I have a Alpine CD 9853 HU in my car and I'm doing some research on the Ipod interfaces for my HU. I found out I can use two of them. One is just a wire that connects to the SAT port in the back, and another uses a box which connects to AUX.
These are it:
The box:
http://www.crutchfield.com/S-USM2gFn...0&I=500KCA420I

The wire:
http://www.crutchfield.com/S-USM2gFn...50&I=541PXHAL2

Has anyone used either? I want two functions atleast:
1.) Charge the ipod
2.) Display the name of the song on the HU.

Can the 20 dollar wire do that? Or would I have to get the 100 box..
I dont mind changing the music on the ipod, or thru the HU..

Also, will sound quality differ? I've never personally messed with this. I can install it myself though..

 

The $20 wire will not let you do that. I had it in another car and it just let you play Audio using your exiting Stereo system, but you have to manually change the Ipod and not title information.

The Alpine KCA-420i, will dysplay all titling infomration in the HU

"With this interface, you'll be able to play your iPod music files through your Alpine receiver and have all the titling information appear on the Alpine's display"

As far as the Sound goes, I belive it doesn't make any diference, however I have never use the KCA unit so I have no point of reference.

 

So you have the wire? Did it degrade sound quality?
I'm not too sure if its really worth spending a 100 bucks just for thsoe two capabilities... Need more opinions

 

I have the box in my 01 Highlander. It's nice, can charge the iPod and displays the song, artist, track number, and other stuff. You use the the headunit to control everything.

The easiest way to listen to the music you want is by creating playlists. You hit 1 then the search button and then scroll through your playlist using the rotary **** and then push the **** in to select it. 2 is for the artist and 3 is for the cd title. It might be different though with your headunit since mine is a 04 model, the 9825 I think...I hope this helps

 

Thanks.. Playlist sounds like a good idea. I'll go over to best buy and check out the model they have on display. I'm leaning toward the box since it recharges...and thats the only reason.
Anyone have any creative ways to install an ipod nano? I'm thinking about running a wire under the center and drilling a hole into the coin holder and running the wire out of there so the nano can rest it on the little...slot thats there behind the coin holder. (I have an 05)

 

No problem. One more thing, check out the outlet and scratch and dent store at Crutchfield. And check to see if Best Buy has any open box ones. This can save you alot of $$

 

I went to best buy and i found one i liked. It charged the ipod, played through auxillary and allowed me to control the ipod through the ipod not through the HU. I'd hate to got hru 400 songs thru the HU, especially since the glide bar on Alpine HU isn't the easiest thing to control on bumpy roads.
Also, it cost 40 bucks.. 60 less than the box, whose only advantage was displaying the name of the song on the title screen.

Anyone have any easy DIY installs for ipods? I wanna keep it insight since I have to control it through the ipod, but nothing flashy or 'custom' looking. Basically the best way to run the wire outside. I was going to run it behind teh AC control box thru the coin holder, but the wire is thick and the plug at the ends isn't disconnectable from the splitter and is too wide on the ipod end. Anyone have any ideas? I'll post a picture of it when i get home to help you picture it..

 

If you dont have nav, how about in the cubby. You can just close the cubby when you get out of the car at walmart, instead of having to take it out everytime and put it in your pocket.

 

I was thinking about that.. The cubby is nice. I just dont want to be getting up every 5 minutes if i dont like the song. But i'm leaning toward it for ease of install.

Anyone have the diagram from the SVC manual on how the cubby comes apart/