robsvdp

I've seen a lot on here about earlier models - wondering if anyone has put the VAIS iPod kit in the '05 plus cars? Does it work well? SAT or CD mode (and if CD does it interfere with the built-in CD unit)? Any tips on install?
Thanks for any info.
-Rob https://www.clublexus.com/forums/ima...1387914497.gif

olsliproc

Hey Rob I have an 03 indigo. I am interested in the mp3 mode aswell if you find out let me know i know a freind with a volvo has the system and can even change songs with the up and down selector from his steering wheel or dash.
Tim

robsvdp

Ordered the kit, scheduled to arrive today. I hope to install this weekend, after which I'll post results. I ordered the kit with the iPod and Aux connector, so that I'm future proofed against other devices.

robsvdp

Just finished installing the Vais SLI kit (iPod plus Aux). I chose that kit so I could use other devices as well as the iPod (a little future proofing, too). It's $25 more than the SL2, and a little bigger a unit (which made it a pain to find a spot to put it, but I found one). I called Vais, as their site says the SL2 has better sound -- not so for an SC430. The better sound only applied to cars with newer ML amplifiers ('08 ISs etc). It took way too long to install -- getting the AC unit out took a very frustrating hour. In the end, all good though. As for details:

-it uses CD emulation mode; to switch to the ipod you press the CD button twice (once for CD, next for iPod). If you're already on CD, then just one push
-it has two modes: regular and simple. In regular mode you can only go through playlists, Disc up/down switches play lists, track up/down switches songs, random button gives shuffle. In simple mode, you control everything on the ipod (pick albums, songs, etc) but the radio controls can still switch songs for you and do random
-sound is great (well, for an iPod). Works on my old nano and on my iPhone, too.

Jayson

Great overall review! VAIS customer support emailed me the location of a local installer for their products, so I think I'm going to heed your install comments and just hire them.

JohnnyCake

In regular mode, do the steering wheel controls work?
Does the display indicate track/artist?

robsvdp

Steering wheel controls work, the display only shows disc number / track number (disc number corresponds to playlist number). For me, I just made playlists in itunes, starting each one with a number, and group them by type of music. I can then skip "discs" and jump playlists to what I feel like hearing. The voice commands also work - "next disc" will switch playlists

keeper15

How much for the kit and to have it installed? Will this work on all SC's

thanks

robsvdp

Roughly $600 installed. There are different kits depending on the year of the SC -- some offer just an aux input, others the full integration. Check on their website www.vaistech.com

bt430

I think for the first year SC430 up to and including the 2004 model year the only functionality you can get from vais is 2 AUX audio inputs. No control or display of the AUX devices, other than the word AUX showing up in the radio display whether you are on AUX 1 or AUX 2 mode, and the ability to switch between the 2 AUX inputs by manually cycling through AM, FM, FM1, FM2.

So if you've got a car in those model years the only control you are going to have via the car controls is audio.

Even with that limited functionality in those model years it's a very worthwhile device and I would recommend it. it's plug and play, very clean install, fine audio quality. All you need to do is figure out where you want the AUX inputs to go so you can plug things in. I chose 2 locations the ashtray and the console.

BT

eyeconcur

I just purchased the VAIS Technology SoundLinQ2 for my new 2008 SC430. It should be here early next week. I will be taking step-by-step photos as I do my install and will be posting here for everyone that may be interested. It looks pretty straight forward.

-Steve

johnnyreno

show pics too so we can see

eyeconcur

Just finished the installation of the VAIS SoundlinQ2 SL2i iPod adapter in my 2008 SC430. Here is an excellent thread with photos already taken. Climate control removal was a bit of a pain but everything else was very simple. Took me about 1.5 hours. Works very well with playlist, tracks, volume, etc. controlled from steering wheel as well as head unit.