Ipod In Toyota Avensis

[djl]

Ok, I've searched the forums etc and haven't come across anything for my means - either that or whats being suggested I do not know what's going on.

Basically I have an Avensis with a cd player (TOYOTA RDS W53804) and Sat-Nav and was wondering how I could hook-up my Ipod Mini (I've tried the fm transmitter from belkin and it's crap so please don't suggest that). I want to hook myself into the system itself. Anyone got any suggestions? I have absolutely no idea where to start I wouldn't know how to get access to the cd players behind or anything what-so-ever. Help needed!

Thanks.

[Desmond22]

I have the same problem. FM transmitter is no use. Cassette adapter isn't bad in conjunction with a cradle/charger. But I haven't solved direct connection as yet though I have found a place that sells connectors and adapters for this purpose.

http://www.connects2.com/

The big problem according to my local audio specialist is knowing which head unit is fitted to your Avensis. Connects2 need to know this for the adapter.

In the New Avensis it looks a real clat to get the head unit out so I may stick with a cassette adapter for now then let them fit the adapter later when I can afford it!

[MJG]

(I've tried the fm transmitter from belkin and it's crap so please don't suggest that).

Thanks.

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For the record why was the FM transmitter crap - I have a Podgear (not Bellkin) FM transmitter for auction on eBay at present but I am only selling it because the restricted space around my CTS gear stick/cigarette lighter was too tight for it to fit.

Reception wise it was spot on and I never had a problem with it. There was some background noise (barely perceptible) on my CTS which has a roof mounted ariel. With my previous vehicle which had a glass intgrated antenna the recption was even better.....just wondering what problem you had.

I've done a Google and unearthed

This

But it only lists Toyota as 'coming soon'

[Desmond22]

For the record why was the FM transmitter crap - I have a Podgear (not Bellkin) FM transmitter for auction on ebay at present but I am only selling it because the restricted space around my CTS gear stick/cigarette lighter was too tight for it to fit.

Reception wise it was spot on and I never had a problem with it. There was some background noise (barely perceptible) on my CTS which has a roof mounted ariel. With my previous vehicle which had a glass intgrated antenna the recption was even better.....just wondering what problem you had.

I don't know technically why the Belkin isn't the greatest either. I was disappointed with it and wherever I've sited one the sound is still mushy and nothing like as good as a cassette adapter.

The Denison set up looks a lot like the Connect2 system.

[djl]

They're too much hassle, the sound quality was quite good on mine but it was a pain always changing the fm frequency...

[MJG]

They're too much hassle, the sound quality was quite good on mine but it was a pain always changing the fm frequency...

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I'm guessing you live in a urban area then with many strong FM stations hitting on your FM transmitter frequency.

I'm pretty rural so never had this problem...........

[isherer]

Have you tried

http://www.dension.com/main.php?pageid=50&topid=42

?

Ian

[isherer]

...and you can buy it here....

http://www.caraudioplus.co.uk/pp/Audio_Ada...us_Adapter.html

Ian

[djl]

Hi I have seen that before, but I would have no idea how to fit it or anything like that...pins numbers etc etc all this blows my mind don't know a thing about it...

also that's quite expensive looking for a cheaper option i.e. simply having a cable going into the cd player that will output the ipod music...

[Desmond22]

They're too much hassle, the sound quality was quite good on mine but it was a pain always changing the fm frequency...

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I'm guessing you live in a urban area then with many strong FM stations hitting on your FM transmitter frequency.

I'm pretty rural so never had this problem...........

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My area's pretty rural. Good FM reception. I tried the transmitter again today out of curiosity in comparison to the cassette adapter. The same music needs a volume of at least 40 on the stereo to be reasonably audible. With the cassette adapter it's less than 30 and the sound is sharper.

[dazwan]

Hi I have seen that before, but I would have no idea how to fit it or anything like that...pins numbers etc etc all this blows my mind don't know a thing about it...

also that's quite expensive looking for a cheaper option i.e. simply having a cable going into the cd player that will output the ipod music...

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I have the dension. The one thing that all those other solutions don't allow you to do is control the iPod from your head unit. My iPod sits in my glove box and I can skip tracks from the head unit itself. The newer version even allows you to skip playlists from the headunit (the ice>link appears as a CD-multichanger and each playlist is a CD).

Monster are making a version as well, and alpine already produce a snazzy version for alpine headunits. I nearly baught an FM transmitter, but I'm glad I didn't, this is so much easier IMO.

oh, and don't forget that the transmitters are also illegal in the UK :( (if you care about that sort of thing :P )

[djl]

dazwan care to elaborate? i.e. does your car have navigation/cd/radio? what pins etc would I need and how did you install it? I managed to take the dash out with all the units in it but couldn't bring it out fully cuz some leads were stopping me so kinda stumped as to what to do there aswell...

[dazwan]

dazwan care to elaborate?  i.e. does your car have navigation/cd/radio?  what pins etc would I need and how did you install it?  I managed to take the dash out with all the units in it but couldn't bring it out fully cuz some leads were stopping me so kinda stumped as to what to do there aswell...

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oops... Sorry my mistake, it looks like you're currently not supported with the factory fit option :( .

I've just checked out the dension website and they don't list Toyota as an available connection option, they suggest you email them so they know that there is a demand out there for Toyota owners. They do connections for most factory fit head units but Toyota isn't listed there. It looks like you'll have to wait for the Monster iCruze if you want connectivity.

Just so you know, I personally have an after market head unit (Kenwood) so installation was just a matter of pulling the headunit out of the dash, plugging the ice>link cable into the cd multichanger port and routing the wire through to the glove box. It really is a 2 minute job in an early avensis, the hardest part is unscrewing the head unit itself from the dash.

[Ian_chapple13]

OK

i have a 3rd gen ipod using an icelink 1.1 on my 2004/5 avensis t3-X

the icelink 1.1 does allow control of the ipod from the head unit.

what you have to do is get the icelink for an avensis 2003 + and then you should be supplied with the connects 2 box in this kit.

To make it work on the new style avensis you need a cable part from toyota which converts the old style cd changer interface to the new style.

If this is of intrest to anyone i can post the part number of the cable up and also provide some simple instructions of how to fit this.

Cheers

Ian

[runboy]

I'd be interested! Sounds good!

[ulro]

And I'm interested !!

// ulro

[Desmond22]

Yes please Mr Chappel ! :)

[ProviGuy]

Here are a few snaps of how I installed the Ipod in my car. Works like a dream and is very inconspicious! Let images fully load...

http://www.imageweb.info/photo/KQb44673.jpg

http://www.imageweb.info/photo/QIC44891.jpg

http://www.imageweb.info/photo/4CG44946.jpg

http://www.imageweb.info/photo/WA444993.jpg

http://www.imageweb.info/photo/Htm45037.jpg

http://www.imageweb.info/photo/gvW45082.jpg

I used, as you can see, an Ipod base and fixed it permanently into the ashtray housing (I dont smoke so I don't use it). No visible cables and no hanging cradle stuck or drilled to the dash. When I sell the car I will either leave it in (if the purchaser wants it) or just take it out and put back the plastic removable tray. The little clear plastic button on the aircon control is to stop the Ipod rubbing against it and scratching the back. With this little thing the Ipod is very firmly anchored and doesnt move at all over cobbles or the like. I am very happy with it!

Cheers

Provi

[Desmond22]

That's neat Proviguy. The foam/rubber strip beats the bu-tak that I used! Just now I'm trying a thing that plugs in the cigar lighter socket which is better for visibility but cumbersome.

How are you powering the iPod and getting the music to the head unit?

[ProviGuy]

That's neat Proviguy. The foam/rubber strip beats the bu-tak that I used! Just now I'm trying a thing that plugs in the cigar lighter socket which is better for visibility but cumbersome.

How are you powering the iPod and getting the music to the head unit?

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Thanks Desmond22. I'll 'fess up now...I had it installed rather than did it myself, a car audio company here in Chile did it...to my spec though. No FM and no cables or cradles, must be hidden when not in use! They used a part, a connector really, that connects to the HU and the power to charge it while in the base unit. They bought it in the US. The only thing is I can't use the steering wheel controls to change tracks, only volume. That is OK as I can rest my hand on the gearknob and it is perfect reach to raise my finger and press the button on my 3rd gen Ipod. The foam strip is glued to the Ipod base and the base itself is fastened by 3 screws to the ashtray. It is rock solid and does not move a millimetre. As you said, seeing the screen is difficult but that doesn't bother me really. I mostly love that fact it all folds away. It cost about £80 parts + labour.

[naisbest]

I have the neo ion www.mp3yourcar.com in my Tacoma - they seem to work with most Toyotas if not all of them. I really like having my iPod in my truck and it sounds just like a cd. :hokus-pokus:

[Desmond22]

I'm still using the FM transmitter and sometimes the cassette adapter.

If you have an Apple computer it's worth getting a little program called iPod Volume Booster. The best place to find it is on Version Tracker.

http://www.versiontracker.com/macosx/

It's free and it by-passes the limiter that Apple put on the volume for European iPods - they must think we have sensitive ears. I haven't looked for a Windows version but I'm sure there will be something similar and probably for free.

Anyway it makes a big difference because you can operate the iPod at about 60% volume instead of 90% which means no distortion and a better FM signal.

[naisbest]

I'm still using the FM transmitter and sometimes the cassette adapter.

If you have an Apple computer it's worth getting a little program called iPod Volume Booster. The best place to find it is on Version Tracker.

http://www.versiontracker.com/macosx/

It's free and it by-passes the limiter that Apple put on the volume for European iPods - they must think we have sensitive ears. I haven't looked for a Windows version but I'm sure there will be something similar and probably for free.

Anyway it makes a big difference because you can operate the iPod at about 60% volume instead of 90% which means no distortion and a better FM signal.

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That is pretty cool looking...

[smokingman]

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smilie

I have an Avensis 2004 T3 and have contacted 'Connect 2' only to be told that the inteface model they sell is only for the older model avensis only.

Can anybody confirm that the older model interface they sell with be compatiable if I use the old type to CD changer to new type headunit adaptor cable from Toyota that was metioned earlier in this thread.

All I want to do is have an external audio input into the headunit and be able to select it on the headunit.

Many Thanks

[Desmond22]

I have an Avensis 2004 T3 and have contacted 'Connect 2' only to be told that the inteface model they sell is only for the older model avensis only.

Can anybody confirm that the older model interface they sell with be compatiable if I use the old type to CD changer to new type headunit adaptor cable from Toyota that was metioned earlier in this thread.

All I want to do is have an external audio input into the headunit and be able to select it on the headunit.

Can't swear to it but don't Connect2 have a gadget that just creates an audio-in socket that you can use with any mp3/cd/cassette/md players?

I think connect2 just need the id number on the head unit for this but I'd be interested to know how you get on because I'm thinking along the same lines.