iPod for 2005 Prius

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(kerosenehalo @ Apr 1 2006, 07:55 PM) [snapback]233554[/snapback]</div>

If you want control of your iPod and line level sound quality, there are three options.

The iPod2Car emulates a CD Changer and plugs into the CD Changer port. If you have a CD Changer, they will conflict and probably not a great choice. No text is sent to the screen, but the iPod is fully controllable via the iPod or the steering wheel control. I found the sound level using the iPod2car was lower and I had to turn up the radio. It was a bit of a surprise when I would switch from the iPod to radio.
It doesn't allow for any additional device to be attached to the radio, such as Sat Radio.
http://peripheralelectronics.com

The ice>Link emulates a CD Changer and suffers from the same problem conflicting with a built-in changer. I don't know if any additional device can be added.
But it does display text on the screen and the iPod is controllable via the screen. In order for text to be displayed on the screen, it must be in playlists to emulate a CD. I’ve never used the ice>Link, so I hope someone will jump in if I said something wrong.
http://www.densionusa.com/

The Vais SLI emulates a CD or MD Changer. As an MD changer, it won't conflict with a built-in CD changer. It displays text on the screen and is fully controllable. Additional devices can be added; I personally have an SLI and SLX connected at the same time and the sound quality, IMHO, is fantastic. The default volume that the SLI feeds the radio can be changed to match your radio. It also gives you an additional aux input for uncontrolled device.
http://www.vaistech.com/home.html

I've attached a document that Craig made on installing the Vais AIC-100i. It would be the same for all the products.

 

One thing I might add regarding the Vais SLI:

It is the most expensive solution. However, in the past, there have been "group buys" that reduced the price significantly. There is enough interest for another group buy and Vais is open to allowing us to do another. They (Eugene at Vais) haven't allowed us to start yet. I have personally been in contact with Eugene since Novemeber. He says he is very close to "flipping the switch".

If anyone wants to contact Vais and lobby for the next group buy, you can reach Eugene through their website.

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

 

I use the denison ice>link with my nano. There's another thread which contains links to a pdf of installation instructions. If you can't find it, PM me. You don't have to remove the radio. It is possible to connect the cable to the CD changer receptacle from the side after removing the vent cover, even for my fat, arthritic fingers! I then ran the cable into the top glove box where the nano resides. Works great, but I'm no too demanding, usually leaving on random play, rotating the playlists every month or so.

 

I bought mine from the website as best buy didn't have the model for a prius/nano in stock. It also seems there are two flavors: one that has a dash mountable caddy for the ipod and one with just a cable connection. At the time the nano only came in the cable version. Although my ears are less than golden (I can rarely tell the difference between cd audio and mp3, especially in a car) it sounds fine, better than an FM or cassette link. The only quirk, so to speak, is that the MFD I/F looks like a CD changer with the CD numbers representing playlists. The 6th CD throws limited control back to the ipod, but mine sits in the glove box, so I don't use that. I usually load 4 playlists plus a 5th playlist which includes all the songs.

 

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(kerosenehalo @ Apr 1 2006, 07:55 PM) [snapback]233554[/snapback]</div>

Wait a minute here....

When I follow the link to the Logjam, it shows a picture of the Vais SLI. I think they're just a reseller for Vais.

 

I just noticed that the unit for the Prius from Vais is on sale for $299..... :blink:

 

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(BobR @ Apr 2 2006, 08:06 AM) [snapback]233738[/snapback]</div>

Thanks for all the info.

Does anyone know for sure if these systems work with the 2004 Prius? (Thread title says 2005, and I just wanted to make sure before I buy.)

Thanks.

 

I've the iPod2car solution, works in my '04.

 

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(finman @ Apr 14 2006, 03:31 PM) [snapback]239821[/snapback]</div>

do you have a 5th generation video ipod?

 

nope, it's 4th gen 20 gig. However, I helped a hybrid club member (our local club) install an iPod2car into his 05' (EXACT same radio interface as '04). He has the video 30 gig iPod. Worked fine. I think what matters is the connector at the bottom on the iPods. The shuffle and Nano and mini have a different connector than the 'full-size' iPods.

Not an expert here, just what I've seen of the different iPod models.

 

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(kerosenehalo @ Apr 11 2006, 12:16 AM) [snapback]237898[/snapback]</div>

I'm in on the group buy...what would be the savings? I just tried the cardomain.com solution and it did not work. How will this vias thing be announced?

 

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(aolm @ Apr 14 2006, 07:16 PM) [snapback]239942[/snapback]</div>

I'd be up for the group buy as well. How many people would we need?

 

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(kerosenehalo @ Apr 3 2006, 11:23 PM) [snapback]234503[/snapback]</div>

I have the Icelink in my 2005 Tacoma with factory JBL six disc changer. Works with my ipod mini and my daughter's new video ipod and the disc changer.

 

I would have been in for the group buy, but I'm heading out to my car now to install the VAIS AIC-100i. I'll let you know how it goes - I'm using the instructions provided in this post.

My cables differ slightly from the directions, so we'll see how it goes.

 

Ok, so I've got it installed. It took me about 15-30 minutes - I didn't really keep track, but it was really quick and surprisingly easy. Cables I had were just like the instructions, the drawing just looked a bit different, but it was the same.

Works great - I'd highly recommend it!

 

Count me in on a Vias group buy as well.