iPod integration just installed on my H3

[TorontoJeff]

Hello
First time H3 poster here
My H3 is getting Ipod integrated this week. They are attaching it to the 6 disc changer port at the rear of the radio (i intentionally got the basic stereo to have the changer port free). This will be combined with a GM cable to connect to the ipod, a mounting bracket and an aftermarket Ipod dock that will screw into the mounting bracket.
I will control the Ipod right from the Ipod (as opposed to using playlists on the 6 presets). It will mount just to the right of the steering wheel. I am also (at a later date) going to install the Sirius Satellite radio unit, which I will be able to switch back and forth between the Ipod by simply removing one small plug and plugging into the other device.
By the way, you push the "CD" button a second time to access the Ipod that is hooked up to the 6 disc changer port.
If anyone is curious, I will report back later in the week.
Jeff

[TorontoJeff]

The difference is that this doesnt use FM transmission, but plugs directly into the digital output at the bottom of the ipod.

this is the best thing ive done to my H3 so far!!

So here's the result (photos to come). Im going to explain it in detail to make sure that people understand, my apologies to those who understand the setup already:

I ordered 3 parts:
1. the DLO Transpod Direct - this is a docking cradle that charges the unit and also hold it on the dashboard.
2. the cable that connects the ipod to the auxillary jack behind the factory radio
3. A mounting bracket that attaches to the dash and let's you screw the Transpod into it.

It turned out that the H3 mounting bracket wasnt out yet, so the audio store I was at made one for me which screws into the glove compartment. I believe that if you dont mind screwing the Transpod directly into the dash, then you dont need the mounting bracket.

So right now the Transpod is mounted between the glove compartment and the factory stereo, and has a wire that goes into the dash (and into the auxillary port in the radio)

I push the "band" button repeatedly until eventually a number "1" comes up on the diplay, and that is the station for my Ipod (dont get it confused with FM transmitter, because it isnt being broadcast to a radio station. The #1 is the auxillary input)

The sound is fantastic, i control the Ipod from the Ipod itself, it is easy to access.

In addition, there is a small plug, the size of a headphone plug, that plugs into the Transpod, so if I want to add an aftermarket satellite radio unit, I can mount it near the Transpod, and simply switch that plug between devices.

Any questions, ask away

[Hummer4Life]

<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-title">quote:</div><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-content">Originally posted by TorontoJeff:
<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-title">quote:</div><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-content">Originally posted by Hummer4Life:
So let me make sure I understand. The iPod sits in the DLO Transpod, communicating via the pin-connector at the bottom of the iPod. The DLO Transpod has a mini cable running from it to the AUX input on the stereo, and a power cable running to the outlet on the car. Is this correct?
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</div></BLOCKQUOTE>Originally posted by TorontoJeff:
The difference is that this doesnt use FM transmission...... </div></BLOCKQUOTE>
------------------------------------------------[/quote]

all is correct, except that there is no power cable running to the outlet. It must get powered from the AUX jack of the stereo. it does have a mini cable as well as one other cable running from the DLO to behind the dash.[/quote]



I bet the mini plug running from the DLO is actually sending the sound to the stereo, not the pin connector on the bottom of the iPod that is sitting in the DLO. The pin connector feed is probably only supplying the power, thus the sound is basically coming from a headphone type connection instead of a pure pin-connector feed, so it doesn't sound quite as good as if it were purely coming from the pin-connector, still much better than FM modulation, but probably equal to using the headphone jack on top of the iPod. Try it. Disconnect the mini-plug from the DLO and see if you hear anything. Then plug the mini plug into the headphone jack of the iPod. See if it sounds any better than that plug being plugged into the DLO. Let us know.

[gchurchill]

so who sells this soundgate adaptor for the wiring harness? THAT is what I am looking for!! I have an inline thru the FM and it totally blows. i have been TRYIN to wait for something that powers it, and allows you to switch artists/songs while it just chills in the glove compartment...i dunno how long that will be...

[killian]

I'm not sure what all the fuss is about, I had an FM modulator installed in one of my work vans with a Monster Cable coming out from under the dash. I could plug in my iPod, select a preset station on my stock GM stereo and the tunes came through crystal clear. It worked far better than the iTrip and it was cheap to install. I'm having the same thing done to my H3 next week.

[TorontoJeff]

<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-title">quote:</div><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-content">Originally posted by Hummer4Life:
So let me make sure I understand. The iPod sits in the DLO Transpod, communicating via the pin-connector at the bottom of the iPod. The DLO Transpod has a mini cable running from it to the AUX input on the stereo, and a power cable running to the outlet on the car. Is this correct?
-----------------------------------------------
</div></BLOCKQUOTE>Originally posted by TorontoJeff:
The difference is that this doesnt use FM transmission......[/quote]
------------------------------------------------[/quote]

all is correct, except that there is no power cable running to the outlet. It must get powered from the AUX jack of the stereo. it does have a mini cable as well as one other cable running from the DLO to behind the dash.

[poul]

For those of you who have a stock stereo and want to upgrade, I can highly recommend these two I just helped to install to my friends:
JVC KD-AVX1 – has small built-in screen, connected it to rearview camera on my friend’s 4runner; also can play MP3s from DVD-R, so you can record 4GB worth of music and just put it in your dash. Has optional AUX input to connect iPod, but why would you need it with 4GB disk? great sound! Installed it with Polk Audio speakers and DIY subwoofer.

Pioneer DEH-P9600MP – plays MP3s from CD (not DVD), plays DVDs, has compatible with Pioneer's iPod interface adapter – you control iPod like it’s a CD changer, using stereo controls; lots of adjustments and customizations, absolutely greatest sound I’ve heard so far after I adjusted all the parameters. Installed it on friend’s Audi with Focal speakers (had to rip off stupid Bose system), now he’s in sound heaven.

Pioneer AVIC-D1 – navigation, rear camera view (no DVD playback). The rest is same as for DEH-P9600MP. Installation is not easy, don’t DIY unless you know what you’re doing. Installed it with Pioneer GEX-P10XMT XM NavTraffic Satellite Radio, it gives you real-time info on traffic, neat!

[Sharkster]

<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-title">quote:</div><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-content">Originally posted by cmeinck:
I have the Monsoon system with 6 CD changer. I brought my H3 to a local car audio installer on Tuesday. He connected the iPod through the AUX input on the back. He used a brand called SoundGate. Anyway, there is a wire that comes up through my middle armrest. No drilling what so ever. There is extra cable, so I can connect my iPod -- select my songs, leave it in the cup holder or put it away to keep things neat. </div></BLOCKQUOTE>So... there actually IS an AUX stereo in on the factory unit with the 6-CD changer? I have the same unit and your solution sounds very clean. I just thought that the 6-CD changer units do NOT have an AUX-in? I'm confused... Is that like an extra cable coming from the unit, but going to nowhere, where you put in your iPod? Or am I just to stupid to understand how it could be done?

[cmeinck]

<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-title">quote:</div><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-content">H3 Hummer.....Alpine w/the ipod in the glove compartment,,,,is the way to go...scroll up to see my set up!!!!!!!!!!!! </div></BLOCKQUOTE>


What does an Alpine like that cost? What's the model number? I'd be curious to see a photo of what it looks like in daylight.

[DeLeon]

Thanks for the post Angela, and welcome to the forum! please post some pics when you can!