I just installed my kit to the ipod nano tonight, and the only problem I have is the sound quality. I don't know if anyone else notice this, or is it just me. I have a after market stereo system in my car and from the sound i'm getting a bit distortion. I just read on this thread that I should not plug both ends into my ipod, is that what i'm doing wrong?

 

Yes - the ipod connector is the only thing that should be plugged into the ipod. The other connector is for auxillary devices (for instance, I will be plugging my portable DVD player into that for my son).

dag

 

Thanks dag, it worked perfect when I didn't plug in the jack. I wish the thing would come with some instructions, then again I don't know if I should feel stupid or upset. So now all I can say is, this really really is worth it as long as you don't plug in the other jack, it ruins the sound quality and gives a lot of distotion.

 

It is awesome - ain't it

 

After a couple hours of installation (everything is fucccking frozen here, so all cable and connector were hard to remove) I can now enjoy the pleasure of mp3 in my RX-8. First time I put it on, it did'nt work. CD player did'nt want to work and mp3 player either. I don't know if it is because I removed the radio fuse or if it's because I just played with the connector at the back of the radio but It started to work correctly after that... First I was scared not having the good head unit firmware.

I only have a bad comment... connector on the mp3 player... kind of realy cheap. I will probably soldering it with hot glue.

 

Ok, I guess I feel stupid now because I just read the first post on this thread. It says 1/8" stereo plug for other auxilliary input. hahaha. Now my only question is, can I change play list with the HU, or do I have to change it on the ipod everytime?

 

looks like I just found my answer for the playlist thing. I guess it's better for me to get a mount then. Having it in center can be hard when driveing stick.

 

Just got in from installing my iPod kit! Thanks to all the input here, the dash removal was pretty straightforward. Knowing where all the clips were made everything very easy. The toughest part was disconnecting the wiring harness connectors, but I managed with only two of them disconnected.

Anyway, I put the AudioLink module in the glove compartment as others have done, so my iPod Nano is out of site. I would have preferred a little more cable so I could at least try an alternate place for the iPod that makes it easier to access, but it's no big deal. Everything works great and the sound is excellent!

I also have a Sirius Starmate Replay that I wanted to connect to the unit. Since the 1/8" stereo cable is also pretty short, I just ran an extension for that cable back behind the radio, and down through the ashtray, which is where the Starmate sits. I was using wireless FM modulation before, and now I can actually enjoy distortion-free Satellite radio. :-)

Thanks RPM!

 

All,

After reading everything here, I jumped on the bandwagon and bought the IPOD kit. Thanks to all for the tips, pictures and links to instructions!!

It took me a little longer than most, but I'm not the most inclined at this sort of thing but still pulled it off!! One note the clip on the cover over the gear box just behind the brake next the cup holder is fragile. It was the last section that popped out for me and I broke it...but testors glue quickly fixed it.

The sound is fantastic and I'm impressed thus far! Thanks RPM

Water

 

Yeah, I forgot about that. That same clip broke on my cover as well. It didn't completely break off -- it just snapped on one side so it's not a whole piece now. It seemed lock in just fine when I put the cover back on, but maybe I should try fixing it. I know I'll be taking that piece off again sometime soon...

 

Bonus for right-hand drive RX8s....

You can connect to the rear of the head unit without removing anything. Just dropped down the glove box & felt around behind the HU & found the connector (ok, I have skinny fingers). Anyway, all done & installed all in 5 minutes.

Wayne.

 

you must have the smallest fingers ever.. i felt back there until my wrist was shot and finally THINK i found the connector.. getting the connector back there is problem two, getting it AND my finger back there to push it in is completely impossible. Any tricks?

 

Not really any tricks. Just feel around the back so you can work out which way up the connector needs to be. I put the cable in first, then managed to squeeze 3 fingers in & manouver the connector into the socket. Kind of surprised me that I was able to do it actually. I have a new(ish) RX8 & wasn't too keen on pulling it to pieces.

 

How is the engine noise suppression with this unit?

 

If you're using the iPod or USB port, there is no engine noise since the units are powered by the headunit and they are sharing the same ground. Ground loop noise problems typically occur due to audio systems being grounded at different points on the car.

 

Does anyone else have an issue with their iPod not automatically resuming when you start the car? It seems like my Nano will resume if the car's not off for too long, but usually I'll just see the battery charged icon and I have to manually resume it. It's not a big deal, but I thought it was supposed to resume every time the car was started, even if you leave it overnight.

Thanks for any suggestions.

 

i ordered mine yesterday and i want to say thank you to falcontx. He was very helpfull against a rookie

 

Mine automatically resumes where I left off. I have even left the car sit for a weekend and when I started it, the ipod resumed where I left off.

 

I wonder if it has anything to do with having my Satellite radio hooked up at the same time. Of course, it's not powered on when the iPod is playing, but maybe there's some correlation there?

I'll disconnect the radio and just keep the iPod plugged in to see if that makes any difference.

 

I also have a nano. It's like a 60/40 percent chance it will/will not resume at startup, regardless of how long the car has been off. Hitting the play button on the nano makes it resume. I wonder if it is a nano issue?

 

Check out Harmon Kardon drive and play, just came out at Circuit City, has backlit lcd screen you can mount almost anywhere, a little ball type joystick and fm wireless for the ipod, it looks good, wireless integration and only $199, got me one of those!

 

No offense, but your post is a bit off topic. Aside from that, many people consider FM modulation to be inferior to wired solutions.

 

He is good at that...

 

So has anybody tried this with a 9.53 firmware? I see 9.55 required, and saw mention of problems with 9.50, but no mention of 9.53. I may be able to persuade myself to order one of these (FM transmitter was good enough for my Celica, but not for the rx8, oh no) but there's no way I can make myself ship my head unit somewhere or pay $50 to get it flashed.

 

I do not believe it will work with anything lower than 9.55.