Blucky Posted July 11, 2008 Share Posted July 11, 2008 Hi guys, I'm new to this forum and also new Lexus owner. I have my Lexus for the last 5 months and it is a 2006 hybrid European model since I leave in Greece. B) As many of you already posted, I am also looking for a way to listen MP3 media files through the ML onboard system. The only difference with all the posts I read so far is the fact that I don’t want an iPOD interface. I want just an RCA or mini-Jack audio input. The implementation I have in mind is the following. I bought this very nice PMP player :) It will be fitted between the main dashboard underneath the gearbox and the movable storage place between the two front seats. This is the most convenient place since it provides power just underneath, a stable plastic base to place the extension where this cradle will hook up to and immediate view and touch access to both driver and co-driver. As a first attempt to listen music from this nice toy through the ML system I used this. This is a Bluetooth cassette that enables you to transmit music from A2DP capable devices such mobile phones, MP3 players to cassette players like the one ML has. Unfortunately this is OK if you want AM radio quality. It seems that this tape cannot provide the crispness of digital music so I do not consider it as a solution. The next thought was the embedded FM transmitter that this cradle has but it is not good for Athens where I leave, since all 3 FM frequencies it provides are already taken by real FM radio stations. So here I am, trying to find a solution to my problem. :cries: Is there any way to just get one audio input? Is it possible to also get a Video input? :( I found this site but not sure if they have what I am looking for. http://www.autotoys.com/x/product.php?productid=9888 Thank you very much in advance for all your help. When I have this installed I will post a how too and nice pictures to see how it looks like. Thanks PS. This is a great forum!!! Nice job... When I am done with this project I will upload a how too and some pictures. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
s10 Posted July 13, 2008 Share Posted July 13, 2008 Some of the iPod interfaces, like the DICE, also have an aux input. As far as I know there is no possibility for external video input. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Blucky Posted July 14, 2008 Author Share Posted July 14, 2008 Some of the iPod interfaces, like the DICE, also have an aux input. As far as I know there is no possibility for external video input. Thank you. I just go my PMP and probably by next week I will be able to upload some images. The first impression I had by putting roughly in the car is “gorgeous” and “handy” Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Blucky Posted August 4, 2008 Author Share Posted August 4, 2008 Hi Guys, as promised this is step by step the installation of a PMP in my RX400h. I used the DICE device to get the AUX input for the audio connection, and so far it is working just great! 1. In this link you will find detailed instructions of how to remove your car stereo: http://clublexus.com/forums/showthread.php?t=227901 HINT1: In thatHow To you are instructed to unplug car's 12V battery. When you do so your power windows, power moon roof and power back door will need to be calibrated again. Refer to your owners manual to find out how, it is a very straight forward procedure that should take you no more than 5 minutes to complete. 2. When you have the car stereo out you install DICE and then try that the audio in is working before you put the stereo back in. Read the manual for the dice device to configure it accordingly. HINT2: The DICE manual has two diagrams for two typical car stereos (one with big plug one with small plug). It might look different than your stereo but if the plug can fit you should be OK. My 2006 RX400h model with the ML and the Navigation has the small plug. BTW - the CD changer is Pioneer!!! HINT3: The volume setting for the AUX IN was preset to zero! I could hear music when i used my iPod but not when i connected my PMP. There are instructions how to increase the volume in the DICE manual. You use the TEXT button and the SKIP TRACKS buttons on your car stereo to configure it. HINT4: If you plan to use the iPod connection you should be OK regarding sound quality since it is charged through DICE. If you want to use the AUX IN though and your device gets plugged in the 12v cars plug (if it uses its own battery you are also OK) then you will need a ground sound isolator like this one http://www.r4us.com/soundazz/car-multimedi...tor/prod_9.html to filter the noise produced by the engine. This should be connected between DICE's AUX IN and your audio device's LINE OUT. 3. Now we go into COWON specific installation steps since other PMPs might require different installation. Generally these steps should be OK for any PMP with GRADLE. You start by roughly putting the cradle in the position you would like your PMP to be in the car and you measure the distance from cradle's "future" base to cradle's cupping. 4. Then you start creating your cradle's extension "arm". I used pluming pipe. 5. and also an empty silicon tube for putting it into the pipe's hall creating a solid base for cradle's cupping base... 6. You just put the silicon tube in the pipe so then the cupping's plastic base can be placed and glued. I used a small piece of cotton to hold the silicon tube in the center of the pipe. 7. then you need something to cover the plastic pipe. I used same color leather as my car's interior 8. The next step is to use another type of tube for your cables to be tidy... I used a plastic case of an architects ruler but you can use anything, even a TOBLERONE box :D 9. And then you just cover both tubes with the leather 10. You put the plastic base for cradle's cupping on top of your extension 11. Some small finishing touches to make it look nicer, and you are done... for now Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Blucky Posted August 4, 2008 Author Share Posted August 4, 2008 12. You go into your car to install the cradle's extension base. I used double sided tape to glue it in the car so it wont do permanent damage... If i have used a stronger type of glue (eg liquid glue) the installation would be stronger but if i want to remove it the glue would have had damage my car forever. This is how it looks like if you take a close look under the driver;s seat and this is how it looks from the front and rear seats... This is the display on the car stereo when listening to the PMP and of course all the car functions are retained eg mute when incoming call, volume on the steering wheel etc. Regarding the position of the PMP in the car i have to say that it is very handy, just next to my hand but the touch screen when driving is not the easiest thing so i appreciate a lot the remote control that came with the COWON. This way i change tracks etc without taking my eyes of the road. Also the cradle is very important since when i start the engine the PMP also starts and it will shutdown when i turn my car off. I will also add some night pictures as well to see how it looks... See ya ;) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Klug Posted October 28, 2010 Share Posted October 28, 2010 I know the thread is a bit old... But can you still use your integrated 6-CD player with the DICE interface ? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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