Quote:
Originally Posted by pants
I have a 2003 4th Gen (Sport) with the factory stereo - this is not the JBL stereo if that matters, just the Toyota CD/Cassette FM/AM + CD changer.
Pre smart phones i got an iPod interface (i forget which model) that takes the place of the CD changer and lets me play music and advance tracks from the steering wheel controls. All was good, and it continues to work well with smart phones (i use an iphone / lightning connector)
With the advent of 5v iPods and then all of the smart phones this thing is showing it's age. Aside from a few of cable converters (12v -> 5v 30 pin, 30 pin -> lightning) that i've got to use my primary complaint is that it no longer charges my phone as the amperage it puts out is way too low. After going on a longish drive my battery is depleted instead of charged.
I haven't found a viable update to these interface devices for my particular car and i'm wondering what others do in this situation. I don't want to put an aftermarket stereo in but i guess i'm open to the option. I live in an area with a lot of car break-ins and so that's my primary reason for not wanting to put an aftermarket stereo in.
I also don't want to use bluetooth if i can avoid it, it's just another thing to have to screw around with in the car and i already plug the phone in to charge it. If you have had a good experience with a bluetooth adapter though let me know
Cheers all
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$15 dollar bluetooth dongle, like this:
Amazon.com: Mpow BH070A Bluetooth Audio Adapter for Music Streaming Sound System with High-Fidelity,3.5mm AUX & RCA Wireless Audio Adapter for Home Old Non-Bluetooth Speakers,A/V Receivers, Amplifier and Mixer
I keep it in my 4runner, charging all the time and connected to audio.
I click and hold the one button on the dongle until I hear the noise to tell me it is alive. Then, it connects to my phone automatically, making another notification sound.
This one is a bit "larger" (half the size of a pack of cigarettes) than the car-designated models for roughly the same price. I just also use mine to plug into any speaker system wherever I am at as long as it has or can be adapted to headphone or RCA audio jacks, as I prefer not having a designated connector attached.
The battery lasts forever, too. You can absolutely charge it as needed - I just keep it plugged in because it works for me.
Alternatively, sounds like money is less of a concern and ease of use is higher priority:
Get a bluetooth headunit for your truck.
Hell, even get one with a pop-out screen that plays movies and has wifi/cell signal - if you're wanting to feel fancy!
edit: I've had this for 5 years, zero issues with it and somehow the battery still functions well.