so what are our best options for linking iPod features through stock radio?

I have a 2004 stock head unit, and am not sure of firmware version. is a FM transmitter the way to go since it is so easy and cheap? which one is best?

is a hardwire kit the way to go? how hard are they to install and which is best? do they require firmware updates and how do i get that done?

thanks

 

Before anyone else gets around to saying it, search the forums, there have been plenty of threads on this topic already. The short answer, from my perspective: replace the head unit.

 

Search the audio sub-forum, this has been covered to death.

 

https://www.rx8club.com/series-i-interior-audio-electronics-24/your-ipod-mp3-player-integration-solution-here-77790/

i had found this article, but really didnt want to read through 23 pages to find out how things are going along with it.

Maybe someone could post something like "See this thread, the xyz item seems to be the way to go"

 

there are a few options:

1. buy a xcarlink, axxess or <insert the many other brands here> ipod integration module
2. buy an oem ipod unit (doesn't work with satellite radio)
3. find an auxmod if there are any floating around anymore (not very likely)
4. replace your head unit

 

I've been eyeballing this little "car hack" as he calls it for a while now.

If you're comfortable with soldering three small cables, maybe give it a go.

http://www.whatsmyip.org/ipodrx8/

I haven't researched it on the forums yet, but if others have had positive results with the above instillation, I will be giving it a go myself in the near future. I would go with the Mazda OEM cable that plugs into your head unit, but from what I understand, you are completely unable to control your ipod except through the head unit controls while connected. Since the car's display wasn't originally intended for that, it makes it a little more difficult when navigating your music library, especially for someone like me who has around 10k (60gigs) of music. The iPod's screen simply shows the connected icon while plugged in as if it were connected to your computer/iTunes.

 

i have the GROM AUX kit. it connects to the cd changer port. it has rca into mini plug. i choose this to be able to plug any device available. i have iphone and external XM. plus friends mp3 devices. doesnt charge or work with stereo controls(just volume). hope this helps

 

i did this. it was pretty easy.

 

i just use a fm transmitter. works for me.

 

i bought a I-MAZDAR BY DICE $150 and it was a piece of cake to install it,(30mins) it works perfect with the stock head unit,it lets you control your music from the radio and steering wheel buttons you just gotta know if you have the SAT button on your radio because they have two options
i wouldn't do FM transmitter i've done it and it didn't work(poor sound quality)

here's the link

http://www.mp3carpros.com/product_in...d=92&language=

good luck mate

 

I use the kensington liquid aux coupled with a grom audio-in.

I can charge and play my iPhone through the car radio with only 1 connector, dock connector.

Streaming Pandora is awesome.

 

So, wait. He wants easy and cheap, and you suggest he try to install an all-new head unit into a non-standard mount which will require a metra kit? Good advice

I use the Audiolink kit (just google "the rpm store"). It's not a tough install at all and works very well through the stock steering wheel controls.

 

I have the audiolink from rpm store as well and i use both ipod and iphone

the only hiccup i have is when the iphone rings or rather doesn't

one of the things i do like about it is that i have xm app on my iphone and can listen to it with out the antenna drops out like i was experiencing with my indash satty radio, the one down fall is when you go out of the 3g network, then no xm..... oh well back to ipod lol

 

Yeah, crazy idea, I know - paying $130 for metra kit and $150 for a decent head unit with far better ipod display and controls than any of the integration units offer versus $99 for a stock head unit upgrade (not many of the '04s come with the right firmware for the integration units) and then another $150 for the integration unit.

 

thanks to all who responded.

I don't know what most of these items are, but at least now I can research them and decide which way I want to go based on price and ease of install. I do know I am not going with a new head unit, so that may limit my options due to firmware.

 

yep, my firmware is incompatible with most of the options and a new headunit with ipod / aux input seems to be a good route. only thing is, who wants to replace the factory unit with a $150 unit? might as well go with a double din touchscreen to fill out the space. that's when the price jumps a bit from an integration unit.

 

I have the Pioneer Premier FH-P800bt, fantastic DD unit and you can find it for under $250 (or it's almost identical sibling the FH-P8000bt for $233). There's lots of great option out there for under $250 if you do some poking about. I'm not a big fan of the touch-screen types myself, I find them difficult to use in a car with as firm a suspension as ours.