Ultimate iPod adaptor and 10Min install
 

I just finished installing the American International Neucleus NC-X2i in my 2006 H2. After much research I found this little gem that you could install in less than 10 minutes. With full Text and iPod function over the iPod using the radio and steering wheel controls. There are no special labels that you need for the play list like on other units out there you can also use the iPods controls as well. This is not some poor quality RF solution either. This is a high sound quality wired in pre amp level adapter. As a bonus you also get an auxiliary input that you can hook up your DVD sound to or other pre amp source to.

This write up will show the installation on a H2 with Nav and XM. This install is the same for the single and 6 disk in dash as well. Read the install instructions that come with the Neucleus NC-X2i and the NC-GM32T harness. I have no affiliation with American International and I?m sharing the install experience that I had. Do this at your own risk.

The only parts that you well need are the Neucleus NC-X2i and the NC-GM32T harness. You will also need a few zip ties.
Attachment 36691

I will now go into the details of this quick install. You will need only one tool for this a 9/32 socket to remove the three screws at the bottom of the glove box. Start out by removing the three screws at the bottom of the glove box. You will find the XM unit right behind the glove box.
Attachment 36692

Here is the XM unit. You need to remove the top plug buy first pulling out the blue clip about 1/8?on the plug and then push the little locking lever down while pulling the plug out.

Attachment 36695

Using the NC-GM32T harness, take the plug that you just removed from the XM unit and plug it into the harness. Now plug the harness into the XM unit.
Attachment 36694

It should now look like this.
Attachment 36696

What I did was wrap the Neucleus NC-X2i in a piece of foam like this.
Attachment 36693

Next plug the Neucleus NC-X2i into the harness. Route the iPod cord to were you want the iPod to be. I mounted my iPod in the left side of the glove box you may want it to be somewhere else. Now plug the iPod cord into the Neucleus NC-X2iIt will look something like this.
Attachment 36697

Now tuck the Neucleus NC-X2i and its cords away like this. IMPORTANT turn on your radio but don?t touch the radio controls for a few minutes while the radio learns the Neucleus NC-X2i.
Attachment 36698

While your waiting reinstall the glove box. Plug in your iPod.
Attachment 36700

That is all that there is to it. By using the preset button #1 you can now toggle between iPod, Aux in and XM mode.
Attachment 36701
Attachment 36702
Attachment 36703

I used three different iPods a 15gig 3G, 60 gig 5G video and a 4gig Nano. They all worked well I did note that the older 3G was a little slower (a small delay when changing songs using the radios controls) than the two newer iPods. I did talk to American Internationals customer service and they were a very helpful and knew there product. I don?t think that there is a better solution at this time for this application. I will be posting update to this as needed.

As far as I know this is the same install for most GM SUV?s and trucks.

I hope this has helped some of you H2 owners.:)

Attachment 36733

Re: Ultimate iPod adaptor and 10Min install
 

nice post! i've been debating on which of the "several" units out there i was going to use...

i'm ordering my NC-X2i today for my h2.

geno

Re: Ultimate iPod adaptor and 10Min install
 

One question does the adapter unit charge your ipod while you use it also?
Thanks
:D

Re: Ultimate iPod adaptor and 10Min install
 

Yes it does charge your iPod and turns off after about 20 min. when you remove your key and open yor door.

Re: Ultimate iPod adaptor and 10Min install
 

That was a great review on your install. Although mine has already been done (through an installer) it is nice to learn more information. I now know where the original XM box is located etc.... Great pics too.

:perfect10s:

Re: Ultimate iPod adaptor and 10Min install
 

I have a Nav, but no XM unit. Will it still work?

Re: Ultimate iPod adaptor and 10Min install
 

Cost of the unit? And, if you don't have XM, is the module still there?

Re: Ultimate iPod adaptor and 10Min install
 

Genob, Gunzz,
Thanks, I hope it helps out. When I was first looking to see what was out there I found others products that would work but there install required a relay if you wanted to keep your XM or you needed to cut into you factory wiring harness. This product made since.

As far as not having XM, there is a harness for that application as well the part # for that is NC-GM31T but I believe that the installation is different. I think that you need to get behind the head unit to plug it in. But I’m not sure.

As far as cost I have found them for $150 - $200 just make sure that you get it from a dealer that keeps newer stock so you get the more updated firmware in the unit. I found some dealers that had older units in stock. You might tell your dealer to order you a new one.

I will try to put a list of dealers that are good to go with that have current stock. I will see if A.I. can get me a few names.

Re: Ultimate iPod adaptor and 10Min install
 

I would be interested in getting one of these. I've been waiting for a good alternative to the DLO transpod. If you get a list of dealers please post.

Re: Ultimate iPod adaptor and 10Min install
 

A.I. has advised me that the best place to get them online is at:

http://www.logjamelectronics.com/neucncx2i.html

For $189

But this dealer always has the latest firmware.

I drove out to A.I. today (120mi) to get my unit updated with the latest firmware. It was worth it the new update is much better and fastest, there is better and more info on screen. The guys at A.I. were a great help.If you need help give Victor or Keith a call at there tech support.

http://www.americaninternational.net...sp?SubCatID=70

Re: Ultimate iPod adaptor and 10Min install
 

Nice write up, thanks:beerchug: Where can I get the foam from? Does the IPOD video show on the nav? Does it interfer with Onstar?

Re: Ultimate iPod adaptor and 10Min install
 

The foam that I used I had lying around my shop. You can get a piece of hi density foam from an upholstery shop. The video would work if I put in the video input kit for the nav. It works with the rear seat monitors. I will be moving the iPod to the center console. One nice thing about the adapter is that you can toggle between iPod controls and head unit controls right on the head unit. I've had no problems with the OnStar.

Re: Ultimate iPod adaptor and 10Min install
 

How do you flip through the songs on your IPOD? Can you pick by artist or album on the Nav screen? Are you only able to pick playlists? Just curious how the controls work.

Re: Ultimate iPod adaptor and 10Min install
 

Can you pick by artist or album on the Nav screen?"


Yes you can pick artist or album + more using the Nav screen.

Re: Ultimate iPod adaptor and 10Min install
 

Is there a limit to the number of albums/artists/playlists that can be viewed? I had heard that most of the earlier kits had a flaw which limited the number of items to 32.

Thanks for the info and the pics.

Re: Ultimate iPod adaptor and 10Min install
 

I have found no limit. I do know that the newer firmware fix all the problem that I had found. My firmware was about a year old and 8-10 ver. old as far as firmware. I was told that all bugs were fixed and the last few updates were for fixes for the new Vett.

Re: Ultimate iPod adaptor and 10Min install
 

Re: Ultimate iPod adaptor and 10Min install
 

Very cool post, you really hit the need there. I want to buy one, but want to make sure I get one with the right firmware updates. Is there a certain ver # I should look for? Is the one on ebay the right version?

Re: Ultimate iPod adaptor and 10Min install
 

Are you able to listen to iPod music and run the navigation system at the same time?

Re: Ultimate iPod adaptor and 10Min install
 

I was told by A.I. that the only online dealer that they support is the one that I posted earlier. I got mine from an online dealer that was not supported. I was going to return it but A.I. knew that I was going to write up my install and they said not to return it and they would hook me up with the newer firmware. I forgot to mention that I bought one from two different online dealers both sold me very old versions. And that is why A.I. won’t support them. Apparently when a distributor goes out of business the stock sit around and get sold off at cents on the dollar. And we get to find all these great bargains. Not so great if you were me getting two Ver.4-55-008, when the new version is 5-30-00. A lot of bugs were fixed in that time frame. So I would say buy from other online dealers at you own risk. It also good to know that the last few update were made for the new vetts so if you find one in the VER 5.0 range there just as good.


Yes you can use the Nav and the iPod at the same time. And if your on your Nav screen and the song changes or you change the song a small banner pops up and shows you the artist, song and track number.
:dancingbanana:

Re: Ultimate iPod adaptor and 10Min install
 

Thanks for the info.

I spoke with A.I. today, and they confirmed: you need version 5.3 or higher. They do put a label on the unit showing the version, although it may not be visible until you open the package.

I agree with you, bargain hunting, and possibly ending up with an older firmware version, is NOT the way to go.

I have 2 units on the way with the latest firmware.

Re: Ultimate iPod adaptor and 10Min install
 

We just installed a couple of these today @ local chevy dealer and they do work well. If you don't have xm, the readio will need to come out to access that plug. No video output on this unit.

Re: Ultimate iPod adaptor and 10Min install
 

Video output for the IPOD video would be nice addition.

Re: Ultimate iPod adaptor and 10Min install
 

Nice write up. I haven't checked out their web site yet, but do you know offhand if it would work with a Panasonic Z1 Nav unit?

Re: Ultimate iPod adaptor and 10Min install
 

I just installed the Nucleus NC-X2i last night in my 2007 H2 (NAV/XM). Thanks to vlxjim, it was a breeze. It took me 15 minutes (as I was working in the garage at night).

Review:

1) The sound is perfect for the music, however, I am getting a lot of backround "white noise" when using Onstar. I will be calling AI today for advice.

2) The iPod is fully controllable via the NAV screen, but "scrolling" is a bit tedious as it is slower to scroll than on the native iPod. But again, fully functional!

3) The Nucleus unit that I got (sealed package) had instructions for installation, but no instructions for use. In doing some research, I realized that this is essentially the same unit at the Peripheral PXDPGMT and the website at www.peripheralelectronics.com had a downloadable instruction manual.

4) Controlling the unit via the NAV screen is a bit confusing, because you are using the six XM preset buttons (which may have labels of preset XM stations), but you are using them as Button #1/#2/#3/#4/#5/#6 and you need to memorize what function each button has. Having said that, it's not rocket science and once you memorize what each button does, you can fully control the ipod.

5) Best of all, it is a quick installation and no damage to the original wiring. Thus if you have a problem or don't like it, or a better solution comes along in the future, you will be able to uninstall or switch out in a breeze.

6) I did not use vlxjim's foam and wrap method. I was able to securely tuck the ipod adapter unit and wiring into the plastic housing BELOW the glovebox.

Thanks again vlxjim.

Re: Ultimate iPod adaptor and 10Min install
 

Correction:

The instructions for the Nucleus unit WERE included. They were in the package for the HARNESS (not the package with the actual unit).

I just found them.

Re: Ultimate iPod adaptor and 10Min install
 

"Nice write up. I haven't checked out their web site yet, but do you know offhand if it would work with a Panasonic Z1 Nav unit?"

It will only work with OEM radios. :(

LV H2,

Congrats on the install I think that you may be the first confirmed install that used this post.:clapping: :beerchug: :clapping:

What iPod did you use? As I said before some iPod were faster than others. I was not going to leave my 60gig 5G video ipod in the H2. So I got a 30gig 5G video iPod for the H2 now and it is much faster than my older 15gig 3G iPod. The Nano was fast to but its only 4gig. There not as fast as the iPods controls but as fast if not faster than a cd changer. That was my goal to have music and nav at the same time. And the iPod was a better way to go over the cd changer. I may move the iPod to the center console so I can better use of the manual mode.

"The instructions for the Nucleus unit WERE included. They were in the package for the HARNESS (not the package with the actual unit)."

They include the instruction with the harness because the harness determines what car and radio you need instruction for.

Great find on the Peripheral PXDPGMT it looks to be the same as the X2i. A good second source.

:jump:

Re: Ultimate iPod adaptor and 10Min install
 

I am using a 30Gig iPod that I have dedicated for use in the H2. I wonder if the "scroll speed" is related to the iPod capacity, or just the iPod used space.

I gather from the fact that you are going to move the iPod from glove box to center console that the on screen (NAV) scrolling is not exactly to your liking either. I will probably move to the center console as well. All in all though, a very good solution to those who want iPod integration on the H2.

I still do have the issue with increased "white noise" on the Onstar system. I spoke with A.I. today and he recommended tryng the extra harness piece included for those with CD changers or factory installed rear entertainment. This extra harness piece functions to reduct noise for those 2 circumstances. I will try it for the Onstar noise.

Re: Ultimate iPod adaptor and 10Min install
 

Is your 30 gig iPod a new 5G or the old style? It makes a difference. I?m fine with the speed of the Nav controls. I can tell you that the older firmware and the older iPod it was slow, with the new firmware the older iPod is faster and the newer iPods less than 1 1/2 years old are faster yet.

I would some times like to use the iPod controls, I do have about 8.5 gigs of music and 18gigs of videos and the iPod plugs in to my DVD rear ent. system. So I will be able to start and fast forward movies and look at the iPod display to.

The extra harness was for applications that had a CD changer.
But I was told that the extra harness would also help with the noise if I had any. So far I have no noise. Let me know if that extra harness helps out any. Also see if it lowers the sound quality of the iPod any. You might try to move the X2i around it could be picking up some interference from something close by. The data wire on these dam GM?s are not shielded.

Good luck. :beerchug:

Re: Ultimate iPod adaptor and 10Min install
 

30 GB iPod is brand new.

I had the same idea of moving the iPod adapter around a bit to see if I could get rid of the Onstar interference. Maybe I will switch over to your foam and wrap technique :)

If not, I will try the extra harness adapter.

Take Care.:beerchug:

Re: Ultimate iPod adaptor and 10Min install
 

I'm real close to purchasing one of these. I have a 5g 60GB Ipod that is almost full of music. Will I be able to browse by artist fairly easily/quickly? Is there a delay between each artist? Just wondering how long it would take me to browse through 50 or so artists. Don't want to spend $200 if I can't easily select my music. I usually browse by artist and then pick from there. Any insight you guys can give me would be appreciated.

Re: Ultimate iPod adaptor and 10Min install
 

It browses artist find at about 1/4 to 1/2 sec per click of the knob. You can still use the iPod controls as well which is faster you can zip through long list with the Ipod controls. And once you get there you can use the radio controls. Or you can do what I did which is make up four play list that split up artist like (Artist 0-H / Artist I-P) and so on. It makes it much easer to go through.

Hope this helps.

Re: Ultimate iPod adaptor and 10Min install
 

Thanks for the quick reply. That is a good idea about creating playlists dividing the letters. I'm going to move forward and order one of these this week. Thanks for all the info.

Re: Ultimate iPod adaptor and 10Min install
 

I'm curious as to why you did not put install the unit in place of the CD changer? I have a usaSpec that plugs into the changer cable and brings the Ipod up on the nav screen as the CD Changer with 6 99 song play lists. Will this unit install in the changer position instead of messing with my XM?

Re: Ultimate iPod adaptor and 10Min install
 

“I'm curious as to why you did not put install the unit in place of the CD changer? I have a usaSpec that plugs into the changer cable and brings the Ipod up on the nav screen as the CD Changer with 6 99 song play lists. Will this unit install in the changer position instead of messing with my XM?”

USASpec was the one that I first looked at but it did not offer the same advantage that the X2i offers. First anyone can install it and it only takes 10 min. Second you do not have to cut the stock wiring harness if you have stock XM. Third it does more than the USAspec there is no need for switches. The X2i gives you full Nav control of the iPod with the push of a button full front of your iPod control. There is NO LIMIT on the number or name of the play list and as many song as you what. I have 22 play list most with well over 100 songs and a few with over 1000 songs. And the X2i has no problem playing them, displaying the name of the play list, artist, song and track number. You can select the XM, Ipod or AUX input and the nav display show which mode your in. I can still use a CD changer as well.

:jump:

Re: Ultimate iPod adaptor and 10Min install
 

Absolutely! A much better unit when it comes to functionality and no cutting/splicing of any wires. You can remove the unit in 5 minutes, or replace it in the future.

In fact, after installation of my unit, I was hearing more backround "white noise" using Onstar. I removed the unit, going back to the original configuration of the truck. Turns out my new H2 just has slightly more backround noise with Onstar than my 2004 or 2005 H2. It had nothing to do with the Nucleus unit. I have re-installed the Nucleus X2i.

I would like to move the location fron the glovebox to the center console, as this would allow you to use manual (control via the iPod) or automatic (control via the NAV screen) modes. I removed the center console insert, but I couldn't get the ipod adapter wire threaded through the rest of the center console easily. It can be done, I just didn't have a fish tape or other threading device handy and I was pressed for time.

In answer to hummer.dad, I think this is the best unit out there and the install and sound are great. I still find scrolling from the iPod to be a better interface than scrolling via the NAV screen. Even manually scrolling from the iPod beats fumbling around for the next CD, plus you can have your whole music library in the palm of your hand. Overall, I am very happy with the unit.

Re: Ultimate iPod adaptor and 10Min install
 

:jump: :iagree: :iagree: :iagree: :jump:

Re: Ultimate iPod adaptor and 10Min install
 

Thanks guys, I was not knocking the unit or trying to start trouble? The unit I have from usaSpec required no cutting or splicing It came with a harness that plugged in line with the existing stereo harness, and a Coax runs from there to the usaspec adapter. In fact I can plug this cord into the adapter or CdChanger and the head unit does not know the difference? With my Ipod I push the CD button on the Touch Nav unit and my Ipod comes on. Do any of you know if this unit can be installed in the same way? i.e. in place of the CD Changer and retain all its features that are superior to the usaSpec unit? I'm going to call the manufacturer tomorrow. :beerchug:

Re: Ultimate iPod adaptor and 10Min install
 

I received my unit today from Logjam Electronics( i guess i can say the name), Install took me about 15 minutes and i find that it works great so far. I only had 10 minutes after install to play with it but the major issue i found is not with the unit but that I have so many songs it takes forever to scroll through them all. Somebody mentioned here earlier that it would be better to make playlists and I agree 100%. As far as the scroll speed that was mentioned earlier in the post I have no problem at all and scrolls just fine I used a 30gig video ipod. The sound is awesome and sounds better than the radio itself and I am definetly not a stereo person but this was simple plug and play and I found it was worth every penny so far to have all my songs at my fingertips and not have any wires or an adapter plugged into the cigarette lighter. Thanks for posting this as I am sure I would have never done this without your post.
:jump:

Re: Ultimate iPod adaptor and 10Min install
 

Congratulations on the install :)

I think the unit works great and sounds great too. I also agree on the scrolling, even though it is all up there on the NAV screen to see and to scroll through, the original iPod scrolling is better. (I guess that's why they sold a zillion iPods!).

I will be moving mine from glove box to center console so that I can scroll for albums on the iPod (in manual mode), then switch to auto mode a view/scroll from the Nav screen for minor scrolling between songs.

Thanks again to vlxjim for showing us the install. :beerchug: