I just installed the Alpine KCA-420i!!!

[CosmicSlop]

It took me about 1 hour to install this thing in my Jeep Cherokee with my existing 2003 CDA-9811 head unit.

IT WORKS LIKE A CHARM!!! :p

Unfortunatly my display is the one line type with only 7 or 8 characters displayed at a time. But that doesn't matter, does it? The scroll via the volume knob is not as fast as the iPod either. But that doesn't matter, does it?

The sound is FANTASTIC!

I only played with it for a minute or so because I had to get back to work.

I can't wait for the drive home!!!!

[rj_gonzales]

Originally posted by CosmicSlop
It took me about 1 hour to install this thing in my Jeep Cherokee with my existing 2003 CDA-9811 head unit.

IT WORKS LIKE A CHARM!!! :p




that is fantastic news.... i had a pretty good feeling that was going to be the case. looks like i won't be upgrading my HU after all.:D

[jwc110869]

I'm hoping to hear from someone using a 2004 Alpine HU, since I have to buy one anyways.

[rj_gonzales]

i just wanted to add that the adapter works flawlessly with my 2003 model CDA-9807. i am very satisfied with my purchase so far. :)

[aws6000]

Originally posted by jwc110869
I'm hoping to hear from someone using a 2004 Alpine HU, since I have to buy one anyways.

I installed mine a couple of days ago. I have a 2004 model 9831. The install was a very easy 15-20 minutes. There are two wires, one to the head unit and one to the iPod. No need to run an additional power cable. One thing I noticed is that the iPod connection must be connected directly to the iPod. It will NOT work if you want to use the dock. Which is a bummer, because I had hoped to use the dock in my center console (arm rest) where the iPod would be hidden from sight and would stand upright.

I'd like to know if anyone has connected the KCA-420i to an Alpine CDA-7998. I would like to replace the stereo in my 350Z, and Crutchfield has a great deal on these things.

[TenTwelve]

'd like to know if anyone has connected the KCA-420i to an Alpine CDA-7998. I would like to replace the stereo in my 350Z, and Crutchfield has a great deal on these things.

Well it's not in the KCA 4201's manual as being compatible, but then again neither is the CDA 9811. What I originally read was it will work with any Alpine head unit who's 3 letter code ends in "A" which I assume denotes it as an Ai-NET unit.

[DrewT]

Originally posted by TenTwelve
Well it's not in the KCA 4201's manual as being compatible, but then again neither is the CDA 9811. What I originally read was it will work with any Alpine head unit who's 3 letter code ends in "A" which I assume denotes it as an Ai-NET unit.

There may be better functionality with the 2004 models, such as the track name issue...

-Drew

[Spaghetti]

I just had mine installed about 10 minutes ago. So far it is awesome! I haven't messed with it much, so I will post more details later.

[maveric]

FYI, Alpine's 2005 head unit models are supposed to be more iPod oriented with more intuitive controls.

[DalkonShield]

I've been unable to attach the ai-net cable into the back of my 9831.

[Post Op]

The cable supplied with the kca-420i attaches to the end of the ai-net cable coming out of the back of the unit. It will only fit one way. It is a male to femal connector that is on the end of a cable not on the body of the head unit itself. You will have to rotae the cable until it lines up. It would be easier if you could pull the unit out so that you can actually see how they match up rather then trying to feel your way around.

[jwc110869]

Originally posted by maveric
FYI, Alpine's 2005 head unit models are supposed to be more iPod oriented with more intuitive controls.

Where did you hear this? Is there anyting to link too, or read about? Do you know when the 2005 release is?

[SWiTCH]

I installed mine today into a Subaru WRX. Took about an hour but I put a lot of time into making sure things didnt grow legs and walk off. The control box is mounted up in the dash and the ipod is "hidden" as well.

Im controlling it with a 9835.. it works pretty well. The multi line display is kind of nice. I did notice its a little sluggish but no worse than some other hard drive based car players Ive owned.

The track/tag display works about like it does wity a CD and running through playlists is no big deal after you get the hang of it.

[aws6000]

Originally posted by SWiTCH
Im controlling it with a 9835.. it works pretty well. The multi line display is kind of nice. I did notice its a little sluggish but no worse than some other hard drive based car players Ive owned.

How does the multi line display work? My 9831 doesn't seem to be able to show the filename, so I can either display the song title or the artist but not both at the same time. Does the multi-line display of the 9835 show both the artist and song title when using the iPod adapter?

When playing an mp3 cd, the 9831 will display the filename. So When my mp3's are appropriately titled I can see both the song and artist.

[skibizkit]

Yeah the multi line shows both the artist and the song name. I have the 9833 and its the same as the 9835 with a few small exceptions.

I just installed mine today and im trying hard to get used to the controls... its weird.

BUT THE SOUND IS SWEEEEET!

[HiRoll3r]

So far, I'm really dissappointed with the 420i. The sound is good, but not noticeably better than it was thru the PIE Ai-net RCA adapter and the Belkin auto kit. The control isn't bad once you get used to it, but it takes way too long to scroll thru artists/songs/albums. I'm going to leave it hooked up for a couple more days, but I think it may have to go back to Crutchfield.

[rj_gonzales]

Originally posted by jwc110869
Where did you hear this? Is there anyting to link too, or read about? Do you know when the 2005 release is?


i've also heard this, but i'm having a hard time finding the link at the moment. it does state in the owners manual that "these instructions are for 2004 models...... for models purchased after jan 2005, see head units owners manual." ...... or something to that effect.


*edit-found the link

http://playlistmag.com/reviews/2004/09/alpineipod/index.php/?lsrc=mcrss-0904


I hope the 2005 series of Alpine head units, which the company says will improve the iPod interface, corrects some of these minor deficiencies.

[aws6000]

Originally posted by HiRoll3r
So far, I'm really dissappointed with the 420i. The sound is good, but not noticeably better than it was thru the PIE Ai-net RCA adapter and the Belkin auto kit. The control isn't bad once you get used to it, but it takes way too long to scroll thru artists/songs/albums. I'm going to leave it hooked up for a couple more days, but I think it may have to go back to Crutchfield.

The sound shouldn't be any better since both use the line out from the iPod to the line in on the AI-Net link. The 420i simply offers a way to hide the iPod and to control it from the head unit. If you're comfortable using the iPod's controls, then there's no real reason to keep the 420i.

[TenTwelve]

Originally posted by aws6000
The sound shouldn't be any better since both use the line out from the iPod to the line in on the AI-Net link. The 420i simply offers a way to hide the iPod and to control it from the head unit. If you're comfortable using the iPod's controls, then there's no real reason to keep the 420i.

The 420i does not connect via the iPods line-out. It connects through it's port. :)

[Spaghetti]

There are a few things that Alpine could do better. For instance, you can search by Artist, but once you select the artist, you can't move directly to the album/song you want. It just starts at the first song in the artists folder. Not a major deal, but that could be improved.

I am sure that iPod interface was an after thought to the FY 2004 line of products. Incorporating the idea of iPod in control into designing the 2005 line will show some improve in controls.

As far as when to expect the next product line, the local shops received their 2004 units starting about the 20th of Jan with the bulk of the stuff showing up mid Febuary.

[aws6000]

Originally posted by TenTwelve
The 420i does not connect via the iPods line-out. It connects through it's port. :)

That's funny, because the one I installed connects to head unit through the line out. The line out originates from the dock connector, not the headphone jack.

[okandroid]

Originally posted by TenTwelve
The 420i does not connect via the iPods line-out. It connects through it's port. :)

That is the line out. The jack on top is the headphone jack. Something like the Belkin or Monster Auto Adapter does the same thing without giving control.

This is what im most worried about I heard the controls are bad, and Id much rather use my ipod to select the song and use my belkin car adapter.

[aws6000]

Originally posted by Spaghetti
There are a few things that Alpine could do better. For instance, you can search by Artist, but once you select the artist, you can't move directly to the album/song you want. It just starts at the first song in the artists folder. Not a major deal, but that could be improved.

That is annoying. Aren't Alpines cd changers mp3 enabled? Navigating through an MP3 CD is much more intuitive than navigating the iPod, and the 420i is emulating a cd changer. You would think that if Alpines CD changers support MP3 CD's, then navigation between the iPod and a CD would be very similar. Granted, I don't know how full featured the iPod firmware is regards to remote control through the dock connector, but it seems like Alpine could have done a better job with their navigation.

[thejdog]

Originally posted by Spaghetti
There are a few things that Alpine could do better. For instance, you can search by Artist, but once you select the artist, you can't move directly to the album/song you want. It just starts at the first song in the artists folder. Not a major deal, but that could be improved.

I am sure that iPod interface was an after thought to the FY 2004 line of products. Incorporating the idea of iPod in control into designing the 2005 line will show some improve in controls.

As far as when to expect the next product line, the local shops received their 2004 units starting about the 20th of Jan with the bulk of the stuff showing up mid Febuary.

But you have to realize that this wasn't developed when they released the 2004 units, so they should have better control on 2005 head units. I'm sure the 2005 will have better control. I just bought a 9835, and it's fine for me, with the way that I have the Playlists sorted. But I will buy the first 2005 model when it comes out! :)

jDoG

[tellis100]

I used my 420i all weekend. The sound is excellent. Granted the controls are a little lacking but overall it is well worth it. You have to use the mindset of creating playlists verses searching for a single song. Playlists are the only way to go.

It does have a certain "coolness" factor to it. First, you can safely control your ipod from your Alpine. I hate trying to read the small ipod screen and scroll while driving @ 75MPH. Second, the install is clean/hidden instead of ghetto. Why have the ipod laying out in the open? That reminds me of the old cassette days with portable CD players. Third, Chicks love ipods.

Maybe the 2005 HUs will address the speed/searching but for now this thing rocks!

[thejdog]

Originally posted by tellis100
I used my 420i all weekend. The sound is excellent. Granted the controls are a little lacking but overall it is well worth it. You have to use the mindset of creating playlists verses searching for a single song. Playlists are the only way to go.

It does have a certain "coolness" factor to it. First, you can safely control your ipod from your Alpine. I hate trying to read the small ipod screen and scroll while driving @ 75MPH. Second, the install is clean/hidden instead of ghetto. Why have the ipod laying out in the open? That reminds me of the old cassette days with portable CD players. Third, Chicks love ipods.

Maybe the 2005 HUs will address the speed/searching but for now this thing rocks!

For the time being it is great, but the 2004 weren't made to support the iPod functionality. Hopefully the 2005's will, or the 2006 models will for sure.

They need to make it so you can select the artist, then select the album. That is what I would love to see.

jDoG

[bhoward43]

again, the best way to control an ipod is through the ipod. that is, until alpine makes it easy to select right down to the song. down to just artist?! thats lame. i have over 350 phish songs, and i'd like to choose which one i start on, not just have it play from the first album and wait. and im not really one for playlists, i choose an album and then listen to it.

until alpine makes it so you can mirror the controls on the ipod (i mean like browse wise) i still shake my fist at them for not getting it right.

[code777]

for me its working great so far. Yes i wish it was a little more user friendly when using the HU but hey, its working out so far for me. Sound wise its awesome. But again it depends on the set up you have.

The shop told me the 2005 HU's will be more user friendly and should be out by Thanksgiving sometime. I did not want to wait but it will be interesting to see how the 05 HU's interact with the iPod

[thejdog]

Originally posted by bhoward43
until alpine makes it so you can mirror the controls on the ipod (i mean like browse wise) i still shake my fist at them for not getting it right.

It's hard to do that when the 2004 models have been released for a year, so they had to make it compatible with them.

jDoG

[thejdog]

Originally posted by code777
The shop told me the 2005 HU's will be more user friendly and should be out by Thanksgiving sometime. I did not want to wait but it will be interesting to see how the 05 HU's interact with the iPod

Damn gotta spend more money. I just bought a $549 alpine head unit 3 weeks ago, well, guess I'll buy one around Thanksgiving time.

jDoG

[jimmyuk84]

I'm looking into the 420i with the CVA-1004 (Video unit with flip out monitor). I'm hoping that the display being that much bigger should surely make browsing easier, I assume that the monitor will display alot more lines of text. I've emailed alpine about it, waiting on a reply at the mo.

OTOH, the scroll speed is probably the same for most models, the touchscreen one maybe faster; what with the completely different interface it has.
I really dont want to wait until next year before I get the pod setup in the car, I've been hanging on for months (ever since the first inkling the lounge had that alpine were developing it) and I'm getting really impatient now :D
I suppose the scroll thing wouldnt be such an issue if it weren't for my reluctance to use playlists. I really like iTunes' smartplaylists but I absolutely hate the rest of the bloatware, and you cant really do one without the other (smartplaylists without organising the library).

Maybe I'll give anapod a whirl :)

[sbono13]

Originally posted by thejdog

They need to make it so you can select the artist, then select the album. That is what I would love to see.

You can do this! Make sure MIX mode is turned off. Press CD2. Press the quicksearch button. Select your artist using the selector knob. The first song from the first album of the artist (listed alphabetically) will begin playing. Press the quicksearch button. Select an album using the selector knob. The first song in the album will start playing. Voila!

Once you have selected an album, you can hit quicksearch twice and use the selector knob to scan through the songs within the album.

[thejdog]

Originally posted by sbono13
You can do this! Make sure MIX mode is turned off. Press CD2. Press the quicksearch button. Select your artist using the selector knob. The first song from the first album of the artist (listed alphabetically) will begin playing. Press the quicksearch button. Select an album using the selector knob. The first song in the album will start playing. Voila!

Once you have selected an album, you can hit quicksearch twice and use the selector knob to scan through the songs within the album.

Hmm, I think I'm gonna go check this out right now! :D

jDoG

[jimmyuk84]

Oh man that's good news! Sounds like it's a manual-reading-required kinda thing, not your average washing machine. :)

[snoop]

I have to say, I finally give up on Alpine. I've been a longtime loyal customer but their products have been getting less and less user friendly over the years. At this point it's a straight up safety hazard.

The KCA-401i is the last straw. Even on the clearest day driving on the straightest road, I'd still drive off a cliff out of frustration trying to use this thing. Two days after it arrived I sent it back.

It was a piece of cake to install on my KCA9815 (not supported by the manual, but everything worked exactly as the manual said it would--so please don't tell me how it'll work differently on a new unit). So reading the manual you may or may not understand how limited this adapter is. First of all, if you bought it, try searching for a specific song that's say 255 artists down in your playlist. I'm sure most people have WAY more artists than that on their iPods. Anyway, to start with, Alpine will only scroll 251 of anything. Lame, I thought we got over those kinds of limitations with Windows 3.1. My artist list stops at 'N'. Okay, well say I choose an artist before N. Using my head unit's non-speed-sensitive knob will take me at least a half an hour to get anywhere past 'E'. It's ridiculous. How many more crashes and lawsuits will result from this thing than when LCD displays first came out? Okay, so forget trying to find a specific song. Even finding a particular album from a specific artist is pretty much impossible (I read the post about quick search--there's still nothing quick about it when you have to scroll to "U2". I don't think it scrolled backward past the beginning of the list either). Then there was a software error in D3 searching for Albums (I think it was there). It would always choose the one above the flashing/"highlighted" one. That was confusing for a while until I figured out what was going on. So maybe you decide to settle on just using playlists like others on this forum suggest. Well that's lame too because you have absolutely NO clue what order the playlist is going to play. I could find no logical order to the play order--maybe by song title or file name or something? And there's no way to scroll through the artists only in that playlist. I thought that might be a way around my first problem. Anyway, if you like surprises, this unit is great. And if you are extremely patient and like to spend hours driving without your eyes on the road, be my guest, buy this junk.

My point is, after all the hype, I just want to warn people not to go busting out and buy $500 head units and this adapter just to discover what I did. Alpine's user interface sucks. If you already have an ai-net head unit, I recommend the KCA-801b (I think) which provides RCA input to the ai-net. Then use the Ipod interface. I'm done and fed up with Alpine. Anyone want to buy an Alpine head unit?

[code777]

well i beg to differ as I guess I don't use any playlists, etc... I just search by artist and play songs that way. but again, to each his own. In 2006 I am sure there will be a user friendly iPod hook up for your car stereo that will work just like you want it to... it may not be made by Alpine .... other co's are moving in so... just wait another year or so, you'll find what you need...

[skibizkit]

Exactly. If you interested in getting one, get it. Dont expect it to be as AMAZING AS AN iPOD, but if you want amazing quality music, and a beautiful interface, get it. After you use the controls, get use to them, its a cinch. Sure, having an 40gb iPod can be extremely difficult to find a song amongst your 400000, but, to most users, its nice.

Don't listen to everything you hear.

[mongooSSe]

overall, i'm satisfied with the interface. there are only a few quirks i can think of:

-you can't search albums in your playlists. searching for artists takes too long, so i tried to divide them up in playlists. but within the playlist, you can't search artist or album, only songs.

-it's not too user friendly. a simple setup of 4 buttons like the ipod would've been sufficient.

these are only minor problems that should've been perfected before release. 99% of the time, i listen to my ipod on MIX anyway. but trying to look for a song that 1% of the time is time-consuming and makes you a hazard to the road. hopefully the 2005 HUs will be better. but still well worth the C-note. here are some pics.

interface mounted behind the glove.
http://img28.exs.cx/img28/6092/DSCN0667.jpg
ipod mounted in the glove.
http://img28.exs.cx/img28/1967/DSCN0666.jpg
9820xm
http://img28.exs.cx/img28/5076/DSCN0670.jpg
what it all resides in:
http://img28.exs.cx/img28/1591/DSCN0649.jpg
that is all....

[thejdog]

Originally posted by mongooSSe
ipod mounted in the glove.
http://img28.exs.cx/img28/1967/DSCN0666.jpg


Where did you get that case at? I need something like that for my 4G

jDoG

[mongooSSe]

that's just the ipod armor. you can get it almost anywhere now. i got mine from ebay. works well in the car b/c you control it from the HU. but for everyday use it blows having to open it all the time.

[thejdog]

Originally posted by mongooSSe
that's just the ipod armor. you can get it almost anywhere now. i got mine from ebay. works well in the car b/c you control it from the HU. but for everyday use it blows having to open it all the time.

Sweet. I'll have to get one jsut for the car so that it doesn't move at all, and I could keep it in the glove box!

jDoG

[code777]

yeah that's a cool mounting solution. The local Apple Store has a few of those cases. Mine is also in the glove and set up very similar but i don't have a case mounted in there...

i wonder where my interface is located, i've been searching the last few days and i can't seem to find where the guy hid it!

[velodev]

2 out of 5 stars. sadly.

it works, it sounds great... but whatever f'ng interface engineer thought of the searching method should be canned. immediately. ok, here's how it goes... want to search a playlist, hit "1", then hit quicksearch. not bad. want to search an artist, hit "2" then quicksearch. it begins playing the first song for that artist. but let's say I want to drill down into the albums by the artists. nope. you can only search through all albums. hit "3" and scroll (slowly, at best) through all albums. then once you select either an playlist, artist, or album... hit quicksearch twice to get a listing of songs. but let's say you find the artist, play the song and then want to play someone else... the only way I have found to do this is hit mute, mute (to clear the screen) and then hit "2" then quicksearch... scroll from "A" downward at one artist/album/song per .5 second.

Very, very disappointing for $100.

If I didn't know better I should have just bought an IceLink and put it into an input in, at least I can control the iPod through its genius "finder-like" method.

[code777]

like i've said before - rumor has it they are working on a more user friendly system and rumor has it that they are (not even sure if this is possible) going to have an "upgrade" for the 420i or something. these are only rumors from a local stereo shop in my town. I just called them and they explained they received another 13 420i units and ALL of them are sold. The guy was like, "we are getting calls every day for these stupid things!"

Man this 420i is one hyped up product! But the guy said that a user friendly HD will be out for Xmas and he heard rumors of an upgrade for the 420i being considered but no idea how this will work...

i'm happy just because I can forget about taking my CD collection with me in my car... so it works for me .... for now....

[sbono13]

Originally posted by velodev

...it begins playing the first song for that artist. but let's say I want to drill down into the albums by the artists. nope. you can only search through all albums. hit "3" and scroll (slowly, at best) through all albums.

Actually, once you have selected an artist, you can hit quicksearch once, then use the selector knob to pick one of the artists' albums.

Another trick I've found is if you really like using the ipod itself, you can detach the ipod and start playing an artist/playlist/song, then reattach it to the Alpine interface cable, and the car stereo will start playing from there. That will give you an ICELINK-like interface, although you shouldn't switch playlists this way while driving :).

Personally, I think this is $100 well spent. I never take my ipod out of my center console.armrest, now!

[mongooSSe]

Originally posted by velodev
but let's say you find the artist, play the song and then want to play someone else... the only way I have found to do this is hit mute, mute (to clear the screen) and then hit "2" then quicksearch... scroll from "A" downward at one artist/album/song per .5 second.



looks like you just need to read the instruction maual more carefully. sbono answered your first gripe about searching albums.
if you're already playing an artist, press display to get back to "IPOD" then you can start again.

[michaelbr]

I installed mine last night. I knew the limitations on the interface and understand why it is this way. I was pleasantly surprised that the interface is easier and more powerful than I was lead to believe.

But, someone has got to figure out a way to use a dock. I want to mount a dock permanently in the center console and just slide the iPod into the dock. I know that if I have to keep plugging and unplugging the cable into the iPod, that sucker is going to break.

There has to be a way to hack the dock to make it work. I assume that there is no music out signal on the port at the rear of the dock. That signal has been redirected to the 1/8" female connector for line out. I am betting that altering or removing a couple of solder traces on the circuit board will move that signal back to the multi pin port. I am not gifted enough with electronics to figure this out -- but will be able to copy it if someone does it first.

[aws6000]

Originally posted by michaelbr
There has to be a way to hack the dock to make it work. I assume that there is no music out signal on the port at the rear of the dock. That signal has been redirected to the 1/8" female connector for line out. I am betting that altering or removing a couple of solder traces on the circuit board will move that signal back to the multi pin port. I am not gifted enough with electronics to figure this out -- but will be able to copy it if someone does it first.

With Apple discontinuing the docks for the 3G iPods, it might be a risky proposition to start 'modding' docks (assuming you don't have a 4G).

[dehoni]

A question for the other users who are as happy with this solution as I am...I have the 9827 and have been playing mp3's on it for the last few months with a high level of satisfaction and great sound using the media expander. While the iPod generally sounds very good, I'm finding the bass to be over emphasized. I've even set the subwoofer and the Bass setting to zero. For my other mp3's on disc it's typically set to +2.

Has anyone found an optimal setting for them, a specific frequency for the bass or treble that seems optimal? This is more evident in dance or hip-hop music.

Thanks in advance,

dehoni

[dehoni]

A question for the other users who are as happy with this solution as I am...I have the 9827 and have been playing mp3's on it for the last few months with a high level of satisfaction and great sound using the media expander. While the iPod generally sounds very good, I'm finding the bass to be over emphasized. I've even set the subwoofer and the Bass setting to zero. For my other mp3's on disc it's typically set to +2.

Has anyone found an optimal setting for them, a specific frequency for the bass or treble that seems optimal? This is more evident in dance or hip-hop music.

Thanks in advance,

dehoni

[thejdog]

Originally posted by dehoni
A question for the other users who are as happy with this solution as I am...I have the 9827 and have been playing mp3's on it for the last few months with a high level of satisfaction and great sound using the media expander. While the iPod generally sounds very good, I'm finding the bass to be over emphasized. I've even set the subwoofer and the Bass setting to zero. For my other mp3's on disc it's typically set to +2.

Has anyone found an optimal setting for them, a specific frequency for the bass or treble that seems optimal? This is more evident in dance or hip-hop music.

Thanks in advance,

dehoni

Freq depends on the speakers and the subs them selve's, my 2 10'' kickers run at 80 Hz, while my highs & lows are at 120 Hz.

JDoG

[whiteboy]

Hey guys,
Anyone know if this will work with my Alpine CDA-7897? It seems all of you have 9xxx model head units and searching hasn't helped me.
Thanks,
Sam

[bhoward43]

Originally posted by whiteboy
Hey guys,
Anyone know if this will work with my Alpine CDA-7897? It seems all of you have 9xxx model head units and searching hasn't helped me.
Thanks,
Sam

after quick glance on alpine's website, looks like you're out of luck for the kca 420i. you need a 2004 ai/net controller thinger, and your model # wasnt listed.

[mongooSSe]

the 420i instruction manual list these HUs as compatible:

CDA-9835
CDA-9833
CDA-9831
CDA-9830
CDA-9827
CDA-9826
CDA-9825
CDA-9820XM
IVA-D300
IVA-D901
CVA-1001

if you don't have one of these but your HU is Ai-NET compatible, it might still work

[Post Op]

I have an Alpine 9815 which is not on the list and the KCA-420i works just fine. It looks like any ai-net head unit will work.

[morganw]

Originally posted by snoop
I recommend the KCA-801b (I think) which provides RCA input to the ai-net.

KCA-801b is $80 (Crutchfield) and lets you get an Aux-In *and* use a changer.

All I needed was Aux-In, so I got an Alpine KCA-121B for $15 to tide me over until the KCA-420i arrived. I didn't like the interface either, the 420 went back and I'm using the 121B again.

Before I got my CDA-9825 deck, my old Blaupunkt (also with an RCA to changer-in adapter) was acting funny, so I plugged the headphone out of the iPod directly into the amp in the trunk. It worked great & actually sounded better- like a veil had been lifted. I'm thinking about dumping the CDA-9825, but I'm going to try to get my Passat's antenna working better one last time first.

I do use the remote for eyes-off navigating through a playlist or album as I have a 3G.

[velodev]

mongooSSe
looks like you just need to read the instruction maual more carefully. sbono answered your first gripe about searching albums.
if you're already playing an artist, press display to get back to "IPOD" then you can start again.


I'm not sure if you've read the instruction, but his method isn't documented as such. Just letting you know that he probably stumbled upon it by trial and error.

[mongooSSe]

Originally posted by velodev
I'm not sure if you've read the instruction, but his method isn't documented as such. Just letting you know that he probably stumbled upon it by trial and error.

since you want to split hairs, ill break it down for you..
page 7, last line, first column

"If a song is selected in the artist search mode, further searches are by albums of that artist. To return to a search for all songs, select the "iPod name" in the playlist search mode.

that's both of your questions/gripes answered in the SAME paragraph in the instructions.

[velodev]

Originally posted by mongooSSe
since you want to split hairs, ill break it down for you..
page 7, last line, first column

"If a song is selected in the artist search mode, further searches are by albums of that artist. To return to a search for all songs, select the "iPod name" in the playlist search mode.

that's both of your questions/gripes answered in the SAME paragraph in the instructions.

sweet... now that I have you reading the instructions for me, tell me how to make it scroll faster? that's my biggest gripe.

also keep in mind, that I didn't read the instruction and my impression was scribed just less than an hour after installation. kudos to you for picking it out, you're the forum king, they should give you 1,000 bonus posts (especially for how emotional you get over it).

[velodev]

Originally posted by mongooSSe
since you want to split hairs, ill break it down for you..
page 7, last line, first column

"If a song is selected in the artist search mode, further searches are by albums of that artist. To return to a search for all songs, select the "iPod name" in the playlist search mode.

that's both of your questions/gripes answered in the SAME paragraph in the instructions.

sweet... now that I have you reading the instructions for me, tell me how to make it scroll faster? that's my biggest gripe.

also keep in mind, that I didn't read the instruction and my impression was scribed just less than an hour after installation. kudos to you for picking it out, you're the forum king, they should give you 1,000 bonus posts!

[cepwin]

I installed the KCA-420i with my 9825 last weekend. I love it but I've had this weird problem that it doesn't see the ipod until my car's been running for about 10-20 minutes. When I leave work, it works fine.
I called alpine and the guy wasn't sure but then I called crutchfield and they're sending me an entire new unit. I'm going to replace the unit and cable to the ipod and see if it fixes it.
Has anyone else run into anything like this?? My theory is it has to do with either temperature or condensation.

[code777]

i don't think so - you should check all the wires again, mine works fine with the 9825 HU as the second I start my car it takes about 2 seconds before it picks up where it left off...

better get it checked out...

[mongooSSe]

Originally posted by velodev
sweet... now that I have you reading the instructions for me, tell me how to make it scroll faster? that's my biggest gripe.

also keep in mind, that I didn't read the instruction and my impression was scribed just less than an hour after installation. kudos to you for picking it out, you're the forum king, they should give you 1,000 bonus posts!

let's not turn this into a one-on-one thread. you asked questions, i answered them. it's nothing to cry about.

[bhoward43]

ok, just to clarify, how low can you go in the browse menu with the 420i?

artist? artist-> album? artist -> album -> song?

i thought i read you could only choose the artist and it started playing from the first album listed, and if thats the case then boo to that. but if you can choose which album, then i think i'll consider this machine.

[cepwin]

Thank you code777 for you response. We'll see what happens. Crutchfield is shipping out an entire new unit and I'll see if replacing the unit and cable to the ipod fixes it. Meanwhile, I went out about noon today and it came on instantly and worked flawlessly. (but then there was no condensation on my windows when I went out and it was close to 70 degrees.) Do you park in a garage or carport at night??? I park in an open spot so condensation/ice (in winter) are often on my car in the morning.

On the topic of selecting stuff, I agree with post that talked about using playlists creatively. I do audiobooks and what I've done is put the book I'm listening to in the playlist so I get to it quickly. I also started making genre playlists since it doesn't seem to allow you to search by genre. I also find it's awkward to change while you're driving. I try to get things set when I get in the car or at a stop light.

[sbono13]

Originally posted by bhoward43
ok, just to clarify, how low can you go in the browse menu with the 420i?

artist? artist-> album? artist -> album -> song?

i thought i read you could only choose the artist and it started playing from the first album listed, and if thats the case then boo to that. but if you can choose which album, then i think i'll consider this machine.

repost from page 3 of this thread...

You can do this! Make sure MIX mode is turned off. Press CD2. Press the quicksearch button. Select your artist using the selector knob. The first song from the first album of the artist (listed alphabetically) will begin playing. Press the quicksearch button. Select an album using the selector knob. The first song in the album will start playing. Voila!

Once you have selected an album, you can hit quicksearch twice and use the selector knob to scan through the songs within the album.

[code777]

Originally posted by cepwin
Thank you code777 for you response. We'll see what happens. Crutchfield is shipping out an entire new unit and I'll see if replacing the unit and cable to the ipod fixes it. Meanwhile, I went out about noon today and it came on instantly and worked flawlessly. (but then there was no condensation on my windows when I went out and it was close to 70 degrees.) Do you park in a garage or carport at night??? I park in an open spot so condensation/ice (in winter) are often on my car in the morning.

hmmmm, i park in an open spot outside as well - well its not that cold here yet but soon enough, i guess i'll have to see what happens but again, mine powers right up at start up (2 second or so delay). good luck and let us know what happens!

[dmc]

I'm trying to understand the limitations of this thing before I fork out almost $1000 for a setup including this adapter and a 9835 head unit. I like my OEM VW stereo. I'm trying to avoid an aftermarket head unit. But I'd be willing to bend if it means I can have more control than a Dension IceLink with the iPod hidden in the glovebox.

Originally posted by snoop
First of all, if you bought it, try searching for a specific song that's say 255 artists down in your playlist. I'm sure most people have WAY more artists than that on their iPods. Anyway, to start with, Alpine will only scroll 251 of anything. Lame, I thought we got over those kinds of limitations with Windows 3.1. My artist list stops at 'N'. Okay, well say I choose an artist before N. Using my head unit's non-speed-sensitive knob will take me at least a half an hour to get anywhere past 'E'.
...
(I read the post about quick search--there's still nothing quick about it when you have to scroll to "U2". I don't think it scrolled backward past the beginning of the list either).

So you mean to say this thing limits its direct artist selection to the first 251 names? That it would be impossible to directly select something like "U2" (or, god forbid, "ZZ Top" :) ) if that artist were the >251th entry?

Maybe I can live without being able to easily pick an individual song by Artist -> Album -> Song Name as I would on the iPod. I would at least like be able to easily select "play everything by U2", for example, without having to do this through a U2-specific playlist. And if U2 is the 300th artist alphabetically on my artist list this won't be possible with the Alpine?

Am I understanding this correctly?

[Post Op]

I'd say if you don't already have an Alpine Ai-net head unit that you should wait a few months until next year's decks are out. Alpine is supposedly working on improving the navigation to become more ipodlike. In addition Pioneer will be coming out with their iPod solution and I'm sure other major manufacturers are at the drawing board as well because this is a huge market.

[sbono13]

Originally posted by dmc
I'm trying to understand the limitations of this thing before I fork out almost $1000 for a setup including this adapter and a 9835 head unit. I like my OEM VW stereo. I'm trying to avoid an aftermarket head unit. But I'd be willing to bend if it means I can have more control than a Dension IceLink with the iPod hidden in the glovebox.



So you mean to say this thing limits its direct artist selection to the first 251 names? That it would be impossible to directly select something like "U2" (or, god forbid, "ZZ Top" :) ) if that artist were the >251th entry?

Maybe I can live without being able to easily pick an individual song by Artist -> Album -> Song Name as I would on the iPod. I would at least like be able to easily select "play everything by U2", for example, without having to do this through a U2-specific playlist. And if U2 is the 300th artist alphabetically on my artist list this won't be possible with the Alpine?

Am I understanding this correctly?

I only have 150 artists on my ipod, so i can't say for sure, but i believe the manual is pretty clear that the limit for songs within a list is 250, but the limit to artists, albums and playlists is 500. This is part of the distinction between what the HU sees as a "file" vs. a "folder." As long as you have less than 500 artists and are therefore able to scroll to the artist, albeit slowly, then i think it's fairly easy to "pick and individual song by Artist -> Album -> Song Name."

[mjsla]

Wow. Does this thing work as promised! Get yours now!

http://www.alpine-usa.com/driveyouripod/

It was $90. You press 1, Search and you get your Playlists. Press 2, Search and you get your Artisrts. Press 3, Search and you get your Albums.

After one of the above choices, use the dial to scroll thru then press the dial to make your choice.

When the iPod is plugged in, "Alpine" reads on the iPod display.

When you enter into your playlists, you can see 3 playlists at a time on the Alpine 9835.

I use the remote control to go thru the songs, etc.

Whats really nice about it is the iPod stays in your glove compartment, etc. There it will stay in perfect condidtion, & you never have to hide it when getting out of your car, etc.

I have dedicated the 40 gig click wheel iPod for my truck. It only comes out when syncing.

For travel, jogging, etc I will use the my mini.

[code777]

Originally posted by Post Op
I'd say if you don't already have an Alpine Ai-net head unit that you should wait a few months until next year's decks are out. Alpine is supposedly working on improving the navigation to become more ipodlike. In addition Pioneer will be coming out with their iPod solution and I'm sure other major manufacturers are at the drawing board as well because this is a huge market.

i called 7 Alpine dealers and all of them either have said, "No idea about the 05 HU's to rumor has it that there is a firmware upgrade coming out shortly so the HU will act more like the controls on the iPod to this Xmas they will have iPod friendly HU's"

So as you can see no one really knows. I hope its a firmware upgrade (not even sure if this is possible) for the iPod as I just installed the 420i. I also just exchanged my 9825 for a 9835 (which is INCREDIBLE if I may say with the 5 band eq and iPersonalizeTM) and got an extra $50 back on the 420i and $100 off the 9835 (long story) and a shake of the head and fist from my local car audio shop (will you make up your mind!) I'm happy now as the sound of the iPod is much better than the 9825. I have to say the 9825 did have good sound for the money but I found that the bass was way too muddy or overpowering. And I just couldn't get it set up right (no EQ just presets) but still a real good value. If I didn't have the money and I was stuck with the 9825 I'd still be happy as it does have great sound but I got nit picky so...oh and I already had Sirius so...

anyway maybe its best to call Alpine directly to see what's going on. I'd hate to have to "exchange" another HU and have it uninstall reinstall again! :eek: but so far I am happy with how the iPod interface is working out for me. Its real cool. And the sound is AMAZING through the 9835.

Yes Best Buy confirms that this Xmas Pioneer will release an iPod interface box and then Sony. We shall see....

[urabus]

- i bought the alpine interface 2 weeks ago
- i'm underwhelmed by its functionality
- i'm transferring my music to cdr's again, hey cds are cheap and is faster to load a new cd into the player than trying to scroll to it with the ipod interface.

[benetton]

I have purchased the ipod link from alpine and it works great other than after you disconnect the ipod from the link, turning on the backlight, by holding the menu key doesn't work anymore, you have to connect the ipod to your computer then disconnect it, if any one else has this problem, please post it here.
i have contacted alpine but they say i'm the only one who has contacted them about this, I have tried 4 different ipods and 2 different ipod links and still the same thing

[Stingrey]

I'm having a different problem (aside from the slow scroll, MIX mode turning off when you turn off the car, etc.) from anything anyone else is mentioning... I'm not sure what is going on. The battery on my iPod was dead when I got out of work today (I only work like an 8 hour shift, whether I work all 8 hours is another story ; ) and yet just this morning it had a full charge. Why do I know this? I had my CDA-9835 installed THIS past Saturday and the iPod lost the charge on Monday... I took it out of the car to charge fully using the power brick...

I figured I'd used the iPod outside of the car a bit, so maybe just possibly I killed the battery. I charged it and plugged it back into the car, held the charge just fine the past few days. I even checked after almost every long term park (4 hours or more, i.e. work/sleep) and the battery showed a full charge... Including this morning. I get out of work today, battery is dead. This is just after listening to Foo Fighters (third one by them in a row since MIX was turned off since I turned the car off the night before and it takes about three songs to get to work) and then turning the car off, which turns the Alpine HU off and technically the iPod...

I was glancing at the iPod while this happened, the battery charging indicator stopped and the iPod's display went out like it normally does. I lock the glove box and go to work, get out and no juice. This same iPod if (after it charges this evening) I hit play and have some headphones in it and play it at any volume, it will easily make it through my work day with juice to spare... Somehow I'm getting a pretty good drain on my iPod and I can't figure out why. Called Alpine for suggestions...

They said maybe it is 'cause I have my "HOLD" button enabled on top of the iPod so as to avoid the buttons from activating any functions when it is not in the glove compartment. He said it was just a suggestion (and only since I had mentioned that it was engaged), but other than that, he had no suggestion. Anyone else having a battery die out on them for no good reason? ANY info appreciated if you know anything about someone having a similar issue.

Rey :)

P.S. software 2.2 on iPod, 5.0 (I think?) on the actual h/u.

[Stingrey]

I'm having a different problem (aside from the slow scroll, MIX mode turning off when you turn off the car, etc.) from anything anyone else is mentioning... I'm not sure what is going on. The battery on my iPod was dead when I got out of work today (I only work like an 8 hour shift, whether I work all 8 hours is another story ; ) and yet just this morning it had a full charge. Why do I know this? I had my CDA-9835 installed THIS past Saturday and the iPod lost the charge on Monday... I took it out of the car to charge fully using the power brick...

I figured I'd used the iPod outside of the car a bit, so maybe just possibly I killed the battery. I charged it and plugged it back into the car, held the charge just fine the past few days. I even checked after almost every long term park (4 hours or more, i.e. work/sleep) and the battery showed a full charge... Including this morning. I get out of work today, battery is dead. This is just after listening to Foo Fighters (third one by them in a row since MIX was turned off since I turned the car off the night before and it takes about three songs to get to work) and then turning the car off, which turns the Alpine HU off and technically the iPod...

I was glancing at the iPod while this happened, the battery charging indicator stopped and the iPod's display went out like it normally does. I lock the glove box and go to work, get out and no juice. This same iPod if (after it charges this evening) I hit play and have some headphones in it and play it at any volume, it will easily make it through my work day with juice to spare... Somehow I'm getting a pretty good drain on my iPod and I can't figure out why. Called Alpine for suggestions...

They said maybe it is 'cause I have my "HOLD" button enabled on top of the iPod so as to avoid the buttons from activating any functions when it is not in the glove compartment. He said it was just a suggestion (and only since I had mentioned that it was engaged), but other than that, he had no suggestion. Anyone else having a battery die out on them for no good reason? ANY info appreciated if you know anything about someone having a similar issue.

Rey :)

P.S. software 2.2 on iPod, 5.0 (I think?) on the actual h/u.

[Stingrey]

I'm having a different problem (aside from the slow scroll, MIX mode turning off when you turn off the car, etc.) from anything anyone else is mentioning... I'm not sure what is going on. The battery on my iPod was dead when I got out of work today (I only work like an 8 hour shift, whether I work all 8 hours is another story ; ) and yet just this morning it had a full charge. Why do I know this? I had my CDA-9835 installed THIS past Saturday and the iPod lost the charge on Monday... I took it out of the car to charge fully using the power brick...

I figured I'd used the iPod outside of the car a bit, so maybe just possibly I killed the battery. I charged it and plugged it back into the car, held the charge just fine the past few days. I even checked after almost every long term park (4 hours or more, i.e. work/sleep) and the battery showed a full charge... Including this morning. I get out of work today, battery is dead. This is just after listening to Foo Fighters (third one by them in a row since MIX was turned off since I turned the car off the night before and it takes about three songs to get to work) and then turning the car off, which turns the Alpine HU off and technically the iPod...

I was glancing at the iPod while this happened, the battery charging indicator stopped and the iPod's display went out like it normally does. I lock the glove box and go to work, get out and no juice. This same iPod if (after it charges this evening) I hit play and have some headphones in it and play it at any volume, it will easily make it through my work day with juice to spare... Somehow I'm getting a pretty good drain on my iPod and I can't figure out why. Called Alpine for suggestions...

They said maybe it is 'cause I have my "HOLD" button enabled on top of the iPod so as to avoid the buttons from activating any functions when it is not in the glove compartment. He said it was just a suggestion (and only since I had mentioned that it was engaged), but other than that, he had no suggestion. Anyone else having a battery die out on them for no good reason? ANY info appreciated if you know anything about someone having a similar issue.

Rey :)

P.S. software 2.2 on iPod, 5.0 (I think?) on the actual h/u.

[aws6000]

Is your head unit also forgetting settings? Such as EQ, preset stations, etc? Maybe the head unit is installed incorrectly and does not have an "always on" connection to your battery. I haven't had a problem with my iPod going dead and I have kept it in the car over night. I almost always have the hold button engaged because I'll put the iPod in my pocket when walking to my car. So that can't be the problem.

[lstern]

I had a similar problem regarding battery depletion but I think I solved the problem. For some reason, my IPOD settings were "altered" by the kca-420. Check to see if the clock alarm setting is set to "on" rather than off. If it is set to "on" change the setting to "off" and see if the problem is resolved. Post back with your results.
PS: you might also "reset" the IPOD after making the above change.

[Stingrey]

So it'll take a couple of days before I know if that did the trick, but I DID check the alarm setting (only after resetting the iPod) and it was in fact OFF right now, no telling if it was on before when I first connected the iPod though. That may have been it. Hopefully they pop out some software revisions to get rid of that slow scrolling and stuff that is going on with the h/u's. That is the only negative on the h/u that I have experienced (aside from the power issue, which apparently is only something happening to me since not many people have responded to my cry for help ; ) so all in all if you are on the fence, you WILL love this item. I do anyhow. Far as the stereo itself, no it does not lose settings every time the car is shut off. It definitely is wired right far as that is concerned. Any other ideas? Thanks though, the alarm thing may be the issue, if resetting the iPod did the trick though, either way I'll only have the same "slow scrolling" issue that everyone else has. Just means I need more playlists I suppose. Only big drawback I have is that I hate not being able to see the time and song name at the same time. What a drag.

Rey :)

[bigdz68]

OK. I know the new controller doesnt list my head unit but it is an AI head unit. So any of u try installing this with a CDA-7998 deck yet? Im not about to buy a new deck for an iPod but just want to see if anyone has tried this yet....or even with a CDA-7997 deck since they are almost one in the same.
Thank u
Dave

[Post Op]

I think you have to have a quick search function along with ai-net for the ipod interface to work. I didn't see that button next to the volume dial on a picture of the 7998.

Looking at a bigger picture I saw file and folder search buttons down lower. You may still be OK. Maybe somebobody with your deck will chime in.

[bigdz68]

Originally posted by Post Op
I think you have to have a quick search function along with ai-net for the ipod interface to work. I didn't see that button next to the volume dial on a picture of the 7998.

Looking at a bigger picture I saw file and folder search buttons down lower. You may still be OK. Maybe somebobody with your deck will chime in.
Thanks! Hopefully it will happen. I dont own an iPod but will get one if this works out since I have a ton of equipment setup with that deck and dont want to change to a smaller version! I like my big screen but dont want to upgrade to a DVD player either! Im tempted to go buy the unit and borrow an iPod and test it if I dont here anything within a week or so.

[lstern]

I have a 7998 HU that works without problem with the 420. It took me a while to figure out the search functions with this HU since it lacks the dedicated "folder/file" select button on 2004 HU's. To search, you first press the "F" (function) button followed by the folder/file button on the lower row of keys. The rotary knob works for scrolling but the "press" select function does not work. Instead you have to press the "mode" button to select a folder/file. Actually works just fine.

[bigdz68]

Originally posted by lstern
I have a 7998 HU that works without problem with the 420. It took me a while to figure out the search functions with this HU since it lacks the dedicated "folder/file" select button on 2004 HU's. To search, you first press the "F" (function) button followed by the folder/file button on the lower row of keys. The rotary knob works for scrolling but the "press" select function does not work. Instead you have to press the "mode" button to select a folder/file. Actually works just fine.
Thank u soo much! There are a few people around here that will be damn happy to hear that! Now does the text from the iPod scroll across the HU or is that not working since I have heard various responses with the older HU's and btw thank u again! Now I can plan on gettin an iPod when the new gen comes out!
Peas
Dave

[lstern]

Yes. The text from the ipod scrolls appropriately.

[IamFlip]

I just installed an Alpine CDA-9833 and the KCA-420i this weekend and I am very happy with it.

My only gripe is that the 9833 head unit displays the song title on the top line (smaller font) and the artist name on the middle line (bigger font). I would have been better if it is the other way around since the song title is more important IMHO and should have been displayed in the middle line with the bigger fonts.

[graks]

Originally posted by IamFlip
I just installed an Alpine CDA-9833 and the KCA-420i this weekend and I am very happy with it.

My only gripe is that the 9833 head unit displays the song title on the top line (smaller font) and the artist name on the middle line (bigger font). I would have been better if it is the other way around since the song title is more important IMHO and should have been displayed in the middle line with the bigger fonts.

Cant you just press title, and it switches like on CD-r??s?

[nitram22]

Originally posted by IamFlip
I just installed an Alpine CDA-9833 and the KCA-420i this weekend and I am very happy with it.

My only gripe is that the 9833 head unit displays the song title on the top line (smaller font) and the artist name on the middle line (bigger font). I would have been better if it is the other way around since the song title is more important IMHO and should have been displayed in the middle line with the bigger fonts.

I also have the 9833, it displays the same way for MP3 CDs, I agree it should be the other way around. You can change what's displayed, but reversing title/artist isn't one of the options, I believe.

I have an issue with my setup, the sound level from the ipod is lower than with CDs, so i have to turn the volume higher to get the same sound level. Is there an adjustment I can make somewhere to get the volume levels the same? :confused:

[dmc]

Anyone with a 9835 figure out how to get the HU's multi-line display to show both song title and artist at the same time? In the second display mode (the multi-line info with the background animation) it I can get it to do artist and album, and alternately album and song title, but has anyone figured out a way to make it show what I think are the two most relevant tags?

[CosmicSlop]

Is the issue of your backlight not working after you disconnect from the KCA-420i driving anyone else crazy? :mad:

Is anyone NOT having this problem?

[Post Op]

Yeah it's a bug. Just reset your ipod by holding the menu and play/pause buttons at the same time and all will be well.

[Arnolfini]

Originally posted by Stingrey
I'm having a different problem (aside from the slow scroll, MIX mode turning off when you turn off the car, etc.) from anything anyone else is mentioning... I'm not sure what is going on. The battery on my iPod was dead when I got out of work today (I only work like an 8 hour shift, whether I work all 8 hours is another story ; ) and yet just this morning it had a full charge. Why do I know this? I had my CDA-9835 installed THIS past Saturday and the iPod lost the charge on Monday... I took it out of the car to charge fully using the power brick...

I figured I'd used the iPod outside of the car a bit, so maybe just possibly I killed the battery. I charged it and plugged it back into the car, held the charge just fine the past few days. I even checked after almost every long term park (4 hours or more, i.e. work/sleep) and the battery showed a full charge... Including this morning. I get out of work today, battery is dead. This is just after listening to Foo Fighters (third one by them in a row since MIX was turned off since I turned the car off the night before and it takes about three songs to get to work) and then turning the car off, which turns the Alpine HU off and technically the iPod...

I was glancing at the iPod while this happened, the battery charging indicator stopped and the iPod's display went out like it normally does. I lock the glove box and go to work, get out and no juice. This same iPod if (after it charges this evening) I hit play and have some headphones in it and play it at any volume, it will easily make it through my work day with juice to spare... Somehow I'm getting a pretty good drain on my iPod and I can't figure out why. Called Alpine for suggestions...

They said maybe it is 'cause I have my "HOLD" button enabled on top of the iPod so as to avoid the buttons from activating any functions when it is not in the glove compartment. He said it was just a suggestion (and only since I had mentioned that it was engaged), but other than that, he had no suggestion. Anyone else having a battery die out on them for no good reason? ANY info appreciated if you know anything about someone having a similar issue.

Rey :)

P.S. software 2.2 on iPod, 5.0 (I think?) on the actual h/u.

Hi Rey

I'm having near enough the exact same problem as described above... and I'm 99.9% sure it's to do with temperature. Forgive me if I'm wide of the mark here, but is it cold (ie near or below freezing) where you are at the moment? Do you perhaps leave the car in a garage overnight which keeps everything (relatively) warm, but then have to park outside in the cold while you're at work?

Since installing my KCA-420i my iPod (40Gb 3G) has permanently stayed in my glovebox, with the exception of being taken out for syncing. The battery is fully charged most of the time (as far as I can tell the KCA-420i seems to charge the iPod as it plays?), however if I leave the car outside on a cold night (ie there is ice on the car when I come back to it) the iPod is pretty much dead, and my Alpine HU displays 'no Magzne' when I select the CD changer as music source.

Taking the iPod out and looking at the display i turn it on and the display is really dim (and sometimes has what looks like a line of dead pixels running horizontally across it) - the low battery indicator comes on for a moment and then the iPod shuts down again - no backlight, no nothing. However if I then put the iPod in my pocket for an hour or so to gently warm it up it turns on fine, the dead pixels slowly disappear, and it plays when attached to the KCA-420i once more.

I figure the way around this is to take the iPod with you when you get out of the car (if the car is likely to get very cold). The only problem is that when re-connecting the iPod it doesn't seem to play from where it left off, and you have to go through the (often lengthy) process of finding the song you were on previously. Come summer and I'm guessing it won't be a problem anymore - although it might fry instead!

If you need more info on operating temperatures then check out the apple website or have a search through the forums here - there are probably about a dozen threads relating to how wise it is (or not) to leave iPods in cars. I reckon that with the KCA-420i, a lot more people are going to want to keep their iPods permanently in their cars too....

Just my $0.02

Chris

[mongooSSe]

i'm having the same problem and i also came to the same conclusion...until today. the two times the ipod lost charge, the temperature was very cold (even in the garage). but today, it was abnormally warm for november (it was about 65ish) and the damn thing lost charge. i'm fairly sure the cold will do it but as for today, i'm at a loss. it's about to be exchanged.

[PCBeach]

The bottom line question is, is this worth upgrading a stock HU for? Crutchfield has a sale so a 9830+420I would be around $360. This would be to upgrade a 97 Tahoe stock unit. Thx.

[pjp]

Does anyone know of any other forums or other methods of keeping up with developments at Alpine? I'm holding out hope for a firmware upgrade to fix the issues many have identified in this thread, and I'd like to learn of it as soon as it comes out. Is there a better place to monitor for that type of information than this (not that this is a bad forum of course -- I love iPodlounge; I just want to stay on top of it)?

Also, to those having battery issues with the iPod after taking it out of the car, I'm with you. I haven't been able to narrow it down to anything at all though, unfortunately.

Last, it seems to me when I disconnect the iPod from the 420, the repeat mode on the iPod is active. I never turn that on myself, so it must be the Alpine adapter doing that. Anyone else see this behavior?

PJP

[wilfried]

Originally posted by Stingrey
I'm having a different problem (aside from the slow scroll, MIX mode turning off when you turn off the car, etc.) from anything anyone else is mentioning... I'm not sure what is going on. The battery on my iPod was dead when I got out of work today (I only work like an 8 hour shift, whether I work all 8 hours is another story ; ) and yet just this morning it had a full charge. Why do I know this? I had my CDA-9835 installed THIS past Saturday and the iPod lost the charge on Monday... I took it out of the car to charge fully using the power brick...

I figured I'd used the iPod outside of the car a bit, so maybe just possibly I killed the battery. I charged it and plugged it back into the car, held the charge just fine the past few days. I even checked after almost every long term park (4 hours or more, i.e. work/sleep) and the battery showed a full charge... Including this morning. I get out of work today, battery is dead. This is just after listening to Foo Fighters (third one by them in a row since MIX was turned off since I turned the car off the night before and it takes about three songs to get to work) and then turning the car off, which turns the Alpine HU off and technically the iPod...

I was glancing at the iPod while this happened, the battery charging indicator stopped and the iPod's display went out like it normally does. I lock the glove box and go to work, get out and no juice. This same iPod if (after it charges this evening) I hit play and have some headphones in it and play it at any volume, it will easily make it through my work day with juice to spare... Somehow I'm getting a pretty good drain on my iPod and I can't figure out why. Called Alpine for suggestions...

They said maybe it is 'cause I have my "HOLD" button enabled on top of the iPod so as to avoid the buttons from activating any functions when it is not in the glove compartment. He said it was just a suggestion (and only since I had mentioned that it was engaged), but other than that, he had no suggestion. Anyone else having a battery die out on them for no good reason? ANY info appreciated if you know anything about someone having a similar issue.

Rey :)

P.S. software 2.2 on iPod, 5.0 (I think?) on the actual h/u.

I have the same problem. In my case I know it's not temperature related as I take my iPod in everytime I leave the car.

I thought I was crazy untill last night I made sure the iPod was not running after unplugging it.

As anyone contacted Alpine yet?

It annoys the hell out of me! ;)

[mvillareal]

I am having similar issues with my Apline Interface. First of all, I notice that the iPod display (when plugged into the Alpine Unit) always displays "OK to disconnect" under the Alpine logo. I figured that this was normal since the same display is showing on the iPods in the Alpine catalog and in the Alpine ads.

Secondly, when I disconnect the iPod from the Alpine interface, I find that my iPod wired remote is no longer able to control the volume of the iPod - the scroll wheel still works for volume adjustment, but the wired remote does not. I end up having to reboot the iPod to regain full functionality of the wired remote. My guess is that the Alpine interface when connected to the iPod "takes over" control and is not relinquishing full control when disconnected. This can be seen when you take a rebooted iPod with the shuffle songs option off and plug it into the Alpine interface and set your Alpine head unit to the M.I.X. disc option (which is basically equivalent to the shuffle songs option on the iPod) and you remove the iPod from the Alpine and find that your iPod is now set to shuffle songs.

Does anyone have this issue. Alpine was not able to offer any support stating that it was probably a bug on the "Apple" end of it (which I seriously doubt because I never had the issue prior to using the KCA 420)

[mvillareal]

I am having similar issues with my Alpine Interface. First of all, I notice that the iPod display (when plugged into the Alpine Unit) always displays "OK to disconnect" under the Alpine logo. I figured that this was normal since the same display is showing on the iPods in the Alpine catalog and in the Alpine ads.

Secondly, when I disconnect the iPod from the Alpine interface, I find that my iPod wired remote is no longer able to control the volume of the iPod - the scroll wheel still works for volume adjustment, but the wired remote does not. I end up having to reboot the iPod to regain full functionality of the wired remote. My guess is that the Alpine interface when connected to the iPod "takes over" control and is not relinquishing full control when disconnected. This can be seen when you take a rebooted iPod with the shuffle songs option off and plug it into the Alpine interface and set your Alpine head unit to the M.I.X. disc option (which is basically equivalent to the shuffle songs option on the iPod) and you remove the iPod from the Alpine and find that your iPod is now set to shuffle songs.

Does anyone have this issue. Alpine was not able to offer any support stating that it was probably a bug on the "Apple" end of it (which I seriously doubt because I never had the issue prior to using the KCA 420)

[mvillareal]

I am having similar issues with my Alpine Interface. First of all, I notice that the iPod display (when plugged into the Alpine Unit) always displays "OK to disconnect" under the Alpine logo. I figured that this was normal since the same display is showing on the iPods in the Alpine catalog and in the Alpine ads.

Secondly, when I disconnect the iPod from the Alpine interface, I find that my iPod wired remote is no longer able to control the volume of the iPod - the scroll wheel still works for volume adjustment, but the wired remote does not. I end up having to reboot the iPod to regain full functionality of the wired remote. My guess is that the Alpine interface when connected to the iPod "takes over" control and is not relinquishing full control when disconnected. This can be seen when you take a rebooted iPod with the shuffle songs option off and plug it into the Alpine interface and set your Alpine head unit to the M.I.X. disc option (which is basically equivalent to the shuffle songs option on the iPod) and you remove the iPod from the Alpine and find that your iPod is now set to shuffle songs.

Does anyone have this issue. Alpine was not able to offer any support stating that it was probably a bug on the "Apple" end of it (which I seriously doubt because I never had the issue prior to using the KCA 420)

[Dstylz]

Originally posted by mvillareal
I am having similar issues with my Alpine Interface. First of all, I notice that the iPod display (when plugged into the Alpine Unit) always displays "OK to disconnect" under the Alpine logo. I figured that this was normal since the same display is showing on the iPods in the Alpine catalog and in the Alpine ads.

Secondly, when I disconnect the iPod from the Alpine interface, I find that my iPod wired remote is no longer able to control the volume of the iPod - the scroll wheel still works for volume adjustment, but the wired remote does not. I end up having to reboot the iPod to regain full functionality of the wired remote. My guess is that the Alpine interface when connected to the iPod "takes over" control and is not relinquishing full control when disconnected. This can be seen when you take a rebooted iPod with the shuffle songs option off and plug it into the Alpine interface and set your Alpine head unit to the M.I.X. disc option (which is basically equivalent to the shuffle songs option on the iPod) and you remove the iPod from the Alpine and find that your iPod is now set to shuffle songs.

Does anyone have this issue. Alpine was not able to offer any support stating that it was probably a bug on the "Apple" end of it (which I seriously doubt because I never had the issue prior to using the KCA 420)

I noticed all these problems as well. Alpine should've done a better job of fixing these little issues before they would've realeased it to the public.

[sbono13]

Originally posted by mvillareal
I am having similar issues with my Alpine Interface. First of all, I notice that the iPod display (when plugged into the Alpine Unit) always displays "OK to disconnect" under the Alpine logo. I figured that this was normal since the same display is showing on the iPods in the Alpine catalog and in the Alpine ads.

This is not a bug... it's a feature. You really CAN disconnect the iPod at any time. Neat thing is that once you do, the iPod is paused in the same song that you were playing in the car, so you can rock on seemlessly. The converse is also true, by the way... when you plug the iPod in, it continues to play the same song in the stereo.

[kpne1home]

I will hopefully be installing my new head-unit (cda-9830) and the KCA-420i tomorrow morning. I can't wait to get it in.

[kpne1home]

Just installed the head-unit this morning. I love it already. No complaints. Scrolling is slow but I use playlists more than anything so it doesnt bother me. It wasnt to hard to install but it was a little confusing.

[cerveza4lu]

So far I haven't had any backlight problems after taking the iPod out of the car, sorry.

[sworlycat]

has anybody with the battery problem tried restoring the ipod??? I love my kca-420i but i'm gonna have to stop using it if its going to kill my battery. I completely chaged my ipod yesterday and it was all the way dead this morning and i only listened to it for 20 minutes last night.

[thejdog]

I've been using the KCA-420i since it first came out and haven't had a battery problem once. It's been just fine! You may just need to send in and have Apple replace the battery.

jDoG

[sworlycat]

what generation and model does everbody have that is having battery issues. I have a 4g 40gb. and i too left it plugged into my car constantly

[thejdog]

Originally posted by sworlycat
what generation and model does everbody have that is having battery issues. I have a 4g 40gb. and i too left it plugged into my car constantly

I have the same - a 4g 40gb

jDoG

[molexir]

Just had my set up installed on Thursday and "I'm lovin' it". Sure the scrolling is slow for searching playlists and tracks within playslist - but still a great ICE solution. And there is no reasons why Alpine can't release a software update in a few months to correct the slow scrolling issue and the over all interface to operate more ipod like or user friendly. Anyways just my 2cdn pesos.

[victimeiced]

ok guys, i have an alpine CDA-7836 head unit with the ai-net port. I was just about to hardwire the ipod with cables and adaptors and whatnot and mount the ipod by my cupholder... but i was just thinking... could i use the kca-420i instead of all the chargers, cables, adaptors.. and just hook it up to the ipod and still mount it? I want to control the music from the ipod still.

Any help/suggestions appreciated!

[LikeAFox]

Hi victimeiced,

When you have the Alpine iPod box installed and connected to your Alpine head unit you cannot control the music from the iPod. It can be controlled only from the head unit controls itself. Hope this helps clarify things for you.

[aussie podder]

I've just installed the KCA-420i to a CDA-9826 head unit .It works great but with over 900 albums on my ipod,I cant seem to read them all as the instruction/user guide says only 511 albums can be searched!Also does anyone know if it's possible to still control the ipod as normal once it's plugged into the connector instead of using the head unit,is there software/freeware to do this?If this can be achieved then this setup would be perfect!!!!

[victimeiced]

thank you LikeAFox, that was exactly what i needed to know.

Aussie Podder- the post above yours says it is not possible to control the ipod once its plugged into the kca-420i. I was hoping i could have used it, since its a single hardwire connection and charger, but it disables the actual ipod controls.

[tayhall7]

I have a 9830 and I just installed 420i. If yor use the EQ's in the Alpine I recommend turning the one off in the iPod itself. I found that the base is not as overwhelming this way with my Kicker sub. The unit works great, a slight learning curve, but I love having every album and song accessible that much easier in my car.

[salparadi]

Issues I've had with the KCA-420. I haven't seen a few of these posted so I wanted to see if my issues were isolated.

1.) Sometimes when I start up my car after connecting the ipod and attempt to turn on the shuffle feature, it continually plays the first song of the first ARTIST "A Tribe called Quest" on my ipod. It will not advance to another random song. Other times, it is the first song in the first ALBUM "() by sigur ros". It will just continue going over and over, even when I use the "next" button to change the track. This will continue until I unplug the ipod and reset it. One thing I notice is that if I browse my ipod before resetting, it appears as if the entire library has been destroyed. I can browse top level "albums, artists" but there are no songs within.

2.) Backlight problem is ridiculous.

3.) On any trip longer than 2 hours of continuous music, I check my ipod and it is extremely hot. Granted I keep it in a single din pocket below my head unit, but it seems very hot compared to listening through headphones. Is the alpine continuously spinning the hard drive? and if so, what kind of effect does that have on hard drive life?

4.) Slow speed of scrolling is unacceptable. With no update of software, I have a hard time wanting to buy alpine again. You would think that with a year of testing they would have ironed these issues out.

5.) Should support sound check. iTunes does, the iPod does, why doesn't the alpine?

6.) Artists/Albums longer than the 8 char limit should scroll while you're browsing. This is one thing that bothers me about the ipod, but why couldnt the alpine do it better? I have several ensemble artist groups that have the same first person but I can't see the remainder.

7.) If I manually select a song on the ipod before attaching it to the Alpine, when a song starts playing, it's always the song FOLLOWING the one i picked. Not a biggie, but annoying, and shoulud have been fixed.

I have a 9830 and a 3rd gen 40gig

Just needed to rant, these problems have been bothering me for months. Especially the disappearing library/repeating song on mix mode problem. Anyone else had this?

Thanks

[noirluispher]

"bump"

[Charlief1975]

I am in the market for an alpine unit and the adapter for my Mini cooper and was wondering if anyone has some pictures of the system working, with song names and all that stuff in the HU.

Thanks.

[Charlief1975]

I am in the market for an alpine unit and the adapter for my Mini cooper and was wondering if anyone has some pictures of the system working, with song names and all that stuff in the HU.

Thanks.

[Charlief1975]

I am in the market for an alpine unit and the adapter for my Mini cooper and was wondering if anyone has some pictures of the system working, with song names and all that stuff in the HU.

Thanks.

[Charlief1975]

I am in the market for an alpine unit and the adapter for my Mini cooper and was wondering if anyone has some pictures of the system working, with song names and all that stuff in the HU.

Thanks.

[LikeAFox]

Do you want pictures of it in the Mini Cooper, or any car?

[Charlief1975]

any car...just want to see some REAL pictures, not the demo from Alpine.

[ninjavshippo]

could someone help me w/ this concept.. it sounds too cool to be true..

if i want to control the ipod, USING THE IPOD ITSELF, i don't need the kca-420i to get it into any HU w/ an aux? would i have to use the line out instead of the dock?

my situation is i'm trying to get a semi-affordable hardwiring solution. if i get an HU w/ an aux/line in on the back, and hook the ipod to it and route that to my center console, i'm hoping to improve my sound quality up from the tape adapter i'm using now... would this work?

[Deus]

Seems like people knwo what they are talking about here. I have a 97 Diamante with stock stereo. Can I get a decent stereo with iPOD interface for $300?

I am currently using the iTrip and want a hardwaired solution

[ggchamber]

I hate to be a party pooper, but I am not sure how big of a fan I am of the KCA-420 Alpine Adapter. Don't get me wrong the sound quality is great. But the dial takes forever to select an artest that begins with something in the middle of the alphabit. I cliped my 40 gig iPod music selection to 7 gigs and it really just makes you want to listen to a playlist. But if all you can listen to is a playlist, why not just burn a playlist onto a CD? This is just my opinion, but be warned don't expect to navigate about 10 gigs of music very effectivly with the alpine adapter.

[ninjavshippo]

ggchamber: i'm with you. if the navigation is as slow as everyone says it is, i'm going to wait to see if a 2k5 alpine HU fixes this problem...

[LikeAFox]

I agree that the interface isn't great for selecting artists or albums, but it works great for playlists. I know it may sound like too much work for something that's supposed to work in the first place, but what I do when I want to listen to a specific album is unplug the iPod, select the album on the iPod, and then plug it back into the head unit with the album playing. This works very well and takes a FRACTION of the time that selecting it on the head unit would take. I will post some more pictures later, but here is one that I have posted already to get you started.

http://www.pbase.com/scottsil/image/38836706/large.jpg

[ninjavshippo]

talked to an alpine person over the phone today and they told me the 2k5 HUs don't improve any on the slow navigation. the navigation speed is limited by the kca-420i, not any HU in particular... so it is what it is for now...

[rmbracalente]

I am also having the battery discrhage problem. I called Alpine about it, and of course they didn't know anything about it. Has anyone else gotten any traction with Alpine on this issue?

I've seen a couple of people make reference to Alpine possibly providing firmware updates for the kca-420i. I'm not sure that there's anyway to upgrade the firmware...as far as I can tell there's no way to directly gain access to the unit.

How do we convince Alpine that this is a real problem?

[Post Op]

My guess on accessing the unit if there is EVER a firmware upgrade for the KCA 420i is that you would have to burn the firmware upgrade files to a cd-r or cd-rw and insert it in the head unit and push whatever succession of keys to upload the new firmware. I don't even know if it's possible. Another option would be to bring it to an authorized dealer for onsite upgrade or send it to Alpine for the upgrade. All of this is just pure speculation at this point.

[THX]

hmmm my impression was that the head unit was the component that needed the firmware upgrade. The kca-420i can see all the songs and artists on your ipod but the head unit only thinks a cd changer can be hooked to the Ai-Net adapter.

We'll see what is the case when the '05 models come out in Feb-April. If the 255 barrier is still there then it looks like the kca is the culprit. If Alpine makes us buy a whole new adapter for full compatability I'm gonna burn down Initech.

[ninjavshippo]

as stated in my previous post, NOTHING will change with the '05 models. the problem is with the kca-420i, not the head units...

if you're not happy with it as is, then there's not much that can be done. i doubt there will be any way to flash the firmware on either, since this type of electronics is quite dispensible and they replace old models on a yearly basis.

best to wait for the kca-420i's next of kin, IMO

[THX]

Well Pioneer's digital connection is looking better and better...

edit- hmm it looks like all manufacturers are exhibing the same problem with the ipod. link (http://www.ipodlounge.com/forums/showthread.php?s=&threadid=66890&perpage=15&pagenumber=2)

[bvm23]

Originally posted by salparadi
6.) Artists/Albums longer than the 8 char limit should scroll while you're browsing. This is one thing that bothers me about the ipod, but why couldnt the alpine do it better? I suspect this is a function of your head unit, not the kca-420i. On my CDA-9825, scrolling of title/artist/album was originally off by default, but I read the manual thoroughly and found a way to turn it on. Perhaps your unit has some obscure command for this as well.

[apg]

Does the 9851 have a weather band? This would be the only feature I would be giving up [that I actually use] from my OE HU.

[TheBum]

Nope. Just AM and FM.

[ZhaoYun]

After reading 10 pages of this thread, it seems that no one experience the problem I am having now :-

1. I switch off my 9835 and disconnect my Ipod Mini, the Ipod is in paused mode but it stays there. It does not turn off by itself, but it is not hang either.

2. From time to time, it will "lost" connection to the Ipod, music stop playing and the "Alpine" logon on Ipod gone missing. I will have to press the "play" button on my Ipod to resume playing music. Any key on the HU won't work.

3. If you turn off your ignition and leave your iPod remain connected, it won't stop playing and result in a flat battery.

Anyone experience the above ? I reformat my mini and still the same.

Issue No. 2 is what I can't accept, I mean how can I keep on opening the casing and press the resume button while I am driving ?

Thank you.

[tenbears10]

Has anyone tried a Nano with their KCA-420i yet?

[TheBum]

Originally posted by tenbears10
Has anyone tried a Nano with their KCA-420i yet?

This subject needs to be a new thread. I'll start it since I'm interested in potential improvements in scrolling speed due to the near-instantaneous access afforded by the flash memory.

[Jerome]

Another KCA-420i user here.

Last weekend I had the chance to get a CDA-9855 installed with a KCA-420i...

It has its limitations, but I am content.

PROS
- Most importantly, the sound quality has dramatically improved over my current factory setup. (2005 Toyota MR2 Spyder)

- The display is great.

- There is no lag time between songs. (At least no noticeable lag time - half a second at most? quarter of a second? I'll have to double check.)

- The remote control works well to control: play, pause, next, previous, volume up, volume down, mute. Again, no lag.

- ID3 tag scrolling is a plus.

- Charges my iPod.

- (Off topic, but the 9855 is a great HU IMO.)

CONS

- Navigation. Of course it isn't the greatest. I have over 500 albums and searching through it is certainly no picnic. Playlists are in order for this one.

- Content limitations. Trying to play my entire iPod through the "Playlist Search" will only net 255 songs.

Trying to play my entire iPod through the "Album Search" will play all (at the present time 502 Albums - 7816 Tracks)

(At least to my knowledge, since I have yet to push the 5XX limit)

Which will soon to be discovered.

- ID3 display. Although nice, it only shows Album + Song Name or Artist + Album... but not Artist + Song Name :confused:

Was really surprised.

But I can live with it.

- When HU has the iPod on "M.I.X." (random), the HU can't search for other playlists/songs/albums unless "M.I.X." is off.

Other than that, I'm pleased with the results.

Hoped to make this a simple and unbiased review.

I'm sure I'll post more once I get a little more handle time with it.

Jerome

[moondog]

hey, does anybody else share this problem? my backlight no longer works by holding down the menu button for three seconds! the backlight does work however when you go into the menu options and turn it on manually. in fact holding down the menu button now resets the contrast value back to center instead of turning on the backlight. i recently updated the ipod software and the backlight problem was fixed. i was so happy until i plugged it back into the KCA-420i and now the problem is back. Am i the only one that has this problem?

[TheBum]

It happens to me occasionally and all it takes to fix it is a reset of the iPod. The following URL will take you to the Apple support page that describes how to reset an iPod: http://docs.info.apple.com/article.html?artnum=61705

[tenchi950]

i have one for sale. Everything included in box.

tenchi950@hotmail.com

[zrutl1818]

Can u still control the music from the ipod? or do you have to do it from the head unit?

[rocinante]

Originally posted by Jerome


- When HU has the iPod on "M.I.X." (random), the HU can't search for other playlists/songs/albums unless "M.I.X." is off.

Jerome [/B]

I also just installed a 9855 with the iPod adapter, and this one is bugging me more than anything. For example, I'd like to get in the car and randomly select an album from a particular playlist. I cannot select the playlist unless I turn MIX off. When I select the playlist, it automatically starts playing the first song. Then I turn MIX Album on, and it keeps playing the first album. If I want a _random_ album, I have to skip through the first one.

I found a work-around, where I just skip back to before the first song, then skip forward again. Then I get a random album. But it is still a pain.

[Jerome]

Originally posted by rocinante
I also just installed a 9855 with the iPod adapter, and this one is bugging me more than anything. For example, I'd like to get in the car and randomly select an album from a particular playlist. I cannot select the playlist unless I turn MIX off. When I select the playlist, it automatically starts playing the first song. Then I turn MIX Album on, and it keeps playing the first album. If I want a _random_ album, I have to skip through the first one.

I found a work-around, where I just skip back to before the first song, then skip forward again. Then I get a random album. But it is still a pain.

Wow, I never really messed with the "MIX Album" - I just do "MIX All" and leave it at that.

(Another thing that gripes me is having to turn MIX on every time I start my car.) :p

[PaRaGoNViCtiM]

I have the CDA-9851 and the iPod Interface! It's amazing!! But mine also only displays 1 line of text. You guys that have the Alpine Head Units that display 2 lines of text...can you post some pics of it on???
Thanks!!