Direct Audio Input From iPod Dock Connector to Honda 1998-2004 Radio w/CD Changer Input Review

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(More customer reviews)I bought this device a year ago and installed in my daughter's car. The IPOD plays through it but the tracks change randomly and the car stereo buttons do not operate the IPOD as described. Most of the time a song doesn't finish before the track changes randomly. This happens after 30 seconds of the song or 3 minutes of it, no pattern. Also, the device DOES NOT charge the IPOD while plugged in.
The product operates poorly but the sound is fine, as expected. The device was an easy install but poor operation leaves us using the stupid cassette tape adapter to the headphone port.
I did attempt contact with the seller to remedy this but gave up after a month of waiting. I should have followed through but it's my mistake for dropping the case.
Too Bad, So Sad.

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For select 1998-2004 Honda factory radios, this cable provides a direct audio input from any iPod with a dock connector, and it also charges the iPod while connected. By using the dock connector for audio output, the highest musical sound quality is achieved- much better than any FM transmitter or headphone adapter can provide. The iPod's click wheel controls are still used for song selection, play control, etc.Honda Applications: Accord - 1998-2002 Civic - 1999-2005 CRV - 1999-2004 Odyssey - 1999-2004 Pilot - 2003-2005 Prelude - 1999-2001 S2000 - 2000-2003

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USA SPEC PA11-HON - iPod in-vehicle interface adapter Review

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(More customer reviews)I ordered this from Crutchfield (same price as here) after someone complained, according to their review, that the other leading Honda ipod interface (I forget the name) cut down on the volume.
I had some difficulty locating this particular model.... it's not the easiest to find. Also, if you go to a generic place (like Best Buy), they won't always know exactly what you need. Crutchfield has an online 'quiz' that asks you questions about your particular car, make, model, year, and what options you have installed, and then gives you a list of applicable options.
We have a factory radio with built in CD player, no cassette player, no CD changer, and no navigation system. If you DO have a changer, chances are you will have to unplug it in order to have a space to plug in the ipod adapter cable thingie in its place (the choice is yours - - 6 hours of music, or 16 days of music - - whichever you prefer)
I also like that it has two interface possibilities, depending on the simple flip of a dip switch. Default setting is 'playlist mode.' You set up playlists in iTunes, labeled HONDA1, HONDA2, respectively, up to 5, and control them with the corresponding '1-6' buttons on your radio/CD player. In essence then, your ipod mimics a CD changer, but with each playlist having an unlimited number of tracks (although the display stops counting at 99 - - a limitation of the CD technology, not the ipod's). This is perfect when travelling with persons with diverse tastes in music - - you can program something for everyone. There is no 'HONDA6' because the '6' button plays all tracks on the ipod.
Drawbacks to playlist mode, as far as I can tell, is that if you're addicted to the 'shuffle' feature of your ipod, you're out of luck (as far as I know - - haven't had a lot of time to play around with it just yet).
However, flip dip switch #2 to the off position, and you can directly access all of the ipod's features (according to the installation manual) - - volume, treble, bass, etc. etc. In this particular case, the ipod plays through DISC 5, trk 1 on your radio.
To recap then.... in playlist mode, the adapter completely takes over the controls on the ipod..... buttons don't work, etc. In direct mode, you can control and have access to all of the menu features and settings on your ipod.
Steering wheel controls also work on this model - - volume up or down, and hitting the button in between on the steering wheel will advance to the next track.
I had the installer install the actual interface module in the left side of the glovebox, so that I can have access to the dip switches. Also, the ipod can stay in there with it, out of site.... handy (but don't forget it in there on hot days).
Furthermore, the adapter also features a set of standard RCA audio plug-in jacks, if you want to plug in some other external source of music or video (like a portable DVD player). To use this setting, simply change dip switch number one from on to off.
BTW, I tried virtually ALL of the highly recommended FM transmitters for ipods - - and returned EVERY SINGLE ONE OF THEM. With this, I look forward to many happy hours of music in my Honda. Money well spent, I'm already convinced.
I'm giving it 4 stars because I just got it today..... I'll let you know later if I'd give it 5 stars.
(A bit later):
OK, I just absolutely adore it. 5 stars.
I like the direct setting even better. I confess, I'm addicted to the shuffle setting on my ipod, and I like the 'giant jukebox' aspect of the shuffle play.
Couple of extra notes:
This adapter also charges your ipod. No need for an external charger.
In both modes (direct and playlist - see above review for explanation), the music will start where you left off. In fact, in direct mode, it went back a few seconds and gently faded in when I restarted the car.... very nice.
Sound quality is very good. Your mileage may vary, as they say..... it depends on what you listen to and the quality (or bit rate) at which you import your songs into iTunes. I import my songs at a fairly high rate (224 kbps), because I don't care for Apple's default rate (128, if I remember correctly). Also, and is this is fairly obvious...... Blind Lemon Jefferson is going to sound differently than say, Bruce Springsteen. When listening to some Hank Williams Sr. earlier today, I could have wished for a bit more bass. Fortunately, in direct mode, I can change those settings to my hearts content.
This was installed in a Honda Odyssey 2000 minivan. The above complaint (about wanting a bit more bass) is also a general complaint against the Honda factory stereo system..... it's a pretty good system, but not great. (Sigh) I guess a speaker upgrade from Crutchfield is the next step......
Also, if you order from Crutchfield, they claim to have installation instructions for the do it yourselfer - - in this particular case, they didn't...... only info on how to remove the dash panel from around the stereo. I'm pretty handy, but opted to have someone else do it instead...... $30 bucks cash got it done nice and neatly..... be sure to shop around tho', as prices are likely to vary greatly.

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The PA11HON Honda / Acura iPod interface provides direct connection for an iPod plus an optional audio source such as satellite radio, DVD, or video game system. Both the iPod and the additional audio source can be selected from the factory radioâ?TMs front panel. The interface adapter connects the iPod to your factory Honda or Acura radio as if it were a CD changer, allowing direct selection of iPod playlists through the radioâ?TMs preset (or disc) buttons and is compatible with iPod models featuring the dock connector, including the iPod nano and 5G iPod video. The PA11 series iPod interfaces have two operating modes available. Playlist Mode uses the controls on the factory radio to provide basic navigation functions including song up/down, playlist up/down, repeat, shuffle, scan, and FF/REW functions. Direct Mode uses the iPod's click wheel to navigate through the iPod's menus and select songs, artists, playlists, etc. and the radio buttons are used only for volume, bass and treble. Both modes still charge the iPod while connected, and stops one hour after the iPod is paused to prevent over-charging. Note: Display of artist and song title information, track search by artist, song title, album or genre are NOT supported. Only the Playlist and track numbers are displayed. Honda Applications: Accord - 1994-2002 Civic - 1994-2005 CRV - 1995-2004 Odyssey - 1995-2004 Pilot - 2003-2005 Prelude - 1995-2004 Acura Applications: Integra - 1992-2001 Legend - 1991-1997 Vigor - 1991-1997 See PA11HON2y for other 2003-2006 Honda vehicles.

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USA-Spec PA15-HON2 Honda to iPod Interface Review

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(More customer reviews)I ordered a USA Spec PA15HON2Y to use my iPhone 3G in my 2005 Accord. I looked at multiple products including a parrot MKi9100 and DICE. Ended up choosing going with a USA Spec and a separate Parrot bluetooth unit (MK3000) since it 1) was price right and 2) offered integration with the factory radio.
My Accord has built in Navigation so I wanted something that would play nice. The USA Spec unit does integrate with my nav and radio. You can set up the USA Spec to display using text of what is playing (Artist, name, category). This will scroll through the upper radio display on the Accord as well as on the Audio menu on the navigation screen. If you want text, it will put the iPod menu on the iPhone into accessory mode and will not allow you to select specific songs directly from the iPhone. You will need to use the stereo controls or the steering wheel controls to scroll. There is the option to give you direct access to the iPod screen (you adjust modes by the pre programmed XM stations ie XM station 1 would be Artist, 2 would be by Category, 3, all songs, 6 is direct ipod). If you do choose to toggle to the direct iPod control, you lose the text - it'll just show as iPod.
The USA Spec unit will also allow you to keep XM functionality in the Accord. The XM stations show up on XM2 mode.... I don't subscribe to XM but can still hear their barker/preview stations.
One concern I had was that I definitely did not want to lose my navigation controls... safe to say it all still works... the Nav still shows maps, etc as well as provides voice directions. It will continue to mute (like it normally does) XM, FM, and iPod music when it gives you directions.
Installation wasn't too bad - took awhile to get everything out (and yes you have to take out the factory navigation to get to the right plug). After you pull out the nav unit, it's plug and play (unplug the blue plug from the back of the Honda Nav, plug in the male end of the cable that attaches to the USA Spec unit, plug in the additional adapter, then plug in the original Honda Nav plug right into the additional adapter (the adapter allows you to keep your XM).
I used some heavy duty auto tape to secure the litte USA spec box on top of the nav DVD drive and ran the ipod cable through the empty slot below (had to cut a small opening). I put everything back together and everything is hidden and seamless (except the adapter cord that plugs right into the iPhone). It does charge the iPhone too!
It sounds great.... (at least the same quality of the CD player). A couple of other great things about the USA Spec - it has another set of audio inputs. I plan on using these eventually when I add video through my navigation to get sound in since all of the video adapters still require another sound adapter. Also, it works great with Pandora or streaming podcasts through itunes (if you're in an area that has good AT&T coverage).I added the Parrot CK3000 bluetooth since I didn't want to have to unplug the iphone to answer it... the iPhone plays nice with both at the same time... if I'm listening to my podcasts and get a phone call, the music gradually softens and the phone rings.
The new DICE silverline units looks like it performs the same way but it was $40 more than the cheapest price I could find with the USA Spec.
Overall, I give this 4 stars and would recommend it.... only thing I wish it would do is also show song text even if it was in direct mode.... maybe this is a limitation on apple's part where it doesn't send text data if your using it as an accessory. Also, each time you plug your iPhone in, you get a nag screen about it isn't made for the iPhone and if you want to turn on Airplane mode to minimize interference... I hit no and it works fine.


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New model includes the new #G Cable enables full charging of all ipods including new 3G iPhone, New Nano and new 2nd Gen iTouch Selected model years of Acura TL, TSX, RDX, and Honda Element, Accord, Civic, CRV, Ridgeline, S2000 Easy Installation - All Cables are Plug and Play for Easy Installation Adds Additional Aux Input Direct Mode Allows You to Control Everything via the iPod Superior Sound Quality - True Digital Quality Sound through Factory Radio Uses CD Changer Function - Operate an iPod Just Like a CD Changer Auto Maintain and Auto Memory Auto Playlist Select - Selects the First 5 Play Lists On Your iPod Other Features, Track Forward/Back/Select Playlist/Shuffle/Random Play Auto Skip - Skip 10+ Songs In Each Playlist Auto Charge - Charges iPod Battery and Auto Stops after 1 Hour of Non-Use

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