Possible Aux input mod for mp3 player input
Thread Starter
|
Freshman User
Joined: May 2004
Posts: 45
Likes: 0
From: Vancouver, BC
rambunctious
I think that the best solution is to make a cable that would convert the input into an RCA jack. I do have a ipod, but there are many products that are made for charging your ipod, hooking it up through the dock, etc... I would pay up to $80 for such a cable. Thank!!! I hope you make it soon!!!
I think that the best solution is to make a cable that would convert the input into an RCA jack. I do have a ipod, but there are many products that are made for charging your ipod, hooking it up through the dock, etc... I would pay up to $80 for such a cable. Thank!!! I hope you make it soon!!!
Junior User
Joined: Jan 2004
Posts: 50
Likes: 0
Originally Posted by rambunctious
thanks ieee
just realize that we designed and supply the overhead system. We don't have control over the instument panel
so we are looking at modules that people want for the rail.
Ramb
just realize that we designed and supply the overhead system. We don't have control over the instument panel
so we are looking at modules that people want for the rail.
Ramb
Thanks...
Freshman User
Joined: Apr 2004
Posts: 37
Likes: 1
Originally Posted by rambunctious
We are working on modules and in fact i will be evaulating an IPOD module in my personal truck in 2 weeks!!!
would this be a product that many would purchase?
If you owned an ipod already, what is the most $$$ you might pay for this module. (docking station with interface to radio)
(we need to make sure our costs are in line with what the market bares, it can be tough at lower volume to recoup our investment)
would this be a product that many would purchase?
If you owned an ipod already, what is the most $$$ you might pay for this module. (docking station with interface to radio)
(we need to make sure our costs are in line with what the market bares, it can be tough at lower volume to recoup our investment)
thanks for continuing to check in on this board.
Please let me be one of the evaluators, please!!!
I'd be willing to pay up $400 for a well made iPod kit. This would have to include all electronics, wiring, iPod holder for two locations (overhead bin and cup holder), and control of the iPod via the steering wheel. I'd also want Ford warranty on this and not an installation by the local wiring squad.
How about it, I'll be your first field tester.
New User
Joined: Jan 2004
Posts: 7
Likes: 0
Check out www.ipodyourbmw.com
Originally Posted by rambunctious
We are working on modules and in fact i will be evaulating an IPOD module in my personal truck in 2 weeks!!!
would this be a product that many would purchase?
If you owned an ipod already, what is the most $$$ you might pay for this module. (docking station with interface to radio)
(we need to make sure our costs are in line with what the market bares, it can be tough at lower volume to recoup our investment)
We are working on modules and in fact i will be evaulating an IPOD module in my personal truck in 2 weeks!!!
would this be a product that many would purchase?
If you owned an ipod already, what is the most $$$ you might pay for this module. (docking station with interface to radio)
(we need to make sure our costs are in line with what the market bares, it can be tough at lower volume to recoup our investment)
These guys seem to have done a lot of the leg work.
The iPod plugs into a cable and mounts securely in the glovebox. The iPod can be controlled via the streering wheel controls (within some limits).
MSRP $149, but is a dealer installed option so add at least another $100 labor. So the market price is being set and by a very upscale market.
I'm dying to get my iPod connected, and that AUX button just keeps staring me in the face...
New User
Joined: Mar 2004
Posts: 16
Likes: 0
From: Tualatin, OR
Anyone with any updates on an AUX input interface solution? I'm beginning to think that the Alpine CDA-9820XM with built in XM radio and auxillary inputs may be the best immediate term solution @ $350.00 (plus I'd wind up with a nice little cubby hole under the unit as it will only take up half of the space the factory radio occupies..!)
New User
Joined: Jan 2004
Posts: 6
Likes: 0
I have received the following information from BlitzSafe...I have attached the email communications between them and I....
I have a 2004 Ford Explorer XLT with the OEM 290 watt stereo system.
Do you have an adapter so that I can connect my mp3 player to the factory head unit?
Thanks,
Alex
Do you have a SAT button or an AUX button? Please advise.
Thanks,
Marc Speziale
BlitzSafe Technical Support
Marc:
I have a SAT button and then a button that says cd/aux. When I press the CD/AUX button the in dash CD operates. When I push SAT it says NO SAT on the radio.
Thanks,
Alex
I will have an interface for the SAT button that will allow for an aux. input in about a month or so.
Thanks,
Marc Speziale
BlitzSafe Technical Support
Marc@blitzsafe.com
201-569-5000 800-597-SAFE
Fax: 201-569-5042
I have a 2004 Ford Explorer XLT with the OEM 290 watt stereo system.
Do you have an adapter so that I can connect my mp3 player to the factory head unit?
Thanks,
Alex
Do you have a SAT button or an AUX button? Please advise.
Thanks,
Marc Speziale
BlitzSafe Technical Support
Marc:
I have a SAT button and then a button that says cd/aux. When I press the CD/AUX button the in dash CD operates. When I push SAT it says NO SAT on the radio.
Thanks,
Alex
I will have an interface for the SAT button that will allow for an aux. input in about a month or so.
Thanks,
Marc Speziale
BlitzSafe Technical Support
Marc@blitzsafe.com
201-569-5000 800-597-SAFE
Fax: 201-569-5042
New User
Joined: Jan 2004
Posts: 6
Likes: 0
Addl inof for AUX input
I have spoken to Soundgate Sales (www.soundgate.com)1-888-760-4707
They informed me that they are coming out with an iPOD solution in 8 months which will plug into the SAT port/connector and charge the ipod as well. They state that when the iPOD is connected using their interface it will be controlled (track/forward/reverse etc) via the radio controls. They plan to have some photos/info on their sitre in the next month or so.
Cost around $100-130.
FTE Stories
Ford Trucks for Ford Truck Enthusiasts
10 Things Every Truck Owner NEEDS (2026 Edition)
Michael S. Palmer
Rezvani's Latest Post-Apocalyptic Monster Is a Ford F-150 Raptor Underneath
Verdad Gallardo
Top 10 Most Expensive Ford Trucks Ever Sold on Bring a Trailer
Joe Kucinski
2027 Ford Super Duty Buyer's Guide (Every Model, Engine, & Package)
Brett Foote
Top 10 Ford Truck Tragedies
Joe Kucinski
AEV FXL Super Duty - the Super Duty Raptor Ford Doesn't Make
Brett Foote
Lobo Vs Lobo: Proof the F-150 Lobo Should Be Even Lower!
Michael S. Palmer
Ford's 2001 Explorer Sportsman Concept Looks For a New Home
Verdad Gallardo
10 Best Ford Truck Engines We Miss the Most!
Joe Kucinski
Freshman User
Joined: Jul 2004
Posts: 31
Likes: 0
Originally Posted by MLCavassa
Anyone with any updates on an AUX input interface solution? I'm beginning to think that the Alpine CDA-9820XM with built in XM radio and auxillary inputs may be the best immediate term solution @ $350.00 (plus I'd wind up with a nice little cubby hole under the unit as it will only take up half of the space the factory radio occupies..!)
I was ready to throw down the money on it 2 weeks ago since the candyasses wont get a aux input cable out on the market... then I researched the alpine and it is lacking...at least for my aftermarket audio tastes.
New User
Joined: Mar 2004
Posts: 16
Likes: 0
From: Tualatin, OR
The aux input is optional on the Alpine CDA-9820XM. For 1 stereo aux input, you need to also purchase the Alpine KCA-121B adapter ($14.99) which plugs into the Ai-Net port on the back of the receiver and gives you a pair of RCA (L/R stereo) jacks. This will allow you to use your MD player, iPod, MP3/WMA player or other music source by simply using an 1/8" stereo plug to male RCA (L/R stereo) plugs adapter cable connected from the headphone jack of your portable unit to the Alpine receiver. Once connected, just select the AUX button on the receiver and you'll have access to all of the receiver's built-in tone shaping and volume controls. Note: you cannot use a CD-changer with this solution. The KCA-121B Aux adpater uses the only available port. If you want to use an Ai-Net compliant CD changer in your set-up, you'll have to spring for the KCA-801B adapter for $79.99 which will give you back the CD changer port AND give you an auxillary input.
You're correct in saying that the unit will not play MP3s if in saying that you mean MP3s burned directly to CD. But if you use the aux input on the receiver to play your MP3s (or WAV, WMA, M4P, FLAC or Ogg Vorbis formats) from a portable player, it will work just fine. The headphone jack of any portable device is spitting out analog audio, and analog audio is analog audio regardless of how it's digitally encoded on a device.
Hope this helps..!
You're correct in saying that the unit will not play MP3s if in saying that you mean MP3s burned directly to CD. But if you use the aux input on the receiver to play your MP3s (or WAV, WMA, M4P, FLAC or Ogg Vorbis formats) from a portable player, it will work just fine. The headphone jack of any portable device is spitting out analog audio, and analog audio is analog audio regardless of how it's digitally encoded on a device.
Hope this helps..!
New User
Joined: Oct 2004
Posts: 3
Likes: 0
Originally Posted by rambunctious
thanks ieee
just realize that we designed and supply the overhead system. We don't have control over the instument panel
so we are looking at modules that people want for the rail.
One advantage is a secure docking location for these devices as opposed to laying them on the seat, etc.
thanks for the input
it is appreciated
Ramb
just realize that we designed and supply the overhead system. We don't have control over the instument panel
so we are looking at modules that people want for the rail.
One advantage is a secure docking location for these devices as opposed to laying them on the seat, etc.
thanks for the input
it is appreciated
Ramb
I have an portable mp3 player and it is a Dell Digital Jukebox not an ipod so the possibilities of an ipod overhead storage bin interface are not appealing to me. I think what the general public would like to see is a simple adapter that will allow them to hook up any device that has audio output such as MP3 Players, Portable DVD Players, Portable Sattelite Radios and gaming systems all of which I own and would not want to spend more money on "Specialized Storage Bins" for.
Ultimately the problem with this line of thinking is consumers will either buy new head units (which Ford makes no profit on) or customers will wait for the aftermarket manufacturers to decode the connection on the back of the unit and buy one of their AUX Input Adapters (once again no money for Ford).
It's obvious that Ford has control over making this solution available to their customers and therefore should do the right thing and release and sell the cables at $60 -$80 each and make a killing. Instead of trying to force customers to buy what their marketing teams dictate.
I know Rambunctious is focused on marketing the rail system but it looks like the market feedback is indicating that the public wants to dictate how we will interface with our vehicles and not be told we have to spend more and more money for something we really don't want or need.
Don't get me wrong integrating devices into the overhead rail system is a terrific idea, I just think consumers should have more than one choice as to how they connect and use their electronic peripherals.
Thanks,
New User
Joined: Jun 2004
Posts: 20
Likes: 0
For any of y'all that have the cd\cassette head unit. Remember the cassette adapters that came out when nobody had cd players in their cars? I picked up one for my last vehicle. It works great for hooking up your laptop or mp3 players. Granted it's not the prettiest looking thing if you don't like wires running across your truck, but hey it gets the job done.
HTH,
Snowman
HTH,
Snowman
New User
Joined: Jul 2005
Posts: 3
Likes: 0
'04/'05/'06 Head Unit & DVD Compatibility Info
All,
The following may be of interest to anyone following this thread. It's cut and paste directly from two emails I received from the actual Ford electrical engineer responsible for the 2005 F150 factory head unit and DVD player systems. Until 18 months ago, I was also an engineer at Ford working the 2004 F150 program, so I still have contacts at the company. I'm sorry, but I will not provide his email, nor will I bother him with any additional questions. He's busy like the rest of us, and I don't want to wear out my welcome.
My original note to him follows (note that "P221" = Fordspeak for the '04 & up F150 program, "NAP" = Norfolk Assembly Plant, "DTP" = Dearborn Truck Plant -- as an aside, many of you are driving trucks built at KCAP, or Kansas City Assembly Plant):
I had no idea there was so much traffic on the internet regarding these systems. Amazing.
The 04MY Radios and DVD Player are unique. They were the first and only implementation of MY04 MSCAN protocol for FMC. Neither are compatible w/ the MY05 Radio or DVD Player w/ MY05 MSCAN. You will need a MY05 or newer DVD Player to function with your radio. The MY04 CD6 radios are Visteon w/o MP3. The MY05 CD6 Radios are Delphi w/ MP3.
MSCAN requires termination at both ends of the bus. MY04 was terminated at the radio and there was a delete cap near the DVD Player with the termination. MY05 the termination was deleted from the harness/delete cap and was added to the DVD Player. In short, the wiring in the MY05 is not compatible for a MY04 system.
Any head unit that is not AM/FM only is compatible with DVD. You do not need to replace the head unit.
I didn't release the DVD prep, but from what I recall the harness should be in the headliner. If you remove your overhead console you should be able to reach the harness. If you can't reach it or see it, you can cut a hole under the overhead console to get to the harness w/o damaging the headliner in visible areas. If the harness is there, you need to remove the cap from the end of the overhead console, plug the harness into a MY05 Player and snap the new player into the rail system.
AUX is utilized with DVD and as you mentioned sat radio for MY06 with MSCAN. I am unaware of any aftermarket system that is compatible with the aux button (Ford MSCAN). If you have DVD, Aux will scroll through DVD and DVD AUX. DVD AUX allows connection of external devices using the RCA jacks on the DVD player.
Hope this helps,
XXXXX
REPLY NO. 2 (after a clarifying question about adding additional screens to the OEM DVD player):
You could pull the video/pwr/gnd from the screen connector in the DVD player. Driver will only support one addtl. screen and you would need the wiring diagram. Also, if the splice and wiring are not shielded properly the output could be less than desirable. I don't have access to the wiring diagram. Supplier owned. JCI is the supplier.
That's it. It was good info for myself, and here's hoping you all can get some mileage out of it as well.
Now, does anybody out there have access to the JCI wiring diagram referred to above to facilitate additional screens...?
Thanks,
arizonawoodworker
The following may be of interest to anyone following this thread. It's cut and paste directly from two emails I received from the actual Ford electrical engineer responsible for the 2005 F150 factory head unit and DVD player systems. Until 18 months ago, I was also an engineer at Ford working the 2004 F150 program, so I still have contacts at the company. I'm sorry, but I will not provide his email, nor will I bother him with any additional questions. He's busy like the rest of us, and I don't want to wear out my welcome.
My original note to him follows (note that "P221" = Fordspeak for the '04 & up F150 program, "NAP" = Norfolk Assembly Plant, "DTP" = Dearborn Truck Plant -- as an aside, many of you are driving trucks built at KCAP, or Kansas City Assembly Plant):
XXXX,
I got your name through XXXXX, with whom I worked on the P221 launch at Norfolk Assembly Plant. I no longer work for Ford, but I'm still a huge fan of the company and just bought a new '05 P221 SuperCrew Lariat recently. I have a couple of questions about compatibility between radio head units and rear seat entertainment DVD players if you have a minute to respond. I'd really appreciate it, because there's a lot of confusion floating around on the web about what works with what.
As I mentioned, my truck is an '05, built at DTP. VIN 1FTPW125XXXXXXXXX if it matters. It has the 6CD MP3 Audiophile head unit and came with the DVD prep option, which I assume to mean there's a harness somewhere above the headliner to plug the player into. Due to all the crazy traffic that's been going on with the nationwide A-Plan promotion, our local dealer couldn't find a truck with the DVD player already in it along with all the other options we were looking for. I've looked around on the web for OEM players from salvaged wrecks, eBay, etc. There seem to be a lot of '04 units out there, but I've read that the '04 players may not integrate directly with an '05 head unit, that P221 switched from JCI to Visteon or something like that, and the new MP3-capable head units like mine are "canbus" units that can't talk to the older players. Something like that, anyway. I'm just a mechanical design guy, so it's all Greek to me.
Can you give me the straight scoop on the following:
REPLY NO. 1:I got your name through XXXXX, with whom I worked on the P221 launch at Norfolk Assembly Plant. I no longer work for Ford, but I'm still a huge fan of the company and just bought a new '05 P221 SuperCrew Lariat recently. I have a couple of questions about compatibility between radio head units and rear seat entertainment DVD players if you have a minute to respond. I'd really appreciate it, because there's a lot of confusion floating around on the web about what works with what.
As I mentioned, my truck is an '05, built at DTP. VIN 1FTPW125XXXXXXXXX if it matters. It has the 6CD MP3 Audiophile head unit and came with the DVD prep option, which I assume to mean there's a harness somewhere above the headliner to plug the player into. Due to all the crazy traffic that's been going on with the nationwide A-Plan promotion, our local dealer couldn't find a truck with the DVD player already in it along with all the other options we were looking for. I've looked around on the web for OEM players from salvaged wrecks, eBay, etc. There seem to be a lot of '04 units out there, but I've read that the '04 players may not integrate directly with an '05 head unit, that P221 switched from JCI to Visteon or something like that, and the new MP3-capable head units like mine are "canbus" units that can't talk to the older players. Something like that, anyway. I'm just a mechanical design guy, so it's all Greek to me.
Can you give me the straight scoop on the following:
- Which OEM players will work with my head unit?
- What's required to plug into the DVD prep harness? Is it really as simple as finding the harness, plugging it in, and snapping the housing onto the overhead rails?
- Does having the DVD prep package mean it's already integrated with the head unit, no swap required?
- What, if anything, can I plug into the "AUX" input of the head unit? Is it an actual input on the back of the head unit, like an RCA jack? I've been hearing good things about satellite radio, which I guess isn't an option on P221 until '06.
- What would it take to use this input for an aftermarket Sirius or XM (or iPod player, for that matter)?
I had no idea there was so much traffic on the internet regarding these systems. Amazing.
The 04MY Radios and DVD Player are unique. They were the first and only implementation of MY04 MSCAN protocol for FMC. Neither are compatible w/ the MY05 Radio or DVD Player w/ MY05 MSCAN. You will need a MY05 or newer DVD Player to function with your radio. The MY04 CD6 radios are Visteon w/o MP3. The MY05 CD6 Radios are Delphi w/ MP3.
MSCAN requires termination at both ends of the bus. MY04 was terminated at the radio and there was a delete cap near the DVD Player with the termination. MY05 the termination was deleted from the harness/delete cap and was added to the DVD Player. In short, the wiring in the MY05 is not compatible for a MY04 system.
Any head unit that is not AM/FM only is compatible with DVD. You do not need to replace the head unit.
I didn't release the DVD prep, but from what I recall the harness should be in the headliner. If you remove your overhead console you should be able to reach the harness. If you can't reach it or see it, you can cut a hole under the overhead console to get to the harness w/o damaging the headliner in visible areas. If the harness is there, you need to remove the cap from the end of the overhead console, plug the harness into a MY05 Player and snap the new player into the rail system.
AUX is utilized with DVD and as you mentioned sat radio for MY06 with MSCAN. I am unaware of any aftermarket system that is compatible with the aux button (Ford MSCAN). If you have DVD, Aux will scroll through DVD and DVD AUX. DVD AUX allows connection of external devices using the RCA jacks on the DVD player.
Hope this helps,
XXXXX
You could pull the video/pwr/gnd from the screen connector in the DVD player. Driver will only support one addtl. screen and you would need the wiring diagram. Also, if the splice and wiring are not shielded properly the output could be less than desirable. I don't have access to the wiring diagram. Supplier owned. JCI is the supplier.
Now, does anybody out there have access to the JCI wiring diagram referred to above to facilitate additional screens...?
Thanks,
arizonawoodworker