iPod for '05 RAV4 - DICE or USA Spec?

[LombardStreet]

Hi, everyone!

I just joined the forum. (Here's my intro.) I tried a few searches, but couldn't quite find a direct answer to my question, so here goes...

We just bought a 2005 RAV4 for our daughter. It has the AM/FM/CD/casette radio. No changer, but it does have a "TEXT" button. (I hope that's enough info to identify the radio.) We'd like to integrate her (5th gen/video) iPod into the system.

I come from the MINI Cooper world where the DICE system is a big success. They make a model for Toyotas, but I haven't found much info about how well it integrates with Toyotas. Seems like a lot of people are happy with the USA Spec PA12-TOY, though. I'm not familiar with this unit - they don't make one for MINIs as far as I can tell.

I guess the main reason I'm interested in the DICE is because it sounds like it will allow you to use the iPod's click wheel for playlist/track navigation AND get text display on the radio at the same time. If I'm understanding the stuff I've read about the PA12, it sounds like it's an either/or thing. If you put it in clickwheel mode, you don't get text; if you put it in text mode, you can't use the clickwheel. Is that right?

Any comments on either of these devices (or any other units I'm not aware of) would be much appreciated. Ease of installation, compatibility, useability, ease of navigation, sound quality, etc?

Thanks in advance!

[LombardStreet]

P.S. I'm also open to suggestions for where to put the iPod. Glovebox? Cup holders? Center console? Under the seat? I'm kind of leaning towards the little shelf above the driver's shins - mostly out of sight, but still accessible. Any thoughts?

[toy05]

I think that the nicest way to integrate the Ipod to the Rav4 is to locate on ebay a Scion T1806 head unit which has complete Ipod integration and control of the iPod from the head unit. The artists, song,
playlist is displayed, and selected, and the ipod is charged.
The ipod can be kept out of sight.
I have done the above to my Rav4.
There are three cables required for the Scion but I have found a source of one cable that will tie the head unit to the ipod.
I hope that this helps you.
Bill
If I can be of any more help, contact me at rctech@comcast.net

[LombardStreet]

Originally Posted by toy05

I think that the nicest way to integrate the Ipod to the Rav4 is to locate on ebay a Scion T1806 head unit...[snip]

Bill-

Thanks for the info. I looked into the suggestion you made - seemed like a bit too much money and trouble. I talked it over with my daughter and we decided to go with the USA Spec unit. (To tell you the truth, I think she probably would have been happy with just an AUX in for her headphone jack.)

I appreciate your taking the time to reply, though. Thanks again!

[qtlee]

Hi there.

I've just purchased a 2005 RAV4. I saw your post and was wondering how the installation process was. I'm thinking of getting the USA Spec one also, but I don't even know where to start. I looked at their site, and the brochure did not have information on installation.

Did you install it yourself? How long did it take you?

[toy05]

The head unit is easily installed.
It would take about 10 minutes with only about 4 connectors to connect.
I can send detailed instructions if required.