I have finally decided to go for
Blitzsafe HON/M-LINK1V.2X Honda/Acura Interface for iPod + Factory XM for my 2004 Acura TL. have still to order ir. Just wanted inputs from anybody who has installed it in their TL. Are there any other accessories I have to buy. I am buying it from discountcarstereo.com. the price is $89. I am planning to get it installed byb a mechanic. do these kits come with an installation diagram. Look forward to hearing from the experts out there.

 

Blitzsafe makes very good stuff. I have a Blitzsafe in my car and it works great. I don't have XM radio so I didn't need the factory XM retention feature. An installation diagram isn't really necessary as all you have to do is plug the unit into the back of the OEM head unit. To take apart the center console, there are instructions on this site in the garage or you can buy the service manual. Good luck!

 

I had a question on this also, is there anything else you need to buy w/ the blitzsafe interface to make it work? Also, is there any sound loss with this route at all??? thanks

 

You don't need to buy anything else if you buy the Blitzsafe adapter. And the sound quality is the best you'll get. It's a direct hardwired link to the head unit.

 

Thanks for your inputs zax. do you have to drill a hole anywhere or where does the docking cable come from. where do i get the service manuals. what did you mean by saying I can find instructions in the garage. Sorry if i am asking alot of questions.

 

so there isn't any sound loss from the mp3 player?

 

There is no loss from the outputs of the audio player to the head unit as it's all hardwired. I mean, there is ALWAYS loss, but it's normal for audio running over analog lines. If it was a digital connection, there would be no loss. But so far, iPods don't have an optical out.

I pulled the docking cable out from the center console to sit on the upper shelf. The only place you'll have to make a hole is at the bottom of the center console. But it gets covered by a nice rubber piece down there.

You can buy the service manuals at www.helminc.com. The link for the 3G garage is: https://acurazine.com/forums/showthread.php?t=84834.

Good luck!

 

So has anyone installed the HON/M-LINK1V.2X yet?

 

I looked in the 3G garage but could not find a link to take apart the center console/remove the radio so that I can install the Blitzsafe thing. Can someone give me a direct link?

 

I am planning to get the HON/M-LINK1V.2X installed by next week. I am getting it from one of the Blitsafe dealers (Digital City) in the Bay area. They will be doing the installation. barely costs aroung 65 bucks for the install.

 

A Quick question Zax. Do I also have to buy the Blitzsafe UII Universal iPOD® Interface along with the Blitzsafe HON/M-LINK1V.2X Honda/Acura Interface for iPod . Anothe r quick question what is the difference bet The Blitzsafe HON/AUX DMX V.2X and the Blitzsafe HON/M-LINK1V.2X Honda/Acura Interface for iPod. I still have not figured that out. look forward to hearing from you. Harry

 

I have my XM Commander hooked to my factory HU in a 2000 TL. I have the Blitzsafe adapter for this connection. I think the universal iPod hookup from Blitzsafe will directly connect with my existing Blitzsafe adapter. I wrote to tech support at Blitzsafe to ask them this question. When I get a reply from them, I'll post the email, and wiring directions which I had also asked for.

 

harry2307, if you are getting the HON/M-LINK1V.2X, you don't need the UII. HON/M-LINK1V.2X is an ipod interface and HON/AUX DMX V.2X is an aux adaptor, that's the difference. You will need the UII if you are getting the HON/AUX DMX V.2X. Get the HON/M-LINK1V.2X if alll you want is to hook up your ipod.

 

zax, thanks again. Which is a better option. If you install the Blitzsafe HON/AUX DMX V.2X what are the advantages. Again I am just looking at hooking up my ipod, but would love to know if I can get more options by installing the Blitzsafe HON/AUX DMX V.2X , if not i will go with the M-Link.

 

I got the HON/AUX DMX, and the Harman Kardon Drive+Play for my Ipod. The Drive and Play ALSO has an AUX input so you can connect other sources that way (in my case an AV switcher which has a PS2 on it). I would go with Blitzsafe as it is more generic and allows you to add whatever else afterwards. I've heard nothing but negative reviews of the music link as it is limited and expensive.

 

I meant whixh is a better option the Blitzsafe HON/M-LINK1V.2X Honda/Acura Interface for iPod (not the Acura M-Link) or the Blitzsafe HON/AUX DMX V.2X

 

If you don't need another AUX input source besides the iPod, get the M-LINK1V.2X. If you do think you might want another source or you might connect a Drive+Play, get the HON/AUX DMX.

 

Hey Zax hows the harmon kardon drive and play. it looks pretty neat. How much does it cost. Did you install it in your TL. which year TL do you have. where did you get it installed.

 

Here's a link to my D+P install:

https://acurazine.com/forums/showthread.php?t=131132

My signature has all the info about my car.

I LOVE the D+P. It's absolutely AWESOME!

I paid around $175 for it from eBay. I installed it myself. Took about 2 hours. I was doing other things at the same time.

 

Hey Zax,
I finally ordered the Blitzsafe HON/M-Link 1v.2x form discountcarstereo.com Can you provide me a link or info on how to do the install. If you have any pics that wd be great I maybe taking it to a mechanic for the installation.

Harry

 

My site (link above in my signature) has some pics about installation... check it out...

 

harry2307, there's no direct link/info regarding installation. You will have to search for all the related posts. If you read enough, you should be able to put this puzzle together. I know nothing before and after searching and reading posts for a day, I was able to install an iPod interface myself. I am not a handy girl at all and I did it

 

well i would have tried to do it myself but don't have the time. Lucky you. well I want to find out if anybody out there has installed the Blitzsafe HON/M-LINK1V.2X on an 04acura tl. Please let me know the feedback and did you have to drill any holes and how did you do it. if you can expalain in steps would appreciate it.

 

Hey Zax,
I got the Blitzsafe HON/M-LINK1V.2X which i had ordered. I took it to Digtal City a dealer of Blitzsafe product. They installed it but the problem was though it was charging the ipod it was not playing the songs. Those guys tried everything possible but could not figure out what the problem was. Any suggestions from your side.

Harry

 

this looks good.. but.. i just cannot understand why acura and apple is not able to come up with perfect neat solution to ipod integration.. one of my biggest fear is install something like drive and play and next thing i know apple and acura annoucing the real integration crap.. what do i do????????? i bought IPOD so that i can play on my tl.. now it's just freaking sitting there............................................. .................. tell me if anyone shares my dilemma!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

 

Harry,

When trying to play from the Blitzsafe, did you press CD twice to put the head unit into CD-C mode? That's how to select the auxiliary source.

 

We did do that. I was with these mechanics. Installing music systems in cars is their bread and butter. Theses guys are also dealers to Blitzsafe. I have sent an email to the blitzsafe guy who I have been in touch with asking what the problem could be.

 

Very strange... I've never had a situation where I got NO sound at all. Do you see the head unit switch into CD-C mode?

 

Does the blitzsafe adapter allow you to use the CD player controls to control your ipod? In other words, can I change tracks on my ipod by using the next track button on the head unit?

I'm trying to decided between the USA Spec PA11 Hon2 and this blitzsafe adapter. The blitzsafe costs a little less, but the USA Spec offers both aux in and ipod (based on what disc you select). It also lets you change tracks using the head unit controls and playlists. But it doesn't display the mp3 text on the head unit.

 

i called up blitzsafe and they said even they couldn't figure why it shld happen. he said that either there is a loose connection or th eproduct could be defective. Another option he suggested was to try out the Blitzsafe HON/M-LINK1V.2 Honda/Acura Interface for iPod which does not retain the XM. Anyways I am planning to have another mechanic have a go at it today . if it does not work then I will order the other blitzsafe product.

Tejesh you can control th eipod as well as you can operate from your car controls. The only downside is that it has to recognize the albums on the ipod. it picks up english Albums easily but does not pick up albums which do not hav track info
(i listen to indian songs as well)

 

Zax,Thanks a lot for your inputs. I got the Blitzsafe HON/M-LINK1V.2X installed by an indian mechanic who was ref to me by my friend. That guy was cool. he did not even charge me anything for installation. But it works good. Did not drill any holes. Those Digital City guys who tried to install it I guess did not know what they were doing. It was reallly simple.

 

Sweet, glad you got it working!!

 

Curious as to where you're running the cable through the console if there was no drilling. Can you post pics/details.

 

Really? You can control the ipod using the vehicle's controls? I was under the impression that you couldn't? I'll probably be buying the M-Link V.2x soon as well.

 

You can only control through the ipod if you are using the Blitzsafe M-link 2x. Sorry for the wrong information.

 

The cable runs through the side console near the driver seat. I had th eoption of drilling a hole and getting it through the center console so that it can rest on the the storage space provided under the arm rest. But I decided against it. My cable is hanging out so when i hook up my ipod, i wither place it in the cupholder or next to thestick shift. I will try sending you pics.

 

Where did you mount the Blitzsafe box? Is there room behind the radio?

 

Yes there is enough room behind the HU. I just spent 3 hours last night installing my HON/M-LINK1V.2 and hardwiring my radar detector. It took me a 30 minutes figuring out the best way to run the ipod cable, because I didn't want to use any clips or anything to display my ipod. So I drilled a small enough hole on the top of the top center console tray area. You would know the hole is there unless you stick your hand in there and feel upward. I then ran the wire through and out to me. This makes it easy to control, because I can just rest in on my lap and if I want to change a song list I can just pick it up without having to reach for the ipod to change it. Then when i park i can just stick the ipod (nano) and cable into the cubby hole and close the cover....poof disappear. Looks clean and not even a hint of a mod!

 

tejesh83, which adapter did you end up using and how are the results?? I am at the same crossroads as you were back at the end of February.