jacksonian

I'm debating on getting the VAIS Tech iPod connector, but I don't think my '04 audio system supports CD-Text, at least I've never seen any text on my system. Does anyone know for sure? I don't think I want the VAIS option if I can't see my iPod info.

john5519

Hi, call Eugene at Vais Tech 720-733-2348, I think he is the owner, ask him about the cd text for the 04, I am guessing i's the same as the 05 which has it..

I do not think I saw any cd text until I installed the ipod connector. After that in md emulation mode (or cd mode I forget which, maybe even both) the track name, artists name etc. came through from the ipod...

Randy20g

It supports MD TEXT. The Vaistech unit emulates the MD option, and therefore provides text.

jslr.2

I just took delivery of the AIC-100x which I was told by the VAIS folks will allow me to emulate the MD changer mode with text for use with a TERK XMD1000 for XM satellite radio reception. I hope to have the installation done this weekend. I'll post here how it works out.

I have a 2004 GX470 in which the radio controls are integrated into the NAV screen. There's a 6-disk CD changer, but the CD mode does not support text. The VAIS folks told me that their unit will allow me to emulate an MD changer mode with text.

jslr.2

jacksonian

OK, thanks for the help guys. I think I'll get the VAIS Tech system. darylhuff's pictures and instructions are incredibly well done. I think I'll wire my XM Roady2 into the other input so I'll at least have a direct connection for it. I've been using the tape adapter.

jslr.2, are you going to do the installation yourself? Or are you having someone do it for you?

jslr.2

I just had the VAIS 100x installed in my 2004 GX470. In addition, I had an XMDirect 100 installed as well. The audio system sees the 100x as an MD changer with text. I guess the big benefit is the ability to listen to satellite radio through the audio system w/o having to emulate either the FM or the tape deck mode. As a former Sirius subscriber, I have to say that I enjoy XM. I miss NPR, but I'm glad to hear Bob Edwards' voice again. (He woke me up for more years than I care to count).

What I'm not crazy about is the text interface. Basically, you get two lines. The top line is the channel name and genre. The second line is the artist and the song. Problem is, there's a character limit for text that results in much of the artist/song information being truncated.

Managing presets is a bit counter-intuitive, but doable. You can change channels with the steering wheel buttons. Direct entry of channels can be done on the display screen.

All in, I guess I'm more satisfied than not. The VAIS unit was something like $360.00, the XMDirect unit was another $50 or so from Circuit City and installation was $190. This kind of installation is not something I would attempt on my own. (I also can hook up my iPod as another aux input. Song selection must be done via the iPod. I start a play list on shuffle mode and leave it alone after that.)

Anyone with questions can email me directly at autotrader at roszel dot com.

rkrzyston

who did the install?

jslr.2

Custom Auto Alarm in Pleasant Hill, CA

jtbmoore

do you have a phone number for Custom Auto Alarm in Pleasant Hill How much was it.

nthach

They're out in Pleasant Hill by Jack in the Box, a 5 minute drive down the road from DVC and Sun Valley Mall in Concord.

jslr.2

Custom Auto Alarm in Pleasant Hill, CA; 1825 Contra Costa Blve, Pleasant Hill, CA; 925-680-8881. Ask for Bryan. He does not stock the AIC-100x. That you have to buy from http://www.vaistech.com

They charged $190 or so for the installation. Only other installation quote I got was for $250.

rajwany

ordered the vais unit. earmark audio will do the install for only $75. i think that is a deal.