iPod - Neo iOn / 2006 Solara question

[busyba]

I just got a 2006 Solara SLE Convertible. The stereo I have is the factory JBL unit with an in-dash 6-CD changer built into the headunit.

In my previous car I integrated my iPod by using the Neo iOn, which as you know, connects to the stereo via the changer port in the back of the headunit. I would like to use the same implementation, but I was wondering: since my headunit has a built-in changer, would it even have a changer port in the back? And if it did, would connecting something to it foul up the actual changer?

The mp3YourCar.com website says the iOn is compatible with 2006 Solaras, but I suspect that since the compatibility tester doesn't make any distinction between SE and SLE, and since the SE can have a headunit without a built-in changer, that they are giving the most accomodating, if imprecise, response possible.

Any assistance would be greatly appreciated.

Suggestions for alternative solutions are welcome as well. But please don't bother suggesting a FM modulator. I have already been there and done that and was unimpressed.

The headunit has a cassette deck, I suppose I could use the cassette adapter solution (although I'd not get the advantage of controlling the iPod via the steering wheel buttons), anybody have any experience with those and can testify as to the quality?

Thanks!

[Sofasloth]

When I emailed them about my 2006 Camry LE with the JBL in-dash 6 disc changer, they said the Neo Ion would work fine. So, I would think it would probably work in yours too.

After reading various posts about the lackluster integration of the different ipod interfaces, I think I will just get the Blitzsafe adapter. It still goes through like a changer/aux connection rather than FM, but it just doesn't give the radio any control of the ipod. A lot of people say the various units don't always control the ipod well from the wheel/radio and some don't even display info on the radio. I'll stick with the ipod controls for now.

Originally Posted by busyba

I just got a 2006 Solara SLE Convertible. The stereo I have is the factory JBL unit with an in-dash 6-CD changer built into the headunit.

In my previous car I integrated my iPod by using the Neo iOn, which as you know, connects to the stereo via the changer port in the back of the headunit. I would like to use the same implementation, but I was wondering: since my headunit has a built-in changer, would it even have a changer port in the back? And if it did, would connecting something to it foul up the actual changer?

The mp3YourCar.com website says the iOn is compatible with 2006 Solaras, but I suspect that since the compatibility tester doesn't make any distinction between SE and SLE, and since the SE can have a headunit without a built-in changer, that they are giving the most accomodating, if imprecise, response possible.

Any assistance would be greatly appreciated.

Suggestions for alternative solutions are welcome as well. But please don't bother suggesting a FM modulator. I have already been there and done that and was unimpressed.

The headunit has a cassette deck, I suppose I could use the cassette adapter solution (although I'd not get the advantage of controlling the iPod via the steering wheel buttons), anybody have any experience with those and can testify as to the quality?

Thanks!

[busyba]

Originally Posted by Sofasloth

When I emailed them about my 2006 Camry LE with the JBL in-dash 6 disc changer, they said the Neo Ion would work fine. So, I would think it would probably work in yours too.

Thanks for the info!

After reading various posts about the lackluster integration of the different ipod interfaces, I think I will just get the Blitzsafe adapter. It still goes through like a changer/aux connection rather than FM, but it just doesn't give the radio any control of the ipod. A lot of people say the various units don't always control the ipod well from the wheel/radio and some don't even display info on the radio. I'll stick with the ipod controls for now.

I have to say that when I used the Neo iOn on my previous car (2000 Chevy Camaro) the radio control integration was very nearly flawless. The only minor problem was that sometimes after first connecting the iPod, I would have to do a prev-track command from the radio controls to initialize the iOn's control interface before the other commands would work.

Also, unlike some other solutions (i.e.: iCruize), connecting the iPod to the iOn does not preclude you from using the iPod controls themselves. You can ignore the radio controls if you want, since you have full and compete control of the iPod, no different than if you were using it regularly... the radio control access is juts a bonus.