iPod adapter for Toyota camry 2007 LE - advises?

[supri]

Hi guys,

got another question. On my old BMW I really liked DICE interface that allows to switch songs on my iPhone directly from the steering wheel.
My Camry has AUX output, but as I have huge playlists and I don't like all songs, I really missing the ability to switch them. Right now I need to unlock my phone, go to the ipod menu and do manual switch on tiny iPhone screen (and doing this while driving which is quite unsafe).

So, I am interested to buy iPod kit. From my research looks like there are multiple companies that offer OEM solutions for Camry 2007: USA Spec, DICE, Grom Audio, GTA Car Kit. I also found DIY installation video for GTA Car Kit that looks reasonable:

You Tube

You Tube

Another option would be to go to the dealer, but I guess the price would be much higher.

So, I am wondering if you had experience with any of these kits and if the installation as easy as in the video?

Thanks,
supri

[TOYOTALIFER]

I have a Dice iPod controller that I removed from my 2007 Camry SE when I upgraded to my 2010. Since the 10 has the USB, it no longer works for me. It works with all iPods that I am aware of, with the exception of iPhone and possibly Touch models. I would have to confirm this with Dice. I did have it for sale on eBay a few weeks ago, but it ended without a bidder.

Message me if interested.

Installation was easy, with just a few bolts needing to be removed to get to the back of the radio. I mounted the unit inside the glovebox with velcro and the Camry has a small circular cutout in the lower storage cubby below the radio that the wiring fits thru nicely with a small notch in the cutout cover.

[Bills07CamLE]

Check this thread out! Im still waiting for some feedback on the Dice unit. Walmart has it for 150 right now and I think it retails for like 250 or 300. But if you keep your eye on this thread he said he will post his input on the unit. I might just go for the Dice since its on sale.

GROM-USB2-TOY any others like this ?

[supri]

Did more research. So, all brands above have very similar features - they connect from the back of the radio, switch songs from radio and steering wheel, charge all types of iPods/iPhones, have dual control modes: direct(to control the songs both from radio and iPod) and playlist (radio controls only, iPod is locked), show song name, fast forward.

So, price/features comparison:
USA SPEC: PA20-Toy - on Amazon they sold for $130 + $8 shipping. Extras: Toyota Big to Small cable for older Toyotas (not needed for my Toyota Camry 2007). Supports iPod and AUX, but no USB or bluetooth. Supports only 5 playlists (?). The cables length is not specified, but on the picture they look long.

Grom Audio: two products - iPod direct V3 interface for $95 + $8 shipping. It shows that it supports only 5 playlists (?). iPod cable seems to be long enough - 5FT.
Second unit is USB/iPod adapter for $130, but the real price is $150 as you need to buy iPod cable. Same $8 for shipping. Supports USB stick (but most likely I would not need it as all my songs located on iPhone and I don't use sticks). Bluetooth compatible for extra $45.

DICE Silverline DUO - price is around $169-$189. Not sure about the advantages of satellite radio option as if you have iPhone app like Pandora - it should work through regular iPod connection. Supports iPod and AUX. USB is only for firmware updates (?).
Older verion of DICE i-Toyota-R-5v is sold on Amazon for $105 + $5 shipping. Not sure about the length of cables.
DICE Mediabridge has USB and bluetooth compatibility, but way too expensive - $300.

GTA Car Kits - price is $99 with free shipping. Cable length is 4ft+4ft. Comes with AUX cable. This is the only company that published video instructions how to install the kit into Toyota Camry. Others don't even bother to put pictures or descriptions of steps.

So, I will go with GTA Car Kits and will post review once I get it.

Thanks,
supri

[Bills07CamLE]

Originally Posted by supri

DICE Mediabridge has USB and bluetooth compatibility, but way too expensive - $300.

Did you check WALMART.COM like I said? They have that unit on sale for $150. If the price is what bothered you about that unit then there is the fix for that problem. Plus free shipping! Oh and FYI the instructions are the same for all the units! Just plug them into the CD changer spot in the back of the unit.

[racerchoi]

i bought an adapter years ago for my i pod nano from best buy for $50. They installed it to the oem stereo. A friend of mine hooked his iphone to it (i think it was iphone 2) and worked fine. This was just a generic adapter that charged the i pod while connected and i was able to access menu off the steering wheel controls.

[Bills07CamLE]

Originally Posted by racerchoi

i bought an adapter years ago for my i pod nano from best buy for $50. They installed it to the oem stereo. A friend of mine hooked his iphone to it (i think it was iphone 2) and worked fine. This was just a generic adapter that charged the i pod while connected and i was able to access menu off the steering wheel controls.

Can you change songs from the ipod as well or just from the head unit?

[racerchoi]

Bills, Sorry that post was incorrect. On my Camry, the $50 adapter does not control the ipod from the head unit or steering wheel controls. Only way to change songs is from the ipod itself. Only thing head unit/steering wheel can control is volume ofcourse.

On my 05 Sienna, I paid $250 for an i pod adapter that has the capability of changing songs and playlist from head unit as well as steering wheel controls.

Sorry, i have had these for over 3 years and forgot the cheap $50 adapters capabilities.

[Bills07CamLE]

Originally Posted by racerchoi

Bills, Sorry that post was incorrect. On my Camry, the $50 adapter does not control the ipod from the head unit or steering wheel controls. Only way to change songs is from the ipod itself. Only thing head unit/steering wheel can control is volume ofcourse.

On my 05 Sienna, I paid $250 for an i pod adapter that has the capability of changing songs and playlist from head unit as well as steering wheel controls.

Sorry, i have had these for over 3 years and forgot the cheap $50 adapters capabilities.

Ohh ok. Yeah I went on best buy's web site and they only had one for 179.99. I guess Ill just wait and see what I end up doing. Maybe just get the eonon or erisin unit.

[supri]

My GTA Car Kit arrived on Thursday and I installed it yesterday. I like it a lot but will write review after exploring all features. I run the iPod cable through the vents. I think it is neat. Here is how it looks like (I also bought Perfect car holder from these guys):

[Justdiscovering]

Can you put the wore through the side cuby pockets on the sides of the console?

[supri]

Not sure what pockets you are talking about. It looks like there are only three options - glove box, vents and the pocket below the stereo (where the original AUX output resides).
But because I use iPhone and need to answer calls, glove box is not an option. I considered pocket below the stereo, but I did not like the cable hanging in the middle of the console.

[nitrous3]

I have the same car kit. I wired it through a whole behind the head unit and it goes into the glovebox. Easiest and most seamless look in my opinion.

[supri]

Nitrous3, do you use iPhone or iPod? If it is iPod, then running it into glovebox makes sense. But for iPhone I don't think it is good option since constantly moving it back and forth can be a pain. If you have iPhone, can you share the picture how did you run the wire?

[nitrous3]

I have an iPod Classic that I just leave in the glovebox, but have an iPhone that I occasionally connect to listen to music. But otherwise if I were primarily using my iPhone I would have drilled a hole in the compartment and ran the wire. However that would still lead to sliding like you said. So Supri's idea seems to work the best for you.