My iPod Mod
05-26-2006, 09:39 AM
#1
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Thread Starter
Join Date: May 2006
Posts: 63
My iPod Mod
This is my iPod Mini mod for a 1999 Maxima with Bose and CD changer. I mounted the dock in my ashtray. I have some pictures but can’t figure out how to post them. If you need them I can email them to you.
Parts:
USA Spec PA11-NIS iPod adapter $120.00 online at discount stereo
iPod mini adapter, Pack of three $10.00 from the apple store
Two Part plastic epoxy $5.00
1. Remove radio. [URL="http://ahsan.fotopic.net/c191230_1.html"]
2. Plug in PA11-NIS cable per instructions. Note the PA11-NIS supplied instructions are a little vague here. You will remove the largest connecter on the back of the radio head and plug that into the female connector of the supplied cable, then plug the large connecter. The last connection plugs into the left side of the radio looking at it from the back. It’s the only place it will fit. I ran this cable down the drivers side of the center consol near the ECU next to the gas peddle. At this point i connected everything and tested the iPod. Turn on the radio and select CD/CHG. BE PATIENT it will flash NO CD for about 10 to 20 seconds until it recognizes the iPod. If all is well you can reinstall the radio and air vent.
3. Mount the iPod. Decide where you want to put the iPod. You can put it in the glove box use a cigarette lighter holder or do what I did, build a dock in the ash tray.
3a. First trim one of the iPod mini adapters to fit the width of the ash tray. I used a heavy duty pair of scissors for this. Then sand the edges smooth and round the corners. Now you will epoxy the PA11-NIS supplied iPod cable to the adapter. I used two layer of painters tape around the bottom of my Mini to give it a snug fit in the adapter. Put the iPod in the adapter then plug in the cable. Turn this upside down and tape off the adapter so the epoxy won't run off and leave about an eighth of an inch lip to hold the epoxy. When everything is taped off and snug, epoxy the cable to the bottom of the iPod adapter. Let this dry for at least a couple of hours.
3b. Mount this assembly in the ashtray. This was the hardest part for me. I had to remove part of the back of the ashtray insert (the part that faces the passenger compartment) to make room for the iPod cable. I got some black Formica samples and cut strips to create a ridge for the dock to sit on. I then tacked the dock in place and let dry a couple of hours. If all is well so far then tape the top of the ashtray insert so no epoxy will leak through. Then turn it upside down and pour on the epoxy. Once the epoxy is set, at least a couple of hours you can pull off the tape then let it dry overnight. I ran the iPod cable to the right side of the ECU. Reinstall Ashtray and trim.
4. Install PA11-NIS. I installed mine under the ECU. It fit perfectly. I have the Radio cable and Dip switches on the left side and the AUX input and iPod cable on the right. I did it this way so I would have easy access to the dip switches and AUX input. Reinstall plastic trim and you are done.
Minor Gripes: Alternator whine. During normal play I can’t detect any noise, however if I pause the iPod and turn the volume way up I can hear some whine. Some time the track number on the CD head doesn’t match the track number on the iPod. For example if you start a play list on track 4 the radio head will count it as track 1. Not a biggie, the nice thing is that you can use the buttons on the radio to change tracks.
Final thoughts: Overall, I am very pleased with USA Spec PA11-NIS iPod adapter. The sound quality is Outstanding, so much better than a FM adapter and the volume matches the CD and radio perfectly. The installation is very professional just a dock inside the ashtray that can be closed when not in use. If anyone knows how to post pictures let me know or I can email them to you. It really is a pretty slick install.
Parts:
USA Spec PA11-NIS iPod adapter $120.00 online at discount stereo
iPod mini adapter, Pack of three $10.00 from the apple store
Two Part plastic epoxy $5.00
1. Remove radio. [URL="http://ahsan.fotopic.net/c191230_1.html"]
2. Plug in PA11-NIS cable per instructions. Note the PA11-NIS supplied instructions are a little vague here. You will remove the largest connecter on the back of the radio head and plug that into the female connector of the supplied cable, then plug the large connecter. The last connection plugs into the left side of the radio looking at it from the back. It’s the only place it will fit. I ran this cable down the drivers side of the center consol near the ECU next to the gas peddle. At this point i connected everything and tested the iPod. Turn on the radio and select CD/CHG. BE PATIENT it will flash NO CD for about 10 to 20 seconds until it recognizes the iPod. If all is well you can reinstall the radio and air vent.
3. Mount the iPod. Decide where you want to put the iPod. You can put it in the glove box use a cigarette lighter holder or do what I did, build a dock in the ash tray.
3a. First trim one of the iPod mini adapters to fit the width of the ash tray. I used a heavy duty pair of scissors for this. Then sand the edges smooth and round the corners. Now you will epoxy the PA11-NIS supplied iPod cable to the adapter. I used two layer of painters tape around the bottom of my Mini to give it a snug fit in the adapter. Put the iPod in the adapter then plug in the cable. Turn this upside down and tape off the adapter so the epoxy won't run off and leave about an eighth of an inch lip to hold the epoxy. When everything is taped off and snug, epoxy the cable to the bottom of the iPod adapter. Let this dry for at least a couple of hours.
3b. Mount this assembly in the ashtray. This was the hardest part for me. I had to remove part of the back of the ashtray insert (the part that faces the passenger compartment) to make room for the iPod cable. I got some black Formica samples and cut strips to create a ridge for the dock to sit on. I then tacked the dock in place and let dry a couple of hours. If all is well so far then tape the top of the ashtray insert so no epoxy will leak through. Then turn it upside down and pour on the epoxy. Once the epoxy is set, at least a couple of hours you can pull off the tape then let it dry overnight. I ran the iPod cable to the right side of the ECU. Reinstall Ashtray and trim.
4. Install PA11-NIS. I installed mine under the ECU. It fit perfectly. I have the Radio cable and Dip switches on the left side and the AUX input and iPod cable on the right. I did it this way so I would have easy access to the dip switches and AUX input. Reinstall plastic trim and you are done.
Minor Gripes: Alternator whine. During normal play I can’t detect any noise, however if I pause the iPod and turn the volume way up I can hear some whine. Some time the track number on the CD head doesn’t match the track number on the iPod. For example if you start a play list on track 4 the radio head will count it as track 1. Not a biggie, the nice thing is that you can use the buttons on the radio to change tracks.
Final thoughts: Overall, I am very pleased with USA Spec PA11-NIS iPod adapter. The sound quality is Outstanding, so much better than a FM adapter and the volume matches the CD and radio perfectly. The installation is very professional just a dock inside the ashtray that can be closed when not in use. If anyone knows how to post pictures let me know or I can email them to you. It really is a pretty slick install.
05-26-2006, 10:47 AM
#4
Member
Thread Starter
Join Date: May 2006
Posts: 63
Here are the Pics, I think?
http://www.cardomain.com/ride/2364342/1
http://www.cardomain.com/ride/2364342/1
http://www.cardomain.com/ride/2364342/1
http://www.cardomain.com/ride/2364342/1
05-26-2006, 08:17 PM
#11
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Thread Starter
Join Date: May 2006
Posts: 63
Originally Posted by 1NICEMAX
hey bds, i installed the same adaptor. do you ever get like skipping noises from it? like it would on a cd? sometimes it would skip and slow down the music?
05-26-2006, 08:24 PM
#12
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Thread Starter
Join Date: May 2006
Posts: 63
Here is the users manual for the PA11-NIS
http://www.discountcarstereo.com/pdf/pa11-nis.pdf
http://www.discountcarstereo.com/pdf/pa11-nis.pdf
http://www.discountcarstereo.com/pdf/pa11-nis.pdf
http://www.discountcarstereo.com/pdf/pa11-nis.pdf
05-26-2006, 09:54 PM
#13
Member
Join Date: Oct 2001
Posts: 99
Originally Posted by 1NICEMAX
hey bds, i installed the same adaptor. do you ever get like skipping noises from it? like it would on a cd? sometimes it would skip and slow down the music?
HOWEVER... I am wondering if anyone else has installed this in a pre-1999 bose system. The PA11-NIS supposedly only works with 1999 and above Maximas. I have a 1998 Max with Bose, and while the regular RCA jacks work perfectly fine, the iPod dock connector does not. At first it didn't work at all. Then I played around with it (mostly just unplugged and plugged it back in) and got it to where the stereo would control the iPod, but the audio was horrible (muffled and crackly).
Is anyone else able to confirm whether this is due to the incompatibility with the 98 bose or if this is a problem with my specific PA11-NIS unit? I could switch out the bose head unit. Does anyone know if a 1999 bose head unit will replace a 1998 head unit, or are they not compatible with the auxiliary amps, etc?
05-27-2006, 06:55 PM
#14
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Thread Starter
Join Date: May 2006
Posts: 63
Originally Posted by 1NICEMAX
hey bds, i installed the same adaptor. do you ever get like skipping noises from it? like it would on a cd? sometimes it would skip and slow down the music?
07-06-2006, 09:50 AM
#19
the most likely reason it skips is the ipod, with the exception of the ipod nano model, have internal hard drives much like computers do. If your not familiar with the inner workings of a hard drive its alot like a record player. The disk (or disks) spin at a said rpm and a needle reads the data. Some ipods will skip when vibration sets in, they are struck, etc because the needle will bounce just the tinyest bit.
Not all ipods are affected, but some are. Juse depends on how well the machine put yours together. The nanos dont feel the effect because they dont have any moving parts inside, they use a flash memory style hard drive.
Not all ipods are affected, but some are. Juse depends on how well the machine put yours together. The nanos dont feel the effect because they dont have any moving parts inside, they use a flash memory style hard drive.
mbsup:
07-06-2006, 03:34 PM
#24
Newbie - Just Registered
Join Date: Jul 2006
Posts: 2
Wow.. thats an awesome install, unique nd real clean.. Ima 'try' and get someone throw that up in my Max, REAL HOT !!
What u can also do, if u didnt want to install it like this.. You can just get an Ipod to Cassette adapter , from an Ipod store for like $20. Thats like a basic way to use your Ipod in your car.
What u can also do, if u didnt want to install it like this.. You can just get an Ipod to Cassette adapter , from an Ipod store for like $20. Thats like a basic way to use your Ipod in your car.
07-06-2006, 05:09 PM
#25
Senior Member
Join Date: Jan 2005
Posts: 1,108
Originally Posted by RocLaMaxima99v6
What u can also do, if u didnt want to install it like this.. You can just get an Ipod to Cassette adapter , from an Ipod store for like $20. Thats like a basic way to use your Ipod in your car.
07-06-2006, 05:59 PM
#26
Originally Posted by bds
Here are the Pics, I think?
http://www.cardomain.com/ride/2364342/1
http://www.cardomain.com/ride/2364342/1
http://www.cardomain.com/ride/2364342/1
http://www.cardomain.com/ride/2364342/1
WOW, thats nice, all I need is an Ipod....
07-07-2006, 12:44 PM
#28
Newbie - Just Registered
Join Date: Jul 2006
Posts: 2
I was wondering the same thing about that 1998 maxima question. I have the 98 with the bose system. and i just ordered the adapter. I was wondering if it would be compatible, i really just need it to charge and play. I dont mind controlling from the ipod. Did u get that far Kreg37?
07-08-2006, 10:29 AM
#29
Member
Join Date: Oct 2001
Posts: 99
Originally Posted by lilt19ad6
I was wondering the same thing about that 1998 maxima question. I have the 98 with the bose system. and i just ordered the adapter. I was wondering if it would be compatible, i really just need it to charge and play. I dont mind controlling from the ipod. Did u get that far Kreg37?
new problem, and i may start a new thread on this... has anyone noticed the radio reception being worse with the 99 HU? it seems like it is to me... particularly when i'm listening to talk radio. people's "S" words sound more crackled. As in, "The silly salamander slipped down the slippery slope" would sound crackly.
07-15-2006, 07:46 AM
#30
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Thread Starter
Join Date: May 2006
Posts: 63
Sorry Guys, I havn't checked this thread for a while. I did get the unit back from tech support, they fixed whatever was wrong and it charges fine now. The only problem i'v had is that after driving on a rough road for about 30 minutes the ipod comes loose. I should have made the connector extend through the dock a little farther. I also ordered a burlwood ipod skin to match my interior, but havnt recieved it yet.
Someone asked how you control the ipod. There are two ways, one through the ipod controls and with the other the ipod acks like a 6 disk cd changer. You can setup 5 playlist and the 6th is for playing all songs. In this mode the bose control head controls all functions.
Someone asked how you control the ipod. There are two ways, one through the ipod controls and with the other the ipod acks like a 6 disk cd changer. You can setup 5 playlist and the 6th is for playing all songs. In this mode the bose control head controls all functions.
07-15-2006, 07:50 AM
#31
I-POS sucks. But very nice install, I am planning on doing that with my Creative Zen Vision M, just unsure if I am going to do it there, or somewhere else, but other than it being an I-Pod very nice.
07-18-2006, 06:31 PM
#33
Originally Posted by bds
This is my iPod Mini mod for a 1999 Maxima with Bose and CD changer. I mounted the dock in my ashtray. I have some pictures but can’t figure out how to post them. If you need them I can email them to you.
Parts:
USA Spec PA11-NIS iPod adapter $120.00 online at discount stereo
iPod mini adapter, Pack of three $10.00 from the apple store
Two Part plastic epoxy $5.00
1. Remove radio. [URL="http://ahsan.fotopic.net/c191230_1.html"]
2. Plug in PA11-NIS cable per instructions. Note the PA11-NIS supplied instructions are a little vague here. You will remove the largest connecter on the back of the radio head and plug that into the female connector of the supplied cable, then plug the large connecter. The last connection plugs into the left side of the radio looking at it from the back. It’s the only place it will fit. I ran this cable down the drivers side of the center consol near the ECU next to the gas peddle. At this point i connected everything and tested the iPod. Turn on the radio and select CD/CHG. BE PATIENT it will flash NO CD for about 10 to 20 seconds until it recognizes the iPod. If all is well you can reinstall the radio and air vent.
3. Mount the iPod. Decide where you want to put the iPod. You can put it in the glove box use a cigarette lighter holder or do what I did, build a dock in the ash tray.
3a. First trim one of the iPod mini adapters to fit the width of the ash tray. I used a heavy duty pair of scissors for this. Then sand the edges smooth and round the corners. Now you will epoxy the PA11-NIS supplied iPod cable to the adapter. I used two layer of painters tape around the bottom of my Mini to give it a snug fit in the adapter. Put the iPod in the adapter then plug in the cable. Turn this upside down and tape off the adapter so the epoxy won't run off and leave about an eighth of an inch lip to hold the epoxy. When everything is taped off and snug, epoxy the cable to the bottom of the iPod adapter. Let this dry for at least a couple of hours.
3b. Mount this assembly in the ashtray. This was the hardest part for me. I had to remove part of the back of the ashtray insert (the part that faces the passenger compartment) to make room for the iPod cable. I got some black Formica samples and cut strips to create a ridge for the dock to sit on. I then tacked the dock in place and let dry a couple of hours. If all is well so far then tape the top of the ashtray insert so no epoxy will leak through. Then turn it upside down and pour on the epoxy. Once the epoxy is set, at least a couple of hours you can pull off the tape then let it dry overnight. I ran the iPod cable to the right side of the ECU. Reinstall Ashtray and trim.
4. Install PA11-NIS. I installed mine under the ECU. It fit perfectly. I have the Radio cable and Dip switches on the left side and the AUX input and iPod cable on the right. I did it this way so I would have easy access to the dip switches and AUX input. Reinstall plastic trim and you are done.
Minor Gripes: Alternator whine. During normal play I can’t detect any noise, however if I pause the iPod and turn the volume way up I can hear some whine. Some time the track number on the CD head doesn’t match the track number on the iPod. For example if you start a play list on track 4 the radio head will count it as track 1. Not a biggie, the nice thing is that you can use the buttons on the radio to change tracks.
Final thoughts: Overall, I am very pleased with USA Spec PA11-NIS iPod adapter. The sound quality is Outstanding, so much better than a FM adapter and the volume matches the CD and radio perfectly. The installation is very professional just a dock inside the ashtray that can be closed when not in use. If anyone knows how to post pictures let me know or I can email them to you. It really is a pretty slick install.
Parts:
USA Spec PA11-NIS iPod adapter $120.00 online at discount stereo
iPod mini adapter, Pack of three $10.00 from the apple store
Two Part plastic epoxy $5.00
1. Remove radio. [URL="http://ahsan.fotopic.net/c191230_1.html"]
2. Plug in PA11-NIS cable per instructions. Note the PA11-NIS supplied instructions are a little vague here. You will remove the largest connecter on the back of the radio head and plug that into the female connector of the supplied cable, then plug the large connecter. The last connection plugs into the left side of the radio looking at it from the back. It’s the only place it will fit. I ran this cable down the drivers side of the center consol near the ECU next to the gas peddle. At this point i connected everything and tested the iPod. Turn on the radio and select CD/CHG. BE PATIENT it will flash NO CD for about 10 to 20 seconds until it recognizes the iPod. If all is well you can reinstall the radio and air vent.
3. Mount the iPod. Decide where you want to put the iPod. You can put it in the glove box use a cigarette lighter holder or do what I did, build a dock in the ash tray.
3a. First trim one of the iPod mini adapters to fit the width of the ash tray. I used a heavy duty pair of scissors for this. Then sand the edges smooth and round the corners. Now you will epoxy the PA11-NIS supplied iPod cable to the adapter. I used two layer of painters tape around the bottom of my Mini to give it a snug fit in the adapter. Put the iPod in the adapter then plug in the cable. Turn this upside down and tape off the adapter so the epoxy won't run off and leave about an eighth of an inch lip to hold the epoxy. When everything is taped off and snug, epoxy the cable to the bottom of the iPod adapter. Let this dry for at least a couple of hours.
3b. Mount this assembly in the ashtray. This was the hardest part for me. I had to remove part of the back of the ashtray insert (the part that faces the passenger compartment) to make room for the iPod cable. I got some black Formica samples and cut strips to create a ridge for the dock to sit on. I then tacked the dock in place and let dry a couple of hours. If all is well so far then tape the top of the ashtray insert so no epoxy will leak through. Then turn it upside down and pour on the epoxy. Once the epoxy is set, at least a couple of hours you can pull off the tape then let it dry overnight. I ran the iPod cable to the right side of the ECU. Reinstall Ashtray and trim.
4. Install PA11-NIS. I installed mine under the ECU. It fit perfectly. I have the Radio cable and Dip switches on the left side and the AUX input and iPod cable on the right. I did it this way so I would have easy access to the dip switches and AUX input. Reinstall plastic trim and you are done.
Minor Gripes: Alternator whine. During normal play I can’t detect any noise, however if I pause the iPod and turn the volume way up I can hear some whine. Some time the track number on the CD head doesn’t match the track number on the iPod. For example if you start a play list on track 4 the radio head will count it as track 1. Not a biggie, the nice thing is that you can use the buttons on the radio to change tracks.
Final thoughts: Overall, I am very pleased with USA Spec PA11-NIS iPod adapter. The sound quality is Outstanding, so much better than a FM adapter and the volume matches the CD and radio perfectly. The installation is very professional just a dock inside the ashtray that can be closed when not in use. If anyone knows how to post pictures let me know or I can email them to you. It really is a pretty slick install.
Can this be done with a different Head Unit? Like an aftermrket one and not a bose?
07-18-2006, 08:02 PM
#35
Originally Posted by f550maranello2
this is what i did with mine.. but i have the adapte for the pioneer radio
This is just as nice, So im guessing you did the same type of install with a different location and different adaptor right? what adaptor did you use, cuz my HU is Pioneer to....
07-18-2006, 08:19 PM
#36
i used the adapter that i got when i worked at worstbuy.... its acually pretty good u need a pioneer radio that is deh3700 or higher for it to work though....
heres a link of a similar one
http://www.bestbuy.com/site/olspage....=1142288271433
heres a link of a similar one
http://www.bestbuy.com/site/olspage....=1142288271433
07-18-2006, 08:28 PM
#37
Originally Posted by f550maranello2
i used the adapter that i got when i worked at worstbuy.... its acually pretty good u need a pioneer radio that is deh3700 or higher for it to work though....
heres a link of a similar one
http://www.bestbuy.com/site/olspage....=1142288271433
heres a link of a similar one
http://www.bestbuy.com/site/olspage....=1142288271433
08-10-2006, 01:41 PM
#38
Member
Thread Starter
Join Date: May 2006
Posts: 63
Originally Posted by Stagnet04
This is just as nice, So im guessing you did the same type of install with a different location and different adaptor right? what adaptor did you use, cuz my HU is Pioneer to....
08-10-2006, 02:59 PM
#39
Member
Thread Starter
Join Date: May 2006
Posts: 63
New Pictures of final install with burlwood skin. Check it out! Scroll down to the last 3 Pics.
http://www.cardomain.com/ride/2364342/1
http://www.cardomain.com/ride/2364342/1
http://www.cardomain.com/ride/2364342/1
http://www.cardomain.com/ride/2364342/1
08-10-2006, 03:07 PM
#40
Originally Posted by bds
New Pictures of final install with burlwood skin. Check it out! Scroll down to the last 3 Pics.
http://www.cardomain.com/ride/2364342/1
http://www.cardomain.com/ride/2364342/1
http://www.cardomain.com/ride/2364342/1
http://www.cardomain.com/ride/2364342/1
NOW THAT IS PERFECT!!!!. Im working on doing my set up just like this but with a nano....nice job...