Stock audio line in?

[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.