13669685Courtesy of MERCEDES-BENZ USA

Function requirements, audio mode, general 

General information on the audio mode 

The functions in audio mode are selected using the following controls:

Menu guidance and the display of additional information are carried out over the Audio/COMAND display. The Audio/COMAND display is switched on over the telematics CAN from the COMAND controller unit. The Audio/COMAND display receives the picture signals from the COMAND controller unit via the LVDS line.

On vehicles except code EU9 (Harman Kardon® Logic 7® surround sound system), the COMAND controller unit outputs the audio signals over the vehicle's speaker system.

On vehicles with code EU9 (Harman Kardon® Logic 7® surround sound system), the audio signals are forwarded via MOST to the sound system amplifier control unit, which actuates the speaker system.

The audio mode consists of the following component functions:

Volume/tone setting 

All volume and tone settings are performed using the COMAND controller unit. This is performed either by the user or automatically by the COMAND controller unit.

The sound settings can be changed with "Tone" and the system returned to the default settings in the system settings menu.

On vehicles with code EU9 (Harman Kardon® Logic 7® surround sound system), the COMAND controller unit is not only equipped with the general tone settings (treble, bass and balance), but also with additional tone settings.

The volume and tone setting partial function is subdivided into the following subfunctions:

Manual volume/tone setting 

The manual volume/tone setting function is subdivided into the following subfunctions:

The desired settings are forwarded on vehicles with code EU9 (Harman Kardon® Logic 7® surround sound system) via MOST to the sound system amplifier control unit where they are then processed. On vehicles except code EU9 (Harman Kardon® Logic 7® surround sound system), the selected settings are processed in the COMAND controller unit. Audio output via the speaker system can be muted using the mute function button or using the corresponding button on the COMAND controller unit (mute function).

Volume settings through right multifunction steering wheel button group 

The volume for the audio and video sources is increased or decreased by pressing the + and - buttons, selecting specific functions and volume control. The control signals of the right multifunction steering wheel button group are forwarded via the following route:

Steering wheel electronics →

Steering LIN →

Steering column tube module control unit →

Chassis CAN 1 →

Electronic ignition lock control unit →

Chassis CAN 2 →

Instrument cluster →

Interior CAN →

COMAND control unit

Volume settings through COMAND controller unit 

The volume is increased or reduced by turning the "ON" button on the COMAND controller unit.

Tone settings through audio/COMAND control panel 

The user can set the corresponding sound by selecting the "Sound" menu on the audio/COMAND control panel.

The control signals of the Audio/COMAND control panel are forwarded via telematics CAN to the COMAND controller unit.

Speed-dependent volume control (SDV) 

The volume is adapted to the noise level in the vehicle interior using the speed-dependent volume control, which is defined by the vehicle speed.

In order to make this adjustment, the instrument cluster transmits information about the vehicle speed via the interior CAN to the COMAND controller unit. On vehicles with code EU9 (Harman Kardon® Logic 7® surround sound system), the COMAND controller unit forwards the information via MOST to the sound system amplifier control unit. In accordance with this information the COMAND controller unit or the sound system amplifier control unit raises the output level or lowers it.

Radio mode (AM, FM, HD radio) 

The antennas receive signals for the FM (ultra-short wave), AM (medium wave) and short wave (SW) frequency bands, not available in all national versions. The following useful signals relevant for the radio reception are modulated onto these signals:

The AM and FM-1 signals are received as follows:

Right side window antenna →

AM and FM antenna amplifier →

COMAND control unit

FM-2 signals are received via the following path:

Left side window antenna →

TV 2 antenna amplifier →

COMAND control unit

The radio mode is made up of the following partial functions:

AM tuner 

For the MW and SW radio frequency bands, the useful signals are broadcast using amplitude modulation (AM). These signals are demodulated by the AM tuner integrated into the COMAND controller unit. In other words, it separates the useful signals (audible frequencies) from the carrier signal (inaudible).

Dual FM tuner with multipath reception (FM) 

For the FM radio frequency band, the useful signals are broadcast using frequency modulation (FM).

An FM double tuner is integrated in the COMAND controller unit which demodulates the signals. In other words, it separates the useful signals (audible frequencies) from the carrier signal (inaudible). The COMAND controller unit integrates the useful signals from FM 1 and FM 2 into an optimized signal (phase diversity).

IMPORTANT An additional tuner function is integrated in the COMAND controller unit for additional information such as, e.g. the FM multiplexer for the Vehicle Information and Communication System (VICS).

Radio Broadcast Data System (RBDS) (with code ZU8 (National version for the USA)) or radio data system (RDS) (except code ZU8 (National version for the USA), except code ZJ1 (Version for Japan)) 

In addition to the radio program, many radio stations (FM) also broadcast additional digital information such as station name and traffic message channel recognition.

The additional digital information is evaluated by the COMAND controller unit and shown on the Audio/COMAND display, when the following preconditions are complied with:

HD radio (with code ZU8 (National version for the USA)) 

The digital signals are decoded by the audio tuner for HD radio integrated in the COMAND controller unit. Additional information and services are shown on the Audio/COMAND display, e.g. program service data, artist experience, traffic information.

Digital radio (DAB) (with code EF6 (Digital radio (DAB))) 

The tuner unit permits the reception of digital radio in DAB format. The stations are categorized into groups in DAB, so-called "Ensembles". The DAB functions are controlled over the COMAND controller unit.

The information or displays required for control are shown on the Audio/COMAND display.

The DAB band-III signal (DAB 1) is received as follows:

Left side window antenna →

TV 1 antenna amplifier →

Tuner unit

The DAB 2 signal is received via the following route:

Right side window antenna →

TV 3 and DAB antenna amplifier →

TV antenna splitter (with code EM8 (TV tuner)) →

Tuner unit

With DAB reception, the COMAND controller unit transmits the FM station lists via the MOST to the tuner unit. If a comparable FM station is found, it is then requested by the tuner unit and the COMAND controller unit provides the FM audio signals on the MOST. If the DAB reception worsens, a switch is made to the COMAND controller unit's FM station, whereby the tuner unit adjusts the time lag between the digital and the analog signal. In this way the switchover is almost inaudible ("Seamless Linking").

The tuner unit sends the audio signals via MOST to the COMAND controller unit (except code EU9 (Harman Kardon® Logic 7® surround sound system)) or via the COMAND controller unit to the sound system amplifier control unit (with code EU9 (Harman Kardon® Logic 7® surround sound system)).

The tuner unit is designed as a diversity tuner and provides the following advantages:

Satellite digital audio radio service (SDARS) (with code ZU8 (USA national version)) 

The tuner unit makes it possible to receive stations from the satellite radio provider "Sirius satellite radio". The SDARS system is controlled by the COMAND controller unit and this is implemented through the MOST. The information or displays required for control are output via the audio/COMAND display and also in the instrument cluster. Real-time traffic data (RTTD) is also transmitted via SDARS, which includes accident and traffic jam reports and traffic flow information. This data is made available to the navigation module of the COMAND controller unit via MOST.

The Sirius satellite radio signal is broadcast 3 times to achieve a diversity of channels (using two satellites and one terrestrial transmitter). The Satellite Digital Audio Radio (SDAR) antenna receives all three channels of the SIRIUS satellite radio (Sat 1, Sat 2, terrestrial station) and transmits these signals via a direct line to the tuner unit.

The tuner unit receives and decodes the signals and sends them via MOST to the COMAND controller unit (except code EU9 (Harman Kardon® Logic 7® surround sound system)) or via the COMAND controller unit to the sound system amplifier control unit (with code EU9 (Harman Kardon® Logic 7® surround sound system)).

Additional function requirements for DVD, CD audio 

DVD, CD audio 

The DVD/CD audio function enables audio CDs or audio DVDs (including MP3 and other formats) to be played.

The user guidance for controlling the DVD and CD functionality and displaying additional information is provided via the Audio/COMAND display. The data exchange between the COMAND controller unit and the Audio/COMAND display takes place over the telematics CAN but the COMAND controller unit transmits picture and video data via a low voltage differential signaling line to the Audio/COMAND display.

Additional function requirements for connections in stowage compartment (telephone compartment) beneath the front armrest 

Connections in stowage compartment (telephone compartment) under front armrest 

USB connector 1 and USB connector 2 are integrated into the multimedia connection unit. External devices (e.g. USB memory sticks, iPods and MTP devices) can be connected to the multimedia connection unit over both USB (Universal Serial Bus) connectors. The multimedia connection unit is connected to the COMAND controller unit via a direct line.

IMPORTANT External devices connected to the multimedia connection unit are charged.

When a device is connected to the multimedia connection unit, the COMAND controller unit switches over to the new media source. The COMAND controller unit outputs the audio signals of the connected devices over the speaker system (except code EU9 (Harman Kardon® Logic 7® surround sound system)) or forwards them via MOST to the sound system amplifier control unit (with code EU9 (Harman Kardon® Logic 7® surround sound system)). User guidance is carried out via the Audio/COMAND display. The COMAND controller unit generates the displays and transmits them to the Audio/COMAND display over an LVDS line.

As well as the actual media files, metadata that is transmitted to the COMAND controller unit is stored in the connected device. Metadata includes, e.g., the title, interpreter, composer, album, genre, audio book, podcast, file identifier, file type (audio or video). This metadata can be displayed and searched for by the COMAND controller unit.

The metadata is collected by the COMAND controller unit in a memory, the media database. It is then possible to search for the relevant metadata in the media database. The media database permanently saves the metadata of up to three devices. When one of these devices is reconnected, the metadata is updated. As soon as a fourth device is connected, the oldest metadata record is overwritten.

When playing pieces of music, the corresponding cover art is shown on the Audio/COMAND display if the cover art in question is stored in the portable terminal (e.g. iPod). The maximum file size for processing cover art is 5 MB. The COMAND controller unit adapts the resolution to 240 x 240 pixels, 16 bit colors and converts the file to the JPG format.

When searching for albums or pieces of music on the connected device, the corresponding cover art is also shown on the Audio/COMAND display.

Additional function requirements for SD card (Secure Digital) 

SD (Secure Digital) card 

The SD card slot is integrated in the COMAND controller unit. Audio data stored on an SD card can be shown on the Audio/COMAND display by activating the "Memory Card" media source and played back by the COMAND controller unit.

Additional function requirements for saving audio CDs on the COMAND controller unit (with code ZU8 (USA national version) or with code ZJ1 (Version for Japan)) 

Storing audio CDs on COMAND controller unit (with code ZU8 (National version for the USA) or with code ZJ1 (Version with Japan)) 

Audio CDs can be stored on the integrated hard disk of the COMAND controller unit and subsequently retrieved using the "Search" menu. The storage procedure is started during media operation by selecting "REC" in the "Media" menu bar. Only the entire audio CD can be stored on the hard disk. If the storage procedure is canceled prematurely (e.g. by selecting "Cancel"), no data is stored. Stored audio CDs can be retrieved using the "Search" menu in the "Media" menu bar. The individual tracks can also be retrieved using the general search function.

IMPORTANT Up to 12 audio CDs can be stored. When 12 audio CDs have been stored, an audio CD must be deleted before a new audio CD can be stored. In order to delete stored audio CDs, a stored audio CD must be played back. A stored audio CD can be selected for deletion using "Options" in the Media menu bar.

Additional function requirements for Bluetooth® Audio 

Bluetooth® Audio 

The COMAND controller unit can receive Bluetooth® audio signals from external devices via the Bluetooth® antenna and control the player of the external device. Bluetooth® audio is divided into the following subfunctions:

Search for devices and authorization 

The same options exist for the authorization of Bluetooth® audio sources as are available for telephony:

The device lists are set up the same for Bluetooth® audio and telephony. In the respective list, only those devices that support the corresponding Bluetooth® profile of the respective function are found or displayed during a search. With Bluetooth® audio these are Audio Video Remote Control Profiles (AVRCP) and Advanced Audio Distribution Profiles (A2DP), and for telephony it is the Hands-free Profile (HFP). If a device supports both functions, it appears in both lists after authorization.

Connection and reconnection 

An authorized device can be connected by means of selection in the corresponding list. If a device is connected that supports both HFP and AVRCP/A2DP, all profiles are connected. In this case the device is a telephone and the source of Bluetooth® audio at the same time.

On most devices, it is necessary to start the player on the telephone so that it can then be controlled via the COMAND controller unit.

When starting, the COMAND controller unit proceeds with the following strategy:

If a device is connected that only supports HFP and a change to the Bluetooth® audio application occurs, "No Bluetooth audio equipment connected" is shown on the COMAND controller unit if corresponding audio sources are shown in the device list.

The "Connect last device" function bar enables the last used Bluetooth® audio source to be connected. However, the connection to the current telephone is interrupted here.

If a device is connected that only supports AVRCP/A2DP and a change to telephone application is then made, the connection to the device is disconnected and the COMAND controller unit begins the search for the last two telephones.

Metadata and display of information 

The display of information for Bluetooth® audio depends on the respective device used. If this device supports AVRCP 1.0, only "Audio streaming" is shown on the Audio/COMAND display and in the instrument cluster.

As of AVRCP 1.3, the track, album and artist are shown. In addition, the currently played time of the track can also be conveyed.

Furthermore, there is the option of changing between the normal track sequence and shuffle.

IMPORTANT It is possible to jump to the next or the previous track using the left multifunction steering wheel button group.

IMPORTANT Notes on supported devices for Bluetooth® audio can be found at:

http://www.mercedes-benz-mobile.com

  Electrical function schematic for Digital Audio Broadcasting function Model 463 as of model year 2017 up to model year 2019 with code EF6 (Digital radio (DAB)) with code EU4 (COMAND Online) PE82.60-P-2057-97ZGB
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