taba82

I already purchased mine from Sewell Lexus in DFW; received it and installed it yesterday.

I received the new v7 NAV DVD today and installed it in my RX. It appears to have a few new features on the map screen. Does anyone know where I can find the updated user guide or manual online to learn more about the new features?

No reply from this site nor another Lexus RX site.

I posted this a while back and didn't see an answer, so I'll try again...

I have the latest NAV DVD (I think its v6) and am unable to use the "volume screen hack" to select the override button to use most of the NAV features while driving. Has anyone with the latest NAV DVD figured out the new "backdoor"?

taba82, did you ever find this out? I would be interested to know.

I posted this a while back and didn't see an answer, so I'll try again...

I have the latest NAV DVD (I think its v6) and am unable to use the "volume screen hack" to select the override button to use most of the NAV features while driving. Has anyone with the latest NAV DVD figured out the new "backdoor"?

Gruss,

When I updated my RX330 DVD, the hidden button no longer works. What sequence do you enter for the hidden maint screens?

Mike

Answering my own question: The upgrade from 2.1 to 6.1 went flawlessly; it didn't appear that any firmware update occurred at all. The hidden button dance still works.

I finally figured out that I had to slide the button to the left while holding it down to open the door.

I recently received the new v6 Nav DVD. I've found where the player is located but when I push the button on the outside of the box, it does not eject the CD. Anyone know how to get the current DVD/CD ejected?

Have they changed the hack or completely eliminated it?

I heard there are hack DVD v6 going around.

I just installed v6 about a week ago and the hack is the same as the previous versions.

I'm sorry to report that version 6.1 by Denso does not work with the old "Volume" hack. Lexus "Toyota" has now prevented end users from using a key combination to bypass the lockout when driving.

I tried the one on the Volume screen and it didn't work for me. Is that the one you were able to use?

I heard there are hack DVD v6 going around.

Has anyone found the "hack" for the v6 DVD (like the one in v5 on the Volume screen) which allows you to override the system so you can enter destinations while the car is in motion?

Has anyone found the "hack" for the v6 DVD (like the one in v5 on the Volume screen) which allows you to override the system so you can enter destinations while the car is in motion?

I recently received the new v6 Nav DVD. I've found where the player is located but when I push the button on the outside of the box, it does not eject the CD. Anyone know how to get the current DVD/CD ejected?

Shebco,

My objective was/is the same as yours, to go in eyes wide open. I read your post and have a few questions:

* I'm not sure I understand your comment "you really had to work hard to get playlists to play correctly." Could you please explain this further?

* I was able to get an electronic copy of the installation/operations manual. The manual shows the unit can be disconnected from all of the cables. If this is true, why would I have to remove the head unit cables if I need to remove the VAIS unit?

* I was aware of the 2 comm speeds but understood my iPod Mini could connect with the high speed. Is my understanding correct?

Regards,

Mike

digitalfx,

I can't thank you enough for your post concerning your experiences, likes/dislikes.

When you were playing a song, did the radio display the artist, song, album, etc? Did it scroll or did it function as the RDS does for the radio?

Mike

digitalfx,

I'm interested in this product but have read mixed reviews about its installation on other Lexus models. Now that you've had the SoundLinQ SLI installed for a few weeks, what problems (if any) have you experienced? Were there any surprises or information you learned about its functionality that was not known before installation?

Regards,

Mike

Overall I am very pleased with the unit....but there are several things that could be improved.

First, tech support is weak at best. I called several times and the only response I got was "thats the way it was designed" when I offered suggestions for improvement, it was like they had no idea what I was talking about.

In order to play songs from the Ipod, you must create playlists. The playlist cannot contain more than 99 songs. The VAIS will not play music unless it is a playlist. The problem this presents is that it limits the way you access your music....for example if you want to listen to a specific artist.

The work around I am currently using- I created a playlist for each artist and placed all the songs for that artist inside. This works ok except scrolling thru dozens of artists on the Lexus radio is a royal pain.

The "feature" that I have the biggest problem with is the way they implement the Random mode and Disc Random mode...these do not work well. Specifically Disc Random, this mode only randomly selects albums inside the current playlist. Since I created numerous playlist by artist name I would like to see Disc Random mode pull from all the available playlists. NOTE: a playlist on the ipod is treated like a DISC. You scroll thru the various playlists using the DISC up/down buttons. Therefore it is natural for DISC RANDOM to randomly select songs from the various playlists...this is NOT the case. I have talked w/ tech support about this several times and offered suggestions, but each time I was told:

"Thats the way it was designed"

I noticed today that when I receive a bluetooth phone call the radio display blanks out as the radio is paused. The phone conversation is now over the radio speakers. When I disconnect the phone call and the Ipod starts playing again, the display now says "NO TITLE" . I have to cycle thru all the radio inputs to get the display back.

One other issue which was reported earlier in this Forum- You have to cycle thru the inputs twice to get to the CD1 (Ipod) input. For me this is not a big issue as I use the Ipod 99 percent of the time....although it should be addressed in an update.

Again, overall I am pleased. Install was simply, sound quality is good and it interfaces well with the Lexus radio.

digitalfx,

I'm interested in this product but have read mixed reviews about its installation on other Lexus models. Now that you've had the SoundLinQ SLI installed for a few weeks, what problems (if any) have you experienced? Were there any surprises or information you learned about its functionality that was not known before installation?

Regards,

Mike

I have owned the DLO iPod FM "cradle" for over a year. I mostly use it while on the road in rental cars but also have used it extensively since purchasing my '06 RX330. The quality is good but only as good as using a freq that does not have a nearby radio station. If there is a radio station within one dial position from the one being used for the iPod, the quality will not be as good.

Mike

sup guys,

i was looking into these cd/mp3 RF cd changers and noticed that they dont need to be installed since they go off the radio waves.

but im worried that it maybe too staticy or the quality wont be that great.

from my research, it seems that only sony and jvc have the RF cd/mp3 changers.

i want to get one for my 96 ls400.

since its not compatible with ipod connectors and i dont want to get anything after market put in.

thanks guys

I received a reply from HomeLink today which appears to confirm they are compatible with X10 wireless remotes. Here is the instructions they emailed me today:

The X-10 lighting modules and Radio Shack lighting modules are similar products to our HomeLink lighting kits, it might be compatible with HomeLink.

If you have the X-10 or Radio Shack modules set up in your home and you have a hand held device to activate these modules? You can try to program your hand held remote as directed in your vehicle's owners manual.

I realize you may have done some or all of these procedures already but please follow them exactly as I have outlined:

Preparation:

Preparing to program the lighting components requires erasing any device (i.e. garage door openers, security systems, entry door locks, etc.) that has been programmed into HomeLink by performing the following procedure:

Press and hold the two outside HomeLink Universal Transceiver buttons. The indicator light will turn from a solid light to a flashing light after 20 seconds. Continue to hold the buttons for an additional 10 seconds; releasing only when the indicator light turn off.

Any device that had been programmed into HomeLink is no erased. After programming the lighting modules, you can reprogram the erased devices by following the procedures outlines at the end of this document.

Your HomeLink Universal Transceiver can now be programmed to activate the lighting components.

Reloading Previously Programmed Devices:

To reload the devices previously programmed in the HomeLink Universal Transceiver follow the procedures outlined below- keeping in mind which HomeLink button is now programmed to activate your home lighting.

Programming Directions:

Press and hold the desired HomeLink button. When the indicator light begins to flash slowly (after 20 seconds), position the hand-held remote 1 to 3 inches away from the HomeLink surface. Press and hold the hand-held remote button (or "cycle" the remote: press and release the button on the hand-held remote while pressing the HomeLink button). The HomeLink indicator light will flash, first slowly and then rapidly. When the indicator light begins to flash rapidly, release both buttons.

NOTE: If your Radio Shack hand held remote has one button for "ON" and one button for "OFF" then you will need to program one button on the HomeLink for "ON" and one button one the HomeLink for "OFF".

If this does not work, in order to control home lighting via HomeLink, a HomeLink brand Vehicle Interface (#SP-891)is required and can be purchased by calling our toll free customer service number at 1-800-355-3515. Cost is approx. $45.00 + S&H. This Vehicle Interface acts as the "liaison" between HomeLink in your vehicle and the modules in your home.

In addition to selling several individual lighting control modules, the HomeLink call center also offers a three piece HomeLink Lighting Package which consists of (1) Vehicle Interface, (1) Lamp Module, and (1) Home Controller. Cost is approx. $59.99 + S&H.

Please feel free to email me or contact our HomeLink customer service center at 1-800-355-3515 for further assistance.

No one seems to make a wall switch receiver that is compatible with HomeLink or any other garage door opener remote. I searched long and fruitlessly several years ago.

Odd, these wall mounted receiver switches were even available from Sears in the 90's. I had a really cool setup on our last house where we could use our garage door openers to separately control three high output exterior lights and all the inside garage lights. It made us feel a lot more secure coming home to a brightly lit exterior and garage on a dark night. Seeing the neighbor's reactions was kind of fun too.

All that seems to be available now are receiver modules that control lamps that plug into wall sockets.

I would appreciate it if you would post here if you find something that works.

I live in a new area which streets are not currently shown with the v5.1 NAV CD. Does anyone know which company/data Lexus uses for the street data?

Mike

kkubasta,

After looking at the mp3yourcar website, did you install the Neo iOn SP? Also, isn't this unit the SoundLinQ (Model SLI) sold under a different name? Do you recall how much Best Buy charged to install it?

Operationally, with it setup as a CD changer can you select your playlist on the iPod? Are their any limitations on what you can play via the iPod (aka only 99 songs per playlist, no random play, etc)?

Thanks,

Mike

dang it! the don't make one for the rx300 non-nav either :( booooo

I want to connect my iPod mini to my RX radio. Today, I found a company (http://www.densionusa.com) who claims they can connect to the radio and control the iPod via the radio/wheel controls. I am interested in hearing from other RX owners who might have purchase this solution.

Regards,

Mike

Try www.mp3yourcar.com. I bought one for my wife's 2006 RX330 with Navi and had it installed by Best Buy. If you get it, make certain they connect as a CD Changer emulator rather than an MD Changer emulator because only the CD Changer activated text. Full functionality through the header unit on the steering wheel. Works great. Puts the IPod in the glove compartment with no visible wires. It's pretty nice.

I have X10 wireless and lighting modules in my home. I want to turn on my garage lights via the Homelink in my RX330 but I can not find any information (from Lexus or on Homelink's website) on how to setup/configure my Homelink to control X10 devices. Any pointers/suggestions are greatly appreciated.

Mike

Shortbus,

I spoke to Dension last week and they currently do not support the RX330 w/ Nav & 6-disc in-dash CD because of a problem with their firmware. The person I spoke with indicating they should fix this problem in a few weeks. So I'm interested in the AIC. Do you know of anyone who has installed the AIC?

Regards,

Mike

Ok, I know about the AIC and Dension setups, but has anyone tried one of the many lesser expensive FM transmitter options when attempting to use their iPod in their RX? I was wondering what FM transmitter options have worked the best for people in the past. The AIC is a bit too pricey for me, but I could do the Dension unit. I am just exploring my options. So, if anyone has any experiences with an FM transmitter type setup for their iPod, let me know. Thanks!

rfwoods,

I picked up my 2006 RX330 yesterday and it has a Nav with v5.1 software. I can't you what enhancements have been added cuz they didn't give that information in the manual.

Mike

Just curious if anyone has the new Navigation DVD for 2006, or knows what software enhancements it offers.

Thanks.

I just spoke with the folks at Denison and you're right TODAY they do not offer an interface for the iPod for the RX330 6-disc in-dash/Nav setup. BUT, they indicated to me they would be able to offer the ice>Link in a few weeks. The person I spoke with said there was a problem with the firmware of the ice>Link but they were very close to getting it resolved. He also took my name/phone number and he will contact me once they are ready to ship a working solution. (fingers crossed)

Mike

I want to connect my iPod mini to my RX radio. Today, I found a company (http://www.densionusa.com) who claims they can connect to the radio and control the iPod via the radio/wheel controls. I am interested in hearing from other RX owners who might have purchase this solution.

Regards,

Mike

I called them about a month or so ago and they said that since i have a navigation the icelink won;t work with the car. I don't understand this, since the radio and navi are separated in the car. Let me know if you're able to get it to work.

Yes, please email me at taba469@yahoo.com

Thanks again.

Phillyfan,

Thanks for the pics of your install. Unfortuantely, when I view the pics it is very difficult to zoom in to view the details. Would it be possible for you to email me each pic as I want to install my Sat Radio in the same manner as you.

Regards,

Mike

I just installed a Sirius satellite radio. I attached pictures to show how I ran the satellite wire. The antenna is mounted on rear roof, middle. The wire is easy to enter into car at the rear door and pass inside molding along roof to the back of the rear passenger door. Then go down to the floor from there and to the front of the car by the front passenger feet area. I have a floor mount which works ok for me but once you get the antenna wire to front, center console you can pick where you want it. Any questions about the pictures let me know. The quality is limited by the attachment size allowed. No molding / plastic had to be removed, it is extremely easy to run the wire this way and is completely hidden when inside the car. Antenna wire can be seen when loading groceries, etc.. in the rear with door up.

When you go into a tunnel or if stopped at a light under an overpass, I do lose signal. I believe some of the models have a feature, similar to the anti-skip of CD players, where it stores the signal and broadcasts a few moments later. I doubt it would be helpful if you are passing through long tunnels though.

The power I took from the rear cigarette lighter and ran wire under floor console (tucks very easily underneath it).

Phillyfan,

Thanks for the pics of your install. Unfortuantely, when I view the pics it is very difficult to zoom in to view the details. Would it be possible for you to email me each pic as I want to install my Sat Radio in the same manner as you.

Regards,

Mike

I just installed a Sirius satellite radio. I attached pictures to show how I ran the satellite wire. The antenna is mounted on rear roof, middle. The wire is easy to enter into car at the rear door and pass inside molding along roof to the back of the rear passenger door. Then go down to the floor from there and to the front of the car by the front passenger feet area. I have a floor mount which works ok for me but once you get the antenna wire to front, center console you can pick where you want it. Any questions about the pictures let me know. The quality is limited by the attachment size allowed. No molding / plastic had to be removed, it is extremely easy to run the wire this way and is completely hidden when inside the car. Antenna wire can be seen when loading groceries, etc.. in the rear with door up.

When you go into a tunnel or if stopped at a light under an overpass, I do lose signal. I believe some of the models have a feature, similar to the anti-skip of CD players, where it stores the signal and broadcasts a few moments later. I doubt it would be helpful if you are passing through long tunnels though.

The power I took from the rear cigarette lighter and ran wire under floor console (tucks very easily underneath it).

I want to connect my iPod mini to my RX radio. Today, I found a company (http://www.densionusa.com) who claims they can connect to the radio and control the iPod via the radio/wheel controls. I am interested in hearing from other RX owners who might have purchase this solution.

Regards,

Mike