For Parrot BT car kits, can you still place/receive calls if the car stereo is off, or must it always stay on?

Question

For Parrot BT car kits, can you still place/receive calls if the car stereo is off, or must it always stay on?

Answer 1

Unless it's installed as an auxiliary input on the stereo system, then the stereo doesn't have to be on.

Usually the Parrot module is installed on the speaker wiring, between the factory radio and the speakers.  When you place or receive a call, the Parrot kit breaks the connection to the radio and connects the speakers to the Parrot's built-in amplifier.  In this case, it doesn't matter whether the radio is turned on or off.  In fact, I sometimes install them so that the radio automatically turns off when you receive a call.

The kit also has a low-level output that can be connected to an after-market deck's auxiliary input.  In this case, you'd have to switch the deck to the auxiliary source when you use the kit.  This is an unusual type of installation, though, especially if you have a factory radio.