Stock audio line in?

[doubleadesign]

Does anyone know if there is a port in the back of the stereo for a line in which i can laed to the shifter area to connect to my iPod instead of using the tape deck connection?
I can replace the stereo at Best Buy with a system that has the option ofa line out to where ever i want.
I would even take out the 6 disc changer to make room for a little spot for my pod.

[MZ-N10]

no there is no port on teh back of the radio for u to run ur ipod to...

it probably wouldnt be a bad idea to change the deck and changer cause the isuzu changer we have r known for eating cds
________
WIKI VAPORIZER (http://vaporizerwiki.com)

[doubleadesign]

i was just trying to save some cash.

[technocoy]

doubleadesign,

last time i posted anything about my mac here, i caught some flack, but reluctantly, i'm going to let you and any other iPod owners in on a little upgrade that i am about to do.

it just so happens that Alpine has announced that all 2004 AI net controller capable head units are compatible with a cable that alpine is releasing in spring that you plug your ipod into and hide it.

from that point, you iPod charges and is controlled visually (full controll) through th head unit display and control. this is the ultimate way (in my mind the only way) and what i have been waiting for for my iPod!!! you can actually browse your iPod and such through the Alpine interface (as well as with the wireless remote) they announced it at CES.

I was torn between a pioneer system and the Alpine, and then, being an iPod owner, Alpine made the decision for me. I will be upgrading soon.

hope this info is useful, and that it excites you as much as it did me!

technocoy

[coachreed]

Well, not exactly sure how to go about this, but obviously the CD changer has to play low-level audio into the stereo... there is one plug harness that feeds from the changer into the headunit... in that harness (at least the harness extension) there are twelve wires... in those twelve wires, there has to be at least ONE power wire (+12V) if not TWO (constant and switched)... or maybe even three (remote)... there will be at least ONE ground wire as well... IF I still had my VX intact, I would go probe the wires for you and tell you which wires are which... but since its not together... maybe you or someone knowledgable can do it. Anyway, of the remaining wires, you will probably have FOUR wires that are basically your low-level output to the headunit... to play through the headunit's amplifier... this means that theoretically you should be able to feed audio (low-level) into the deck and play it out the speakers... now... with that being said, you are on your own... I am not responsible for anything that comes of this... just wanted to open your mind up to possibilities... with a high-impedence tester (digital multimeter or probe... NOT a test light), you sohuld be able to figure this out. Lemme know if you have any specific questions on how to test these wires. TTYL!

Coach... I mean Randy (I often forget who I really am) ;)
http://www.vehicross.info/gallery/data/500/406banner.jpg (http://www.geocities.com/ironmanvx2000)
Undergoing LS1 Coversion as we speak!
Click Image to Visit My Website!

[coachreed]

Actually now that I have posted that... there are also some kind of controls wires going from deck to changer... my setup was only in my VX for a SHORT period of time before I put my DVD player in there... forgot about the controls on the deck for the changer... anyway... so I say there is a constant power, switched power (maybe even a remote-on type of wire), controls for disc change, track change (up and down) and then FOUR wires for your audio low level... take it from there... I'd be happy to try to help if I can.

TTYL!

[doubleadesign]

the only thing i'm geek about is my mac. and that's only at the enduser level.

i've seen the info on alpine the day they anounced it. i too, was excited about it. but, i'm afraid of the price tag. it's been three years and i'm still wincing at how much this truck costs me per month.

and i don't have enough resources to tear up the dash to get to the audio stuff on my own. wish i did though.

well, it looks like if i want to add easy iPod access i'm gonna have to shell out at the very leat $350+ for something decent.

the alpine stuff mentioned the glove box for storage. well, mine is packed!

thanks for all your imput out there.

if i can find a decent audio shop maybe i'll have them pokearound with the changer idea.

[coachreed]

I guess I shoulda asked this question earlier... what is an iPod?! Does it have some kind of audio out that can be played through an auxilary input of a stereo? Do you know any specs on it... mV rating? Lemme know if you can.


Originally posted by doubleadesign
if i can find a decent audio shop maybe i'll have them pokearound with the changer idea.

As for finding a good shop, your gonna have a hard time to find a shop willing to play around with trying to tap into your stock stuff... doesn't make them much money... and its a gamble even if you say they aren't responsible for possible damage to your deck. I will dig around in the mountains of wire I cut out of my VX and see if I can find the harness from the deck... if I can find it, I'll take it to work tomorrow and play with it a little. If I can figure anything out, I'll let ya know.

TTYL!

Coach!

[Joe_Black]

There are a number of generic digital FM Modulators out there that will allow you to attach any line level device and play over an unused FM preset. Sound quality is more than sufficient for an MP3 or equivalent and they only run about $20 - $30 and are about the size of a large pager. Our VX antenna cable socket is actually near the steering column, so you could mount one behind the facia between the column and center dash.

Easy and simple!

[doubleadesign]

I'm biased but the iPod is the best digital music player on the market. The numbers back me up even if the PC people disagree. it's made by Apple.

I have the Fm transmitter from Belkin and the iTrip. Neither impress me. The tape deck connection sounds best so far, though line in is the best option.

I also know there are a couple of decks out there with line-in in the front and some with line-in in the back in which they (Best Buy at least) will run a line where ever I want it to end up.

[MZ-N10]

na...not all pc ppl think the ipod sucks...
im a pc person and i think the ipod kicks....

40gig hd
perfect sound
300~500 bucks
easy to use


wat could be better?
other then teh hi-md:D
________
Live Sex (http://livesexwebshows.com/)

[Spy Hunter]

JVC has a couple of relatively cheap quality decks that have a line-in in the front.

[WormGod]

There is a frontal port loader that JVC makes. Seen it at Curcuit City a few weeks ago. Probably the best bang for your buck, as it was priced at about $200.

I have seen ads for Pioneer and Alpine units with a firewire port, but I can't recall where. Perhaps Crutchfield. *shrug* A little searching on the web and you should be able to find something. I would prefer firewire over an SPDF connection anyday anyways.

[doubleadesign]

firewir-in. hmmmm......
I'll do a little reasearch on that. thanks!

[nater]

Okay, follow this logic:
-FujitsuTen makes the Isuzu stereo.
-FujitsuTen makes the most Toyota stereos.
-Toyota's interface for cd ('98 to '03) is the SAME as Isuzu.
-PIE makes an adapter for an AUX line in for Toyota (you have to remove the CD player).
-This adapter should work with Isuzu.
I will confirm this weekend as I bought one for my Toyota, but will try it on my Isuzu and let you guys know.

http://www.pie.net/sec12sb1p.htm

Nate

[nater]

Cool! The TOY-AUX input adapter works perfectly! You unplug the CD player, plug into the port, and push the Disc button. The display reads Disc 1 and the sound comes through the newly created line in!

Only note: For some reason, the connector is very tight on the pins. In order to get it in, I released the pins from the connector, pushed them back a little, pushed the connector into the stereo, then pushed each pin into place until it clicked.

Hey, at least you know it won't cut in and out over bumps!

Anyway, it works very well, and this store seems to have the best price: (I am not affiliated with this store).

http://www.logjamelectronics.com/pietoyaux.html

Good Luck!

Nate

[doubleadesign]

i know i can do the work. but i would need a little wak through if you don't mind, then anyone doing a search will gain from your experience. photos would be cool too. it's a lot to ask but i'm patient.
thanks

[WyrreJ]

Way cool. I vote you most productive noobee ever.

[nater]

Okay, so, yes, I'm a noobee to this forum, so where do I post the final more formal instructions with photos? Under How To's? Also, do I need to donate money to this forum in order to have photo posting priveliges?

Nate

[doubleadesign]

I'm too much of a noobee to know, I hope one the power users picks up on this thread and answers your questions. though I'm certain you don't have to pay a dime for anything.

[WyrreJ]

A write-up would be pretty cool. You can post your images for free in the gallery section. Then post the write-up in the how-to section and inline your images with URLs from the gallery so that the entire creation is hosted here with no dependencies on any other website.

[Teckhardt]

I found this on the web:

Mobile multimedia specialist Alpine has developed a system that enables consumers to connect and control their Apple iPod portable music player from their in-vehicle sound system. Alpine's iPod Ready strategy is part of the company's overarching mission to create innovative in-vehicle electronics that are easier to use and provide great sound in the mobile environment.

"The integration of iPod control into selected 2004 Alpine in-dash receivers addresses the growing market of portable digital audio device users who want a safe and easy-to-use solution for playback in the car," says Graham Johnson, Alpine’s UK Marketing Director.

With a simple one-cable connection, iPod users will be able to operate key playback features from the Alpine receiver's buttons and have display of playlists, album, artist and songs on the head unit. The iPod can then be safely stored in the glove box or console because it acts like a portable hard drive connected to the head unit through Alpine’s powerful Ai-NET system bus. The Alpine connectivity solution also provides charging of the iPod’s internal battery.

"Alpine’s iPod Ready in-dash receivers will allow iPod users seamless control of up to 10,000 songs easily in their car," said Stan Ng, Apple’s Director of iPod Product Marketing. "Being able to display song information and browse the iPod’s entire music library right from the Alpine head unit makes this a superior way to enjoy non-stop music in the car."

Alpine has engineered a unique interface box that takes advantage of the iPod Accessory Protocol allowing audio, track information, and control signals to be communicated over the Ai-NET system bus to the in-dash receiver. This seamless integration provides emulation of the iPod’s controls through an Alpine head unit using both the front panel buttons and the wireless remote control.

Launched at the recent CES exhibition in Las Vegas, Alpine’s iPod Ready Interface kit will be available later this summer through Alpine authorised retailers.

[WyrreJ]

Don't order from Logjam Electronics. They are out of stock and don't expect to get stock in until mid March at the earliest.

[nater]

So, it looks like the X3 from PIE would let you keep your OEM CD changer. Very cool. This is likely the route I'll go. I'll get pictures posted, but it will be at least a week.

Nate

[nater]

Wyrrej, sorry to hear logjam is out of stock. They seem like they are reputable because they are linked from PIE's website www.pie.net and are a "Yahoo shopping" store. I bought mine at a retail outlet (special order) from Car Toys. They have a website, cartoys.com, but they don't have the item listed. If you call their 800#, you might be able to order it.

Nate

[doubleadesign]

Though the Alpine route would be ideal (also expensive) I will be patient and wait for more info on this cable. I'll order one from where ever I can find one and hopefully wait for one of you audio gods to lend a hand for the install. If i could spring for the alpine i'd then need speakers worthy of the system, then i'd need a sunroof, the i'd need a SC, then i'd need ...........

[nater]

Doubleadesign, I ordered the X3 input adapter. (This will let me keep the CD player). I'll post pics as soon as I can. Unfortunately, I own a Trooper, not a VX. So, the radio removal procedure will not be the same, but the radio will be. I'll post pics likely by next weekend.

Perhaps somewhere else on this group there are instructions to extract the radio?

Also, this may present a challenge: This adapter needs some space to hide inside the dash, my chosen location will be somewhat different than yours.

If you are certain you want to stop using the CD player, you can go ahead and order the PIE TOY-AUX; I have tried it and it works. If you want to keep your CD player, (like I am doing), I'll let you know how it works out with the X3 when it arrives.

Also, in order to reduce the risk of a rattle, I am wrapping the loose connector and the converter box in the middle of the adapter with single sided sticky foam tape. The best way to get this is to go to an auto parts store and ask for a roll of "Foam Camper Tape" used for sealing a Camper to the back of a pickup. It costs less than $10. Be sure to buy the kind that is only sticky on one side!


Nate

[doubleadesign]

this is getting interesting and great response. I'm looking forward to more info and pictures.thanks! many thanks!

[nater]

So, I installed the PIE X3 this past weekend... In my Camry! I hope to get to the Trooper before next weekend. I did the Camry first because if it didn't work, I would know the problem was with the adapter, not the radio.

It works well. The only challenge is where to hide the display/ button unit.

I'll take pics as I work on the Trooper so I can post a full How-To.

Nate

[doubleadesign]

I am sooo looking forward to some guidence.

[nater]

doublea, Does the Vehicross have steering wheel audio controls?

If you are willing to go without the CD Changer, and ESPECIALLY if the Vehicross has steering wheel controls for the radio, then THIS is the way to go:

<http://densionusa.com/merchant/merchant.mvc?Screen=PROD&Product_Code=I_TOYOTA_ATYS001MK2&Category_Code=IA>

It looks like you can use the TRACK buttons on the radio or steering wheel to access the Ipod!

VERY AWESOME.

Nate

[doubleadesign]

no steering wheel controls. darn.

[nater]

You need some guidance? Let's make it happen.

First, decide whether you want to keep your CD Changer.

If you do, you need the PIE X3-TOY.

If not, you need to order the "pocket" which goes where the CD player now is. St. Charles Isuzu can help you order it.

Here's the solution I'm going with:

http://www.engineeredaudio.com/products/remote.html

It's an RF remote, meaning no line-of-sight is required. I'm gonna stick this to the SIDE of my steering wheel and Voila! Steering wheel controls! (Don't stick it anywhere near the center of the wheel, the airbag might launch it at your head in a collision).

Next, you need one of these AUX input adapters (Buy from whoever you want):

http://www.logjamelectronics.com/pietoyaux.html

and one of these (get this anywhere):

http://www.logjamelectronics.com/pie35rca6mm.html

Then just remove the stereo, plug everything in, and away you go!

If you get stuck, you can email me at

natevanderschaaf
at
hotmail
dot
com

I'll post pics of what I did to get the connector to go in since it was a snug fit.

Maybe someone will post how to get the stereo out of a VX...

Nate

[doubleadesign]

i'm going to start this process this weekend. the ordering and such. maybe by the time i have all the parts there will have been a little guide for the best and easiest stereo extraction. this is going to rock! literally.

[nater]

Doublea, I installed my Aux input adapter/selector this weekend. I also got REALLY creative and relocated a bunch of the buttons to make room on the dash for the MP3 player (you can put yours anywhere you want). The most involved part of this was building an extension harness for the Cruise button, which is now on the left side of the dash. By chance, Toyota radio connector fit perfectly, so I combined a "guzzinta" (goes into) and a "guzzatta" (goes out of) harness connector to build the extension. Then I plugged into the factory harness, and the cruise button works great over on the left side.

I've got plenty of pics! I'll post them later this week!

Nate

[CJinSJ]

does the factory cd changer still work? or only discs 2 to 6 or not at all?

[james1_10018]

Another option is to get an inexpensive new eclipse (they make the isuzu changer).
New eclipse have aux input and you can use your changer. I did it

James

[Gussie2000]

If you really want to save some $$$$ go to ebay.com & buy the wiring harness adaptor # 70-7712 by metra,remove the dash panel,which is very easy to do,remove the cassette player,plug the adaptor to the OEM harness & begin the installation by ID ing each wire from the adaptor to the new head unit's harness,plug the new head unit & you're ready to go.

You might need to remove the metal sleeve along with the cassette unit & place in the new sleeve there with the new head unit,but try first if the new head unit will fit in.

If you need more info to have the job well done just go to the metra's web site & look up for the isuzu vehicross's electrical A/V diagram if you get confused

The adaptor is cheap,i got mines for just $ 7.00 + shipping (1.56) and it did a excelent job :)

[etlsport]

what sleeve? theres no sleeve required to install a cd player in the vx, there are metal brackets that unscrew off the stock unit and screw onto the new one

[Gussie2000]

what sleeve? theres no sleeve required to install a cd player in the vx, there are metal brackets that unscrew off the stock unit and screw onto the new one

You're right,VX uses brackets,but this is just for general purpose if any one need to