Is PIE still the best adaptor? (in-dash, 6-disk)

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I have it installed and it works pretty good. I and some other members have had issues with it though. On occasion, it has turned off and the only way to reactivate it is to turn the truck completely off and then turn it back on. That is not a "feature" it's a BUG. I sent Logjam an email concerning this and they said to call up PIE. I've yet to do that. I've repositioned the unit in the dash and I've yet to test it out.

It does work awesome though.
 
I'm one with a PIE and the occasional problem. It happens far more often than I wish. Another member did some research with PIE and they are redesigning the unit.

As far as its performance, it is a nice unit and gives very good sound quality. Maybe check with PIE if they have the problem solved, then go for it...
 
I used to have the problem with the PIE adapter cutting out but since I installed the scion HU it hasnt happened once. Works and sounds great. I think more people had success with it than had problems with it. I would definitely recommend it.
 
Still no response from PIE. They only have fax and email on their website, no phone. Does anyone have their number?

Looking back through the posts, it seems that people with the single disk players had more trouble with lockups than with the 6-disk. Not sure.

Thanks for the replies.
 
I wouldn't think that the 6-disc or single-disc would matter with the 'problem'. The PIE plugs into an external changer control which houses the rear audio controls. Then again, who knows!
 
hellothere said:
Still no response from PIE. They only have fax and email on their website, no phone. Does anyone have their number?

Looking back through the posts, it seems that people with the single disk players had more trouble with lockups than with the 6-disk. Not sure.

Thanks for the replies.
Click to expand...

I emailed Logjam and they gave me the following number: 1-800-330-9754

I haven't had the time to call it in...
 
Thanks for the phone number - I called this afternoon. Turns out that there are 3 possible options from PIE to get into the 6-disk JBL system.

The guy I talked to said that the TOY03-AUX works for most people, but that Toyota makes changes to their radios so frequenly that it is hard to keep up. He was vaguely aware that some people were having lockups, but could be that he was just not surprised that they were. He suggested that the TOY03-PCSON might be a better option, as he believes that it works with more radios and is more stable. It works on the same basic principle of fooling the radio to believe that a CD changer is attached and therefore allows the sound into the headunit. The third option is basically the same idea as the second: the TOY03-PCALP, but this one would require another adaptor on the Alpine end to get to an iPod or other input.

Whichever adaptor is used, it looks the same on the radio. No difference there.

His basic suggestion was to not use the TOY03-AUX and rather to use the TOY03-PCSON. I am more confused than I was before, but hopefully this helps someone....
 
So after I called yesterday, I got this from PIE today:

WE ARE WAITING FOR THE NEW VERSION TOY03-AUX, ETA-DEC 1ST WEEK..
THANK YOU FOR CONTACTING PIE.

Logjam is trying to help figure out the answer.
 
I can't comment on the PIE adapter, but I did install the Blitzsafe adapter in my 04 SE. Purchased the adapter from Logjam Electronics, who were very helpful. Anyway, I can't say enough good things about the aux input adapter, compared to the god-awful sound coming from the wireless FM modulator. I have SIRIUS satellite radio hooked up through the Blitzsafe adapter - it works (and sounds) BEAUTIFUL.

The only "negative" thing I can even say, is that there is some volume discrepancy (some call it line loss) -- the adapter makes things sound a little softer, so you have to turn the volume up a little. Now I'm not sure I'd even call that a "problem" but I'd rather have that then have the cutting in/out problem. Other than that, the sound quality is *excellent*.

Either way, it's going to sound a heck of a lot better with the aux input adapter, even if you don't really have an ear for that kind of stuff. Even my girlfriend notices. :p

Good luck....
 
For those of us that have the TOY03-AUX, will they exchange the units with the newer ones?

My TOY03-AUX also cuts off. Also with my XM commander, some songs seem to be very crackley. Like small popping noises. Didn't happen with the FM modulator, or with CD's or radio. I am having XM send me a new reciever, to see if it's the XM or the adapter.
 
The only "negative" thing I can even say, is that there is some volume discrepancy (some call it line loss) -- the adapter makes things sound a little softer, so you have to turn the volume up a little.
Click to expand...

Alex, my Sirius box has a setting for output level. You could up this a bit to compensate for the loss via the adapter. Maybe you've tried that already... ?
 
Jason,

Thanks for the heads-up, but I made sure the audio output was set all the way up already. Plus, I've read from several other posts that people with the Blitzsafe adapter all experience a little "line loss" (so I know it's not just me). Like I said though, it's minor and doesn't really bug me at all. And I don't have to worry about it cutting in and out! :D

-Alex
 
So my understanding is that the Blitzsafe requires that the 6-disc in-dash rear audio control be disconnected. So you lose some functionality with the Blitzsafe (or at least I do, since I have the rear audio and 2 headphones).

The PIE allows the rear seat audio to continue to function normally, has less line loss, but has issues with cutting out. So you lose nothing with the PIE unless it cuts off, in which case you lose everything.

I like the *idea* of the PIE, because I would rather not lose functionality if I do not have to. The lack of a clear answer from PIE, however, is definitely starting to annoy me. I will give PIE another week to figure out their story, then get the Blitzsafe if PIE is still mired in confusion.

That's where I am. Thanks to everyone for helping.
 
hellothere - Just an update on my issue with my PIE adapter. I mentioned previously that I've relocated the unit and since its relocation I haven't had it cut out on me. Maybe it was getting hot and shutting off as a safety measure.

Well originally it was crammed behind the stereo and that was when it was cutting out. I've now moved it so it sits behind the little cubby compartment underneath the ac/heat controls. So far so good.
 
Ah yes, I did forget to mention that with the Blitzsafe adapter, you will lose the rear seat audio functionality. For me, that is not a problem (young, no kids, etc.), but I can see where some might be bothered by that. Other than that, it's some of the best $$$ I've spent on the 4Runner to date.
 
Sharp4,

Interesting! So how did you mount it behind the cubby? Can you get behind there once the AC controls are removed? How did you route the wires?

I'd hate to yank all that out again but if it really fixed the problem....

Thx,
 
Zona - I'm an expert on tearing the dash apart so I'll take a picture of it for you this weekend. (If the weather holds up)

I plugged in the connectors for the PIE and then routed the wires to where the unit is. The unit sits behind the pocket under the AC Controls. There is plenty of empty space back there and it was a cinch to get it in there.

I've only used the PIE adapter for my portable DVD player for short trips (45 minutes or so and it hasn't cut out on me).
 
Picture of the cubby hole with the cover removed. You can see the adapter on the bottom right hole. Red wire is for my amp...
 

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