Lexus & Ipod

[jf1972]

I have a Lexus(2001 IS300) and want to use my ipod in the car. But after searching the forum, it seems like it's impossible hook it up to the stock headunit. I am currently using an itrip but the sound is not so good. Any suggestions?

[cpick]

I have an IS300 aswell and have looked high and low for an ipod solution. Since the stock stereo is pretty decent I want to keep it. I called some local installers who had no idea what to do. I tried itrip, nogood!. The cassette is noisy.

Finally this high end shop described something I hadnt heard about-a wired FM unit. They put a little $50 box with audio inputs and an antenna output into the antenna in for the stereo. The box takes the ipod signal and turns it into FM which you tune on the radio. But it is never broadcast, just put right into the radio via the wire! So for a stereo with no aux ins, this is the way. Sounds a little crude but if it works, who cares?

They say it works and sounds OK. Tommorrow is installtion day, I will let you know how it works!

[klinsek]

Have you guys tried the mobiletronics forum over at my.is? (formerly is300.net)

I have seen quite a few users post their setups over there.

I have an IS as well, and personally I use a Pro Clip cradle with the iTrip FM modulator. I have the cradle attached to the center a/c vent.

[jf1972]

cpick, let us know how it goes.

[cpick]

I had the shop wait up because I ordered the nyko dock/rca cable which I want to use instead of a miniphone jack. The sound should be better from the bottom of the IPOD.

Should have some feedback for you on Monday if all goes well...

Thanks for tip about my.is.

[jf1972]

Any news, cpick?

[IPatH]

get some pics up

[jf1972]

I was over in Cleveland last week and had about four hours to spare. So I went to Circuit city to look around. After awhile I came across a FM Modulator for sateilate radio. So I figure it shuold work with my ipod. So I decided to have a FM modulator install to my car system.

The sound quality sucks. It's a good thing that it didn't cost me that much to have it installed.(US$90)

[gvenditto]

An FM solution is always going to be lower quality -- the signal is a narrower band.

I just learned about a solution for Lexus. I'm shopping for a new G430 and the dealer said they would install it ... for $895.

It is supposed to patch into the existing Lexus sound system without removing the CD or radio. I just checked their website and it's about $300.

http://www.vaistech.com/aic100i.html

I'm not sure how difficult it would be to install but I'm going to check it out. It's worth $500 to do it myself.

The website says they support Lexus and Toyota models from '98 on.

If anyone else has seen it, let us know how it is.

[jf1972]

It's pretty easy to install it to my IS. I would have to only remove a/c dispaly and headunit. Plug the connector behind my headunit and it would work.( if you have md text display, it could display the song name on your headunit.) I have used the itrip for abour a year now and have switched back to cassett adapter for now. I find it that the sound quality is much better when you are using the adapter. I did a mod where the line from the adapters is routed inside the headunit. Therefore, it gives it a cleaner look in the car. I also bought a nyko remote which include a remote control and a remote control holder that mounts on your sterring wheel.

I am still deciding if I should get it because the thing comes out to about Cad$500. I am not sure if it's worth it. (Itrip Cad$59.99/ Cassette adapter Cad$17.99 / Aic100i Cad$500)

I am very happy with the setup now. I will take a pic of my setup tomorrow and post it on here.

[bobb-mini]

I think u'd find this Apple site interesting.

http://www.apple.com/ipod/ipodyourcar.html

[jf1972]

They don't have anything for Lexus. My wife drives the Mini and I have the aux in installed in her car.

[jf1972]

I tried to post some pictures but you would have to be an establish member in order to post links or pics.