Problem with USA Spec Ipod Interface

I recently installed the usa spec ipod interface on my 07 rtl with nav and xm. I have it set in direct mode and for the most part, it works perfectly. The problem I'm having is the display on the radio which says cd6-track#-and seconds timer continually flash on and off very rapidly. Crutchfield tech support sent me a replacement kit and it does the same thing. Just wondering if anyone else is having this problem?

I recently installed the usa spec ipod interface on my 07 rtl with nav and xm. I have it set in direct mode and for the most part, it works perfectly. The problem I'm having is the display on the radio which says cd6-track#-and seconds timer continually flash on and off very rapidly. Crutchfield tech support sent me a replacement kit and it does the same thing. Just wondering if anyone else is having this problem?
I have my USA SPEC on playlist mode. The radio display has the conventional cd display on in normal fashion.
The time does a count up depending on the song/podcast, so the seconds flash as it counts. Is this what you are referring to?

Thanks for your reply, but no it is not just the seconds display changing, everything on the display flashes very rapidly on then display goes blank, on then blank... It is anoying.

Yep. Honda tech did some side work for me and installed it. Same thing same vehicle as well. I'm not exactly a happy camper....

After a lot of investigation and thought, I installed the USA Spec iPod interface in my RTL Nav/XM. It works well, good sound quality - and the head unit display flashes CD 6 - Track <nnn>. I played email tag with USA spec tech support (they decided to answer questions I didn't ask for several rounds). When I finally got my point across, they suggested I call a phone support line. After several days of phone tag, I connected with someone. Bottom line: this is a problem known to USA Spec (after describing the problem, the tech asked - "Oh, do you have a Ridgeline - with Nav & XM?"). I was told they are "investigating" this issue, and if I'd like, I can return the unit to the retailer where I purchased the unit for a refund (Crutchfield - I'm fairly sure they would provide a refund). I asked how I would know if the "investigation" would yield a fix. "Check back every two months". I asked if there was a fix, how would I get it? Could I flash the existing unit I have? "No, you would have to return it for a replacement". I spent quite some time burying the unit in the base of the center console, I may not want to get at it again (a pretty neat installation - I'll have to post some instructions).

Caveat Emptor.

Oh, and the information from this board was a big help in figuring out some of the tricks for disassembly. I only had to spend ~ $100 to replace panels with busted plastic tabs, clips, etc.

Oh, one more thing. The new units now ship with "Hybrid mode". It's like having the current Playlist mode, but the iPod controls are not disabled. A hybrid of the old Direct and Playlist modes.

Just a heads up, I had some options installed this week on my 06.
The Honda Rep said the USA IPOD interface was no longer for sale/discontinued.

She said a new unit was in the works, but did not know when it would be available. Something about the product being reworked.

Hope this helps

I recently installed the usa spec ipod interface on my 07 rtl with nav and xm. I have it set in direct mode and for the most part, it works perfectly. The problem I'm having is the display on the radio which says cd6-track#-and seconds timer continually flash on and off very rapidly. Crutchfield tech support sent me a replacement kit and it does the same thing. Just wondering if anyone else is having this problem?

So has ANYONE been able to install on an 07 rtl w/Nav + XM without having this problem? Or is this just something you have to live with using this configuration?

thx,
-craigger.

Just got a new one shipped from Usa Spec hoping they fixed this problem and it is doing the same blinking as others have reported. Still must be an issue.

I'm checking back with USAspec periodically. I called two weeks ago and was told they are still working on a solution to this problem. Call back in 4 weeks.

The unit works well - but the flashing is pretty annoying (IMO).

Al

any word on this problem?

Coincidentally, I just called USA Spec again last week (4th time since installing in June '07, I think - I've lost track). Previously, each time they've said "We're aware of the problem, and are working on a solution. Check back in about two months." Well, this time, after pressing more, I was told that:

1) This problem happens only on Ridgelines
2) It does not happen with all Ridgelines, only some
3) They don't know what is special about Ridgelines, or why only some Ridgelines are affected but not all
4) They spent some months working on a problem, without success
5) They currently have no plans to dedicate any more resources to finding a solution

So, I think this means they don't see this as a major business impact for them, so it is what it is (the annoying flashing of the HU). Perhaps we could make a fuss over it as a group to elevate their assessment of the impact & priority - but I doubt it. It's still a good, functional unit. It is just not very polished.

Al