Connecting iPod to the stereo Prius controlling songlist

Eric Nothman · Aug 11, 2007

Today we installed the VAIS product (SL2) that connects the iPod to the Prius stereo, using the MD (MiniDisk emulation mode), and it works really well! The install was smooth, and the device has a really nice user interface/integration where one controls the iPod through the Prius MFD and/or steering wheel controls.

The name of the Playlist that is playing is constantly displayed on the Prius MFD, and one can cycle through to see the artist, album, and song name of what is playing as well (one at a time - 29 characters of display), by pushing a button on the Prius MFD touch screen to cycle through these three. The iPod Playlists can be cycled through sequentially, looking at the playlist name as you go. Alternatively the first 12 playlists can be selected by a single touch selection on the MFD where a number is associated with each Playlist. All playlists have a number associated and can be selected by number as well. Once selected (sequentially or random) the name of the playlist is displayed on the MFD. This interface is really quite usable considering they are emulating the Japanese MiniDisk (this is apparently big in Japan but not available in the US).

The iPod is charged when connected to the stereo through the multi-pin connector. The controls on the Prius steering wheel can move from song to song within a Playlist. If a phone call comes in over bluetooth, then the music cuts out just as it would for the normal AM/FM/CD. The iPod is told to stop playing when the stereo changes to use the FM radio or CD player. If for some reason you want to control the iPod from the iPod, then one can press the scan button on the MFD eight times quickly to place the unit in 'simple mode' to allow that.

According to the professional stereo installers we used the VAIS user interface is superior to the DICE (competitor unit). In addition, they have seen problems with DICE units whereas they have not seen any problems with the VAIS units. In addition, the VAIS company only makes products for Toyota/Lexus cars and according to the installers they therefor seem to be very tailored to these cars. In comparison, DICE makes products for a much wider set of car manufacturers. These observations were the basis for their recommendation of the VAIS units. The VAIS unit simply plugs into the back of the Prius stereo, and the wiring that comes with it will allow another device (ex. Sirius or XM radio) to be chained behind it.

Now that I have seen it working on my wife's 2004 (it is nice!), I am intending to purchase another for my 2006 once they have the firmware update that supports the iPhone (VAIS said this should be out within a month or so).

Best regards,

Eric

Vagabond · Aug 12, 2007

Of course, the DICE kit supported the iPhone from day one

shar1950 · Aug 13, 2007

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(Vagabond @ Aug 12 2007, 07:34 PM) [snapback]494446[/snapback]</div>

Of course, the DICE kit supported the iPhone from day one
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So how well will the vais work on the 2007 prius and what is the price differance ?

aaf709 · Aug 13, 2007

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(shar1950 @ Aug 13 2007, 11:01 AM) [snapback]494802[/snapback]</div>

So how well will the vais work on the 2007 prius and what is the price differance ?
[/b]
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By going to the VAIS site, the unit costs between $224.99 and $299.99 (depending on what you want) vs $159 for the DICE (I got my DICE on a group buy for $135, now it's $143.95 with free shipping).

Both should work fine for a 2007.

edselpdx · Aug 13, 2007

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(shar1950 @ Aug 13 2007, 11:01 AM) [snapback]494802[/snapback]</div>

So how well will the vais work on the 2007 prius and what is the price differance ?
[/b]
Click to expand...

I'm glad to see a review of the VAIS system here. It seems many people (including me) have the DICE system for iPod integration, and fewer have the VAIS. I personally am not going to change the system I have at this point, as it's working for me, but I think folks just checking in to evaluate one vs. the other will appreciate this eval. Just a few observations:

The DICE system has been blamed for "MFD failures", but in actuality, although some MFD's were replaced (erroneously I think...no one has posted anything I can find that's proved different) by Toyota dealers under warranty; unplugging and replugging the DICE does apparently totally fix the problem, as long as you have the current (as of ?May--Vagabond?) DICE unit. My dealer wanted to replace my MFD under warranty when I thought I had the dreaded MFD failure several months after installing my DICE. I described the problem and they told me it "had to be" a warranty MFD failure. After a search of google/Priuschat, my problem was solved in under 2 minutes by unplugging the DICE unit and replugging.

No damage has been revealed in the > 1 month since this happened as far as I can tell. Apparently ALOT of info is sent through the stereo "head" to and from the MFD... much more than just the audio info. The blip makes it seem that something MAJOR is wrong with the MFD--no MPG or tank info, no climate control, etc. In 4 months of DICE usage, I did have that one failure, but now know how to fix it easily and quickly. Can't guarantee that it fixes all, and it's not ideal to have to do ANYTHING to "fix" your computer system for an audio system, but just make sure your DICE is installed in easy disassembly reach (like near the lower glove box).

Hope those of you with VAIS continue to have a good track record. I'm not sure which choice I would make right now, but $100 is a big difference in my world.

priussafta · Aug 19, 2007

Today we installed the VAIS product (SL2) that connects the iPod to the Prius stereo, using the MD (MiniDisk emulation mode), and it works really well! The install was smooth, and the device has a really nice user interface/integration where one controls the iPod through the Prius MFD and/or steering wheel controls.

Best regards,

Eric

Makes me wish I'd seen your description before purchasing the DICE unit. It sounds as if the interface is better on the VAIS.

My son installed my DICE unit yesterday. His method requires only that the narrow dashboard heat cover be removed, and the lower glove box for extended arm room, and we've left the heat panel not quite pushed in until I know it's working. Rather than taking up space in one of the compartments, we left the DICE unit nestled between the radio and the car's brain, that huge bundle of wires, and it is easily accessible by popping out the heat panel.

Having installed a different unit for his MP3 player in his Prius last year, he had practice, hiding the wire so the iPod can be stored in the console between the front seats. He used a coat hanger to fish the DICE wire (made longer with an Apple Serial Extension cable I had purchased) under the rug, drilled a hole in the front lower corner of the console to pull the cable through, and it is nicely out of sight.

When only the word INIT appeared on the screen, though I could get music that cycled through the main music library with the up-down steering wheel toggle, I consulted PC guidance. I spent quite some time playing with every permutation of dip switch controls until I found the one that worked best (SAT mode + IPOD mode).

In DICE mode + MP3 or MD mode, only 11 characters display for album and track titles, constantly flickering as the remaining characters are added {and deleted} one-by-one -- enough to drive one nuts!.

IN DICE mode + SAT mode, the album title displays properly, but the words "playlist", "album", and "chapter" appear instead of the names playing at the moment.

In IPOD mode + MP3 or MD mode, no names appear.

In IPOD mode+ SAT mode, the names of album and track title appear properly, regardless of length, only when Disc 1 is active. For Disk 2-4, the words "playlist", "album" and "chapter" appear, respectively, with only the title displaying properly. In Disc 1-4 modes, pushing the up-down arrow buttons on the steering wheel cycle through the current playlist, maybe randomly. I haven't had time yet to determine whether there is a pattern to the cycling.

I had expected a better interface. As is, I'm thinking I'll still be setting up selections from the iPod before starting out on a drive, happy to have the music selections and my iPod charging on the go.

I'm one of those drivers who feels that driving demands 100% of our attention. I don't want to be distracted by looking at screens and pushing buttons when a school bus may suddenly bear down on my car, requiring that I have all my wits about me to make quick decisions about how best to minimize the inevitable collision, as happened to me and my Sienna van two years ago -- and could happen to anyone at any time. You get only a split second to make those decisions, and every second represents diminishing distance closing in. Had I been playing with my music selections during that second, I wouldn't be sitting here talking about the DICE unit.

All these gizmos are cool and great to have -- as long as we remember that our job while driving is to focus on being anticipatory and defensive drivers.
Click to expand...

Airgetlam · Aug 20, 2007

Eric,

I was fascinated where you spoke about the "chaining" of devices behind the VAIS. I've got a 2005 Prius that I connected the Toyota Solara Sirius unit to the back of the head unit. It has been working fine for a couple of years now, but I've always wanted a solution for my iPod as well.

Of course, I'd rather not have to buy another Sirius radio that plugs in somewhere else, so the concept of a daisy chain solution sounds perfect. You indicated you got the SL2, but looking at the website for VAIS shows SL2i, SL2x, and SL2s. None of those appear to have a daisy chain ability that I can figure out, based on the wiring images they show. Would you be so kind as to specify which product you got that allows this?

Thanks for the review!

Bruce

Eric Nothman · Aug 21, 2007

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(Airgetlam @ Aug 20 2007, 05:58 PM) [snapback]499383[/snapback]</div>

Eric,

I was fascinated where you spoke about the "chaining" of devices behind the VAIS. I've got a 2005 Prius that I connected the Toyota Solara Sirius unit to the back of the head unit. It has been working fine for a couple of years now, but I've always wanted a solution for my iPod as well.

Of course, I'd rather not have to buy another Sirius radio that plugs in somewhere else, so the concept of a daisy chain solution sounds perfect. You indicated you got the SL2, but looking at the website for VAIS shows SL2i, SL2x, and SL2s. None of those appear to have a daisy chain ability that I can figure out, based on the wiring images they show. Would you be so kind as to specify which product you got that allows this?

Thanks for the review!
Bruce
[/b]
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Bruce,

I purchased the SoundLinq2 model SL2i. A review of the documentation that came with it indicates the empty plug that provides the ability to daisy chain is labeled as "To the factory wiring harness" and it is pointed out that in some vehicles it is not used (as in my 2004 Prius). To me, it appears to be designed with your application in mind - where Toyota uses that 12 pin connector plug on the back of the radio (as in your case) VAIS appears to have engineered the ability to insert the iPOD. When the SL2i was installed I looked at this SL2i wiring cable closely and it appears to simply pass-through the pins on the back of the radio to another empty plug.

The installer told me that a Sirius or XM radio can connect in a daisy chain to this plug and he even offered to install such a thing connected there in the future if we would like. He had lots of experience with the VAIS unit and the Prius, and explained that he had done that before, so I think he knew what he was talking about. However, I could not find any description within the document that came with the SL2i as to how such a daisy chained device would share (logically). It appears there is an 'audio/video network' and an addressing scheme for participation, but no other details provide a clue as to how logical sharing is accomplished.

The document that I referred to above can be found here ==>
http://www.vaistech.com/manuals/Manual_SL2i.pdf

See figure under "Connecting SoundLinQ2 to see "To the factory Audio harness" plug - unused on my 2004 Prius.

I suggest you may consider calling VAIS Technology (720)-733-2348 in Greenwood Village, CO. When I called them with an inquiry on another topic the person I reached was friendly, knowledgeable, and helpful. When I purchased from their website the SL2i came within a few days.

Best regards,

Eric

Vagabond · Aug 21, 2007

saftaleah, your son didn't install the kit correctly. In iPod mode, no text is supposed to appear. You're not supposed to use it. Your car is too old to support MP3 mode either. Use it in CD mode, which is all 4 DIP switches facing up.

Airgetlam · Aug 21, 2007

Eric,

Thanks for your quick response. I'll try to call them today, and stop by my local shop to discuss it as well.

Bruce

mike.s · Aug 21, 2007

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(aaf709 @ Aug 13 2007, 03:27 PM) [snapback]494865[/snapback]</div>

By going to the VAIS site, the unit costs between $224.99 and $299.99 (depending on what you want) vs $159 for the DICE
[/b]
Click to expand...

You get what you pay for.

Airgetlam · Aug 22, 2007

Mike S.,

You seem to be posting in this thread and another at least about how you think that the DICE unit isn't as good as the VAIS, but what I haven't seen are any particular reasons.

Would you be willing to share your experiences with both, and explain why you feel that the VAIS is a better unit (or "you get what you pay for")?

I'm making my choice based on the chainability (new word!) of the previous Sirius install that I have, but I'd be interested in the facts that you can share to support your opinion.

Thanks!

Bruce

Vagabond · Aug 22, 2007

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(Airgetlam @ Aug 22 2007, 09:49 AM) [snapback]500349[/snapback]</div>

Mike S.,

You seem to be posting in this thread and another at least about how you think that the DICE unit isn't as good as the VAIS, but what I haven't seen are any particular reasons.

Would you be willing to share your experiences with both, and explain why you feel that the VAIS is a better unit (or "you get what you pay for")?

I'm making my choice based on the chainability (new word!) of the previous Sirius install that I have, but I'd be interested in the facts that you can share to support your opinion.

Thanks!

Bruce
[/b]
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He has a Toyota mini-van and had some issues with the behavior. He was convinced that it didn't work with his car at all - all his troubles were actually iPod based. He has a 3rd gen iPod, something DICE says it will not work 100% with.

Airgetlam · Aug 22, 2007

I see. Thanks for your reply, Vagabond, I appreciate it.

As you seem to be connected with DICE, can you tell me if I have made the wrong assumption about daisy chaining?

As indicated above, I have the Solara Sirius radio plugged into the back of my head unit. I am hoping to add iPod compatibility without losing any of the current (albeit limited for text) funtionality. Is there a solution from DICE that will acheive that?

I don't have particularly strong opinions about which company may be better, I'm just looking for a device that will acheive my goals with minimum fuss.

Bruce

Vagabond · Aug 22, 2007

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(Airgetlam @ Aug 22 2007, 11:42 AM) [snapback]500481[/snapback]</div>

I see. Thanks for your reply, Vagabond, I appreciate it.

As you seem to be connected with DICE, can you tell me if I have made the wrong assumption about daisy chaining?

As indicated above, I have the Solara Sirius radio plugged into the back of my head unit. I am hoping to add iPod compatibility without losing any of the current (albeit limited for text) funtionality. Is there a solution from DICE that will acheive that?

I don't have particularly strong opinions about which company may be better, I'm just looking for a device that will acheive my goals with minimum fuss.

Bruce
[/b]
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You have the Sirius module installed so it's controllable from the headunit I assume? You won't have any problems with a DICE kit. Chain away!

Airgetlam · Aug 22, 2007

Indeed I do.

Thanks!

Bruce

BobR · Aug 23, 2007

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(Airgetlam @ Aug 20 2007, 05:58 PM) [snapback]499383[/snapback]</div>

Eric,

I was fascinated where you spoke about the "chaining" of devices behind the VAIS. I've got a 2005 Prius that I connected the Toyota Solara Sirius unit to the back of the head unit. It has been working fine for a couple of years now, but I've always wanted a solution for my iPod as well.

Of course, I'd rather not have to buy another Sirius radio that plugs in somewhere else, so the concept of a daisy chain solution sounds perfect. You indicated you got the SL2, but looking at the website for VAIS shows SL2i, SL2x, and SL2s. None of those appear to have a daisy chain ability that I can figure out, based on the wiring images they show. Would you be so kind as to specify which product you got that allows this?

Thanks for the review!
Bruce
[/b]
Click to expand...

I have an SLI and SLX connected at the same time. The VAIS products do indeed come with a Y cable so additional devices can be added. Before I bought the SLX I had the Solara XM radio and it also worked with the SLI.

Bob

Vagabond · Aug 23, 2007

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(BobR @ Aug 22 2007, 10:37 PM) [snapback]500838[/snapback]</div>

I have an SLI and SLX connected at the same time. The VAIS products do indeed come with a Y cable so additional devices can be added. Before I bought the SLX I had the Solara XM radio and it also worked with the SLI.

Bob
[/b]
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I gotta ask, why did you buy a SLX when you already had an XM kit in your car?

aaf709 · Aug 23, 2007

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(Airgetlam @ Aug 22 2007, 11:42 AM) [snapback]500481[/snapback]</div>

As indicated above, I have the Solara Sirius radio plugged into the back of my head unit. I am hoping to add iPod compatibility without losing any of the current (albeit limited for text) funtionality. Is there a solution from DICE that will acheive that?
[/b]
Click to expand...

Just to add my two cents here; I have a DICE, but I used VAIS instructions to install it. Both have a "Y" connector. One plugs into the radio and one plugs into the unit (VAIS or DICE). The remaining plug is used for the satellite radio.

BobR · Aug 23, 2007

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(Vagabond @ Aug 23 2007, 11:47 AM) [snapback]501002[/snapback]</div>

I gotta ask, why did you buy a SLX when you already had an XM kit in your car?
[/b]
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The 10 character limitation of the Solara XM drove me crazy. The SLX displays 16 Characters.

Bob

Connecting iPod to the stereo Prius controlling songlist

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