USA Spec Vs P.I.E.

[RayRay]

Hey Everyone,

Just wanted to get people's input on IPOD adapters. I'm debating between the PIE and the USA Spec. Can you guys tell me good and bad experiences you have with them. So far I'm leaning towards the USA Spec because it can charge the IPOD. Can anyone tell me if you can use the Ipod to control the music or do you have to use the radio controls. Any input would be greatly appreciated. I know this has been discussed but since the USA Spec is fairly new and the newer PIE units are out, I wanted to see if anyone has any new information. Thanks again.

Ray

 

[sharp4runr]

I'd go with the USA SPEC. I just bought an IPOD today and going to get the USA Spec in the next pay period. I currently have the PIE as well and will call in to trade it in for the newer version.

- USA Spec can charge the IPOD as well as control it through the steering wheel controls.
- Can create up to 6 playlists
- also has a second input (though you lose a playlist)

 

[RayRay]

Anybody else with any opinions or experiences? Any input would be appreciated. Thanks again!

ray

 

[Fro-Runner]

I have the PIE adapter and it has this low pitched whining/buzzing noise from the speakers. I have my Sirius satellite radio inputed through it. Perhaps, I too should call in for the newer version. Then again, I did NOT use high quality audio RCA connectors when feeding my device to the adapter.

 

[srbigbutt]

I have the USA Spec Ipod Interfase and it works great. Its not perfect, but is definately worth it. Controlling your ipod through the steering wheel is awesome. It acts a little weird sometimes. You can control the ipod somewhat. The ipod controls are disabled when connected. What I do when I want to pick a certain song is go to all songs, find the song I want, then connect it to the radio and go to the all songs playlist and it plays the song I had choosen.

 

[crmartin9]

USA SPEC for XM?

Pardon my ignorance...

Can I use the USA Spec to run an XM device like a Roady through the standard (non-JBL) '03 4Runner stereo? Would I be able to use the steering wheel controls to control anything on the XM unit?

Is there a good website somewhere that explains the features of the USA Spec unit?

 

[RayRay]

thanks for the information everyone. i decided to go with the usa spec. i got it from cardomain.com for 105 shipped. now i got to search through the forum for instructions on taking the dash apart. hopefully i wont have any casualties in the process.

crmartin9
i do not know what kind of connection xm uses but the usa spec does have an extra set of rca inputs you could use for whatever you want to plug in for audio. for example you could plug in a portable dvd player. and yes the usa spec will work on your 03 non jbl head unit. you can find more information at www.crutchfield.com or www.cardomain.com

srbigbutt
the main reason i was hesitant to get the usa spec is exactly what your problem with it is, if i wanted to listen to a specific song it would take forever to find it. does the ipod just show the "do not disconnect" logo when its plugged into the usa spec? it is going to be annoying not knowing what song i'm listening to unless i unplug the ipod. i guess you cant have everything in life.


ray

 

[amheck]

Hey guys,

Got a 60gig photo for Father's Day. I'm just getting around to find out how to hook this up to the car. The iTrip and such seem to be crap. The cassette adapter is just "so 80's". So I guess the next step up, without going to a whole new deck (i.e. keeping the stock system) is these devices talked about here, right?

Controlling the iPod from the steering wheel would be cool. But my main question - is this install fairly simple, for someone with no car stereo installation experience?

Thanks!
Aaron

2004 4Runner Limited
JBL 6-disk system

 

[sharp4runr]

Instructions for removing the radio/panels and etc.

http://www.castulucci.com/projects/carpc/oemnaviaccess/

This is pretty much all you need. It looks a little daunting, but its a piece of cake.

 

[amheck]

Cool - thanks for the link. I guess that does look pretty straight forward. So basically, you take the device, plug one end into the back of the stereo, and then 1 end you can sort of have dangle out into the storage compartment below where you can hook up and set the ipod? And hide the "box" somewhere up there? Seems simple enough in theory.

Aaron

 

[md4runner]

- Can create up to 6 playlists
- also has a second input (though you lose a playlist)

I have the USA-SPEC in my 4Runner...It's awesome and I'm really happy with everything, especially since I can use the steering wheel controls...I have my Sirius PNP-1 plugged into the auxillary inputs...I did lose one playlist, which would've been the playlist to give the ability to play everything on my iPod...I did notice this though: I have 5 TOYOTA playlists on my iPod, but the 5th TOYOTA playlist is empty and it gives me the ability to play everything from my iPod...Using the Auxillary connection to plug in the Sirius connection instead of using a SATS-WB connection makes having satellite radio even better...No static at all! You can't use the steering wheel controls to control the Sirius stations at all, though...But it's within an arms reach...For the way I have it setup, feel free to take a look to the my 4Runner link in my signature...Take it easy...