A New Way to Connect XM, iPOD, Etc...... to factory NAV unit.

[shervinf]

Well after a few days of working on this, I have finally finished it.

I used an Alpine VPA-B211a along with the XM and iPOD modules. I used Spocks video interface and Video In Motion modules. By using this solution I can add another CD/DVD player or even an alpine Nav unit to my system. Anyway, here are some pics. I put the AI-NET XM module under the plastic vent that's under the right passenger seat. The XM module is on top. I put the iPOD AiNet Module under the center console, you can't see it, hense why I didn't take a picture of it. I had to just use double sided tape to put it under there. It works pretty well. One nice thing is that after I put the noise supressor on, there is no noise. I used to have the XM-Commander and I could still hear some noise. The alpine is a lot cleaner, and it almost looks factory.

Sorry about the dirty monitor, I had just finished installing. And Sorry for not having more pictures, I forgot to take pictures until I was almost done.

[spockcat]

Nice install!

[4x4s]

Now that's cool!

Is it the Alpine unit that provides the video?

[shervinf]

the VPA-B211a is called a hub. It provides the video. You can also hook up monitors for the back seats to it. It has Two video inputs AiNET, and NAV input. It also has a small little receiver that receives the IR from the remote. I didn't take apicture of that, but I put it in next to where the Ashtray/Coin Slot is.

[Caribmon71]

Which noise suppressor did you use? Volume levels normal? You don't need one of those small inline amps

[shervinf]

I used the Pie LD-1 Inline Amp. I put this on before I read the setup Instructions for the Alpine, It has a 4V output, so you may not need the amp. I have not played with the settings yet, and I don't think I will change the volume, since I already setup the MiniAmp.

As far as a Ground-Loop Isolator (noise supressor) I used the Monster Cable one. I've used both the Pie and the Soundgate, and they both work just as well. I like the soundgate because it's really small, but I already had the Monster one, so I used it.

[mishref]

If you hate the NAV system you could just install on of these and add a Alpine nav system. It would even look stock.

[StuHaul]

I have been looking all over the web today and can't find where to purchase one of those Alpine units. Where did the author get his/hers? Can anyone help me find an online retailer who actually knows what this is and carries it on their website??

Thanks!

-Stu

[shervinf]

I got it from a local Alpine Dealer. I have not seen this unit online either. I called 3 alpine dealers, they all said they have to special order it, but could get it in a week.

Al and Ed's in CA got it for me in 24 hours.

[sup44]

Cool Install !!!!!!

Do the Nav or Steering Wheel buttons control either the Ipod or the XM unit ?

What produces the Video from the XM ? Does the Alpine unit take the signal from any xm and produce the video you show or can the XM unit you are using be hooked up to any LCD to show that video without the Alpine... ?

I found this so far... not the same model, but close....
http://www.caraudiocentre.co.u...20922


Modified by sup44 at 8:20 PM 5-25-2005

[shervinf]

No the steering wheel controlls don't work; there is a small remote that comes with the unit, and there is an IR receiver that's next to the ashtray. I'll take some pictures of it when I get a chance.

[treky11]

Very nice install. You just created work for me. Does the remote make it easy to work with the IPOD in terms of using playlists and skipping songs etc.?

Here is a link to the product w/ a pic of the remote

http://iweb.alpine-usa.com/pls...ore=y

[doc_j]

I think you've created work for a lot of us. My wife loves your install.

Please clarify who makes the Ai-Net XM unit you used. My local Alpine dealer says that he has one made by Terk that will work with the video hub. Is that what you have or is yours an Alpine product?

[shervinf]

As far as the remote goes, it's fairly easy to use. For some of the features, the car has to be stopped for them to be used, I'm in the process of hardwiring the brake and parking brake lines to manual switches. You have to do a special sequence of brake and parking brake on off for it to release the functionality. I can understand why, since you have to really concentrate on the screen when you are doing the searches, but there is a work around.

As far as XM unit goes, I used the Trek one. I don't think Alpine makes one anymore, and the Trek one is a pretty small unit. One note about the Trek it's in two parts, the floor vent can be pulled off, and I put the Ai-Net module under there, and then I velcroed the Trek XM decoder on top of the vent.

[SUVW]

I wish I understood this, cause I would love that setup for my XM.

But... let's say I found someone who did, and would pay for the install. What kind of numbers are we looking at?

[DenverBill]

That is Terk, not Trek. Can't understand how that could happen on the Treg web site.

[shervinf]

LOL, you're right, it is Terk!!!

[shervinf]

I don't know how much the install would cost. I'm not a professional installer and it took me 6 hours to do it, of course part of that time was spent fixing the harness that hooks up to the video adaptor, because the solder came off!!!

[SUVW]

Quote, originally posted by shervinf »

I don't know how much the install would cost. I'm not a professional installer and it took me 6 hours to do it, of course part of that time was spent fixing the harness that hooks up to the video adaptor, because the solder came off!!!

Sorry, I wasn't clear. I can't tell what is needed to get the XM info onto the monitor there. If you'd be kind enough... regardless of installation, what hardware is needed to do that and about how much does it cost? No IPOD needed.

[shervinf]

You'll need the Alpine Hub, VPA-b211a $300, Terk XM Tunner $50 and Terk XM-AiNet Module $50, plus Spocks's Video Adaptor and Video in Motion adaptor.

You'll need a Ground Loop Isolator $20, and some high grade RCA cables for audio and video probably another $50.

[SUVW]

Quote, originally posted by shervinf »

You'll need the Alpine Hub, VPA-b211a $300, Terk XM Tunner $50 and Terk XM-AiNet Module $50, plus Spocks's Video Adaptor and Video in Motion adaptor. You'll need a Ground Loop Isolator $20, and some high grade RCA cables for audio and video probably another $50.

Thanks very much... I appreciate it. I'll take a look at that whole ball of wax once I sell my house. (Anyone want a nice contemporary in Guilford, CT? )

[hotdaymnitzbao]

that's awesome.
imma look into it.

[doc_j]

Does anyone know the warranty issues on this mod? I've done a search and there have been statements that "cutting the CANBUS wires" will void the warranty. Does anyone know the details on this? It seems hard to believe that the entire vehicle warranty is at risk, but I guess it's possible. Does anyone know?
Presumably, spockcat's PnP solution would not be a problem as long as you removed it before the dealership were to find it?

Also, I've read on some other sites that people have had problems with video-in-motion installs on 2005's. I know that spockcat has a warning that the video modules will not work with the new DVD nav. Is it safe to assume that 2005's with CD nav will work without problem?


Modified by doc_j at 5:13 PM 5-27-2005

[shervinf]

The way I installed it was to removed the pins from the plug, and get some pins to go into the plug for the VIM module. I then hooked the other side of the VIM harness to the end of hte plugs, without cutting them. You can run the power from the fuse box. It's almost like spock's PNP setup, and you can always put the car back to the same way you started.

I'd be kind of scared to cut any canbus wires, since the whole car relies on this communication.

By the way You'll need a tiny screw-driver to take them out of the plug without damaging them, but it can be done.

Modified by shervinf at 5:08 PM 5-27-2005

[sup44]

You FLIPPED my Interior XM to Sirius Planning Upside Down !!!

I originally bought this to replace my XM Roady...

Now It just seems obsolete !!!!

So I went a bit crazy today.. I bought the VPA-B211A Hub for$249, an ALPINE SIR-ALP1 Sirius Satellite Radio Tuner & Antenna for $60, and why not... an ALPINE KCA-420I INTERFACE ADAPTER f iPOD for $90 incl shipping..... total spent about $400..all bought on ebay... Plan to interface everything through my Sony LCD...

THANKS for the INFO.. !!!! This should look and work nice....

Links (good for 90 days ..today is 5/27/05) to the Products... In case someone else may need a reference for their own mods..... I'm such a gadget geek...

http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISA...75519

http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISA...:US:6

http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISA...:US:6

Modified by sup44 at 8:26 PM 5-27-2005

[sendero]

Wow, that is nice. I'd go for it if on mine but I just can't bring myself to spend the $850 total that it'd take just to get the iPod info on screen. It is very cool though. And I bet its worth it to a number of people. Thanks for posting the info!

[Company T-Reg]

SUP, why are you switching to Sirius?

[sup44]

Quote, originally posted by Company T-Reg »

SUP, why are you switching to Sirius?

#1 reason.... Howard Stern... Not a huge fan, but enough to give Sirius a try.... I actually only listen to the radio on the morning commute, other wise it is satellite, cd or mp3...

#2 reason... Hoping for less commercials!!! XM and Sirius boast No Commercials, but I still hear them on some xm stations... namely the Comedy channel and I think the Top 20 station... I hear Sirius has none,,, but we'll see....

#3 reason.... the model I originally saw to replace my Roady was smaller, nicer, and had more search and menu options... I guess not a reason now that my method of implementation has changed, but it got me on the path, so I listed it....

I am going to keep the XM service for the Wife and the Online capabilities..... One Awesome thing about XM that Sirius has yet to offer is a partnership with Microsoft's Media Center.... If you have Media Center Playing Through your central entertainment center and use XM's streaming online service, it is Awesome..... and free if you have a XM radio service active..

Modified by sup44 at 11:39 PM 5-29-2005

[Maserati]

This blows BMW's iPod hook up out of the water! My Treg comes in this Saturday and I can't help myself but to already get started on some projects for it. This one is at the top of my list. I was over at Tweeter today asking them about if they could do this and they said they could as long as I had the VW to Alpine input cable (I assume this is one of Spockcat's cables for the AUX input) My question is I was reading on here that for 2005 they have taken away the ability to add video the factory Nav. screen. Am I just wasting my time by trying to do this to an '05 or can it be done?

[spockcat]

Quote, originally posted by Maserati »

My question is I was reading on here that for 2005 they have taken away the ability to add video the factory Nav. screen. Am I just wasting my time by trying to do this to an '05 or can it be done?

If your 2005 has DVD nav, then you can't do it. Only CD nav has the video capability in North America.

[Diablonyc2]

This set-up looks sweet -- this will be my next project after the Paddle shifters and Keyless Start.

Have you had any issues with it so far? Also -- what DVD players would work with that set up (which the Alpline Hub could control).

[1.8Tornado]

So is the iPod completly controllable through the factory nav screen/buttons?