Actually, changing tracks via the steering wheel buttons would be huge. Its a REAL pain to try to fiddle with the iPod (in my rear center compartment, plugged into the accessory power port there) while driving. Sure, you still have to get the thing set up with the playlist or whatever ahead of time. Complete control via the HU/steering wheel would be nice, but I'm not sure if there are enough buttons, and you would absolutely need the display. Maybe some day!

jds

 

I have this nagging little idea of frankensteining iPod mini so I can mount the guts out of sight but integrating the LCD display into the dash somehow. Then wiring the steering controls into the remote. Would be very cool if you didn't even notice it until it lit up....

 

I've had the same thoughts run through my head, tearing apart my RCA Lyra and mounting the LCD in a blank faceplate where my tape deck is now. I just haven't been able to bring myself to crack it open and start investigating the guts yet.

 

Good call. It's actually the same 2003 M6 HU...


Actually, I'm just using the remote connector since it's god so many advantages. Not everyone actually uses theirs, so the chance that they'll be willing to cut it up to integrate with the HU is much higher. It's also cheaper than the dock. Bureau13, if you were truly interested in using the dock, you could still, but nothing prevents you from using the existing belkin dock with a modified remote to power and control the unit. The only problem about line level outs, is that they aren't all standard. We've run into that issue several times already. Having a volume control on the device is the best and safest way to go.

Keep the ideas coming. It's good to see both the positive and negative reactions. In no way is this AuxMod going to make everyone happy, and there will be some shortfalls to compensate for. All in all, the benefits that this offer may or may not be worth it to each individual person. Also keep in mind that the iPOD control is just a part of the unit and many people (myself included) may prefer a different audio source. The limitations of the iPOD remote are what we have to deal with at the moment, so if the remote can't do it, neither will the AuxMod.. That means no random or song browsing and selection. Yes, it may be possible in the long term via that Doc connector, but that information doesn't exist yet in on the web that I've seen.

At this point, we pretty much are just finishing off the final hardware design. The software is essentially complete. (for AuxMod Basic)

Regards,

OverLOAD

 

I'm curious about mounting the unit you make. Are you planning on it filling the place of the tape/MD deck? Or will it fit somewhere else?

As for installation, is this probably going to be a solder-free install? Pretty much just plug it in and good to go?

Any rough estimates on when the basic unit might start shipping (or orders taking place)? 2 weeks? 2 months? More?

 

Check out this thread.

It's slick and can't be noticed by anyone. A bit pricey but if $240 isn't too much for you then go for it.

 

I posted this earlier, but here it is again since it seems to address many of the issues on this page. It's easy to locate without taking my eyes off the road. There's enough friction to keep it in place, but neither the wires nor the console show any indentations. My right hand's on the stick a lot, so the feeling is similar to the buttons on the wheel. Because of the contouring of the center console, I never feel it while shifting or cruising. All that's missing is the display data. It's also very stealth; when I leave the car, I slide the armrest back, drop the remote in, and close it. Totally gone, no visible sign of iPod at all.

 

It's always been something that we thought would be coming up pretty soon, but it takes a while to do it when it's just a part time hobby. The sooner the better. You can get a rough estimate if you take a look at the thread and see how far we've come, and what's left to do. Realistically, I'm hoping for under a month.

Regards,

OverLOAD

 

well i'm new to this whole discussion, but i flipped thru most of the 54 pages and all i can really say is WOW and great work!! can you add me to list of people who really really want one and keep me updated... a10za03@yahoo.com

also the closer you get to the final product will you be needing donations or deposits to get the parts to start making these to ship out? lemme know i'd be willing to help contribute.... even if you need a donation to a beer fund or something.. hahaha

- karena

 

There is no need for the complete dock to get the line-out feature. The only thing you need is a plug that's called pocketdock. It's connected to the ipod directly and delivers either firewire + usb or firewire + lineout. I don't know whether it's available in the US or not, but I found it on german ebay for 25-30€ which is around 30USD.
I'd prefer the lineout connector too, so couldn't you just use the remote connector for the input signals (if neither firewire nor usb could be used for that) and the lineout connector for the audio output? So everyone could deside for himself wheter to use the integrated steering wheel controls or not...

 

The Belkin iPod Power adapter has a line out that has a little volume **** on it. You can use that to perfectly match the volume to the volume of FM, so you don't get one louder than the other. What what I use in my install.

 

Overload, any new expected date for your cool hardware ?

 

Alpine has a flash demo of their iPod integration. It looks damn sweet. Would love you have that in my car. Dunno if you can steal any of the ideas for yours or not OverLOAD. Check it out:

http://www.alpine-usa.com/driveyouripod/

Later

 

Overload, have you checked that flash demo in the previous post?

Isn't that exactly what you're trying to do, except there's no alpine radio needed! Keep up the good work dude.

Krass

 

nope...read through all 55pages then you'll understand

right now he is making a winamp controlller/auxin

 

Well, he is trying to do iPod control via the steering wheel buttons as well. No display or navigation other than track up/track down though, I don't believe...at least not at first.

jds

 

will this make it possible to plug in my XM Roady2 (direct connect) without needing the FM Modulator?

 

A simple AUX is a must, who is the tech wiz that is going to create this product and where can I purchase?

 

http://www.whatsmyip.org/ipodrx8 if you are that impatient

 

this product has been out all summer...called the Maz/Alp PIE adaptor you will need the RCA cabling with it...I'll pull up a link for you

if you have an IPOD you buy that PIE unit and an ICElink docking cable or cradle

and next time so you know click on the 'search' and you will find much info...there are complete installtion guides for this stuff

here is the link: enjoy: http://www.logjamelectronics.com/piemazpcalp.html

 

Damn... It won't work on Mazda6.

guess I'll have to wait after Overload's work.

 

That's pretty much the idea, long term anyway.

At the moment, I've got steering wheel controls working with my simple little adapter.

It's taking a while, and we are running into sourcing issues and problems finding enough time to finish this off, but we're still slowly making progress. It seems as though we now have a devent source to buy the actual connector used by the tape module, and that we're just going to finalize the hardware and get this unit out to everyone who's been itching for one all this time.

Regards,

OverLOAD

 

words of encourgement, slow is smooth, smooth is fast.

beers
john stewart

 

.bump.

.nudge.nudge.
.wink.wink.

 

Any news? I'ts been about a month since you mentioned you were hoping to have it done within a month. Just thought I'd check in since my Dell DJ should be here today.

Phil