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Aux2Car Additional Installation Information

Discussion in 'Gen 2 Prius Audio and Electronics' started by hawkeye978, Jun 7, 2005.

  1. hawkeye978

    hawkeye978 New Member

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    Just a quick piece of information on installing a Aux2Car into the CD changer port on the back of the radio. I used the blind installation technique and it worked just fine. A couple of points I noticed. First, the removal of the vent to the right of the radio is actually quite easy, doesn't even need a tool. I had removed the lower glove box and when you do that you can easily access the back of the vent panel. You just have to push on the back and the panel easily pops out.

    The second piece of information has to do with the molex connector block that keeps you from accessing the CD changer port on the back of the radio. As has been stated before, there is a 10mm bolt you remove that allows you to rotate the molex block for easier access. However, there is a nipple at the bottom of the molex unit that just snaps into the frame behind the vent. Just pull lightly and it pops out allowing you to get better access to the back of the radio. No full dash removal needed. Even being very careful probably took less than an hour. However, as stated in other posts, you are still going to leave the requisite pound of flesh when installing the plug. An inspection mirror helps to get your bearings on the conector location.

    Regards,
     
    #1 hawkeye978, Jun 7, 2005
  2. mtc1234

    mtc1234 New Member

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    I second this. After removing the 10mm bolt, and unhooking the bottom of the molex block, one can access the back. My hands are not small, so I was concerned with being able to do this. Worked fine. It also helps to know which side of the plug is going to be facing up before you start trying to install it. You want to be able to confidently push the plug in.
     
    #2 mtc1234, Jun 8, 2005
  3. ScubaX

    ScubaX Member

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    <div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(hawkeye978\";p=\"96561)</div>
    Hawkeye,

    How do you like the Aux2Car? What is the sound quality like?
    Do you get volume controls from the steering wheel? Any other controls?
    Where did you buy your Aux2Car and the cable adapter?

    Thanks
     
    #3 ScubaX, Jun 8, 2005
  4. hawkeye978

    hawkeye978 New Member

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    I got the Aux2Car from DiscountCarStereo.com. It comes with the basic Toyota cable and you have to order the Prius adapter separately. With shipping it came to about $100.

    It doesn't integrate with the steering wheel controls. That unit cost $100+ more. I considered the Ipod2Car but rejected it because of the cost and the fact that you were limited to only 5 playlists. I have my Ipod mounted with a cellphone clip in the vent over the shift knob. I can control everything from there without distraction.

    The sound quality is excellent and the volume is good. It connects to the headphone jack on top of the Ipod. I keep the Ipod volume at full and then control the volume with the steering wheel buttons. There is a trick that someone posted recently on this unit. There are dip switches you set on the Aux2Car depending on the car you drive. The default volume is somewhat low. However, if dip switch 6 is changed from off to on the volume seems to double. Its quite acceptable with this setting.

    Tom
     
    #4 hawkeye978, Jun 9, 2005
  5. mtc1234

    mtc1234 New Member

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    Hawkeye and other Aux2Car users: ever have it suddenly go off? Twice, I've been listening to my mp3 player routed through the Aux2Car and have had it suddenly switch to playing the CD player. When this has happened I've cycled through the modes, but could not get the CD Changer (i.e. aux input). Once I turn off the car and turn it back on, I can again select the changer.

    It happened today, about 15 minutes into my drive.

    Any thoughts? When I get a chance I'll contact the supplier and the manufacturer.

    mtc
     
    #5 mtc1234, Jun 9, 2005
  6. ScubaX

    ScubaX Member

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    My intent for the device is just audio input from a CarPC. The only steering controls that would be needed are volume.

    With the complaints of volume problems and shutting off, I may just spend the extra on Coastal Techs Viewtech when it's ready.
     
    #6 ScubaX, Jun 9, 2005
  7. DanH

    DanH New Member

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    I was kind of contemplating the CarPC thing myself. What kind of system are you thinking of putting in? Any ideas of where to put a display?
     
    #7 DanH, Jun 9, 2005
  8. ScubaX

    ScubaX Member

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    <div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(DanH\";p=\"96967)</div>
    There are 3 or 4 systems I am thinking about. They are P4 systems that could fit under the drivers seat. If they turned out to be too noisy, they would wind up in the rear. The monitor will be a single din sized motorized VGA LCD that will go in the dash into the storage space. I don't know if any modification to the dash will be needed, but I have heard on Prius boards it is 1 din size.

    Check out the MP3Car.com Store for two LCD's available, one motorized and one not that fit 1 din. There are others available.

    PC's I am looking at include: Xenarc
    MP-SC8 and Cappuccinopc.com Mocha 7043 and Sumicom PC's. The Xenarc and Sumicom use the same MB and Xenarc may just be a re-branded Sumicom. Also the Iwill ZPCgx.

    The power supply I have decided on is the Carnetix P1900 which can also control AMP turn on as well as auto on and off of the PC. You can also find it at MP3Car.com here.

    The Mac Mini would also work but I wish to integrate GPS into the system and the Mac just does not have the software available. They have Route 66 which has some very poor reviews.
     
    #8 ScubaX, Jun 9, 2005
  9. DanH

    DanH New Member

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    Thanks for the info. I certainly will have to give it some more thought. That motorized LCD would be real cool even though it's a little pricey. :) I thought an LCD in that spot would be the most logical, not to mention the dual screen thing going on up front like that. Talk about uber geek. :lol:

    I did the NAV thing last weekend with my laptop using the Earthmate GPS. It worked quite well. It would be nice to get that incorporated into a Car PC.
     
    #9 DanH, Jun 10, 2005
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