Verso Audio

[wardan]

I am due to take delivery of my my new Verso 2.2 D4D Tspirit later this week. It will have the (optional) Full Map Sat Nav and Camera's etc and the standard ICE system. Problem is Toyota are not being especially helpful when it comes to advice re connecting up peripheral audio bits..eg Ipod, Cd changer and/or the Toyota Active Sub.

The general feeling seems to be that the ICE means you can't connect anything else..Is this correct ?

Anyone else been able to connect and Ipod up to the Full Map Audio system ? Is the sub possible and/or worth it ?

Halfords say the Dension Ice Link (FM not "Plus") is a possibility if they can access the headunit..

Tips, help and advice welcomed - thanks.

[Creamola]

I have the T180, and had also considered this option because, and sorry to be a downer, compared to the audio system in my previous Volvo, the Verso audio isn't that good.

I can see that there are two similar posts about this:

http://toyotaownersclub.com/forums/index.php?showtopic=48743

http://toyotaownersclub.com/forums/index.php?showtopic=40576

and the illustrated Toyota manual for how to remove the stereo (looks like you have to remove half the car first) is here: http://techdoc.toyota-europe.com/aimupload...000%20077-0.pdf

[wardan]

Thanks - the manual should prove handy,however, from the applications chart it looks like if one has the Full Map Sat Nav and ICE you don't get any option to add.. So for Ipod connectivity it looks like the Halfords supplied Dension Ice FM link will be the only option - the Dension Ice Link Plus needs to use the CD changer input which I guess is being used by the Toyota ICE..?

Alas I shall be giving up my Audi Bose Sound system so will also miss the quality weighted sound - hence the query re active sub.

Maybe a discreet in-line amp and upgraded Speakers is an option unless I have to stripping the car down to do it..

Anyone got a link for the manual for the Full Map Sat nav Audio system ?

I have the T180, and had also considered this option because, and sorry to be a downer, compared to the audio system in my previous Volvo, the Verso audio isn't that good.

I can see that there are two similar posts about this:

http://toyotaownersclub.com/forums/index.php?showtopic=48743

http://toyotaownersclub.com/forums/index.php?showtopic=40576

and the illustrated Toyota manual for how to remove the stereo (looks like you have to remove half the car first) is here: http://techdoc.toyota-europe.com/aimupload...000%20077-0.pdf

[Lord Bahamut]

Thanks - the manual should prove handy,however, from the applications chart it looks like if one has the Full Map Sat Nav and ICE you don't get any option to add.. So for Ipod connectivity it looks like the Halfords supplied Dension Ice FM link will be the only option - the Dension Ice Link Plus needs to use the CD changer input which I guess is being used by the Toyota ICE..?

Alas I shall be giving up my Audi Bose Sound system so will also miss the quality weighted sound - hence the query re active sub.

Maybe a discreet in-line amp and upgraded speakers is an option unless I have to stripping the car down to do it..

Anyone got a link for the manual for the Full Map Sat nav Audio system ?

I have the T180, and had also considered this option because, and sorry to be a downer, compared to the audio system in my previous Volvo, the Verso audio isn't that good.

I can see that there are two similar posts about this:

http://toyotaownersclub.com/forums/index.php?showtopic=48743

http://toyotaownersclub.com/forums/index.php?showtopic=40576

and the illustrated Toyota manual for how to remove the stereo (looks like you have to remove half the car first) is here: http://techdoc.toyota-europe.com/aimupload...000%20077-0.pdf

wardan,

I'v got the 2.2 T-Spirit (3 months old), with full map and ICE. The notice on the manual that you can only fit one of 'these' is about the physical space under the driver's seat. Toyota don't recommend putting a CD changer under the passenger seat, as that is where the Sat Nav ECU is installed. This post explains a bit more:

http://toyotaownersclub.com/forums/index.php?showtopic=55935

ICE is completely independent of the Sat Nav/Audio, and the full map does have a CD changer port. I'm now pursuing the Ice Link Plus option - I bought a 4MB iPod Nano yesterday, and I'm in contact with my dealer to get the correct lead ordered and fitted. Looking to them to install the standard dock cable version in the top box in the console immediately above the full map - they'll need to may a hole inside the space, but the net result is you want see anything at all, not even the iPod.

If you can hold off for a week or so, I'll let you know how it goes so that you know if it's worth while etc.,

Regards,

LB

[wardan]

Thanks LB - look forward to hearing how you get on and what is involved.

I can't bear the thought of no Ipod and having to go back to Cd's...single at that..

There's always a way..

wardan,

I'v got the 2.2 T-Spirit (3 months old), with full map and ICE. The notice on the manual that you can only fit one of 'these' is about the physical space under the driver's seat. Toyota don't recommend putting a CD changer under the passenger seat, as that is where the Sat Nav ECU is installed. This post explains a bit more:

http://toyotaownersclub.com/forums/index.php?showtopic=55935

ICE is completely independent of the Sat Nav/Audio, and the full map does have a CD changer port. I'm now pursuing the Ice Link Plus option - I bought a 4MB iPod Nano yesterday, and I'm in contact with my dealer to get the correct lead ordered and fitted. Looking to them to install the standard dock cable version in the top box in the console immediately above the full map - they'll need to may a hole inside the space, but the net result is you want see anything at all, not even the iPod.

If you can hold off for a week or so, I'll let you know how it goes so that you know if it's worth while etc.,

Regards,

LB

[Creamola]

Alas I shall be giving up my Audi Bose Sound system so will also miss the quality weighted sound - hence the query re active sub.

Oh boy, you are going to be really disappointed with the sonic quality of the Panasonic in the Verso then... I think it will take more than an active sub to make this sucker sound better than Radio 4 on Longwave.

I love the car - but hate the stereo - and whoever had the idea of putting a sensor under the passenger seat, so that if you put a bag of shopping on it, it pings until you put the shopping's seat belt on ......

[wardan]

Picked it up yesterday - so far so good...apart from the sound quality trickled out from the Sat Nav Audio system - as you say (Creamola), not the best sound quality in the world, although the radio is clearly the weakest link. The step change improvement using CD is clearly discernable - though still not great. This is a particular worry especially if the FM antenna Dension link is the only option for Ipod...and attempts to use "Itrip" have failed.

Any comments as to whether it's the Speakers or the headunit ? Anyone know the output rating of the headunit ? Is it easy to remove ? Is there a line out ? Halfords man said he'd take a look - but him being armed with a miniture crowbar and vice grips kind of put me off. An in-line amp and replacement decent Speakers may be the answer..?

So many questions...

Alas I shall be giving up my Audi Bose Sound system so will also miss the quality weighted sound - hence the query re active sub.

Oh boy, you are going to be really disappointed with the sonic quality of the Panasonic in the Verso then... I think it will take more than an active sub to make this sucker sound better than Radio 4 on Longwave.

I love the car - but hate the stereo - and whoever had the idea of putting a sensor under the passenger seat, so that if you put a bag of shopping on it, it pings until you put the shopping's seat belt on ......

[Creamola]

That link I posted above - tells you how to take the stereo out (it seems like once you remove the trim, it's just held in by screws).

As to your other questions, I haven't a clue - and would be interested in others experiences.

One thing I would suggest, is that while you have it in bits, might be a good idea to install one of those Parrot handsfree phone kits. The Parrot does always seem to come out best in the reviews I have read.

[wardan]

A local geezer - semi recomended by my local Toyota dealer (unofficially of course ;) ) is going to attempt to fit the dension Ice link plus next week as per LB but am unsure about the two location "options" these being dash mounted cradle or lead/jack direct to glove or top box - the former is a bit ugly and ipod specific (my wife has a nano whilst I have 60gb) whereas the latter is discreet but not exactly handy.

Incidentaly I have the Toyota Blue tooth steering wheel controlled hands free kit and have to say that so far it's brilliant not least because there's no wires and it's not handset specific you can even have multiusers linked up at the same time. Only downside is crappy speaker/sound quality...ok so my last kit also went through the bose sound system so I was spoilt..

Anyone else have problems with the radio reception and sound quality (only) mine is lousy whilst CD is "ok" Ok it lacks full bodied weight but it leads me to think that Speakers are not necessarily that bad..

I'll have a chat with said geezer about whether sound upgrade is possible appropriate...

That link I posted above - tells you how to take the stereo out (it seems like once you remove the trim, it's just held in by screws).

As to your other questions, I haven't a clue - and would be interested in others experiences.

One thing I would suggest, is that while you have it in bits, might be a good idea to install one of those Parrot handsfree phone kits. The Parrot does always seem to come out best in the reviews I have read.

[Lord Bahamut]

wardan,

This is an update on progress. Looking at the tech doc posted by Creamola and thinking this through I have come to the following conclusions:

1) Toyota have confirmed that their CD Changer works with both the standard radio and the full map.

2) The tech doc referred to above says on page 12 that you need to the conversion harness (08695-00370) to connect the full map to the CD changer.

3) The ICE Link Plus is confirmed as fully functional on the standard radio.

4) The dealer has a conversion harness in stock - they MMS'd me some pictures. It's a 7/5 pin in, with both a 6/6 out and a 'full map' out (can't quite see the pins in the photo). I'm going to pick it up tomorrow - it's about £12.00.

So....

I'll be ordering the 7/5 Ice Link on Monday, with the hope that I can get it fitted towards the end of the week. I'm also unsure about whether to go for the top box cubby via a dock cable, or a dash mounted active cradle. I'd prefer to cubby it if all of the remote features work. I might order both variants and send back one within the 30 day limit. I'll update accordingly.

A word of warning on the 'FM' variant of this device. It cuts off your car antenna while playing the iPOD. This means that your full map will not get it's RDS and traffic routing info - not good! And if the same antenna is shared with the GPS (not sure if this is a possibility, but a risk until I know otherwise), then the full map is going to be compromised.

For me, Ice Link Plus is the only way forward

Regards,

LB

[Creamola]

LB,

Do let us know how you get on. If it was me (and it might be me once you tell us it worked) I would put the ipod in a cradle where you can see it - because I think that the Ipod link also controls the iPod screen - so you can see what you are listening to.

The resulting sound quality will be interesting to observe as well, since you will only be using the pass-through amplification of the Panasonic head unit.

Good luck with it - and if you can work out how to keep the iPod playing once you have removed the ignition key - I'll be very impressed!

[mhopley]

I have a full screen sat nav in my wife's verso.

I bought the connects2 aux adaptor to try a get the dvd audio to play through the headunit but it does not always recognise the adaptor .

Powering the ignition off and on gets it working again but not ideal when trying to keep the kids happy half way down the motorway.

[Lord Bahamut]

I have a full screen sat nav in my wife's verso.

I bought the connects2 aux adaptor to try a get the dvd audio to play through the headunit but it does not always recognise the adaptor .

Powering the ignition off and on gets it working again but not ideal when trying to keep the kids happy half way down the motorway.

Sounds like you have had access to the back of the full map unit - was it two rows of 6 for the CD Changer interface?

Regards,

LB

[mhopley]

Sounds like you have had access to the back of the full map unit - was it two rows of 6 for the CD Changer interface?

Yes it is the small connector ( 2 rows of 6). I had to use the adaptor cable (toyota part no. 08695-00370) to get the connects2 adaptor to fit.

PM me if you want images.

[Lord Bahamut]

Sounds like you have had access to the back of the full map unit - was it two rows of 6 for the CD Changer interface?

Yes it is the small connector ( 2 rows of 6). I had to use the adaptor cable (toyota part no. 08695-00370) to get the connects2 adaptor to fit.

PM me if you want images.

This is where it all gets a bit interesting. I think you got part CTVTYX001 (7/5 pin) from Connects2 and then used the Toyota conversion harness to convert it to 6/6 pin. Was there a reason why you didn't just order part CTVTYX002 which is already 6/6 pin ? The reason I ask is that I have got that very same conversion harness which I could use with 7/5 pin Ice Link, or could use the 6/6 pin Ice Link direct without the harness. Thinking of ordering both and sending back one.

I'm going to find out tomorrow if there is just a simple pin mapping going on, or if there is an underlying difference in the pin outs and protocol emulation etc.,

Regards,

LB

[mhopley]

This is where it all gets a bit interesting. I think you got part CTVTYX001 (7/5 pin) from Connects2 and then used the Toyota conversion harness to convert it to 6/6 pin. Was there a reason why you didn't just order part CTVTYX002 which is already 6/6 pin ? The reason I ask is that I have got that very same conversion harness which I could use with 7/5 pin Ice Link, or could use the 6/6 pin Ice Link direct without the harness. Thinking of ordering both and sending back one.

I'm going to find out tomorrow if there is just a simple pin mapping going on, or if there is an underlying difference in the pin outs and protocol emulation etc.,

Regards,

LB

Yes the part I had was connect2 adaptor (CT) VTYX001 - at the time I did no realise there was one with the newer connector. The adaptor is just simple pin mapping.

I have sent you the connections pdf

Mark

[sandereo]

Alas I shall be giving up my Audi Bose Sound system so will also miss the quality weighted sound - hence the query re active sub.

Oh boy, you are going to be really disappointed with the sonic quality of the Panasonic in the Verso then... I think it will take more than an active sub to make this sucker sound better than Radio 4 on Longwave.

I love the car - but hate the stereo - and whoever had the idea of putting a sensor under the passenger seat, so that if you put a bag of shopping on it, it pings until you put the shopping's seat belt on ......

Hi there -

There is a solution to the seatbelt reminder when putting your bags of shopping on the passenger seat.

Put your shopping bags in the boot....

[wardan]

Just for those who might be interested my geezer finally installed Dension's Ice Link plus into our Verso (Full Map headunit) last night.

It uses the cd changer input on the back of the headunit to feed in a low output signal for amplification.

There are two running modes the first is a Dension software setup were all controls are via headunit/steering wheel and each disc selection (1 -6) corresponds to a playlist..it's a bit fiddly to be honest and I can't really see the point...the other mode simply takes the Ipod line out, so you retain controls via Ipod - although in the case of the Verso you also get control of track up/down via steering wheel too ! I have opted for the dock which is fitted like a mobile dock to the left of the centre console. It is also available with a insert so the wife can use her Nano with it too..

Volume, whilst preselectable does seem a little quieter than normal so you do have to crank it a bit upwards of 40. Quality is good.

So far so good...although for some reason it did "auto-off" on the way into work this morning..I just hope this isn't a fault..although knowing my luck...

Andy

This is where it all gets a bit interesting. I think you got part CTVTYX001 (7/5 pin) from Connects2 and then used the Toyota conversion harness to convert it to 6/6 pin. Was there a reason why you didn't just order part CTVTYX002 which is already 6/6 pin ? The reason I ask is that I have got that very same conversion harness which I could use with 7/5 pin Ice Link, or could use the 6/6 pin Ice Link direct without the harness. Thinking of ordering both and sending back one.

I'm going to find out tomorrow if there is just a simple pin mapping going on, or if there is an underlying difference in the pin outs and protocol emulation etc.,

Regards,

LB

Yes the part I had was connect2 adaptor (CT) VTYX001 - at the time I did no realise there was one with the newer connector. The adaptor is just simple pin mapping.

I have sent you the connections pdf

Mark