Integrating radio with iPod or iPhone - USA Spec, VAIS, or something else? (1 Viewer)

[Undefined]

If you want to play MP3's from an iPhone or iPod through the standard radio in an LX or LC 100 (2005), what is the best choice?

I've found the following two products, but I'm sure someone else has other recommendations or experience doing this.

http://www.usaspec.com/userfiles/editor/pa15-toy.pdf

http://www.vaistech.com/site/mml.php

 

[ntsaint]

I have the PA20-TOY. Works great, very simple installation.

 

[ryanc2]

I installed the Vais MML and then replaced the power receptacle with a flush mount USB port. Simple clean install with no wires sticking our of any trim pieces. One benefit of the MML is the option to bypass the agree on the Nav screen.

 

[midfat]

Another vote for the USASPEC. Works great and still allows use of all the factory controls. Another benefit is that I can run the iPad audio through the stereo when the girls watch movies. And let me tell you, when Frozen is playing, we all jam to LET IT GO! (The cold never bothered me anyway.)

 

[Bighead]

I use the USASpec and haven't had any issues.

 

[mmm635]

I have the Isimple gateway installed which runs my iPod and Sirius satellite with full factory control. Works great.

 

[Brian Waag]

Ryanc2, I just installed the VAIS MML as well however have the iPod cord hanging out on the center console, which I hate. Can you send me more details of how/what you did?

 

[oftpiste]

MML does not incorporate phone use. if you only want to play music it's great.

 

[ryanc2]

Brian -

I'll have to find the Amazon link, but you can search for flush mount USB and probably find it. I just replaced the 12v power receptacle with this which plugged into the MML. Didn't need the USB extension cord that VAIS sends you. Would have rather swapped out the cigarette lighter but it didn't fit as well.

 

[DJWUZJ]

I love my USA Spec PA15TOY... BUT... the only thing to be careful of is cable management.

This winter the input cord must have got down by my feet (and must have sat in a pool of salty slush that gathered on the Weather Techs). I didnt realize it until the next time I went to use it, the 30 pin adapter was corroded - leaving a bunch of green oxidation to scrub out/clean with contact cleaner.

Hasn't been the same since... but I'm also due for a new phone in a couple of months so i'm just living with it.

 

[oftpiste]

GROM solved all my problems.

 

[Yoeddy1]

I have a 2004 LC. Do either of these kits work with that year? I would love to be able to stream music from my iPhone 5 through my system and still have steering wheel controls.

Thanks,
Jason

 

[deanfun]

I've been looking at the Vaistech MML, Audiovox mediabridge and the USA SPEC PA20. They all seem to accomplish the same basic thing, with a few caveats.

I'm looking for something that will allow USB charging of my iphone with direct control (on the phone) to play music, as well as an AUX input for the odd time when someone else wants to play something. I don't care much for using the nav unit to change tracks or manage playlists - I do all that on the phone itself.

-MML does not allow AUX input, but does have a regular USB plug on the unit, so you could use an extension cable if necessary.
-PA20 has an AUX input via RCA, but does not have a regular USB plug. tough to put an extension.
-Mediabridge has an AUX input via 1/8" and a regular USB plug.

Mediabridge seems to accomplish what I'm looking for, but doesn't look very popular here on the board. I guess we'll see...

***this is all in a 2007 LX, haven't put it in my sig

 

[mmm635]

I've been looking at the Vaistech MML, Audiovox mediabridge and the USA SPEC PA20. They all seem to accomplish the same basic thing, with a few caveats.

I'm looking for something that will allow USB charging of my iphone with direct control (on the phone) to play music, as well as an AUX input for the odd time when someone else wants to play something. I don't care much for using the nav unit to change tracks or manage playlists - I do all that on the phone itself.

-MML does not allow AUX input, but does have a regular USB plug on the unit, so you could use an extension cable if necessary.
-PA20 has an AUX input via RCA, but does not have a regular USB plug. tough to put an extension.
-Mediabridge has an AUX input via 1/8" and a regular USB plug.

Mediabridge seems to accomplish what I'm looking for, but doesn't look very popular here on the board. I guess we'll see...

***this is all in a 2007 LX, haven't put it in my sig

My system does everything you want. My iPhone charges with direct control and will mute with telephone calls automatically. The other port has my Sirius satellite with direct control on the nav screen, and mutes with telephone calls. I have steering wheel controls on both functions as well. I also have a third aux port for any other device (via mini 1/8" USB) if I decide to use it.

I read some not so good reviews about the system I am using, but realized it was due to improper installation in most cases.

 

[oftpiste]

http://www.gromaudio.com/store/bt3_...aux-in_mp3_bluetooth_ipod_iphone_adapter.html

like I said, this solved al my problems. Only thing you don't get is phone info on your nav screen but I don't miss it. I combined it with a cradle that incorporated the charging cable for a super clean install. Can post a pic if anyone's interested.

I've been looking at the Vaistech MML, Audiovox mediabridge and the USA SPEC PA20. They all seem to accomplish the same basic thing, with a few caveats.

I'm looking for something that will allow USB charging of my iphone with direct control (on the phone) to play music, as well as an AUX input for the odd time when someone else wants to play something. I don't care much for using the nav unit to change tracks or manage playlists - I do all that on the phone itself.

-MML does not allow AUX input, but does have a regular USB plug on the unit, so you could use an extension cable if necessary.
-PA20 has an AUX input via RCA, but does not have a regular USB plug. tough to put an extension.
-Mediabridge has an AUX input via 1/8" and a regular USB plug.

Mediabridge seems to accomplish what I'm looking for, but doesn't look very popular here on the board. I guess we'll see...

***this is all in a 2007 LX, haven't put it in my sig

 

[r0cket]

Hi folks- new to the forum, and new 2001 LC 100 owner. Vehicle is a Japan spec TD, currently in Ireland. Will be collecting it shortly to start an overland expedition through Sahara and West Africa.

Want to add simple iPod/iPhone connection. No bluetooth. USB with charging preferred. I have an old school iPod 20GB classic u2 edition, as well as an iPhone 5. Ideally would like to use both. I know that the old iPod would not work with a new Pioneer stereo I had in Dodge Durango. Simple is better! Cheap is good!

Ideas?

thx, Rick.

 

[oftpiste]

^^^^^get a tape deck adapter and a usb charger for your lighter port.

 

[midfat]

I have a 2004 LC. Do either of these kits work with that year? I would love to be able to stream music from my iPhone 5 through my system and still have steering wheel controls.

Thanks,
Jason

I have the USASpec in my 04 Hundy. Works perfectly. I run both my iPhone 4 and iPad through it with this little adapter. Haven't had an issue yet.

 

[krsnad]

I installed the VAISTech MML a few months ago and have the USB port inside the glove box. This lets me dump an old iPod in the glove box and leave it there.

The MML lets you use a portable harddrive if you prefer to keep your music on a harddrive.

The interface can be a bit weird to get used to. On my 2006 LX, it behaves like an MD changer and allows you to switch between the factory DVD changer and the MD changer.

Using an iphone, it will default into "Playlist" mode and show each playlist as a new disc.
You can force it to move to Artist or Album mode and each of those will then show up as a new disc.

Obviously, you can skip songs directly from the steering wheel controls.

Apparently it also allows Pandora and the sort to be played from your iphone, but I havent tested that out yet.

 

[Linxolv]

I have GROM audio with bluetooth and I can never imagine going back. I have it set up where I just get in my cruiser and the music plays automatically.