What's the best iPod Interface with full functionality?

[Darren]

Guys,

I want to put an iPod interface to connect up to my 06 SUT's Nav Head unit.

What is the best unit on the market currently - I particularly want to ensure the screen will display all the iPod functionality (because I've heard some don't)

Also for you experts out there - what's the best way to connect a reversing camera up to the existing NAV screen??..and how do I make it come on when I put the truck in Reverse??

Thanks!!!

[Boar-Ral]

Originally Posted by Darren

Guys,

I want to put an iPod interface to connect up to my 06 SUT's Nav Head unit.

What is the best unit on the market currently - I particularly want to ensure the screen will display all the iPod functionality (because I've heard some don't)

Also for you experts out there - what's the best way to connect a reversing camera up to the existing NAV screen??..and how do I make it come on when I put the truck in Reverse??

Thanks!!!

There will be others with a lot more knowledge about the iPod interface.* I am interested in that, too, especially if it is possible to dump track titles, etc. to the headunit.* That might be too much to ask, though.

Regarding the backup camera, though, check out this page.* They sell an interface kit that allows you to add auxilliary video to the headunit, and can even be configured to automatically switch to the backup camera when the vehicle is put in reverse.* I do not know what the status is with their items for the 2006 system, but I am sure if they do not have one, it won't be long.* I believe these involve taking the headunit apart to add the device between the 'guts' of the system and the ribbon cable to the display, but from what I've read, it's pretty easy.

I hope that this helps.* I'm personally trying to find a kit that will allow me to use my Kenwood Music Keg as a CD changer on the 2005 headunit, with full steering wheel controls.* I've found a couple companies that make units that are supposed to allow you to connect Kenwood CD changers to the factory headunit and make it work like that, and since the Keg is looked as just a changer, it should work.* But I've heard mixed reports.* Bleh!

I'm eager to hear what people say about the iPod interface (or the Kenwood one!)

[ASTAR]

I bought the USA SPEC one and it sucks. It doesn't display and alpha numeric (track titles) or anything. It does play and work through the steering wheel controls but if I want a certain song, I have to go through the ipod. There are a couple different ways to hook it up and maybe it has something to do with how I did it but I am getting a different one for my girlfriends Escalade.

[aggiehummer...er]

Axxess for the ipod. You get use of your steering wheel controls, we hide the cable in the center console so your ipod gets charged as well, and you get full text display on the screen as well. It is a very unobtrusive install also, there are some where you have to put it on FM2, hit the track up button six times followed by the track down button twice, the Axxess GMIP-01 you just go to XM, then hold down preset 6 to switch between XM and ipod.

We use Hitchcam for our Navcams.

[Boar-Ral]

Originally Posted by ASTAR

I bought the USA SPEC one and it sucks. It doesn't display and alpha numeric (track titles) or anything. It does play and work through the steering wheel controls but if I want a certain song, I have to go through the ipod. There are a couple different ways to hook it up and maybe it has something to do with how I did it but I am getting a different one for my girlfriends Escalade.

I currently use a USA SPEC auxilliary input.* It works well in that it does what it is advertised to do, but I still need to use the Kenwood Music Keg FM Modulator interface for track selection.* (I use the direct connection, though, no FM modulation, the interface is just used to operate the Keg.)* I have been looking at some of the PIE and Soundgate items, but the PIE one just makes radio presets to function as track up, track down, etc. so steering wheel controls won't really work.* I'm waiting to hear back from Soundgate regarding their item.* While I'm looking into it for my Keg, I will report back, because I would imagine that the headunit-side functionality is very similar across all of their products, so if the Keg one does what I want, their iPod interface should, too.

[Boar-Ral]

Originally Posted by aggiehummer...er

Axxess for the ipod. You get use of your steering wheel controls, we hide the cable in the center console so your ipod gets charged as well, and you get full text display on the screen as well. It is a very unobtrusive install also, there are some where you have to put it on FM2, hit the track up button six times followed by the track down button twice, the Axxess GMIP-01 you just go to XM, then hold down preset 6 to switch between XM and ipod.

We use Hitchcam for our Navcams.

I have seen the Axxess models, too.* I've heard really good things about them.* I own a Kenwood Music Keg, but if I find a setup for the iPod that is slick enough, I am considering taking the plunge.* This sort of setup sounds like the sort of thing that makes the decision much easier.

[Darren]

Originally Posted by aggiehummer...er

Axxess for the ipod. You get use of your steering wheel controls, we hide the cable in the center console so your ipod gets charged as well, and you get full text display on the screen as well. It is a very unobtrusive install also, there are some where you have to put it on FM2, hit the track up button six times followed by the track down button twice, the Axxess GMIP-01 you just go to XM, then hold down preset 6 to switch between XM and ipod.

We use Hitchcam for our Navcams.

Aggie - thanks - so where can I buy the Axxess unit and the Hitchcam??

[aggiehummer...er]

Not knowing if Jason, of H2 Source fame, sells them, I'd say look around on the internet, should run you about $100. As far as the Hitchcam stuff goes, I'd go to hitchcam.com, they'll tell you where to go.