Ipod

[imaxorz]

How can I break the laws of nature and actually somehow be able to connect an IPOD to my monsoon system?

[XoticGA]

I just use the casette tape thing.. Went to Walgreens, bought one for 10 bucks..

[MantaGreen97]

^That's only if he has the cassette deck though.

Other than that you have a few options. I believe there is an integration interface for the Monsoon system available though it is a little pricey as are all integration interfaces.

I'm sure there is also an AUX input interface (provided you don't have a changer or aux tape deck in the car) but that probably won't be that much cheaper than the full integration interface.

You could go by FM transmitter or FM modulator but those (particularly the transmitter) I would consider only as last ditch attempts as the sound quality will suffer.

[imaxorz]

Tape adapter is what I use now. I hate it. Quality is horrible. FM transmitters suck too. They are pain in the ass to use.

Got any links to these integration interfaces?

[MantaGreen97]

Originally posted by imaxorz
Got any links to these integration interfaces?
Hmm honestly I don't know that much about them for factory HUs... I know that they exist for most recent factory units from various companies that specialise in that stuff (PAC, PIE, Peripheral, Dension, Metra, USA-Spec, and others) and they work with varying features and "effectiveness" depending on the model and the capabilities of the factory HU. There should be a compatible one for you, but I'm not really sure and there may not be one made for your car at all.

Surprisingly not many people have talked about it here, but there was this one thread here that mentioned a couple of them:

http://www.gaownersclub.com/forum/showthread.php?s=&threadid=70499

Usually I recommend going with an aftermarket head unit and using an appropriate aftermarket interface for that HU, but if you insist on staying factory it can be done... How well they work I'm not sure so you might want to check into that or buy somewhere you can return it if you don't like it (like Best Lie or wherever).

A search on eBay for "GM ipod" should bring up a good few devices that are capable of doing this. Watch for differences between AUX input adapters (which simply give you audio input) and full integration interfaces (that give audio input and allow control and sometimes display of iPod info on the HU). Expect to pay between $60-$100 if you just want AUX input, and between $100-$150 if you want an integration interface.

As a final caution (which some people overlook)... Due to the design of the iPod note that integration interfaces, once connected disable the controls on the iPod completely. Meaning you can't navigate through music on the iPod or change any settings on it. You have to control it from the head unit. Sometimes, if the interface on the HU (depends on what the HU can do/display) is not very good for navigation, it may make it difficult to use the iPod and you'll be stuck with that. (That's why I say to look into functionality on your particular HU and find out first, possibly buying from a place where you can return if necessary.)

[imaxorz]

All I want is a AUX input. I just don't see how that will work with the monsoon system.

I would want an after market HU, but with the monsoon you have to replace everything.

I was going to do that before, but since I am giving my car away to my girlfriend I don't want to do that now since she really doesn't care. She doesn't even really care for having an IPOD in the car, but I do. I usually drive when we go places in her care, so I know I will be driving this one. And I hate dealing with CDs :D

[rabidpanda69]

http://www.pfyc.com/pc/GN8004/GAINT/PAC+iPod+Connection+Interface.html

is this what your looking for, or should I read the posts more thoroghly? :lol:

[imaxorz]

Its actually for a Iriver MP3 player so all it has to be is a 3.5mm AUX input. Haha.

Seems I can't find anything at all like that.

rabidpanda69...
Nah, that doesn't even work with monsoon systems.

[MantaGreen97]

Originally posted by imaxorz
Its actually for a Iriver MP3 player so all it has to be is a 3.5mm AUX input. Haha.

Ahhh, LOL! Okay yeah then all you need is an AUX input adapter then...

Should not have named the thread "Ipod"!

Anyway yeah for 2003-2005 GAs it seems to get complicated however according to PIEs site their GM12-AUXv2 should work for your application.

http://www.pie.net/store/index.cfm?action=ViewDetails&ItemID=21

App guide here:
http://www.pie.net/images/appguide/appl_aux.pdf

If you have the sat radio or CD changer attached (and want to keep it) then it looks like you'll have to get PIE's X3 triple aux input adapter + X3-GM12 cable.

This:
http://www.pie.net/store/index.cfm?action=ViewDetails&ItemID=94

plus this:
http://www.pie.net/store/index.cfm?action=ViewDetails&ItemID=98

There are probably other companies that make these adapters too (see some of the ones I listed above) but I just looked on PIEs site quickly. I'm pretty sure LogJam Electronics is the main internet dealer for PIE (at least they used to be) but the prices will likely be at or near MSRP. Your best bet for getting these types of devices cheaper is eBay, but you won't always find them there.

[MantaGreen97]

Edit: Sorry made a mistake below, corrected.

Peripheral's PXGM12 will also work for you application but this is a strange adapter... You actually have to have a CD changer or sat radio for it to work.

This adapter goes for around $40 but the way it works is obvious. It simply intercepts the audio feed from the external device (CD changer, sat, etc.) and switches it to the audio from your device and you switch back and forth via a switch. While using the adapter you have to have a CD in/playing or the sat radio tuned to a station and working. So it's kind of "round-about" but it works.

The PIE adapter is better and you can't use the Peripheral one above unless you have a changer or sat radio or tape deck, anyway.

[imaxorz]

This is such a pain in the ass. Haha. I think I will just wait a little and then get a new HU, and little later just replace everything.