How 'bout an iPod kit for NAV system

[Thom_y]

Now that Mazda has an iPod kit (albeit a poor execution) for those without the NAV system, the rest of us need to hook up our iPods in our CX-7s. Does anyone know of a possible (wired) solution, that doesn't use FM modulation ? My iTRip is a pain in the ass in my city and as you travel from one zone to another.

How about us petitioning Mazda to do something for the rest of us. You would think with the LCD screen, we would have true functionality with Artists, Albums, Songs all beautifully displayed and accessible.

 

[CX7_Scott]

This is already discussed in a couple of threads, but as it stands right now... we (integrated navigation owners) are out of luck.

It has been a decade since I've opened a dash and looked at the backs or radios... I know newer ones have multi-pin ports for easy expansion and so-on... but again - I only know enough to be ignorant.

My question is:
My car (as well as others) also has the Sirius tuner installed. Is it actually built-in to the nav-head-unit... or is it something that "plugs-in" to the stereo through a port or harness...? If so - wouldn't it be possible (if Mazda and the head-unit manufacturer wanted) to detatch the Sirius connection and tap-into the unit THAT way...? Obviosly needing to update the firmware of the stereo to handle the new kind of input... but I mean... there's GOT to be SOME way to do this... right?

Until they do - I (we?) sit and wait.
-sf

 

[THOUGHT OUT]

Scott,
With my experience with the Genuine Mazda iPod integration kit, even if Mazda did this for the Navigation system you will not be happy with the way it functions, it is VERY bad! I suggestion you put pressure to the Audio Link manufacture to help you. You may find it hard to source this company (I believe they are overseas) I would contact RPM and tell them (Donny) that I sent you. He will be your best bet in completing this.

 

[motopilot]

Has anyone installed this yet? I do not have the nav package and wold like to install. Does a dealer need to do it or can I do this?

 

[THOUGHT OUT]

Has anyone installed this yet? I do not have the nav package and wold like to install. Does a dealer need to do it or can I do this?

Motopilot, The hardest part is getting the bezel of the console apart, from there it is a piece of cake. I believe there are a few threads in the forum about this console removal too.

You could always bring it to a local Audio shop and it should not be more than 1/2-1 hours worth of work.

 

[yousif]

iPod Intergration by Neo Audio Systems

I found this iPod Prolink adapter for the CX-7 and it says that it works with the nav. Check it out. Do u think itll really work?

http://www.neocaraudio.com/product_info.php?products_id=1061

 

[THOUGHT OUT]

I found this iPod Prolink adapter for the CX-7 and it says that it works with the nav. Check it out. Do u think itll really work?

http://www.neocaraudio.com/product_info.php?products_id=1061

WOW nice find! Here is a better link with "IS" compatible with Nav system statement.

I hope CX-7 Scott is watching this thread! Or he just passed out on the floor about this.

It is a bit disappointing to see $200 for an audio in cable! But it is a niche market that wont be here long or will (and most likely) change.

 

[CX7_Scott]

WOOOOOOOO HOOOOOOOO...!!!!!

I just fired-off an email to them asking/confirming a few things about the product and installation of it. If this product is for real and does what it claims... I will surely be a customer.

Will let you (all) know.
-sf

 

[CX7_Scott]

I must wait for one of their "tech" people to return from SEMA to get my questions answered. I called, but the sales-woman did not have much technical info to give.

1) If it is connecting through the input used by the Satellite radio, will I be pressing the "SAT" button to access the iPod audio?
The woman claimed that she *thinks* you press "CD" twice to access the audio.

2) What displays on the nav-screen while in that mode?
Unsure.

3) How long will it take for professional installation?
She claims 20-30 minutes tops.

I hope to call back next week when the technical guy(s) can be reached via phone. So far, it sounds promising.

 

[yousif]

I'll be really pissed if this doesn't really work I'm getting my CX-7 soon and I really need the nav system. Hope you find the answer. Thanks

 

[yousif]

I'll be really pissed if this doesn't really work I'm getting my CX-7 soon and I really need the nav system. Hope you find the answer. Thanks

Does anybody know anything about the Harmon Kardon Drive + Play? I went to their website (was a little bitt confused). It says that it works thru either 3.5 mm line input, Wired FM transmitter or wireless transmitter. I really wanna how this thing really works? Please need feedback asap.

Thanks.

 

[CX7_Scott]

If I had to venture a guess... I'd say that a "Wired transmitter" makes a physical copper-to-copper contact to the FM antennae input of your stereo, thus exponentially increasing the "signal strength"... but you still lose a boatload of fidelity due to the FM bandwidth. It's is not even remotely the same as a physical audio connection from player to head-unit.

That's not to say it won't work... it'll probably work the BEST of all the FM types out there... but FM is FM.

 

[yousif]

If I had to venture a guess... I'd say that a "Wired transmitter" makes a physical copper-to-copper contact to the FM antennae input of your stereo, thus exponentially increasing the "signal strength"... but you still lose a boatload of fidelity due to the FM bandwidth. It's is not even remotely the same as a physical audio connection from player to head-unit.

That's not to say it won't work... it'll probably work the BEST of all the FM types out there... but FM is FM.

Thanks alot im just trying to keep my hopes up if the neo car audio doesnt work. Im keeping my fingers waiting for their guy coming from SEMA. Hope it really works

-yousif

 

[CX7_Scott]

So, I also called the manufacturer today and they back-pedaled a little from the claims on the website. They said they need to test it to be 100% sure that (A) the connector fits (there are reports that it doesn't) and (B) that it really does work.

Ugh! How can you make claims like that without even TESTING it first...?
What happened to good QA/QC...?

*sigh*

 

[wolfie81]

so I purchased a new CX-7 with NAV on monday & my dealer told me that have a n IPOD intergration kit that works with my media button & NAV unit, the plug in goes into my center console......

ONLY down side is you can't get it if youhave SAT radio installed it uses the same din connection as the SAT receiver does on the back.......I don't know if this has been covered, butthere it si....