gyrex

Hi everyone,

I bought a brand new RX8 (2005 model) and would like to integrate my ipod into the factory car stereo. I have seen that there is an Icelink plus that's built for the RX8 but there aren't any suppliers (called about 8) in the UK that can get it. Does anyone know of a US distributor that would be willing to ship one to the UK? I'm pretty desperate to move forward on this. I've also tried the iCruze and this doesn't seem compatible either.

Any help would be greatly appreciated!

John

Flawless

I personally use the Neo Car adapter for the RX-8. I am sure they will work with you on the shipping -- just make sure your headunit firmware is compatible with the unit before you order it. If you do a search for headunit firmware, you will see how to check it and what firmware you need. Also, if you buy it from neo car audio, they will include an install guide for the RX-8. I have the standard model but I heard there is a new model out which allows id3 support - you might want to check in to that.

modena

If you run into a snag/problem, PM me,
I, we our company ships a lot of Fed-Ex air and we get very good rates.
(20 to 30 $ for a small package to anywhere in Europe.
If needed you can use my shipping address and I will forward it to you.
Let me know and I can surly help you out....

gyrex

Hi guys,

Thanks so much for the help! I checked http://www.neocaraudio.com and I couldn't find any compatibility with Mazda RX8's.

Modena - I might take you up on that offer if you don't mind mate :D What sort of ipod connections would you be able to get for the RX8?

Thanks again!!! Very excited about using my ipod in my RX8

John

Columbus

I just got mine installed this week and once you override the bloody Dension firmware and use the iPod menu its sweet. The Neo Ion and Icelink are the same thing, I ordered mine through www.mp3yourcar.com and was on backorder for about two weeks waiting on the correct PIE adaptor. My headunit has firmware 9.55 and works fine although on the icelink website they say that you need 9.67

hotpot

Try rx8garage.net. They should be able to fix you up.

Redbeemr

Had a Neo/Ice link unit installed on Monday in my '04 6M Touring. Bought via phone from Neo and had it installed by Custom Car alarms in Pleasant Hill CA. Didn't want to take the time to do it myself (and maybe screw it up). The $65 charge was worth it.

Everything works fine (steering whl. controls, playlist scrolling, etc.) except something called Albumplay in the Dension menus. It is supposed to allow you to select the album of the current song playing, and play out the rest of the album. Don't get happy sounds from the unit.

Otherwise everything else is working fine. I spent a lot of time on this forum before I took the plunge and it was time well spent.

Thanks to all who contributed

P.S. Columbus...overriding the Dension software allows you to control the IPOD directly? What are the key advantages you are experiencing.

Columbus

The Dension Firmware only lets you play up to six playlists and IMO in very cumbersome when compared with the original iPod menus. If you select the "iPod UI" you can use the buttons and scroll wheel on the iPod to select your music. You can still change tracks via the steering wheel controls though.

Slammed

Give them a call - I know for a fact that they have them because my friend ordered one last week.

portero23

Would the Neo Ion be the same as the Icelink, or, is it the Icelink Plus?!

-P23

azharo

I just got mine and it mentioned Icelink plus.

Slammed

www.mp3yourcar.com has iPod adapters that work good with the RX8, my friend got one and I helped him install it. Sounds good

Germanrx8racer

do the steerin controls work ?

jefferrari

I ordered one from mp3yourcar.com, 1.5 or 2 wks ago. They said they don't have the plug , but they have the cradle. I have a ipod mini and gf have a ipod photo. I was wondering if anyone know if the ipod photo cradle works with Ipod mini or vice versa?

kachud

The two ipods are very different sizes. The cradles are different for the mini vs the photo.

kachud

BTW the NEO icelink plus comes with auxilary rca inputs as well as the dension cable.

jbrasure

I just installed the Neo in my car this weekend. It sounds great. However, sometimes when I turn on the stereo the Neo goes into a mode where it starts skipping songs every 2 or 3 seconds. It doesn't even have a chance to play any of the music. Does anyone else have this problem?

Juxagent

what ipod do you have? Im pretty sure that its and ipod issue not neo - try reseting the ipod(slide HOLD to on then off then hold menu and select for 6 sec.) if that dosnt work then try hooking it up to your computer and playing the song while hooked up through itunes then disconnect and try it; it should work unless i am confused about what your describing.

ive never had it happen while hooked up to the neo though so i dont know if its the same thing.

jbrasure

I'll give that a try. Thanks. (By the way I have the 40 GB, 3rd generation iPod).

jbrasure

I upgraded the iPod to the latest firmware (2.3) and reset the iPod. The IceLink Plus still has several problems:

1) Sometimes when I turn on the stereo, the IceLink does nothing. It doesn't start the song playing. Turning the stereo off and on again fixes it.

2) Sometimes the IceLink skips songs every 2 or 3 seconds after turning the stereo on.

3) Sometimes it won't play the playlist that I have selected (by choosing disc 1 - 5).

Hmm, it doesn't seem like the IceLink is 100% compatible with the RX8. I can always make it work eventually, but it just takes a lot of work each time that I start the car. (And other times it works ok.) Bummer.

kachud

I have the same issue with the ipod not coming on when I start my car. I just grin and bear it for now. I don't have the issue of songs skipping. All in all the icelink plus is no where near perfect but I do like being able to advance songs from the steering wheel. If you can find the icelink (not plus) that is the way to go.

jbrasure

Yeah, I agree, the IceLink is still worth it. It's kind of a pain now and then, but on long trips it's awesome to have your entire music collection on hand. I'll stick with it until a better competitor comes out. Perhaps the Monster ICruze will work with the RX8 eventually.

azharo

Guys,

I installed mine over the weekend and it worked great. I prefer the Ipod UI. I am just curious as to where you placed the NEO unit after install. Mine is right behind the ashtray (the black box) with the other shrink wrapped circuitry right by the shifter along the center console. I am kind of wooried about the heat issue around that area. Anyone had any problems with this setup??

jbrasure

I left the Neo behind the stereo, and put the other stuff behind the glove box. I have the iPod mounted along the right side of the stereo console.

baeckebd

anyone have any pics of one of these neo connectors installed? where did you run the wires? how'd it look when you were done? are you happy with it?