Has anyone looked into using the PIE Alpine addapter in conjuction with the Alpine KCA-420i Ipod Control Interface. Some Ai-net to Mbus adapter is need. Sounds like a lot of components just to control an ipod but I don't like Dension's customer service very much and I am looking for alternatives. If you have any let suggestions me know.

 

Alpine has an IPOD addapter (KCA-420i) that will plug into any Ai-net compatable head unit. There is an Ai-net to MBus adapter so I am assuming the PIE adapter that is alpine MBus capable will work in this application.

 

you need an Alpine head unit to do what you are speaking of

infact the alpine HU that hooks up through IPOD used the IPOD as an external hardrive...so it is the HU that is decoding and playing the songs not the ipod

the icelink controls the ipod through the factory hu...but the IPOD is still decoding, playing music and the icelink grabs the audio through auxilary inputs

 

I just ordered a NEO IPOD connector for my 8. Turns out the NEO connecter is just a repack of the Dension unit and sold for 30 bucks less. Go figure.

 

I've been planning my course of action to add on to my Bose-equipped system.
I've got a 2005 with a new HU coming from my dealer since my current one is snacking on and digesting my CDs (I'll have to check the firmware version # when it arrives).

I'm assuming I have an MBus connector back there, is that correct? What different connectors (if any) are on a Satellite-Ready HU? My car was supposedly "Ready For Sirius".

Here's what I'm thinking:

1. Alpine KCA130B MBus to AI-NET adapter (to make the HU AI-NET capable).

2. Terk XMD1000 XM Radio tuner and Terk XMDirect (XMDALP100) Smart Digital Adapter interface with AI-NET pass through (for #3).

3. Alpine KCA420i iPod adapter.

I figured I'd just add XM and the iPod all at once...
Anyone want to weigh in with any pitfalls or advice for something I'm missing?


Jer

 

the 2005 HU does not have an Mbus connector u need PIE for that

 

Thanks, Truemagellen..

OK, so I need:
1. P.I.E. MAZ/PC-ALP adaptor to make the Mazda radio MBus-compatible.
2. Then the Alpine KCA130B to change that into an AI-NET input.
3. THEN connect the Terk XMDirect (XMDALP100) Smart Digital Adapter AI-NET compatible interface for the XM.
4. THEN, the Terk XMD1000 XM Radio tuner box.
5. THEN, the KCA420i for the iPod.

A quick show of hands, how many of you are reading this and thinking the same as I am: "This is too many wires and adaptors and protocols to work reliably..." ?
I would LOVE to be wrong about that.
Anyone using this setup (or similar) and having success?


Jer

 

By the way, I have since learned (from these forums) that my current HU is one of the "non-sat" 2004-style units with an AM button and 9.67 firmware. So I'm one of the lucky 2005 owners who got stuck with the old-style radio. Since my dealer is getting me a new unit, I'll have to make sure they get me the right CURRENT 2005 HU.

Jer