AUX in IPOD integration - Potential solution

[generationgav]

Originally Posted by czechplastik

Well it looks the part and claims to be compatable but, sceptical on the displaying info part.

- Charges your iPod when the ignition is turned "ON"
- Means we need power, probably from cig socket...not a biggy.

- Display iD3 tags on the RDS Radio display
- This is like it says "Radio 1" this is when it's connected via the FM socket. Remember this will still be prone to interference, but less than the itrip things as they're wired in. Also if this is Radio Text then the Honda HU doesn't support it!

- Left/Right audio level adjustment
- I think this is in the little device you have

- Display (scrolls) song titles up to 24 characters long
- Again I don't think this is on the HU; but on the device you stick on the dash.

[blzb0b]

Sorry - I was referring to the unit Frosty mentioned..

the problem with the H&K unit IMHO - is that of "advertising to thieves" - like leaving your tom tom suction cup on the windscreen - you are advertising that there might be an iPod stashed somewhere

[Mark996]

I like the idea Gav.....is it gonna be me or you that's gonna take the plunge and go for it??

How easy is the Connects2 part to get hold of??

[Mark996]

Just a thought Gav....does the Connects2 box actually have a 3.5mm audio input jack slot on it then??

All the ones I can find only have a 2 way (Red and White) input setup....

[czechplastik]

Surely the H+K will involve drilling holes etc to fit wires through, I'm not overly condident taking my dash apart, I might be better getting a pro to fit it for me. Who's going to be brave and try it out?

[generationgav]

All that you would need is a phono to 3.5mm Jack such as
http://www.maplin.co.uk/Module.aspx?...phono&doy=29m1

With the connects 2 box you would have the 3.5mm jack plug and put this directly in to your ipod.
This should be identical to the output on the H/K box; but you put this "inline" to control the ipod.

I have made a very unscientific image to attempt to show what I would try to achieve.

I believe that the Connects 2 box required is...http://www.incarexpress.co.uk/view_p...partno=VHOX001
Which seems to be quite a bit cheaper that Pottsy's £59, unless I'm missing something!
Of course, it's still an added £91 for the loom if you have an EX!
I don't know if Pottsy can tell us if the Connects 2 comes with a cable to connect it to the HU if you have a non-ex? ie. Do you still need a cable or is there one in the Connects2 box?

[generationgav]

It would be hard to tell, but I wouldn't have thought that any/many holes would be needed. Personally I'd fit the H/K in the "slidy" bit (even if it means removing the cup holder) providing it fits, and any holes possibly needed would be well hidden.
I'd be very tempted to do it, but unfortunately at the moment cash limits me, buying a flat in April so I can't go splashing out on the Civic for a while

[czechplastik]

If someone can assist with obtaining a connects2 cable I'll go for it.

[Mark996]

I'd put the scroll wheel in the 'Slidy bit' and the Screen/Readout bit on the flat bit of dash next to the current stereo screen......

I reckon that this would work - I can't see why it wouldn't....

I'm sorely tempted to give it a shot....I feel a heart to heart with the missus coming on!!!

[czechplastik]

If anyone wants to guide me through taking the dash apart and installing the thing I'm up for it.

[generationgav]

[HOW TO] Get into the dash
[HOW TO] Install the Dension Icelink>Plus

It's pretty much all on these 2 threads.

Fit the Connects2 box as per the instructions and then the H/K plugs in to that.

[generationgav]

Quick update guys...
Car Audio Plus have a full 30 day money back guarantee, this includes if the device is not compatible.
In Car Express do not allow goods to be returned.
http://www.caraudioplus.co.uk/Honda_..._%28VHOX001%29
is the product, costs an extra £15 but worth it if it doesn't work.

[Mark996]

Right, thats it.......Now you've done all my shopping for me Gav, I'm gonna HAVE to seriously speak to the missus, and get an order for the 2 components put in by the end of the weekend......

We've not long ago celebrated our Wedding Anniversary, and as my Birthday isn't until July, I'm gonna have to come up with something good.......

[generationgav]

My current plan is to get the Connects2 adaptor, get that fitted and make sure it works.
I can then get the H/K at a later date, it won't involve removing all of the dash, but just the gearstick/center area; which is easypeasy to do.

[lippy]

I use my ipod with itrip at the moment and have always wanted a better solution for controlling it, like on the dash or steering wheel.

I have read all the above but I am not a techie and electronics is not my strong point. I know a lot more than a lot of women I know, whether its cars or computers, but obviously not enough!!

Could one of you humour me and list in plain english exactly what it is you need and how much it costs and what it should cost to get a pro to do it.

Thanks in advance.

[czechplastik]

For the benefit of Lippy and everyone else, this is what we want and what we're trying to do...

i-trips and other FM transmitters work, but the sound quality is pretty rubbish and ultimately becomes frustrating. Harman & Kardon (H&K) have a product called 'drive and play' which allows ipod connection and control through use of a seperate screen (which can be put anywhere on the dash) and a jog/scroll wheel, not unlike the one we have in the EX's for nav control. Essentially the info on the screen is the same as that on the ipod itself and the scroll wheel thingy makes it easy to control while driving. Should work with the volume and possibly 'skip track' feature on the steering wheel. Below is a link to their site showing the product in operation and some pictures are posted below.

http://www.harmankardon.com/drive-1/default.aspx





The complication is with the stereo unit, in that it needs a special cable (connects2) to connect it to the H&K system and basically we're trying to get said cable and see if it does indeed work! I think the little screen looks the part and as things stand at the minute, if it works, it will be the best ipod solution.

[lippy]

Thanks czechplastik.

You have made things at lot clearer!!!

I will wait with baited breath to see if it actually works as we want - I assume that one of you guys out there will be fitting the H+K sometime soon.

It does appear to be the solution, prefer the blue one to match the civic dash (- wonder if any ctr buyers would get the red version??)

Thanks again

[czechplastik]

No probs lippy, i think either myself, generation gav or mark996 are going to be brave and have a go with it. Hope it works! Blue would fit in nicely methinks!

[lippy]

I have wanted a solution like this for over 2 years - my sisters and I bought our ipods and itrips in the US in 2004 and were using them 'illegally'. We all thought Dennisons too expensive - not that they necessarily had something that would have fit our cars anyway - one sister drives a TT and the other a merc and I had a RAV 4 before the Civic. They will be interested to see if this works.

[czechplastik]

I used an alpine head unit in my megane which worked great, could control the ipod from the unit. but unfortunately the civic dash prevents this, we'll work something out eventually!