Audio mode, function

P82.60-9052-79

Function requirements, audio mode, general

 Circuit 30g ON

 Transport mode not active

General information on the audio mode

The audio mode consists of the following component functions:

 Function sequence for volume/tone settings

 Function sequence for radio mode (FM/AM)

 Function sequence for digital radio (DAB) (with CODE 537 (Digital radio))

 Function sequence for Satellite Digital Audio Radio (satellite radio) (SDAR) (with CODE 536 (SIRIUS satellite radio))

 Function sequence for connections in stowage compartment (telephone compartment) beneath the front armrest

 Function sequence for DVD/CD audio

 Function sequence for Music Register (with CODE 512 (COMAND APS with DVD changer) or with CODE 527 (COMAND APS with single DVD drive (with navigation)))

 Function sequence for Bluetooth®audio

 MODEL 117.3 up to 11/2/14, 242 up to 11/2/14, 246 up to 11/2/14
up to model year 2015
with CODE B56 (Drive Kit Plus for the iPhone® 4/4s)
MODEL 117.3 up to 11/2/14, 242 up to 11/2/14, 246 up to 11/2/14
up to model year 2015
with CODE B62 (Drive Kit Plus for the iPhone® 5s/5c/5)
MODEL 156 up to 8/31/15
up to model year 2016
with CODE B56 (Drive Kit Plus for the iPhone® 4/4s)
MODEL 156 up to 8/31/15
up to model year 2016
with CODE B62 (Drive Kit Plus for the iPhone® 5s/5c/5)
MODEL 176 up to 8/31/15
up to model year 2016
with CODE B56 (Drive Kit Plus for the iPhone® 4/4s)
without CODE 516 (Audio 5 USB)
MODEL 176 up to 8/31/15
up to model year 2016
with CODE B62 (Drive Kit Plus for the iPhone® 5s/5c/5)
without CODE 516 (Audio 5 USB)
Additional audio mode functions are available.

The displays for operation, user guidance and information shown in the Audio/COMAND display are generated in the audio equipment and forwarded over an LVDS line to the Audio/COMAND display, on vehicles with CODE B56 (Drive Kit Plus for iPhone® 4/4S) or CODE B62 (Drive Kit Plus for iPhone® 5s/5c/5) over the control unit for the Drive Kit for iPhone®.

 The functions for audio mode are selected using the following controls:

 Left multifunction steering wheel button group

 Right multifunction steering wheel button group

 Audio/COMAND control panel

 Buttons on audio equipment

 Voice control system (VCS) via the hands-free system microphone (with CODE 512 (COMAND APS with DVD changer) or with CODE 527 (COMAND APS with single DVD drive (with navigation)))

Function sequence for volume/tone settings

All volume and tone settings are performed using the audio equipment . This is performed either by the user or automatically by the audio unit. The volume and tone settings are shown on the Audio/COMAND display. 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 810 (Sound system), the audio equipment not only has the general tone settings (treble, bass and balance) but also the Surround tone setting (surround sound).

 The tone settings can be carried out separately for each audio source. The volume can be adjusted separately for the traffic information service and navigation announcements.

 With the AUX audio source, standard or boost mode can be selected in the "Volume" menu. The input level can be increased by selecting "Boost" mode.

The audio signals are output via the speaker system.

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

 Function sequence for manual volume/sound settings

 Function sequence for speed-dependent volume control (SDV [GAL])

Function sequence for manual volume/sound settings

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

 Function sequence for volume settings via right multifunction steering wheel button group

 Function sequence for volume settings through the audio equipment

 Function sequence for sound settings via audio/COMAND control panel

The desired settings are relayed on vehicles with CODE 810 (Sound system) via MOST to the sound system amplifier control unit, where they are then processed. On vehicles except CODE 810 (Sound system), the selected settings are processed internally. Audio output via the speaker system is interrupted by pressing the mute function button or using the corresponding button on the audio equipment.

Function sequence for volume settings via right multifunction steering wheel button group

Pressing the "+" and "–" button for setting specific functions and volume control enables the volume for the desired audio function to be increased or reduced.

The control signals are forwarded to the audio equipment via the following route:

 Steering wheel electronics

 Steering LIN

 Steering column module control unit

 Chassis CAN

 Instrument cluster

 Interior CAN

Function sequence for volume settings through the audio equipment

Operating the control on the audio equipment increases or reduces the volume.

Function sequence for sound settings via audio/COMAND control panel

The user can set the corresponding sound by selecting the "Sound" menu on the audio/COMAND control panel. The Audio/COMAND control panel control signals are transmitted via the telematics CAN to the audio equipment . On vehicles with CODE B56 (Drive Kit Plus for iPhone® 4/4S) or CODE B62 (Drive Kit Plus for iPhone® 5s/5c/5), the control signals from the Audio/COMAND control panel are sent as follows to the audio equipment:

 Telematics CAN

 Drive Kit control unit for iPhone®

 Telematics CAN

Function sequence for speed-dependent volume control (SDV [GAL])

The volume is adapted to the noise situation in the vehicle interior with the help of the speed-dependent volume control. The noise level in the vehicle interior is defined by the vehicle speed in the speed-dependent volume control. For this purpose, the instrument cluster transmits information on vehicle speed via the interior CAN to the audio equipment (except CODE 810 (Sound system)) or via MOST to the sound system amplifier control unit (with CODE 810 (Sound system)). In accordance with the information from the instrument cluster, the audio equipment or the sound system amplifier control unit raises the output level or lowers it.

Function sequence for radio mode (FM/AM)

The antennas receive signals for the FM (ultra-short wave), AM (short wave), medium wave (MW), long wave (LW) frequency bands. The following useful signals relevant for the radio reception are modulated onto these signals:

 Music signals

 Speech signals

 Data signals (e.g. traffic information)

The AM signals are received via direct lines from the audio equipment via the following route:

 Rear spoiler antenna (model 246, 242,176, 156) or rear window antenna (model 117.3)

 FM, AM and CL [ZV] antenna amplifier

The FM-1 signals are received via direct lines from the audio equipment via the following route:

 Rear spoiler antenna (model 246, 242, 176, 156) or rear window antenna (model 117.3)

 FM, AM and CL [ZV] antenna amplifier

FM-2 signals are received over direct lines from the audio equipment over the following route:

 Rear window antenna

 FM 2, DAB and TV 1 antenna amplifier (model 246, 242,176, 156) or FM 2 and DAB antenna amplifier (model 117.3)

 FM/TMC antenna splitter (with CODE 508 (Navigation box preinstallation) or with CODE 509 (Navigation box))

The radio mode function sequence consists of the following subfunctions:

 Function sequence for AM tuner (MW, LW, SW)

 Function sequence for FM double tuner with diversity reception (FM)

 Function sequence for Radio Broadcast Data System (RBDS) (with CODE 494 (USA version)) or Radio Data System (RDS) (except CODE (498) Japan version))

Function sequence for AM tuner (MW, LW, SW)

For the MW and LW radio frequency bands, the useful signals are broadcast using amplitude modulation (AM). The AM tuner integrated into the audio equipment demodulates these signals. In other words, it separates the useful signals (audible frequencies) from the carrier signal (inaudible).

 MODEL 117.3 up to 11/2/14, 242 up to 11/2/14, 246 up to 11/2/14
up to model year 2015
with CODE 494 (US version)
MODEL 117.3 up to 11/2/14, 242 up to 11/2/14, 246 up to 11/2/14
up to model year 2015
with CODE 498 (Japanese version)
MODEL 156 up to 8/31/15
up to model year 2016
with CODE 494 (US version)
MODEL 156 up to 8/31/15
up to model year 2016
with CODE 498 (Japanese version)
MODEL 176 up to 8/31/15
up to model year 2016
with CODE 498 (Japanese version)
without CODE 516 (Audio 5 USB)
Only MW frequencies are received in the AM frequency range.

Function sequence for FM double tuner with diversity reception (FM)

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

The dual FM tuner integrated into the audio equipment demodulates these signals. In other words, it separates the useful signals (audible frequencies) from the carrier signal (inaudible). The audio equipment integrates the useful signals from the FM, AM and CL [ZV] antenna amplifier, and the FM 2, DAB and TV 1 antenna amplifier (model 246, 242,176, 156) or the FM 2 and DAB antenna amplifier (model 117.3) to form an optimized signal (phase diversity).

 An additional tuner function is integrated into the audio equipment for additional information such as the weatherband or the FM multiplexer for the Vehicle Information and Communication System (VICS).

Function sequence for RBDS (with CODE 494 (USA version)) or RDS (except CODE 498 (Japan version))

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

This additional information is evaluated by the audio equipment and shown on the Audio/COMAND display if the following preconditions are complied with:

 An RDS or RBDS station is set.

 The RDS or RBDS function is activated.

Function sequence for digital radio (DAB) (with CODE 537 (Digital radio (DAB)))

The Digital Audio Broadcasting control unit allows reception of digital radio in the DAB format. With DAB, the stations are categorized into groups known as "Ensembles". Control of the DAB functions is accomplished via the audio equipment . The information or displays required for control are shown on the Audio/COMAND display.

The Digital Audio Broadcasting control unit receives the DAB signals as DAB band-III signals via direct lines as follows:

 Rear window antenna

 FM 2, DAB and TV 1 antenna amplifier (model 246, 242,176, 156) or FM 2 and DAB antenna amplifier (model 117.3)

The Digital Audio Broadcasting control unit forwards the DAB signals via MOST to the sound system amplifier control unit (with CODE 810 (Sound system)) or to the audio equipment (except CODE 810 (Sound system)). To optimize the reception, the audio equipment sends the FM station lists to the Digital Audio Broadcasting control unit. If a comparable FM station is found, it is requested by the Digital Audio Broadcasting control unit. The audio equipment provides the FM audio signals on the MOST when the DAB mode is active. If the DAB reception worsens, a switch is made to the audio unit's FM station, whereby the Digital Audio Broadcasting control unit adjusts the time lag between the digital and the analog signal. In this way the switchover is almost inaudible ("Seamless Linking").

DAB dual tuner

The Digital Audio Broadcasting control unit is designed as a dual tuner and provides not only the known functions but also the following optimizations and extensions:

 Background tuner collects the names of all available stations and ensembles for display on the Audio/COMAND display.

 Display of data for electronic program index "Electronic Program Guide" on the Audio/COMAND display (e.g. start and finish times of programs, if supported by the station)

 Faster switchover to another Ensemble

 Almost inaudible switchover between various Ensembles with identical program (e.g. Deutschlandradio in various Ensembles nationwide)

 Support of the extended audio codecs DAB+ and Digital Multimedia Broadcasting (DMB) audio and therefore reception of programs transmitted with these codecs

Function sequence for SDAR (with CODE 536 (SIRIUS satellite radio))

The satellite digital audio radio (SDAR) control unit permits the reception of stations from the provider "Sirius satellite radio". The SDAR system is controlled through the audio equipment and the control occurs via MOST. The information or displays required for control are output via the Audio/COMAND display and also in the instrument cluster. The Sirius satellite radio signal is broadcast 3 times to achieve multipath reception (using two satellites and one terrestrial transmitter).

The multifunction antenna (model series 117.3, 242, 246) or the Satellite Digital Audio Radio (SDAR) antenna (model series 156) receives all three channels from the Sirius satellite radio (Sat 1, Sat 2, terrestrial stations) and sends these signals over a direct line to the Satellite Digital Audio Radio (SDAR) control unit. The Satellite Digital Audio Radio (SDAR) control unit receives and decodes the signals and sends them via MOST to the sound system amplifier control unit (with CODE 810 (Sound system)) or to the audio equipment (except CODE 810 (Sound system)).

Function sequence for connections in stowage compartment (telephone compartment) beneath the front armrest

External devices (e.g. Walkman, universal serial bus (USB) stick) can be connected to the AUX connection electrical connector (except CODE 518 (Media Interface), up to 30.11.2013) and the USB electrical connector. The electrical connections are connected through direct lines to the audio equipment. If the "AUX" menu or the "USB storage" menu is activated, the audio equipment outputs the audio data of the connected devices over the speaker system or forwards it via the MOST to the sound system amplifier controller unit (with CODE 810 (Sound system)).

In the "USB storage" menu, the user is guided via the Audio/COMAND display. The audio equipment generates the display information and transmits it to the audio/COMAND display via an LVDS line.

Function sequence for DVD/CD audio

The DVD/CD audio function enables audio CDs or audio DVDs (including MP3 format) to be played. The signals are processed internally in the audio equipment. User guidance for controlling DVD/CD functionality and displaying supplemental information is carried out via the Audio/COMAND display.

Function sequence for Music Register (with CODE 512 (COMAND APS with DVD changer) or with CODE 527 (COMAND APS with single DVD drive (with navigation)))

Files in MP3 format from a CD, a DVD, a USB memory stick or a Secure Digital (SD) card can be stored on the hard disk integrated in the audio equipment and then retrieved as required.

 MODEL 117.3 up to 11/2/14, 242 up to 11/2/14, 246 up to 11/2/14
up to model year 2015
with CODE 498 (Japanese version)
MODEL 156 up to 8/31/15
up to model year 2016
with CODE 498 (Japanese version)
MODEL 176 up to 8/31/15
up to model year 2016
with CODE 498 (Japanese version)
without CODE 516 (Audio 5 USB)
This is not possible due to legal regulations. Instead of this, in the "Disc" menu one can use "REC" to store music tracks from an audio CD as MP3 file on the COMAND controller unit's hard disk ("rip"). The MP3 files in the Music Register are not imported in this instance, but generated by the audio equipment itself.

Function sequence for Bluetooth®audio

The Bluetooth® antenna allows the audio equipment to receive Bluetooth® audio signals from external devices. Bluetooth® audio is divided into the following subfunctions:

 Search for devices and authorization

 Connection and reconnection

 Metadata and display of information

Search for devices and authorization

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

 Search via the device list

 External authorization

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. The Bluetooth® profiles Audio/Video Remote Control Profile (AVRCP) and Advanced Audio Distribution Profile (A2DP) are used for Bluetooth® audio and the Hands-Free Profile (HFP) for telephony. If a device supports both functions, it is shown in both lists following authorization.

 Notes on supported devices for Bluetooth® audio can be found under: http://www.mercedes-benz.com/connect

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 audio equipment .

If a device is connected that only supports HFP and it is changed to the Bluetooth® audio application, "No Bluetooth audio device connected" is shown on the audio equipment if the 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, but the connection to the current telephone is disconnected. If a device is connected that only supports AVRCP and A2DP and a change to the telephone application is then made, the connection to the device is disconnected and the audio equipment 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 the device supports AVRCP 1.0, "Audio streaming" is exclusively 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.

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