2006 LC 100 Series: To VAIS or not to VAIS

This site may earn a commission from merchant affiliate
links, including eBay, Amazon, Skimlinks, and others.

I did the full VAIS set up myself a month or so ago. Very happy with it. As others have said, it'd not perfect - the iPod navigation is a bit clunky. But I'm not that into my iPod, e.g. don't have a ton of playlists, etc... so it suits my needs perfectly. $500 well spent.
 
Gunga - can you post a few pics of the pocket holding your iPod? I'd like to see if I can get that 1/2 pocket to work like you did with your iPod but in my older 2000 that has the full pocket that has cup holders in it. Can you maybe get some picks from different angles and even so I can see how it sits in the console?
 
I have a 2004 LC w/ Nav. Is there a product, VAIS or otherwise, that would let me add BOTH iPod and Satellite (preferably Sirius, if it matters)? If necessary, I could live without the CD changer.

I've read many of the threads regarding iPod integration, etc. Unfortunately, I am not savvy enough to glean the answers to my questions above.

Thanks in advance!!
 
lexi4darin said:
Gunga - can you post a few pics of the pocket holding your iPod? I'd like to see if I can get that 1/2 pocket to work like you did with your iPod but in my older 2000 that has the full pocket that has cup holders in it. Can you maybe get some picks from different angles and even so I can see how it sits in the console?
Click to expand...

I'll try to take a few different pics later tonight and post them. The bottom line is if the iPod can fit in the space with the connector cord attached to it should be able to work in that space. Then it's just a matter of routing the cable to the spot. Initially, I was going to put my iPod in the pull out ash tray in the dash board as a trick installation. There just wasn't enough space behind the ash tray and it wouldn't fit. The felt lining is nice. It pads and protects the iPod while keeping it from rattling around.
 
ebod said:
I have a 2004 LC w/ Nav. Is there a product, VAIS or otherwise, that would let me add BOTH iPod and Satellite (preferably Sirius, if it matters)? If necessary, I could live without the CD changer.

I've read many of the threads regarding iPod integration, etc. Unfortunately, I am not savvy enough to glean the answers to my questions above.

Thanks in advance!!
Click to expand...

Ebod- take a look at the VAIS link below. They have iPod units that can work in conjunction with a Sirius or XM adapter. I don't know about how well the SAT units work.



Video,Audio Information Solutions for Toyota and Lexus (iPod/iPhone, USB, MP3, XM/Sirius SAT Radio, Video integration)
 
2005 LX470 owner here and have finally given up and decided that I'll blow some cash and integrate my iPod. I have Nav, XM, and CD Changer hooked up currently. If I add a VAIS does that mean that I have to give something up that I currently have or can I keep them all working (I would certainly be willing to ditch the CD changer if I need to)? Any clue which VAIS device I would need?

Also, did gather that the dealer will install this set-up or am I doing this myself? I'm fairly handy with this kind of stuff so don't mind installing but have zero clue how to get the dash and/or center console out, where would I get those instructions?

Thanks for any insight or lessons learned you can pass along.
 
The MultiMediaLinQ (VML) adapter shows up as a second CD/MD changer and should coexist with your existing changer and XM tuner. My install is on an '06 LC and not the LX, but I can still use the CD/DVD changer (Pushing DISC switches between changer and VML). I believe the '05 LX uses MD changer emulation, but otherwise should be identical to the LC install. A quick e-mail or call to VAIS would confirm this.

The SL2i-UP adapter should also work, though I have no direct experience with this one. I have installed the SLU and it also showed up as a second changer (or 3rd changer in my case). I'd go with the VML for the digital audio to HU and the ability to play from a thumb drive, but either should work.

Both of these units present themselves as additional changers on the audio LAN, which is why we're limited to the lackluster control interface and 99 playlists/999 titles per disc. The VIAS unit doesn't put any new controls on the screen, it just uses the stock HU changer controls to run everything. That's why we have odd command choices like the disc repeat button changing between album and playlist title. Also, most of the pretty pictures on the VAIS site are for Toyota's 5th gen nav system. Our cruisers are 2nd - 4th gen Nav and won't look nearly so good. The pictures of CD or MD emulation mode are what you'll see.

As other have posted, the VML is a nice unit for what it does and does sound good, but be aware of the limitations going in. Navigation is mediocre, selecting songs slow, and you can't see the names of your playlists until you select one. Overall I'm happier with VAIS than without, but I'd dump the factory HU in a heartbeat if the HVAC controls weren't part of the dammed thing.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.

Share this page

Back
Top Bottom