Sending the ipod display data to the screen would be a dream! But is there any chance to get this while the ipod is in "play-mode"? The only way to read out the data from your ipod externally is, when it's connected to your pc, isn't it? Now everytime you connect it to your desktop pc, it switches to "data-mode" and afak, it doesn't decode the mp3s itself anymore, but only sends the necessary files to itunes or whatever program you use... That'd mean, that you need another mp3-decoding module... Just prove me wrong, that's just what I guess!!

 

I'd be happy with steering wheel track buttons controlling my iPod. But I currently get beautiful CD quality sound through the CD Player hack. So I can wait on the module. I'll just keep reaching into the center console, instead of flicking my thumb. Somehow I'll deal.

 

sounds like we should hack into the MP3 player of the HU and have it read the data off the IPOD's HD instead of the disk drive...I believe it would work great

hey...I bet it would work for a hard drive too? hmmm me thinks this is the start of something big...thanks for the brainstorming Xanda

 

of course apple has provided an interface for reading information from the ipod and for controlling the ipod while it's playing. there's no need for a second mp3 decoder.

Apple doesn't have the info posted directly on their developer page, but it can be requested:

 

We'll leave all the work and expense of dealing with Video to a later date. There's just too many variations of what people want to do to make it practical and affordable. A lot of these video switching capabilities take up a ton of space too. That doesn't mean I don't think it's neat. I just don't have the time to commit to it right now.

Regards,

OverLOAD

 

Been trying to get more details on this because they are not posted here.. and the website seems to be down..


Anyone? I need some details on the shipping product?

 

There is no "shipping product"... this is still in development.

 

Sure, it can be requested, and if you're lucky enough to get a response it will be "No, now go away" unless you're already in the business of making cars, head units, etc. Been there, done that, an d not particularly happy with Apple right now.

jds

 

I found a nice way to deal with this. I have a 3G iPod with the annoying touch-buttons, and found myself hitting the wrong button while driving. So I put the iPod remote in-line between the iPod and the tape deck input (this will work for the CD hack, as well). Now all the controls I need are easily available with the center console closed. And, I can feel around for the button I want to press without the iPod skittering off on its own.

 

FYI,

We managed to successfully get integrated iPOD controls working this morning. We're working on getting the circuit board all readied and I'm working on some future software. Finally, we're getting ahead a bit.

I know you're all eager to get one of these puppies, but hold your horses, we still need to validate the hardware before anyone gets one. Here's a teaser of a picture of our setup.

Regards,

OverLOAD

 

Does the iPod remote work through the dock connector or is there a second plug you have to plug into the top of the iPod?

 

I'm using a chopped iPOD remote connector at the moment. It's the ideal location to get audio out of the iPOD, and to put the control signals back in.

Regards,

OverLOAD

 

aaaaw no dock connector. That would be better (though probably not easier for you :-) ) to use the dock connector, plus it would allow people to use a dock, which would be kick ***!

 

I think the problem with the dock is that you then have to send via firewire. While it would be great to charge and control the unit at the same time, the firewire stuff would be difficult (which is why OL opted for the serial connection instead of USB). Besides, the dock would be a pain in the *** because it wants the iPod to sit up-right. I can't think of anywhere in my '8 that I would want the dock to be upright. The remote control also "snaps in" better than the dock, so that would keep it from falling out while driving.

I'm fairly sure that for most of the people using this setup, the dock would cause more problems than it would solve. As with most things, the best rule is: K.I.S.S.

 

any luck pulling the display data out of the ipod and hooking it into the HU's display like this think will?: http://www.prnewswire.com/cgi-bin/st...004/0002084211

: )

by the way...great job Overload

 

You don't need a dock to use the dock connector. Right now I'm using the Belkin car charger (along with the lame iTrip while paitently awaiting the Aux Module :-) and it has a dock connector that snaps in perfectly. A line out is available here as well, which the Belkin brings out...I had planned on using it with the Aux Module but I guess that would lose me the steering wheel controls, and I'm NOT going to do that! I liked the idea of the line out being at the proper peak-to-peak voltage level for a matching line in, rather than having to fiddle with iPod volume through the remote connector, but oh well.

jds

 

That seems to be a very non standard console (for the US anyway). Where'd you get it?

 

thats the mazda 6's HU console I am pretty sure...same internals

 

Yay! The teaser pic has a Mazda6 HU in it! I have the 2003 model, but hopefully things won't be so different and I can use it in my car. At any rate if the price point still stays under $100 I'm sure I'll grab one up and let you know if it does work with mine.

Anxiously awaiting
--==--march

 

I'd vote for going with the dock connector since you've got a line level out from that point thus giving to higher quality audio. I keep my iPod in the center console so that it's out of sight, out of mind. No one can tell walking past my car that I have an iPod in there but I'm still able to use the steering wheel controls to change the tracks.

 

Just out of curiosity, what's the big deal in using the steering wheel buttons with the iPod? Changing to the next or previous track is not something that is a big enough convenience IMO... there are only those two buttons available on the wheel.
Or is it envisioned that other navigation (like change directory) will also be available? Perhaps with the use of the 'MODE' button?
In that case, there is a real need to see what exactly is being selected... in other words, the display should show that. Otherwise, just skipping to the next track is nice but doesn't really warrant the trouble of integrating the steering wheel buttons.
Just my personal opinion - I'm not even affected since I don't own an iPod.

 

Yeah plus i forgot the whole battery thing. If you don't use a dock connector, you then have to worry about how much life your ipods battery has left. I also keep my ipod in the center console, connected using belkin's ipod power adapter and the CD Player input hack, and its great, never have to worry about power, and there's only one connector, and if I wanted to, I could mount the dock somewhere which would be great if there was a spot for it.

 

I use the change track buttons on the steering wheel all the time. Now that I keep the iPod hidden in the center console it's my only way of skipping a song. In the car I pretty much only listen to my iPod on shufflle all. That way if a song comes up I'm not in the mood to listen to I just press a button on the steering wheel and it's gone. The track info would be nice but it would be time consuming to read since the display doesn't have many characters to work with.

 

How did you make your steering wheel buttons change the ipod track?

 

While limited, the current availability does offer the ability to have an operable stealth installation, with those controls at the drivers fingertips, right where the radio controls are (which makes it more convenient and intuitive). If you don't want to advertise that you have an iPod in your car, and/or you don't want to have to put everything away and get it out and set it up everytime you get in and out of the car, then this is important. It might not seem like it at first, but after awhile, constantly disconnecting and putting away the unit gets old. Take a look at how many people leave their portable radar detectors out on their windshields after awhile, instead of putting them away.

So while it's not the optimum solution, or the final one, it offers enough difference that it is worth it for some users. At the same time, depending on how it is used, it won't be worth it for other users, so you're right there. It's not a "complete" solution.

---jps