VAIS iPod adptr (AIC-100i) for JBL systems

[Whoknows]

I was part of the group buy last November...

http://www.toyota-4runner.org/showthread.php?s=&threadid=12210

.....but at the time for purchase, Eugene was not sure that the VAIS would work with a no Nav, JBL system.

He just phoned and indicated that it has now been tested and does in fact work. Wondering if anyone has installed this and can verify.

 

[Whoknows]

Taking the plunge

So, I'm guessing I'll be the guinea pig on this forum and give it a try on the JBL system. I placed my order and I'll post results after install -- I'm guessing about 2 weeks.

 

[doctob]

It should work fine. I installed mine today with my solara Nav, but tried the plugs with my single disc JBL headunit and it fits fine. So, I would just try it. Takes about an hour to put in.

Let us know if it works.

J

 

[Whoknows]

Text?

Sounds good. Did you happen to try the Text? That is what I'm most suspect about. I know it works with Nav. I also am curious if it performs better that the Dension Ice-Link plus -- which seems to have a glitch and holds the artist name constant (on whatever artist was first song).

 

[Whoknows]

It works

Installed last night and it works! Text display is as advertised. Sound is so much better than with cassette adapter I was using (actually not often b/c of poor sound quality and wire mess). Steering wheel controls work.

So far, I'm happy.

Some issues --

a) Unit seems slow to respond to steering wheel controls, but nothing serious
b) Occasionally, text is blank -- randomly, but resets as below
c) The unit has become stuck a few times -- no response -- sound or text -- it resets when I switch to another mode and then return.

 

[Whoknows]

Pictures

Here is what came in the box.

 

[Whoknows]

Following directions

And here is what it looked like to install.

 

[momo.75]

Is this with the single disc JBL radio or the 6 disc?

 

[Whoknows]

It's the 6-Disc.

 

[solmagic2]

Really, this works the 6 disc.

I am getting one of these soon.

Really, it works witht the six disc.

Is the soundquality like a cd or like you have earphones on with the ipod?

 

[Whoknows]

Yep, it really works on the 6 disc JBL head unit. Sound is CD quality. I am having some trouble with the text function, but think it may be solved = Just rebooted my iPod last night and seems to be working okay now -- but I have to re-do all of my playlists and see.

 

[solmagic2]

that is great news.

Sorry to keep asking so many questions. But is there a way to use the controlls on the ipod and not control the ipod threw the stereo?

Thanks again, you have been a great help.

 

[kglueck]

you could theoretically use a line out adapter (the dock or one of the little dock connector converters out there) and plug it into the aux in on the vais. so technically, the answer to your question is yes.

however, it seems like a lot of $$ to spend for just an aux in adapter. one of the selling points of the vais is the playlist, cd-text, and control from the stereo. I didn't used to use playlists all that often, but I just do now. found it a little inconvenient at first, but it's all good now.

 

[Whoknows]

so, technically yes.......but I think what you mean is wheter the VAIS is designed such that the iPod is capable of being controlled while connected in the way intended-- no is the answer.

 

[Dirtywater]

so, technically yes.......but I think what you mean is wheter the VAIS is designed such that the iPod is capable of being controlled while connected in the way intended-- no is the answer.

Not neccessarily true. I have an 04 Solara and just installed this unit with Sirius as well and you can set the VAIS unit into Simple Mode to have conrol of the iPod, but you lose the text on screen.

For me, I know the song within a couple of seconds anyway, and now I just set my 4,000+ song collection on my iPod on Shuffle Songs and I have access to advance tracks on my steering wheel and avoid the whole Playlist thing alltogether.

My install:
http://www.solaraguy.org/viewtopic.php?t=20887&postdays=0&postorder=asc&start=15

 

[Whoknows]

Cool

Is that all that is lost in simple mode? If so, pretty cool --- may consider it. Although, text is one of the only reasons for someone without NAV to get this unit over other cheaper ones.

 

[Dirtywater]

Re: Cool

Is that all that is lost in simple mode? If so, pretty cool --- may consider it. Although, text is one of the only reasons for someone without NAV to get this unit over other cheaper ones.

I hear you. The text wsa cool for a bit with me, but in reality, I like to have my Nav map on more than a text screen. Plus, the whole playlist thing is not for me. The reason I love my iPod is that I can shuffle 4,000+ songs and hav my own virtual radio station with no commercials.

Simple Mode is great. You have complete control of your iPod in the car, and yet the steering controls (volume/track control) are both there.

Either way, I am more than happy with my VAIS unit. I got in on one of the group buys and got it for around $220.

 

[Whoknows]

If I had NAV, I'd probably rather have that screen on all the time too. Nice install.

You'll find a lot of people with 4rs that didn't come with factor NAV have installed solara NAV units.

Enjoy!

 

[Whoknows]

Just discovered a potential best-of-both-worlds solution for those with JBL 6-disc and no NAV. I have far more music on iTunes that my iPod can handle at any one time. I reset my iPod and it asks if I want iTunes to select a group of music on its own, and create a playlist that will update automatically. I said yes, and then I customized the music in the "playlist". So, I have one playlist that contains everything (far more than 99 songs) and just let it play -- using the random funtion on the HU. That way I get text (song title) while having access to all of my iPod.

 

[jacal]

just to be certain...

with JBL 6-disc and no NAV. I have far more music on iTunes that my iPod can

I have the JBL w/6disc / no nav...

Does the VIAS still let you use the 6disc or does it replace it?



J