AUX in IPOD integration - Potential solution

[jdcampbell]

Originally Posted by generationgav

Oh dear god!

I'm still dubious about the loom, I honestly think that it either might convert more than expected or alternatively it's just different connection.

Basically I'm not convinced that the EX and Non-EX HU's are the same at all, and the connects2 cable which has been tested as working on Pottsy' unit will work on non-ex units at all.
I will get around to getting the cable soon, and update everyone once I do. As mentioned I will only be getting the connects2 cable and will get the H/K unit at a later date as it's too expensive for me at the moment and that's the part I'm sure will work.

As far as control it's going to be somewhere in between the Dension and the Honda unit I'd imagine; basically skip song, skip album and playlists; the H/K will give most control (although no control via the steering wheel)

How can the HK unit bee too expensive, its only about £49 off ebay on the link I posted earlier?

[jdcampbell]

Originally Posted by Mark996

Cheers Doug, please don't forget about us though - I think the HK Drive & Play's little blue screen would look perfect against the Civic's spaceship readouts and dials!!!!!

Originally Posted by generationgav

I'm going to sort out the Connects2 part first; that part is awkward because you have to get exactly the right code and it's going to be Honda only. But it's the part (if any) which is not going to work and scupper our whole plans.
Just to confirm Mark and czechplastik - neither of you have EX's do you?

I spoke to the connects2 guys at an exhibition on Tuesday 13th Feb. They said they were not sure if they had a connector for the Civic. However they said if someone could go see them at their premises (Birmingham somewhere), then they would inspect the car, and design a specific unit. I could then make it available through www.autobestbuy.co.uk.

Perhaps if there are differences between EX and other models they might need more than one car to visit them.

If there is sufficient interest in this I might be able to arrnage a group buy for fitting as well. We use a Leeds based company who do mobile fitting of car accessories. They might do a deal if we arranged a "mass" fitting at one location, subject to the level of demand.

[Raldanash]

Originally Posted by jdcampbell

How can the HK unit bee too expensive, its only about £49 off ebay on the link I posted earlier?

Doug - I think the perception of it being very expensive comes from quotes from the dealers - I was quoted first £349 then £449 on subsequent visits, with the reasoning that you need the H+K, loom and adapter cable. On top of this, with the control on the right of the steering wheel, the display somewhere near the radio and the Ipod connector in the armrest, there is a significant amount of taking apart going on, which of course means labour costs.

Now I don't buy the quotes as adequate and wouldn't be prepared to spend more than £160 or so on it, but that was the rationale for the price I was given. I came to an arrangement with the dealer (see earlier in this thread). I'll share my experience with the kit once I get my fingers on it, hopefully tomorrow.

[generationgav]

Originally Posted by jdcampbell

How can the HK unit bee too expensive, its only about £49 off ebay on the link I posted earlier?

Plus the £40 for the connects2 adaptor.

OK; not a lot...but I'm buying a house at the moment so it'd be better for me to stagger the costs.

I might try talking to a connects2 guy, going to get the cable soon and if it works I don't mind telling them & sorting it with them. I'm not that bothered if it doesn't work if I can get a full refund!

Also they're not too far from my girlfriends parents; so I could nip down to them if ever in the area!

[Raldanash]

Right - picked up my rocketship today with the H+K Ipod link kid (nearly) as promised.

To my great disappointment, they used the FM version of linking it to the head Unit, which does not give the best sound, but at least the screen and jogshuttle are placed as agreed.

Here are a few pics showing the installation in its finished state - sorry, no how to pictures.

The fit apparently was done by a Bedford based company calles Autotronics.

Hope this gives a few people the info they need on how the H+K kit can be put in?

I have to tinker with the sound quality - so far I'd describe it as adequate, but not as good as my Dension Icelink.

[Mark996]

Hi mate,

Glad to see that it's (almost) worked out for you.

Looking at what you've had done, I'm not sure I'd like the screen in the same location in mine.....just how well can you read it when in a driving position?? Is it not too low down and obscured by the 'door' on the cubby hole??

Also, I would prefer to locate the jog wheel in the 'slidey cubby hole' in front of the arm rest, in a similar position to where BMW's have their iDrive wheel.....

But, of course these comments are purley only my own opinion, and once again I congratulate you on doing something different, and indeed, finally proving that something different CAN be done.....

[Raldanash]

Position wise - it's fine in my normal driving position. I had my daughter in her rear facing child seat behind me and had to sit more upright than I'd like and then the screen was half obscured. Well, I need to "road test" this for a while to see whether it can be improved on.

[Typerkid]

thanks for putting up the pictures of this install, pity theyve given you the fm version.

let us know after a few days of testing how it works


I like were your ipod is living, i guess theyve ran the wire along the handbrake cable?

[czechplastik]

Hi, thanks for posting the pictures! I would have placed the screen somewhere near my nav screen on the top of the dash and the jog wheel in the slidey bit as mark suggested. You have proved it can be done, hats off!

[Raldanash]

part of the point of installing it in the cubbyhole is that once you close the lid, it's hidden. Ok - you retain the control jug shuttle on the dash, but a screen looks much more obvious and tempting to window breakers.

[gray52]

the screen is in a good place, but the jog wheel looks out of place. this is what we are now up against with this type of system. pitty honda never sorted this when it was 1st released and gave us a bloody ipod adaptor that works!

hope you enjoy it.

this is by far

[gray52]

the cheapest option judging the prices on ebay.

[generationgav]

I think the screen is in an ideal place; and as I don't use that cubby hole at all it isn't a bad idea. However I'd have probably put the jog wheel in the slidy part or somewhere around there to be honest.
Nice to see someone has got it done anyway; but hopefully the sound quality will be even better with the connects2 version over the FM version. Just still need somebody to try it!

[czechplastik]

Raldanash did you mention the connects2 to the dealer as in whether its possible or not?

[Raldanash]

to be honest - I expected it to be the Connect2 version. He said it would be done via the AUX port (which it now isn't). However, he gets another company in to fix it, so he isn't very firm on the details.

I will have another word with him about it early next week to see whether they can change it to the aux - as that is what had been agreed, and I think the sound quality is not what I was looking for.

[basegreen]

Originally Posted by Raldanash

to be honest - I expected it to be the Connect2 version. He said it would be done via the AUX port (which it now isn't). However, he gets another company in to fix it, so he isn't very firm on the details.

I will have another word with him about it early next week to see whether they can change it to the aux - as that is what had been agreed, and I think the sound quality is not what I was looking for.

If I was told it was going in via aux, and they put FM in, id have been livid!

[Mark996]

I'm guessing that to use the FM version, the installers must've spliced into the aerial lead itself as the OEM HU doesn't have a regular aerial input hole, that the H/K unit usually needs....

So to change to the AUX option, they're gonna have to put your aerial lead back together too - make sure that they do!

I'm really surprised that they went down that route as surely the Connects2 option is much easier, quicker and effective?

[Raldanash]

from a quality comparison, it is no better than the itrip. This leads me to believe that they used the "optional" wireless FM link, which in combination with the duff radio reception of the Civic is rather disappointing.

It's certainly worse than it was in my Clio with the itrip....

[Mark996]

Hi mate,

After driving my Civic today, I can now see that the screen placement on yours, is actually quite a usable one, and a great idea indeed. That's where I'm gonna have mine defo.....

Now all I need is to get the 2 bits (H/K + Connects2) together and get stripping the dash down......

[callvinit]

Its Out Its Official Honda Have Launched The Ipod Connector It Only Takes 30 Mins To Fit It Connects To The The Aux The Back Of Your Cd Player Costs Around £150 Its Works Like A Dream.
\ask Your Dealer If He Doesnt Know Ask Him To Call Honda Ho And They Will Send Him One.