iPod to 2000-2005 Chrysler/Dodge/Jeep Factory Radio Interface w/ Auxiliary Audio input Review
Thursday, October 21, 2010
by Vera Smith
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Average Reviews:
(More customer reviews)Hi,
I can just recommend it, it is the cool (and may be only) way how to listen to your music on iPod/iPhone through the factory radio in my Jeep WJ. Easy to mount.
Martin
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Product Description:
The PA11 series iPod interfaces provide direct connection for an iPod plus an optional audio source such as satellite radio, DVD, or video game system. Both the iPod and the additional audio source can be selected from the factory radioâ??s front panel. The interface adapter connects the iPod to your factory radio as if it were a CD changer, allowing direct selection of iPod playlists through the radioâ??s preset (or disc) buttons and is compatible with iPod models featuring the dock connector, including the iPod nano and 5G iPod video.
There are two operating modes available for the interface, Playlist Mode and Direct Mode. Playlist Mode uses the controls on the factory radio to provide basic navigation functions including song up/down, playlist up/down, repeat, shuffle, scan, and FF/REW functions. Direct Mode uses the iPod's click wheel to navigate through the iPod's menus and select songs, artists, playlists, etc. and the radio buttons are used only for volume, bass and treble. Both modes still charge the iPod while connected, and stops one hour after the iPod is paused to prevent over-charging.
Note: Display of artist and song title information, track search by artist, song title, album or genre are NOT supported. Only the Playlist and track numbers are displayed.
Chrysler Applications:
300M / LHS - 2002-2004
300M / LHS - 1998-2001
Concorde - 1998-2004
Pacifica - 2004-2006
PT Cruiser - 2001-2005
Sebring / Cirrus - 2001-2006
Town&Country / Voyager - 2001-2006
Dodge Applications:
Caravan - 2001-2007
Dakota - 2001-2004
Durango - 2001-2003
Intrepid - 1998-2004
Neon - 2000-2005
Stratus - 2001-2006
Ram - 2002-2005
Jeep Applications:
Grand Cherokee - 2002-2004
Grand Cherokee - 1999-2001
Liberty - 2002-2006
Wrangler - 2003-2006
Special Note:PA11CHR is not compatible with vehicles that have GPS, Satellite Radio, DVD or in-dash CD changer.
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USA SPEC Volkswagen iPod® Interface Connects your iPod to select 2005-up Volkswagen factory radios Review
Wednesday, October 20, 2010
by Vera Smith
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Average Reviews:
(More customer reviews)Okay, here it goes. The review is gonna be long but it includes EVERYTHING you need to know about the product...
First. I have a 2005 Volkswagen Passat 1.8T GLS sedan with the standard double-din (double-height) factory stereo.
I did a lot of research and glad I did. It was invaluable... which is why I'm writing this review in return.
Overall, excellent! EASY install, GREAT sound quality. Smart design.
First of all, I recommend that anyone considering this product, download the owner's manual from the USA SPEC website (for free in PDF format). That will give you an idea of the scope of the installation and the different "modes" available and how the factory stereo controls work and what the different "CD choices" represent. More on this later.
Next, in addition to buying this unit, you need the "keys" to pull the radio from the dash. You technically need four but can use two. They go into each corner of the radio (see the horizontal slots). You can buy the keys on ebay... or you can visit your local Best Buy, etc. and throw the tech a few bucks and pull the radio right there in the parking lot... like I did. If you only have two keys, pull the left side of the radio first (lots of youtube videos on how this works... I recommend you watch a couple before attempting). Once the left side of the radio is "out" (literally a couple of millimeters) then use the keys to pull the right side of the radio and voila!
I also recommend that you remove the glove compartment... MUCH EASIER THAN YOU THINK... Five torx screws. Open the glove compartment and you'll see three torx screws along the inside of the top of the compartment. There are also two torx screws underneath the glove compartment down below. You may need to get down on your knees to see them.
WHEN YOU PULL THE GLOVE COMPARTMENT OUT BE SURE TO DISCONNECT THE INTERIOR LIGHT. It has a quick connect plug located on the left side of the compartment. Once the compartment is out, you have A LOT of space to work with. I read some reviews about people having problems finding a place for the unit... I had no problems... with the glove compartment out. Honestly, I don't know how people were able to install the unit without taking the glove compartment out... you decide...
Also, a lot of reviews mention that there is a ground wire which you need to connect... TRUE... and not mentioned in the documentation. When you take the cables out of the box, suddenly there is this black wire hanging off one of the connectors... that's the ground wire... Connecting the ground wire correctly IS EXTREMELY IMPORTANT. If it's not installed properly... (good connection) you'll get buzzing, static. etc... Very bad. Also, most reviews that I read said that the ground wire isn't long enough. Also, TRUE. I had to splice an additional 2' to the ground in order to get to a good ground connection... As for a good ground connection. This was daunting at first... You have to be careful what you connect the wire to. For example, DO NOT CONNECT TO ANYTHING UNDER THE DASHBOARD THAT IS EVEN REMOTELY CLOSE TO THE AIRBAG = BAD!!!!!! The airbag unit can be seen when the glove compartment is out. If you look up under the open space where the glove compartment was... that's it. This is what I did... I ran a ground wire from where I spliced to the right side of the front passenger foot well. Went you look at the right side... down by where you're feet would be positioned, there are a couple of screws... one will have a TON of brown wires connected to it... There's another one right next to it... Simply unscrew the nut, attach the exposed portion of the ground wire (I wrapped the wire around the bolt post then reinstalled the nut). The nut was the same color as my car so it might be hard to find. Also, for good measure, it's not a bad idea to take some sandpaper to the bolt and the nut... it's painted which means you may not get a good ground... IF YOU ARE NOT SURE ABOUT WHAT IS A GOOD GROUND CONNECTION, CONSULT SOMEONE WHO DOES. THIS STEP IS VERY IMPORTANT. You DON'T want to fry your electrical system... and guess what, factory warranties are generally void if you alter the wiring... not sure if this unit qualifies for the disqualification but if the warranty underwriter finds out you were installing this unit, chances are they won't approve that $4,000 claim. BE CAREFUL!
When the glove compartment is out, look to the left of where your feet would be and look directly behind/below the radio... There is a PERFECT spot for the unit...
When you unplug the stereo, ONLY UNPLUG THE CD CHANGER (BLUE) PLUG... If you pull the other one, you'll lose power to the radio and will have to enter the security code to activate the unit again. (Call your VW dealer... they keep the four digit code on file).
Connecting the unit is as simple as it looks in the instructions. In addition to this unit I bought a fantastic iPod/iPhone mount to complete the professional look. Crutchfield has an excellent one ($65 but worth every penny). Simple to mount too... Pull the trip from the climate control switches, remove two torx screws on the right side of the climate control unit, insert the mount and reinstall the two torx bolts and the trim... DONE!
Also, during the installation, I added the RCA/3.5mm jack. You'll have to change one of the DIP switches on the module, but it's all explained well in the documentation. I ran the AUX jack (which is associated with CD #6 on the changer) into my glove compartment (made a small hole in the back to feed the wire through). Now I have another connection for a DVD player, sat radio, etc...
The sound is amazing. I'm using the "Hybrid" mode which allows me to control the iPod/iPhone from the device or the radio... I prefer to use the device... more intuitive and familiar. Supposedly, if you have steering wheel controls for the radio, they will work as well. I don't have that option...
Also, not documented very well... but very nice feature: When you turn the car off, the radio turns off and the iPod paused at the exact spot... When you turn the car on... touch nothing and the song will continue from that position.
This is THE answer you're looking for if you want excellent sound quality and a minimally invasive installation (no wire cutting, etc.)
Hope you all enjoy!
Click Here to see more reviews about: USA SPEC Volkswagen iPod® Interface Connects your iPod to select 2005-up Volkswagen factory radios
Product Description:
iPod connection adapter for select 2005-up Volkswagen factory stereos * manage the iPod via your radio's CD changer controls * adjust volume, track up/down, fast forward/rewind * use up to five playlists (select five favorites, or Auto Playlist will let you choose from the first five on your iPod) * Direct Mode allows you to control everything via the iPod itself, giving you access to all playlists (requires a DIP switch change on the USA SPEC adapter) *
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USA SPEC PA12-BMWDSP - iPod in-vehicle interface adapter Review
Friday, October 15, 2010
by Vera Smith
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Average Reviews:
(More customer reviews)It took all of about 10 minutes to install this in my 2000 BMW 540i.I didn't bother running the cord back into the passenger compartment.I just leave my iPod nano in the trunk.I set up 5 special playlists - BMW1, BMW2,... BMW5 on my nano and it works flawlessly.Even after switching from one playlist to another, it remembers where you were on the old playlist when you go back.Pretty cool.Sound is great.The only thing that sucks is that I didn't buy this 3 years ago when my CD player went kaput.
Click Here to see more reviews about: USA SPEC PA12-BMWDSP - iPod in-vehicle interface adapter
Product Description:
The PA11-BMW iPod Interface Cable connects, controls, charges, and plays aniPod through the factory stereo system of your compatible 1996-2005 BMWand Mini Cooper factory radio with external Changer controls. This unitallows you to connect an iPod to your factory radio and operate the iPod justlike a CD Changer.Get pure Digital Sound of your iPod into your factory radio. Also adds anextra auxiliary input to connect any standard portable stereo device plus iPodconnection.Just connect the adapter cable to the CD changer input on your compatiblefactory radio. Then plug your iPod into the interfaceyou can control volume,source, song selection, and up to five different play lists right from theradio's CD changer controls. And the interface charges your iPod while it'sconnected!Features:Easy Installation - All cables are plug and play for easy installationAdds Additional Aux Input - Besides connecting to an iPod, our iPodinterface provides an additional aux input to connect other audio devicesSuperior Sound Quality - True digital quality sound through factory radioUses CD Changer Function - Uses the CD changer mode to operate an iPodjust like a CD ChangerAuto Maintain - Maintain current playlist when migrating your iPod fromportable use to in car useAuto Playlist Select - If no play list are created, the interface autoselects the first 5 playlist on your iPodRich in Features - adjust volume, track up/down, fast forward/rewind,select playlist, shuffle and random play are some of the useful featuresprovided by this interface, through a factory stereoAuto Memory - Auto locates the last song listened to on each play listAuto Skip - Skip 10+ songs in each playlist with the factory CD Changer FFbutton. Or, skip to the end of a playlistAuto Charge - Charges iPod battery and auto stops after 1 hour of non-useAuto Playlist Select - If no play list are creat NOTE: This product description has been cutt-off (is not complete) due to the size limit of Amazon.com's description field.
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USA SPEC PA11- FORD1 - iPod in-vehicle interface adapter Review
Thursday, October 14, 2010
by Vera Smith
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Average Reviews:
(More customer reviews)My bride wanted an iPod in her 2001 Ford Taurus Wagon for Christmas.
At first I tried the Belkin TuneBase FM with ClearScan thinking that this would be an easy solution but quickly found that the cigar lighter was not very stable and since the antenna was in the rear, the reception was awful. Granted the TuneBase is a $90 purchase at target and the kids working returns were very empathetic to my having tried it and suggested the hardwired option.
The PA11-FORD1 got good reviews and the best price is here at Amazon. I had to purchase the extension cable from Crutchfield (a great resource for DIYer's) since the stereo receiver unit is mounted behind the spare tire on this vehicle. The wiring harness adapter has some heat shrink that has to be removed to get both connectors on the receiver. the extension cable can be run following the factory cable bundle along the drivers side floor board but the rear seatbelt bolt has to be removed with a large torx wrench to move the panel out. Once routed to the dash, the din tools are a must to remove the radio panel and mount the unit behind the dash.
I paired it with a Bracketron bezel mount that requires drilling into the metal frame around the radio and it's rock solid.
The PA11-FORD1 works in place of the CD changer option and sounds great.
I saved some bucks over having it professionally installed but if you are not so inclined I would suggest paying to have it done. Cheers!
Click Here to see more reviews about: USA SPEC PA11- FORD1 - iPod in-vehicle interface adapter
Product Description:
The PA11 series iPod interfaces provide direct connection for an iPod plus an optional audio source such as satellite radio, DVD, or video game system. Both the iPod and the additional audio source can be selected from the factory radioâ??s front panel. The interface adapter connects the iPod to your factory radio as if it were a CD changer, allowing direct selection of iPod playlists through the radioâ??s preset (or disc) buttons and is compatible with iPod models featuring the dock connector, including the iPod nano and 5G iPod video.
There are two operating modes available for the interface, Playlist Mode and Direct Mode. Playlist Mode uses the controls on the factory radio to provide basic navigation functions including song up/down, playlist up/down, repeat, shuffle, scan, and FF/REW functions. Direct Mode uses the iPod's click wheel to navigate through the iPod's menus and select songs, artists, playlists, etc. and the radio buttons are used only for volume, bass and treble. Both modes still charge the iPod while connected, and stops one hour after the iPod is paused to prevent over-charging.
Note: Display of artist and song title information, track search by artist, song title, album or genre are NOT supported. Only the Playlist and track numbers are displayed.
Applications:
Crown Victoria/Grand Marquis - 1998-2002
Crown Victoria/Grand Marquis - 2003-2005 May require optional CASF24 cable
Continental/Town Car - 1998-2002
Econoline - 1996-2003
Escape/Mustang - 2001-2003
Excursion - 2000-2005 Expedition/Navigator - 1999-2002
Explorer/Mountaineer - 1998-2005
Focus - 1998-2002
F-250/F-350 - 1998-2002
F-Series Truck - 2004
LS - 2000-2004
Marauder - 2003-2004
Nissan Quest 1999-2002
Ranger - 1996-1997
Sport Trac - 2000-2004
Taurus/Sable 1997-2005
Windstar/Villager - 1999-2003
Note: Factory radio must have a CD button.
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USA SPEC PA11-TOY - iPod in-vehicle interface adapter Review
Wednesday, October 13, 2010
by Vera Smith
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Average Reviews:
(More customer reviews)I actually purchased the sister item to this for my MP3 player, the DFTOY by USA Spec, which is an AUX input only.(Whereas this one is specialized to work with the iPod and any other AUX source.) Anyways, I installed it in a 2005 Toyota Tacoma - attaching it to the stock 6disc CD changer.If you search the web, you can find detailed installation tips as well as photos of other users installations.I was a little nervous about disassembling the dash on my new truck to put this in.But I was happily surprised to find out how easy it was and how well it sounds.DON'T use one of those lame FM transmitters - they're junk.This is the way to go.
Click Here to see more reviews about: USA SPEC PA11-TOY - iPod in-vehicle interface adapter
Product Description:
The PA11-TOY iPod Interface Cable connects, controls, charges, and plays aniPod through the factory stereo system of your compatible 1998 and upToyota, Scion, Honda or Isuzu factory radio with external Changercontrols. This unit allows you to connect an iPod to your factory radio andoperate the iPod just like a CD Changer.Get pure Digital Sound of your iPod into your factory radio. Also adds anextra auxiliary input to connect any standard portable stereo device plus iPodconnection.Just connect the adapter cable to the CD changer input on your compatiblefactory radio. Then plug your iPod into the interfaceyou can control volume,source, song selection, and up to five different play lists right from theradio's CD changer controls. And the interface charges your iPod while it'sconnected!Features:Easy Installation - All cables are plug and play for easy installationAdds Additional Aux Input - Besides connecting to an iPod, our iPodinterface provides an additional aux input to connect other audio devicesSuperior Sound Quality - True digital quality sound through factory radioUses CD Changer Function - Uses the CD changer mode to operate an iPodjust like a CD ChangerAuto Maintain - Maintain current playlist when migrating your iPod fromportable use to in car useAuto Playlist Select - If no play list are created, the interface autoselects the first 5 playlist on your iPodRich in Features - adjust volume, track up/down, fast forward/rewind,select playlist, shuffle and random play are some of the useful featuresprovided by this interface, through a factory stereoAuto Memory - Auto locates the last song listened to on each play listAuto Skip - Skip 10+ songs in each playlist with the factory CD Changer FFbutton. Or, skip to the end of a playlistAuto Charge - Charges iPod battery and auto stops after 1 hour of non-useAuto Playlist Select - If no play li NOTE: This product description has been cutt-off (is not complete) due to the size limit of Amazon.com's description field.
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USA SPEC PA11-NIS - iPod in-vehicle interface adapter Review
Tuesday, October 12, 2010
by Vera Smith
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Average Reviews:
(More customer reviews)Take into consideration that the product is meant to give you the best option available for the purpose and environment in which it's used.Unfortunately the problem lies with the Infinity factory stereos and the interface options you have.
I too would be very intersted in a product that gave me full control of my ipod from my Infinity stereo but it will not be.
Considering the other option, which is to have a plug to the aux input and only control from your ipod, this solution is much better and at least gives you the ability to navigate through the playlist/artist/grouping that you've chosen (next/previous; ffwd/rwnd).
You can still use all features from you ipod to select your music and honestly if you select a playlist it should be running more than an hour or what's the point of having an iPod.
Click Here to see more reviews about: USA SPEC PA11-NIS - iPod in-vehicle interface adapter
Product Description:
The PA11 series iPod interfaces provide direct connection for an iPod plus an optional audio source such as satellite radio, DVD, or video game system. Both the iPod and the additional audio source can be selected from the factory radio front panel. The interface adapter connects the iPod to your factory radio as if it were a CD changer, allowing direct selection of iPod playlists through the radio preset (or disc) buttons and is compatible with iPod models featuring the dock connector, including the iPod nano and 5G iPod video.
There are 3 operating modes available- Playlist, Direct, or Hybrid. In Playlist mode the controls on the radio will operate the iPod only, and the iPod's click wheel is locked out for safety while driving. In the Direct mode the iPod's controls are used to navigate through the iPod's menus and select songs, artists, playlists, etc. and the factory radio controls will provide volume/tone control only. The Hybrid mode operates like Playlist mode but the iPod controls are unlocked. All modes still charge the iPod while connected, for
Note: Display of artist and song title information, track search by artist, song title, album or genre are NOT supported. Only the Playlist and track numbers are displayed.
Infiniti Applications:
G35 Coupe - 2004-2006
G35 Sedan - 2004-2006
All models - 1999-2001
Nissan Applications:
Altima - 1999-2001 for double DIN radio only
Frontier - 1999-2001 for double DIN radio only
Maxima - 1999-2006
Murano - 2005-2006
Pathfinder - 1999-2001
350Z - 2004-2006
Sentra - 1999-2000 for double DIN radio only
Sentra - 2003-2006
Xtera - 1999-2006 not compatible with Rockford radio
Note: PA11NIS is NOT compatible with vehicles featuring factory equipped external CD changers (must unplug to add PA11TOY), satellite radio, or video system. Radio MUST have CD changer control capability.
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USA SPEC PA11-HON2y - iPod to 2003-2006 Honda Factory Radio Interface w/ Auxiliary Audio input Review
Monday, October 11, 2010
by Vera Smith
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Average Reviews:
(More customer reviews)Prior to purchasing this, I had a Dension ice>Link which worked well for a while until I restarted the my car.To restore functionality, I had to pull a fuse out and plug it back in.I did this several times until eventually, it just died on me.
The USA Spec Adapter however gave me no such problems.It's very stable and works exactly as advertised.Installation in my 2005 Accord LX was fairly easy.The toughest part was plugging the socket under the radio without removing the cubby hole -- it's possible but you need small hands.
This is an excellent purchase.I'd recommend this product to anyone.
Click Here to see more reviews about: USA SPEC PA11-HON2y - iPod to 2003-2006 Honda Factory Radio Interface w/ Auxiliary Audio input
Product Description:
The PA11-HON2y iPod Interface Cable connects, controls, charges, and plays aniPod through the factory stereo system of your compatible 2003 and upHonda or Acura factory radio with external Changer controls. This unitallows you to connect an iPod to your factory radio and operate the iPod justlike a CD Changer.Get pure Digital Sound of your iPod into your factory radio. Also adds anextra auxiliary input to connect any standard portable stereo device plus iPodconnection.Just connect the adapter cable to the CD changer input on your compatiblefactory radio. Then plug your iPod into the interfaceyou can control volume,source, song selection, and up to five different play lists right from theradio's CD changer controls. And the interface charges your iPod while it'sconnected!Features:Easy Installation - All cables are plug and play for easy installationAdds Additional Aux Input - Besides connecting to an iPod, our iPodinterface provides an additional aux input to connect other audio devicesSuperior Sound Quality - True digital quality sound through factory radioUses CD Changer Function - Uses the CD changer mode to operate an iPodjust like a CD ChangerAuto Maintain - Maintain current playlist when migrating your iPod fromportable use to in car useAuto Playlist Select - If no play list are created, the interface autoselects the first 5 playlist on your iPodRich in Features - adjust volume, track up/down, fast forward/rewind,select playlist, shuffle and random play are some of the useful featuresprovided by this interface, through a factory stereoAuto Memory - Auto locates the last song listened to on each play listAuto Skip - Skip 10+ songs in each playlist with the factory CD Changer FFbutton. Or, skip to the end of a playlistAuto Charge - Charges iPod battery and auto stops after 1 hour of non-useAuto Playlist Select - If no play list are create NOTE: This product description has been cutt-off (is not complete) due to the size limit of Amazon.com's description field.
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