Your iPod/MP3 Player Integration Solution is HERE!
 

RPM is ready to revolutionize the way you listen to music in your Mazda RX-8! Your iPod/MP3 integration solution is finally here!

With the iPod integration kit, you simply plug in your iPod and listen to it through your car's factory stereo system.

Don't have an iPod? No problem! With the USB MP3 Player integration kit, you simply plug in any USB flash drive or USB external hard drive and the unit will play any MP3s stored on the drive through your car's factory stereo system! This may also work with some brands of MP3 Players that allow direct access to their storage via USB without special drivers, such as the Creative MuVo. We even got it to play songs directly off of a digital camera! Of course, if the device cannot be powered via the USB cable (such as the camera), it will use the device's batteries.

Both of the integration solutions will automatically start playing your MP3s when you start your car, and will even resume playing right where you left off! They will also allow you to use your steering wheel controls to change songs and feature a 1/8" stereo plug/jack to allow you to input other sources, such as satellite radio.

iPod Integration Kit Features:
• Compatible with any iPod with a dock connector on the bottom, including iPod mini, iPod nano, iPod photo, and iPod video.
• Power on automatic play function and power off automatic pause.
• Automatic pause when switching to FM, AM, CD, or TAPE/MD.
• No battery required.
• Keeps your iPod charged at all times.
• Direct connection with CD-quality sound.
• 1/8" stereo plug for other auxilliary input.
• Use your steering wheel controls to change songs.
• Use your head unit to change songs or fast forward and rewind.
• Supports up to 5 playlists in "playlist mode"

USB MP3 Integration Kit Features:
• Compatible with any USB-compatible storage device.
• Exclusive built-in high quality MP3 decoder.
• Power on automatic play function and power off automatic pause..
• Automatic pause when switching to FM, AM, CD, or TAPE/MD.
• No battery required.
• Direct connection with CD-quality sound.
• 1/8" stereo jack for other auxilliary input.
• Allows the use of the steering wheel controls to change songs.

For details on how the unit works, the installation procedure, and what is included, please visit the appropriate order link below. All of this information is included on the website!

NOTE: The factory headunit's firmware revision must be 9.55 or greater. The unit will not work on earlier firmware revisions or with 9.81 or 10.01. To find out which revision your Mazda RX-8 has, make sure the radio (FM) is turned on, then press and hold "TEXT." Then, also press and hold "1" at the same time for a few more seconds. The LCD should then report your firmware version.

NOTE: The AudioLink unit is not compatible with the integrated Sirius satellite radio module. Both this unit and the factory satellite radio module connect to the headunit using the same port, so only one or the other may be used at any given time. If you have the satellite radio, but do not use it, you are able to switch to the AudioLink with no problems.
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HOW TO ORDER!

The retail price for the unit is $139.95, but it's currently on sale for $124.95 and there's a discount to make it $109.95! This includes free shipping anywhere in the US! (Alaska and Hawaii customers should use shipping quote code "FREE"). Canadian customers should order from the new Canadian distributor (see below). All other international customers should contact RPM for a shipping quote code.

Order the iPod Integration Kit

Order the USB MP3 Player Integration Kit

Use the coupon code "RX8MP3" at checkout to receive the discount!

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HOW TO ORDER! (Canadian Customers)

Revolution Performance Motorsports has a distributor for the AudioLink in Canada. This means you can get the AudioLink quicker, and without having to worry about currency conversion, customs/duties, or additional shipping charges! The cost is CAD$139.95 and forum members receive free shipping. To order and receive free shipping, use the link below to order and type the coupon code "RX8MP3" in the comments section of the PayPal payment! You will need to pay the full amount up front, but shipping charges will be refunded prior to shipment.

Canadian customers click here to order!

If you are in Canada, but would like to order directly from RPM in the US instead of AudioLink Canada, this is still possible. Shipping to Canada from the US will be an additional US$15.00. To order this way, use one of the links in the section above, and then use the shipping quote code "249FX" upon checkout.

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DO NOT PM ME ABOUT THIS! PLEASE SEND ANY QUESTIONS DIRECTLY TO RPM VIA THEIR WEBSITE!

iPod Integration Kit:

http://fp2000.org/mazda/AL2005i.jpg

http://fp2000.org/mazda/AL2005i-kit.jpg


USB MP3 Player Integration Kit:

http://fp2000.org/mazda/AL2005U.jpg

http://fp2000.org/mazda/AL2005U-kit.jpg


Plug-and-Play installation:

http://fp2000.org/mazda/AL-headunit.jpg

So this would work with a USB flash drive?

how much for forum members??

Yes, the USB MP3 Player unit will work with any USB flash drive or external hard drive. It simply plays the songs randomly from whatever is located on the drive.

I cannot release pricing details until I hear back from the forum administrators (OmicronRX8) regarding vendor status.

If I owned a Mazda 6, why would I be a member of the RX8Club forum?

lol. Good catch. I'll fix it. ;)

falcontx i sent you a pm;)

Sent you one back! ;)

can we still use the buttons on the ipod? or disabled?

The buttons on the iPod still work normally and the disply on your iPod still displays the song and artist as it normally would, so you still have the ability to rate songs or change the playlist you are currently listening to.

Playlists?
 

Does your unit support playlists on the iPod? Can you use the Disc Up/Down buttons on the HU to change playlists?

The disc up/down buttons on the console do not provide any functionality. Changing playlists, albums, or artists must be done from the iPod itself. Once a playlist, artist, or album has been selected, the steering wheel controls or the track buttons on the center console can then be used to change songs. The fast forward and rewind buttons on the console also work.

(this is Dazygirl415) I'm currently testing the iPod unit and so far so good. I've driven around town, tested as many different power on/off options I can think of and used it on a road trip. The plug/play feature allows me to unplug the iPod for the gym and replug it back in without skipping a beat in my music. The same applies when I turn the car on/off or switch to a different audio function. I'm seriously loving this thing. :D:

I am interested in the ipod kit. I am in Arlington.

Looks good.
I might have gone for this if you had posted a few weeks ago.

I went with the unit from mp3yourcar.com, (my ipod picture below) the only difference I see between theirs and yours (concerning ipods) is they can switch playlists using the UP/DOWN Cd button. It comes in handy since I don't have to reach for the ipod at all, but I'm not sure if this feature is worth the extra $80 for it.

Also, does yours display the song name/ time left on the ipod unit while playing?

FalconTx is now an authorized advertiser feel free to ask/post where to get how much they cost etc etc. let the fun begin. :mdrmed:

Yes, the iPod displays exactly the same as it always does with song, artist, time, etc.

Thanks PoLaK. Glad we were able to get that taken care of. ;)

The intro pricing for forum members will be $20 off, or $119.95. This includes shipping anywhere in North America!

I'll be updating the first post shortly with details on how to pre-order your unit. All pre-ordered units are expected to ship by the end of the month. If you pay with a credit card, your card will not be charged until your order is shipped.

On another note, I just found out that the USB MP3 unit is backordered. I have 4 of them here, but after they're gone, that's it. The iPod units will be no problem, however.

I would like a USB MP3.

Can you possibly send me or post instructions on how to install this?

Also, do you know if its possible to have maybe a carputer or laptop hook up with the USB MP3 Audio Link and have good quality sound?

And maybe for future buyers: Is it possible to get a group buy?

I PMed you falcontx.

I want dibs on the USB MP3.

I have a few other questions:

Can this only play MP3 files or can it play other files like WMA?

Does this need to be tapped onto a remote power source or is it just plug and play?

Thanks

Installation simply requires access to the rear of the radio. I'll do a quick search for a good how-to on center console removal.

I don't think that it would work directly connected to a computer or laptop. It is meant to be connected to a flash drive or other storage device. The sound quality is excellent.

This introductory price is somewhat of a group buy. Our normal price for forum members, once we are stocking these regularly, will be $129.95.

The USB MP3 unit will only play MP3 files.

No external power source is required. It truly is plug-and-play.

anyone testing this know if perchance the cable is long enough to reach by the dsc off botton that way i could put my ipod in the change/cellphone holder below the buttons.
http://img235.imageshack.us/img235/4843/tiff27rk.jpg
note on a LHD not RHD

Or at least covertly to the glove box, http://media.mazda.ch/dossiers/RX-8/.../package11.jpg
or the storage box behing the cupholders?
http://media.mazda.ch/dossiers/RX-8/.../package05.jpg

Does yours display text from the Ipod on the factory LCD display (song name/album etc that scrolls)? because there was some company releasing this around now or very soon are you those guys?

does the IPOD hookup requires a seperate power/ground or is it integrated correct like the Denison Icelink (Neo Ion) kit? (I'm worried about grounding issues)

thanks

No, the song/album information is not shown on the LCD. I think there are only like 8 to 10 characters available on the LCD anyhow. While in use, the LCD above your head unit will read "EX1" and a minutes and seconds timer will be displayed. On the iPod unit, the counter will reset to 0:00 when you change songs using the console or steering wheel controls, but will otherwise continue to count up as the music plays.

No additional power or ground sources are needed as the power is received from the port on the back of your stereo. This allows for a true plug-and-play installation and also prevents the humming that some products exhibit due to improper grounding.

Dension
 

How is this different then the Dension Icelink. Does it solve the power issues. I jave the icelink and find that I have to turn the headunit off before I turn off the ignition ot the ipod will not start when I turn on the ignition again. Sometimes I have to unconnect the ipod, then reconnect and turn on the headunit in order to get it to play. Does your unit solve these problems? If so, I am definitely interested. I would replace my icelink if so.

will you be adding this functionality?

is this the same unit from Taiwan that was being sold on the forums in spring?

Installation instructions (from neocaraudio)
These instructions are pretty clear (the bolt on the side is a pain to get to).


The unit I bought from mp3yourcar.com doesn't have this problem.


Falcontx: Does our headunit have to be a certain version or above (like 9.55)?

Can this be used to change songs on a laptop? Or will it only work with an iPod?

girliegirl has stolen my stolen avatar! oh well:hahano:

Those power issues do not exist with this unit. When you turn the car on, the unit instructs your iPod to play. When you turn it off, it tells your iPod to pause. You never have to disconnect your iPod or torn off your head unit if you don't wish to.

No. Because we are using the external CD changer port, it does not allow this functionality. Any products that are able to provide such functionality must be connected via the TAPE/MD module port under the headunit.

I am not sure what has been sold here previously. I personally have not offered any similar products here before.

I am not aware of any headunit version requirements. We have tested the unit on a 2003 Mazda 6, a 2004 Mazda 3 and a 2004 RX-8 and the unit worked fine on all of them.

The iPod Integration unit uses a cable that connects to the bottom of the iPod. There would not be a way to connect it to a laptop.

the 2004 RX-8 with headunit firmware lower than 9.55 needs to be upgraded for the cd changer auxiliary part to become remain active for input (what you are using)

I saw the USB port and just thought that maybe it could control winamp or something.

That's good to know. Is there a quick and easy way to identify the firmware version?

One other thing I was just told is that the factory satellite radio may also use that plug, in which case both the factory satellite radio and these integration units could not be used simultaneously.

With the radio on, press and hold the "Text" and "1" buttons.

Just wondering if a USB MP3 Player would power on when hooked up to the Audio Link. I have a USB MP3 Player I would like to use with this, which I also use as a flash drive, but wanted to make sure that the USB MP3 player would not power on when plugged into the Audio Link Module. I don't want the battery life to drain on maybe long drives.

Why couldn't you guys have released this a year ago and saved me $150 on Mazda's MP3 player? :spank:

When I eventually buy thel AVElectronics video switcher for my nav and a portable DVD player, the factory MP3 player will be pretty useless to me since I'll be able to burn DVDs with gigabytes worth of MP3s on them instead of being limited to CDRs with 800mb worth.

If your MP3 Player will operate as a flash drive, then it will work fine with the USB MP3 integration unit. When your MP3 Player is plugged into your computer to be used as a flash drive, does it use any battery power? If not, then it will also not use any battery power when connected to the Audio Link unit. Most USB flash drives are powered by the USB port, so this is not an issue.

This product has alot of potential... hopefully it works as advertised.. but one question i have is that is it possible to have the cable running from the Audio link (the black box) to the ipod be longer? Seems like you need to have the Audio Link box out in the open for you to connect your ipod in it. I myself dont have an ipod, i have to use the tape deck thing to get my dell mp3 player to work :sad: But i know alot of my friends like to play DJ and grab the mp3 player and work it from the back seat. Will this unit be able to reach?

Another question... if i choose the usb unit, will i be able to hook up the ipod to the usb port of the unit (using a usb to ipod sync cable) and be able to control the ipod using the steering wheel? If thats the case.. that would solve the cable not being long enough for peopel in the back seat to play DJ in the car.

This is the cable i was reffering to:

Currently, the length of the cord is fixed. I had someone else mention the length of the cord as well, so I will definitely mention this to the manufacturer. The change may not be made immediately, of course.

If you put the iPod in "disk mode," it may be possible to use the USB unit to play songs from the iPod. However, the unit would simply be reading any MP3 files from the drive and playing them randomly, rather than actually interfacing with the iPod allowing the use of playlists, etc. It also would not play the Apple formatted files downloaded from iTunes, only MP3s.

PM'ed you regarding international order & shipping costs.

haha thats where i got it from...sorry:( well i finally got someone to put to down size my car to put on my avatar;)!! so its all yours now....thanks:)!! hehe

I bought 1 & got some sweet news
 

I asked them if they were coming out with something that would also let me connect a Sirius unit and here was their answer:

Sweet - now to find a place in my car for both and to start shopping for a Sirius unit. :jump:

Falcontx - this maybe worthwhile information to add to the beginning of the thread for new people who jump on and read this thread.

Edit - shit - I should read before posting - sorry

dag

With the current set-up of the wires, it plugs behind the HU, runs down the back and under the center console. This is where the little black box is hidden. There's a small black "plug" near the front of the cup holders. I have the wires coming out through there and the iPod sits in my cup holders. I do not believe the wires are currently long enough to run to the back of the hidden compartment and still allow enough slack for the driver to pull the iPod to the front of the car for use. I think the wires would be just shy to run to the DSC button area; it may be possible to run to the glove box. Donny has mentioned speaking to the manufacturer about longer wires.

i really hope that they can make the cable longer.. or provide an extension cable of some sort.

If this works for firmware lower than 9.55 than I will definately be interested....