Stock audio line in?

[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

[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

[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

[CJinSJ]

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