OK, I'll admit it: I'm light-headed now from looking at the choices for integrating my iPod into my '04 Solara (w / Nav). I see several fine-looking options, and a lot of folks touting the pros and cons. Has somebody created a "definitive" review of all of these options? Or are there strong opinions on particular models? So far, I've done some research legwork on;
VAIS SLI
Neo Ion
Dension ICE>Link Plus
Ipod2Car
Harman Kardon Drive & Play (not impressed with need for additional control knob and LCD)
USA Spec Toyota-Compatible Dual Auxilliary Input (DFTOY) (seems very simple)
What is the thinking of the brain-trust here? Any other models I should be looking at...or steering clear of? Any and all assistance is always appreciated!
Is your Nav Unit stock? I've heard good things from USA Spec, but cannot speak on any of those personally. If you do a search for Ipod you will find alot of good info. I know there is one very helpful topic on the USA Spec in the 05 Tacoma forums.
I'll check out the Tacoma forum, thanks. Yes, my unit is factory.
The USA Spec unit looks like a simple solution to the situation. It certainly is the most economical (costs less than the Kensington FM transmitter I bought to use in the car!) There don't appear to be any bells or whistles, just connect the iPod (and any other audio devices via the auxilliary inputs) and go. No display (other than track number) on the HU screen, 5 playlists of unlimited songs each.
I suppose that if you went with the USA Spec and didn't like it, at least you're only out $59.95+. If you bought one of the other units, with more features, and didn't like it, you could be out several hundred $!
The part where I've gotten "dizzy" is those "more features". I am a child of my times, and I feel myself being pulled by the lure of fancier toys (with title display, and full control and built in noise-suppression, etc.)
Well, USA Spec (and Crutchfield confirms) says that the USA Spec devices, either DFTOY or PATOY, are not compatible with the Solara equipped with navigation system.
Hmm, sorry to hear that. I have heard some FM transmitter devices for the iPod and personally didn't like them. I don't know any brand-specific FM Transmitters that I've listened to, but I figure they arent dramatically different. When the FM transmitter sends the signal to your radio, it plays less clearly and sometimes even static-y. Personal Opinion, don't go with an FM tranmitter.
Sadly, I have experience with FM Transmitters. That experience matches your warning. I've used the Griffin iTrip and the Kensington FM Transmitter (iLounge rated A/A-). If you don't have anything else, it is passable. If you're a purist about your music, then it falls well short. Direct connect is the only way to go. And I'm committed to that path. I just have to select the vehicle.
OK, I'm going with the iPod2Car. I bought one today from Best Buy here in Nashville. My reasoning went something like this;
1. After very careful thought I decided that I didn't want to give up control/display from the iPod LCD. None of the more robust solutions (like Vais SLI) display full information. While they require you to use playlists (not a problem, really), there are still limitations. Also, the Nav screen on my '04 Solara always defaults back to the nav map after a few seconds (and I prefer it that way.) So, result, while it is a nifty feature, and might fit for a lot of folks, it is not for me and my style of driving / enjoyment.
2. The Harman-Kardon Drive&Play uses an addition LCD screen and external control knob. I really didn't want to permanently mount something like that to the dash. Also, I didn't was more stuff than the iPod and the stereo and the nav to contend with while I drive. So, no Drive&Play.
3. The USA-Spec PA is less expensive but is listed as not compatible with a nav enabled HU for the 2004 Solara. So, no USA-Spec PATOY.
4. That seemed to leave the iPod2Car and the Neo Ion. Both units provide in-car control through the CD-Changer port. Both units are volume / "track" controlled via the HU and the steering wheel controls. According to both manufacturer's websites both units need an additional jumper harness cable to connect (it has a mini-12 pin data connector for the CD changer port on the 2004 Solara Nav HU.) Now, I know that anytime you jumper an audio connection you risk EM "noise". I checked around and found that Peripheral Electronics (maker of the iPod2Car) has started shipping a new harness for Toyota (their part number PXHTY3) that is a three way connector with the regular and the mini connector in one. I know it is a small thing, but there it is. Also, the iPod2Car was slightly cheaper ($10). So, decision, iPod2Car.
I'll let everyone know how it went when I install tomorrow.
OK, I'm going with the iPod2Car. I bought one today from Best Buy here in Nashville. My reasoning went something like this;
1. After very careful thought I decided that I didn't want to give up control/display from the iPod LCD. None of the more robust solutions (like Vais SLI) display full information. While they require you to use playlists (not a problem, really), there are still limitations. Also, the Nav screen on my '04 Solara always defaults back to the nav map after a few seconds (and I prefer it that way.) So, result, while it is a nifty feature, and might fit for a lot of folks, it is not for me and my style of driving / enjoyment.
2. The Harman-Kardon Drive&Play uses an addition LCD screen and external control knob. I really didn't want to permanently mount something like that to the dash. Also, I didn't was more stuff than the iPod and the stereo and the nav to contend with while I drive. So, no Drive&Play.
3. The USA-Spec PA is less expensive but is listed as not compatible with a nav enabled HU for the 2004 Solara. So, no USA-Spec PATOY.
4. That seemed to leave the iPod2Car and the Neo Ion. Both units provide in-car control through the CD-Changer port. Both units are volume / "track" controlled via the HU and the steering wheel controls. According to both manufacturer's websites both units need an additional jumper harness cable to connect (it has a mini-12 pin data connector for the CD changer port on the 2004 Solara Nav HU.) Now, I know that anytime you jumper an audio connection you risk EM "noise". I checked around and found that Peripheral Electronics (maker of the iPod2Car) has started shipping a new harness for Toyota (their part number PXHTY3) that is a three way connector with the regular and the mini connector in one. I know it is a small thing, but there it is. Also, the iPod2Car was slightly cheaper ($10). So, decision, iPod2Car.
I'll let everyone know how it went when I install tomorrow.
-ddw
Just save the reciepts...my brother returned his after a couple of days it was so unreliable....hope you have better results.
I got waylaid yesterday with other projects for the household (i.e. My Wife's "Honey-do" list) so I didn't get to the iPod2Car install for the '04 Solara until today. The short version is: installed and working fine without a problem.
Removal of the trim to get to the Stereo / Nav HU wasn't really a problem. The console pieces pop-out nice and cleanly. (Comment: In my younger days I dug into several GM, Ford and Chrysler dashboards to install, remove and work on stereo units. I have the scarred knuckles and fingers to prove it. As well as the memories of the broken clips, the pieces that didn't go back together snuggly and the general frustration. As I've gotten older I don't spend that kind of effort much anymore. This is the first time I've ever had occasion to dig into the dash of a Toyota product. Let me say, for the record, what a pleasant experience it was. The clips release cleanly, the HU unbolted with four easily accesible front facing 10mm bolts, there is plenty of space inside, the wiring harnesses are organized handily, the HU is on a guide-track that makes it easy to line back up for the remount and hold while you get the bolts re-inserted, the clips / trim pieces snap back with the satisfying click of a briefcase latch. Way to go, Toyota!) The CD changer port on the back of the HU is, in fact, the mini-12 pin data connector, so I had the correct end ready. Facing the back of the HU (with it removed) the port is on the left side next to the stereo connector (on my car's HU the port is the only black-plastic one.) There was plenty of room to run the iPod2Car harness and get it out of the way. I mounted the iPod2Car converter box on the inside, next to the passenger side console wall. I decided to route the iPod cable and DIN connector through the cargo box underneath the HU / Environmental control panel. I drilled a 5/8" hole in back wall of the cargo box and threaded the DIN connector and a rubber grommet through (the grommet just makes it look cleaner.) The iPod2Car cable is long! ...12 feet! So, I stuffed most of through the hole into the console. I put it all back together and turned it on.
It works great! I took the car for the "rattle-test". No problems. No rattles, no hums, no buzzes, no cut-outs, everything works as advertised. I'll keep an eye on it, but for today, I'm happy.
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iPod choices (I'm dizzy)
Sadly, I have experience with FM Transmitters. That experience matches your warning. I've used the Griffin iTrip and the Kensington FM Transmitter (iLounge rated A/A-). If you don't have anything else, it is passable. If you're a purist about your music, then it falls well short. Direct connect is the only way to go. And I'm committed to that path. I just have to select the vehicle.
I bought one today from Best Buy here in Nashville. My reasoning went something like this;
I got waylaid yesterday with other projects for the household (i.e. My Wife's "Honey-do" list) so I didn't get to the iPod2Car install for the '04 Solara until today. The short version is: installed and working fine without a problem.
Linear Mode
