Ipod adaptor, a decisive winner yet?

Ok before anyone decides to flame me, I've gone through the searches and read every post that addresses this. Including the ones that get way off topic, I read those too in the off chance that there might be some insight. I'm a new RTL w/ Nav owner. I'm furious that my truck doesn't play mp3s (didn't think I would care, turns out that I do). Unfortunately it appears since Ipod owns the premier brand in the market place for mp3 players there doesn't seem to be a whole lot of info out there on Ipod alternatives. If I'm stuck with an Ipod and want to have as much functionality from the touch screen and the steering wheel as possible, what is the general consensus as to the best option?

I've read a great deal about the USAspec unit, the Isimple and the PXAMG. And after reading through the growing pains going back almost 2 yrs it seems in 50 different threads it's still not clear which unit ended up being the forums favorite.

Thanks!
mevers

i'd like to know also.. i just got a new pod and am looking for an input adapter that will also let me use my sirius tuner

and you probably already know but the new ipod will not connect to the older accessories. we have a blitzsafe unit in out mdx for my gf's 30g 5th gen video, but my new 4th gen nano won't work with it

bdr

I don't have the Nav, but the usa spec was a simple install and allows for the steering wheel controls for volume and fst forward and rev. This also allows me to hide from view the ipod. :cool::cool: The music is sweet, flawless and does not over subscribe the speakers or subwoofer

No it doesn't display the song on my radio- but I don't care any if it does or doesn't

i'd like to know also.. i just got a new pod and am looking for an input adapter that will also let me use my sirius tuner

and you probably already know but the new ipod will not connect to the older accessories. we have a blitzsafe unit in out mdx for my gf's 30g 5th gen video, but my new 4th gen nano won't work with it

bdr

I have the Metra AXXESS kit that plugs into the XM port and love it except the does not charge message, but it was 50 bucks so I deal with it.

Soon they will have the same kit with USB in that will support the new Apple devices.

My friend has a 07 335i with Ipod in and with the Scosche power adapter works with the new iphone. I Imagine the honda ipod kit would do the same

I too would like to buy an Ipod adapator. I have read every post i could find on this topic and still feel I dont know which one to buy.

I believe it came down to the USA or Periphial? I have 2006 with Navigation. is there one unit out there that provides more functions than the rest? What is the best, most functionable Ipod adaptor?

Dice is what my research is coming up with

I checked out ebay and it seems there are about 3 or 4 that claim similar performance. I just cant believe no one that has these ipod interface kits can tell us which one to buy, or stay away from.

I come up with the following as top choices.

Pac Lvl 5, integrated Solutions
Perepherel
Dice
USA

Anyone want to point us in the right direction?

I'm surprised no one has chimed in that owns the nav. I'm still pretty new around here but was starting to get the impression that a larger percentage of ROC members had the nav. Someone will come along soon and help us out I'm pretty certain of that ;)

I contacted about a dozen sellers of Ipod Interfaces on ebay. Most replied back that if we have nav and the xm button that the one to get is the Peripheral. Some say peripheral Isimple in the ebay listings, others just say peripheral. So I dont know if all the peripherals are isimple, or if isimple is something in excess to the ones listed only as peripheral.

Here are some ebay item numbers.
280293614111
350138736257

If I can figure out if those are the same, or if one is different from the other I will buy one. I just dont know what the Isimple is. Almost every seller, even sellers that sold multiple brands including USA, Pac, and peripheral said to get the peripheral. So that kind of seals the deal for me, I THINK. I still would like some hands on comments and opinons from ROC members that have different interfaces. Likes/Dislikes anyone?

I've read a great deal about the USAspec unit, the Isimple and the PXAMG. And after reading through the growing pains going back almost 2 yrs it seems in 50 different threads it's still not clear which unit ended up being the forums favorite.




Just to clarify, ISimple makes the PXAMG. PXAMG is the model number. These are not separate devices. Hope this helps a little.

I have the ISimple and think it's great. Good luck with your decision.

Thanks for the reply. That makes it a lot more clear.

Anything you dont like about yours? You have full steering wheel control of your ipod playlists? Text on nav screen?

If you were to do it over again from what you have read/learned of other ipod products would you buy something different?

I was also looking at this one, but havent heard from the seller. Do you know anything about it?

Item number: 390015178262

Also this one, but I think it is the same as above but the picture has a different label on it?

Item number: 390015178238

Thanks again, i appreciate the input.

Glad I could help. Yes...the ISimple give me full control from the wheel. I cna select from playlists, and sort by artist, genre, album. It also gives you a random play option for all or within a playlist. Best of all for me was that it displays the song name or artist on the head unit. It will also let you have full control from the Ipod itself it you want. Modes change is fast and easy.

Sorry, I don't have the nav so I can't tell you how it works with that. There is another thread on here that may help. I know some ROC members with the nav also have this unit.

A good site for information is Autotoys.com. I bought mine from them as they had the best price, $130.

I just learned tonight that Circuit City is selling the ISimple for $50. A clearance price as they close their doors forever. I'm going to get one for the wife's Odyssey.

Thanks again. I now have decided to go ahead and buy the Isimple. I appreciate all the info. Thank you for your help.

i just checked circuitcity.com, the do have an isimple adapter for 50 bucks, but it's just the pod connector to a set of rca cables. we still need an interface to the head unit right? i don't have nav, but i don't remember seeing rca's on the back of the radio when i had it out

here's the c-c link

http://www.circuitcity.com/ccd/Search.do?c=1&searchType=user&keyword=isimple&searchSection=All&go.x=10&go.y=9

edit: that was just the cable, looks like the whole kit is 150.00

http://www.circuitcity.com/ssm/Peripheral-Electronics-ISIM71-iPod-Integration-for-Select-Acura-Honda-Scion-Toyota-and-Lexus-Vehicles-ISIM71/sem/rpsm/oid/224792/catOid/-15421/rpem/ccd/productDetail.do

still have to verify the model number through isimple

First post, hi all. Been lurking here for about a week or so, learning.

Bit the bullet and bought a really low mileage used Ridge last Sunday. Really enjoying it so far.

Anyway, the first thing I bought on Monday was the iSimple iPod kit, and I do have the factory nav. Just installed it this morning. Was a piece of cake, probably 20-25 minutes total. So far, so good. I've tested it within several modes, and pushed a lot of buttons really fast to try and confuse it. So far it hasn't missed a beat.

Worth mentioning as well is that I do have Sat. radio installed and activated, no problems in that regard with the iSimple either. After having a Dension unit in my last car (BMW), I'm really pleased with how the iSimple works thus far.

Disclaimer: I've only had it installed for about 8 hours now. I'll let you know how it goes--400 mile road trip planned this weekend.

I've got the USA Spec Ipod adaptor. Saying that, the only advantage personally is that it charges your Ipod. I use the Ipod adapter for obvious reasons, but initially wanted it for the Aux In for my XM. Driving another vehicle this past week with a factory Aux In, I would have installed the Aux In only if it was cheaper, as it works with both. Still like the USA Spec.

Can anyone recommend an Aux in/out adapter for our 03 CRV LX w/out multi-CD changer? Basically for our XM, but for the occasional Ipod. We don't care about what shows on the display. We're currently using the cassette adapter, and it's sounding pretty cranky after five years...

Well I went with the Isimple (manufacturer: Peripheral model: PXAMG ) I found it at Best Buy for $149. I considered doing the install myself but didn't really care for the thought of taking the dash off in the winter time decided to pay them for the install. $50 and an hour later and I was listening to an ipod and controlling it with my steering wheel. It was also charging the Ipod as well so I was pleased with that. There have been some comments made about this device getting flaky after prolonged use. I'm only 1 day in but so far it seems to work fine. My only gripe thus far is going from XM to Ipod and back. It requires a combination of XM/AM-FM/Tune buttons that I can see being annoying while trying to switch in traffic. Also, the controls on the steering wheel basically only control skipping to the next track, if you want to navigate folders you'll have to put your hands on the dash.

I borrowed an Ipod from a coworker to test this, I've yet to purchase one myself. I'd prefer something not Mac, not sure if this thing will have the same control over another brand of mp3 player but I sent the question off to Peripheral and will post their response once I get it.

THanks for the information. I picked up my isimple this week as well, off ebay for 138 shipped. I plan to install it this weekend. Let us know what you hear about compatability with other MP3 player brands.

I got a response from Peripheral this afternoon concerning using anything other than an Ipod. Unfortunately the mini USB is only for software updates :(

Here is my situation. I am the proud owner of a new 2008 Billet Silver RT. I traded in a 2007 VW EOS. I will miss the top down early mornings drives to work, but my Ridgeline is smoother, quieter and safer. I will also miss 30+mpg city, but won't miss premium gas.

While I had my EOS I used two different FM modulators - Griffin Road Trip and a Belkin, then I switched to glove box direct connection which did offer better sound.

For my Ridgeline I first tried the Belkin FM modulator. Lots of static even after trying its auto select for best frequency then trying to find the best one manually. The Griffin was maybe slightly better. My wife said both were terrible and she was right. I looked at replacing the entire factory unit - mine is the base single CD non woofer radio but it does have a button saying XM/aux which apparently is very important - but this would run around $800 depending on features and would negate the factory look.

Searching the internet including this site, I ordered the iSimple PGHHD1 from Crutchfied - unit and adapter cable $180. I was having a trailer hitch installed and I thought I would ask them to remove the dash fascia, but I tried pulling with fingernails from the left lower edge and once I got things started it was easy to remove it. My RT had 7 connections to various switches that remain attached to the fascia. They all have locking clips that you can feel or see with a flashlight. When replacing the fascia listen for the snaps to know you have made a good connection.

A couple of tips at this point - the Crutchfield manual recommends moving the steering wheel and shifter to their lower position to facilitate removal of the fascia. They also recommend disconnecting the neg terminal from the battery. You need to lower the shifter before disconnecting the battery.

Also be sure you have the radio 5 digit code before you begin as you will need it to restart the radio. You should have received it at time of purchase on a card the size of credit card. If lost your dealer can probably provide it.

I have a 32G 1st gen iPOD touch which fits in its case perfectly in the hinged compartment directly under the radio. I drilled hole in the back of it after removing the radio cluster big enough to allow the DIN connector to pass.

After removing the fascia 5 screws hold in the radio cluster and 3 electrical connectors - two for radio and one for emergency flasher/passenger air bag light.

the iPOD cord that comes with the PGHHD1 is about 10' long but I only used about a 1 1/2 feet extending into the hinger storage compartment so there would not be a problem fitting the iPOD touch there. It could be left longer if desired.

The PGHHD1 has two DIN connections - one for the iPOD and I used the other for a patch cord for a DVD player for long car trips for back seat passengers.

The PGHHD1 fits perfectly between the radio and the hinged storage compartment. I used zipties to neatly bind the wires. Be sure the DIN connections don't work their way loose when you reinstall the radio.

After reconnecting the power to the radio - I did a three minute wait between all steps here as the iSimple manual makes a point of not doing anything for 3 minutes - I entered the 5 digit radio code.

The key to getting things to work is switching back and forth between XM/aux and am/fm and after doing using the channel change button to scroll between IPOD, aux1, aux2. IPOD lets your factory unit show track name, aux 1 allow iPOD itself to control all functions and aux2 is for the DVD player.

Seeing the track names or artists names on the factory radio display while the iPOD touch is safely tucked away is pretty neat. No more moving the iPOD from the modulator to its compartment every time I park lest it disappear.

The amazing thing is the sound - to say night and day is an understatement.
It sounds awesome. When I park and turn off the ignition it automatically pauses the iPOD and when I start back up it picks up where it left off.

My RT is has the nonwoofer, single CD changer, so I don't know if all this applies to the other radios/NAV systems and/or 2009 or pre 2008.

I am extremely happy with the look and sound of this setup and hope others benefit from my experience.

One more quick point the CD player in my RT does not play MP3's which I found surprising.

See separate post for photos.

See photos of iPOD integrated to factory nonwoofer nonCD changer 2008 radio.

Hope this helps someone, it is certainly worth $180 to hear the sound directly from you iPOD vs a FM modulator. Seeing the song names on the radio display is icing on the cake.

Excellent Write-up. Thanks for all the input and information. I plan to install mine tomorrow morning. I will use some of your information for my install. Thanks again.

This is a follow-up post to my iSimple install above.

One week in to iSimple ownership, it's already starting to do weird things. I'm getting an intermittent "IPOD NOT CONNECTED" error, and when I went out to fire up the Ridge yesterday, it wouldn't find the iPod at all (even though it was connected to the end of the cable and has been ever since the install). After 10 minutes spent disconnecting, reconnecting and shuffling modes to get over to iPOD (four or five times at least), I finally got it to work again.

Needless to say, I'm not pleased. After four seamless years with a comparable Dension system in our BMW, it's looking like I should have gone that route instead.

Note: I have not contacted Peripheral yet to get their two cents, but plan on calling them on Monday.

What is the software version on your isimple right now? What ipod are you using? do you have the latest software for both?

Firmware: No idea. Waiting for my bluetooth module to arrive for installation before I take the dash apart again.

iPod: An older 3rd gen model, but yes, it does have the latest available update.

From what I read the issues you are having are on older versions of firmware for the isimple. I would make sure you have the latest version and see if that helps. i still havent got mine installed, hopefully some time over the holidays I will have time.

Have any 2009 RTL owners found a solution to integrating iPod to the auto system? iSmiple will not affirm that their product fits the 2009 model as of this date.

The iSimple for the honda, the entire kit, not just the cables, is on ebay for $99, $111 shipped to your door from Canada.

Don't look at the auctions, look at the buy it now selection. I am finding that i get much better deals with buy it now vs. auctions because morons bid up prices higher than I can purchase them via buy it now. (plus I hate last second bidders who snake deals away from me! haha)

So now, I am wondering... I have the Parrot 6000 and the iSimple on the way to the house; will they both work together?

I have a US 2008 RTL (noNav). I bought the isimple at best buy. After studying some very helpful posts on this forum (a couple have pictures) I installed it myself.

The trickiest part for me was pulling apart the clip connectors behind the dash cover. The access was a little tricky but I got it to work. (It took me longer than the other posters though.)

I went through all the instructions and installed it. After installation, the xm radio and the regular radio still worked, but I toggled through the various modes and I could never get the aux/ipod to show up as an option. I checked and rechecked all the connections but it never seemed to work.

I was led to believe this would work with the RTL (nonnav), but it didn't in my case. Was this just a bum unit (I'm taking it back in any event) or did I miss something?

thanks
Rick

Rick,
No, I am 100% certain this will work with the non-navi Ridgeline. I hate to ask you to do this, but I would re-seat the cables again. If you have already done this, I would exchange the iSimple for a new one. Before you do that though, once the iSimple is disconnected, does your Aux come back? If so, then you know you have a good HU and it's the iSimple. If it doesn't, then it might be something a bit more sinister.

Gluck!

rickoleum,
What car kit/wiring harness did they give you with the isimple module?

I have the Metra AXXESS kit that plugs into the XM port and love it except the does not charge message, but it was 50 bucks so I deal with it.

Soon they will have the same kit with USB in that will support the new Apple devices.

My friend has a 07 335i with Ipod in and with the Scosche power adapter works with the new iphone. I Imagine the honda ipod kit would do the same

I've been reading several threads for the past week as I got my 12 year old daughter’s hand me down Ipod when she got a new one for Christmas. I also have a Sirius radio that I have been using with the FM signal that I would prefer to have directly wired as I frequently travel to areas where there aren't many open frequencies.

I took your advice and ended up getting the Axxess Ipod Aux. input (Model number AIP-HD03-ID) from Circuit City for about $50.00. Following the great advice on the forum, I easily installed it a few days ago.

I unplugged the three plugs in the back of the radio which I was able to remove without disconnecting any of the dash panel electronics (I'm lazy and it was 21 degrees!). The unit plugs right into the back of the radio, in the Aux. port in the back of the HU. I connected the Sirius to the stereo jack and the Ipod to the interface cord port and wired tied it to the HU bracket. With a Dremel cutoff wheel I cut a small access hole through the top of the CD storage area to snake the Ipod cord through where I'll store the Ipod. Worked very well, the Ipod sounds great and charges.

The only draw back is that the HU doesn't control the Ipod or display any music information. I can live with that for a $ 50.00 solution.

cool, unfortunately I'm using the iphone 3g so I cant charge it, but I have been testing mounting plates so I can use hands free and dynolicious.

The schosche power connector I have works great on honda ipod kits for chanrging and playing but not with this one and MEtra says another month or so before they announce there solution which is another add on :(

still though the audio is awesome :)

I have a Ridlgeline withour NAV and I use the USA Spec with an iPhone and I use the RCA inputs on the unit to connect my Sirius tuner. The 5 & 6 selector on radio switch between the iPhone input & Sirius tuner. The steering wheel controls adjust volume and jump forward and backward on the iPhone. I'm very happy with the USA Spec adapter.

Future shop sells a Belkin FM transmitter ($79) that your IPod rests in, charges and plays over a locally unused FM channel. Your radio controls work as any other FM radio... select tracks on the IPod unit. I have a 2009 VP but the FM transmitter works better than the factory in-dash cable connection. My buddy uses it in his BMW.

Isnt there a single interface that can do audio/video/navi display all in one?

I would like the ability to play my ipod through the factory audio system, while displaying track info on the Navi/Radio.

I would like to control track forward/back via the steering wheel controls, including shuffle of the entire ipod.

I would also like to watch videos that are on the ipod on the Navi screen.


So far from reading the posts I will probably get a PXAMG with HD Tuner and a G-Net for the Video side.

Any chance that anyone is coming out with a combo device?

G

I recently installed a Grom Audio unit on my son's Mazda6 - so my experience is not directly related to the Ridgeline. But it worked perfectly right away. No weird behavior like the Tice unit I put in my wife's Pilot.

The Grom unit supports steering wheel controls, etc. and is only $90.

I installed the ISimple in my brother n laws 2007 Ridgeline and it works perfectly and he loves it.

It sounds like some sort of interference. I'd start with reseating all of the cables. If that doesn't resolve the issue you might want to get a replacement unit.

I have a question. if there are so many concerns about the ipod interface working properly with some and not for others, can a newer radio from a 2008 ridgeline be installed in place of the old one?
2 thoughts..
doesn't the 08 radio come with a built in aux or ipod adapter? this would eliminate any interface issues. would it not?

if it only has the auxillary adapter, then that would only be sending the signal to the aux and none of the controls would work?

does anyone know if 08 it is truly ipod capatible from Honda?

I have a question. if there are so many concerns about the ipod interface working properly with some and not for others, can a newer radio from a 2008 ridgeline be installed in place of the old one?
2 thoughts..
doesn't the 08 radio come with a built in aux or ipod adapter? this would eliminate any interface issues. would it not?

if it only has the auxillary adapter, then that would only be sending the signal to the aux and none of the controls would work?

does anyone know if 08 it is truly ipod capatible from Honda?

No ipod capabilities any more from Honda as an add on - they tried and had a pretty mediocre product.

The isimple works great and has most Ipod controls from the radio or steering wheel and most best buy have it in stock - you have to get the Honda/Toyota combo unit - it took me 10 minutes to install it. It can display Artist or title on the radio display.

If you just want ipod music the USA Spec brand iPod/MP3 Interface works fine too.

Sounds good.
thanks. I'll go out tonight and get one.

is there an interface box that needs to be accessible to us? or can the box be hidden out of the way? or is there such a box?

Craig

Sounds good.
thanks. I'll go out tonight and get one.

is there an interface box that needs to be accessible to us? or can the box be hidden out of the way? or is there such a box?

Craig

There is nothing that needs to be accessed on the isimple - I would flash it to the latest firmware before installing it on the ridgeline ( you have to set switched to flash it and unset them when done it attaches like a camera to a pc - the web site has good step by step how to with pictures. ) . the USA spec has switches that need to be accessed to change modes - the isimple does it with the on off of the radio and pressing am/fm and then xm to change mode ( close enough description for government work - there are some timing and display stuff but it is done without touching the 3x3 inch box.)

Respectfully, not your issue, but this has been beat to death. There are several out there, I have a USA Spec, that I use with my IPOD and XM radio, and was easy to install. It's a bit touchy because I forget how to get one or the other to work because I mainly use XM. They're all good, and relatively cheap. Just go for one, if it sucks, send it back. Good luck.

Sounds good.
thanks. I'll go out tonight and get one.

is there an interface box that needs to be accessible to us? or can the box be hidden out of the way? or is there such a box?

Craig
You certainly should leave it accessible. The iSimple has user upgradedable firmware that you may need to upgrade at some point in the future should Apple break things with one of their updates. There is also the second auxilary port that you may want to use in the future. I stuck mine against the back wall of the glove box with mounting tape.

Why not just replace the OEM headunit with another one that is I-Pod compatible. Better prices and better sound quality.

Why not just replace the OEM headunit with another one that is I-Pod compatible. Better prices and better sound quality.

One reason being that you lose your factory sub (since the sub amp is inside the HU) so replacing the headunit means new amp, new sub, and ultimately new speakers. That ends up several times more expensive than an iSimple.

Can someone post a picture of the iSimple with the Navigation unit working? I would like to see what the display looks like. Thanks

Can someone post a picture of the iSimple with the Navigation unit working? I would like to see what the display looks like. Thanks

i am having trouble with mine but i dont' have nav. however, when i was looking at the i simple website, they had a video showing operation using a ridgeline w/ nav.

I am looking to find out if there is a special setting for the dip switches.

I am having a problem with my head unit not recognizing the Isimple gateway at all.
i checked for updates and there non since i have the .35 version already.
i called bestbuy and they said i need to play with the dipswitches to get it to work. but the directions say the dip switched need to be in the off position, all up.
So has anyone had this problem?
the ipod with charge, but no signal. I have an RTL with satellite and the CD/aux button.

It will only connect for the 15 seconds after the key is first turned on the steering column - if you wait too long the isimple give control to the XM unit.

the switches should not be touched except to reflash the isimple on you home computer.

Some isimple unit have the old style ipod cable that cannot charge the touch or iphone.

also you are 8 firmware levels behind - the current is .36e - there are known issues with .35 - link to firmware for windows XP

http://www.pac-audio.com/firmware/iSimple/xp/index_hondaacura.html

the website currently has an update for the civic only.
unless i am missing something somewhere...
I even went back to best buy and the installer looked at it and could not figure it out. he seems to think it is in the Honda radio b/c it is not recognizing either the ipod or the gateway.

I will try what you have mentioned here.

they also exchanged the isimple out for another one which i noticed the serial number is much newer. but again, still same issue.

Craig
It will only connect for the 15 seconds after the key is first turned on the steering column - if you wait too long the isimple give control to the XM unit.

the switches should not be touched except to reflash the isimple on you home computer.

Some isimple unit have the old style ipod cable that cannot charge the touch or iphone.

also you are 8 firmware levels behind - the current is .36e - there are known issues with .35 - link to firmware for windows XP

http://www.pac-audio.com/firmware/iSimple/xp/index_hondaacura.html