MP3 or XM in your RX?
#1
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MP3 or XM in your RX?
Today I took the stereo out to have a look if I can easily cut in a connector
for a laptop or an MP3 player as I used to do before. This is not complicated
and I can give instructions to anyone who wants to do this since I already
did the preliminary measuring work. One idea is to hardwire a switch,
another - to use 4000 series logic chips to go from radio to the new "AUX"
by a press of the tape eject button. The cable with 3.5mm jack can go
nicely through the glove compartment.
For those who were wondering what the connectors the stereo has - it
has 3 connectors. One for audio signal & data - 20-pins. Another for
steering wheel controls - also 20 pins. And third for the "CAN" network,
12 pins, only 2 used by the connector, but more used inside the stereo.
The actual stereo has a "Toyota" label but also has markings that it was
made by Pioneer. I can attach pictures for those who are super-curious.
My question is not that though. I am realising that this "workaround" would
take almost entire day to do. So as a more expensive but better alternative,
has anyone tried that SoundLinQ thing: http://www.vaistech.com/sli.html or
something else to get an MP3 player or something else in terms of audio?
Fake tape and FM transmitters are not viable options. They make the
sound go much werse than direct hookup into the amplifier as I explained
above. In particular both lack highs and channel separation.
Thanks.
for a laptop or an MP3 player as I used to do before. This is not complicated
and I can give instructions to anyone who wants to do this since I already
did the preliminary measuring work. One idea is to hardwire a switch,
another - to use 4000 series logic chips to go from radio to the new "AUX"
by a press of the tape eject button. The cable with 3.5mm jack can go
nicely through the glove compartment.
For those who were wondering what the connectors the stereo has - it
has 3 connectors. One for audio signal & data - 20-pins. Another for
steering wheel controls - also 20 pins. And third for the "CAN" network,
12 pins, only 2 used by the connector, but more used inside the stereo.
The actual stereo has a "Toyota" label but also has markings that it was
made by Pioneer. I can attach pictures for those who are super-curious.
My question is not that though. I am realising that this "workaround" would
take almost entire day to do. So as a more expensive but better alternative,
has anyone tried that SoundLinQ thing: http://www.vaistech.com/sli.html or
something else to get an MP3 player or something else in terms of audio?
Fake tape and FM transmitters are not viable options. They make the
sound go much werse than direct hookup into the amplifier as I explained
above. In particular both lack highs and channel separation.
Thanks.
#2
Super Moderator
I have an XM Radio in mine (works in Mexico and I stick the antenna in the sunroof area) with the tape unit and the sound improved a lot after I installed the Sun Automobile Hypervoltage and Hyperground systems. The bass sounds more crisp and clear.
However, for even more perfect sound...you are right about the direct connection.
However, for even more perfect sound...you are right about the direct connection.
#4
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SLX installed over the weekend
Hi! I had the SLX installed over the weekend. I previously had just the XM Terk Commander installed- the sound quality was terrible and using the remote control was a pain (the buttons were a too small to use). The sound quality is 100% better than previously. I have yet to get the channel display/artist/song to display correctly- but mine was installed as in the MD changer emulation mode (not CD changer mode). According to the store that installed it, it has to be installed in this mode because I have a 6-Disc changer. I have posted a question to VAIS to see if this is true (personally, I don't think it is seeing how the pictures on their website show a 6-Disc changer- but Lexus did change the radio from 2004 to 2005). The MD changer mode is a bit tricky to get used to (there is no direct entry, there are only 10 presets, there is a 10+/- channel option, etc.). Overall, I am pretty pleased with it because of the increased sound quality and the ability to use the steering wheel controls. Not being able to see the song information is a bit of a bummer though... Good luck!
#5
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Could you please send me the directions to make the aux input? I a trying to connect the Ipod but I don´t want to loose the CD changer. Should be a nice way to cut some wires and have a double RCA input. It is just a matter f know wich wires should be cutted.
Also I am trying to make a video input to the nav screen and driving myself crazy. If any results come, I will post.
Also I am trying to make a video input to the nav screen and driving myself crazy. If any results come, I will post.
#6
Originally Posted by RyanLBart
Hi! I had the SLX installed over the weekend. I previously had just the XM Terk Commander installed- the sound quality was terrible and using the remote control was a pain (the buttons were a too small to use). The sound quality is 100% better than previously. I have yet to get the channel display/artist/song to display correctly- but mine was installed as in the MD changer emulation mode (not CD changer mode). According to the store that installed it, it has to be installed in this mode because I have a 6-Disc changer. I have posted a question to VAIS to see if this is true (personally, I don't think it is seeing how the pictures on their website show a 6-Disc changer- but Lexus did change the radio from 2004 to 2005). The MD changer mode is a bit tricky to get used to (there is no direct entry, there are only 10 presets, there is a 10+/- channel option, etc.). Overall, I am pretty pleased with it because of the increased sound quality and the ability to use the steering wheel controls. Not being able to see the song information is a bit of a bummer though... Good luck!
#7
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Sorry sir
Hi! I had the SLX installed over the weekend. I previously had just the XM Terk Commander installed- the sound quality was terrible and using the remote control was a pain (the buttons were a too small to use). The sound quality is 100% better than previously. I have yet to get the channel display/artist/song to display correctly- but mine was installed as in the MD changer emulation mode (not CD changer mode). According to the store that installed it, it has to be installed in this mode because I have a 6-Disc changer. I have posted a question to VAIS to see if this is true (personally, I don't think it is seeing how the pictures on their website show a 6-Disc changer- but Lexus did change the radio from 2004 to 2005). The MD changer mode is a bit tricky to get used to (there is no direct entry, there are only 10 presets, there is a 10+/- channel option, etc.). Overall, I am pretty pleased with it because of the increased sound quality and the ability to use the steering wheel controls. Not being able to see the song information is a bit of a bummer though... Good luck!
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