People have talked about something called Dom's NavTv, but I don't know about it. Check this out

http://www.logjamelectronics.com/soundvidhond2.html

 

Yeah, logjam's got one and avelectronic.com has a lower base model that can accept 2 video in's as well (1 for camera, and 1 for external video source).

Update: parts won't arrive until friday, so it looks like a saturday afternoon install for me. Maybe friday if it arrives early enough in the afternoon.

 

Please let us know how it goes! I personally don't care about XM, but I would like to know how you select sources and things like that. What are you planning on connecting?

I'm trying to get iPod (might get the Acura Music Link instead), Sirius and a portable media player installed through the factory unit.....

I was looking at the Soundgate VIDHOND2 as well. I would think you could use an aux input for the video opposed to an FM modulator. Anyone know how you switch video sources? If it interupts the nav with a switch or something, I guess you would go to the right aux audio input then switch over to the video source. Anyone?

 

That video converter is probably good but they want $350 for it. I got Dom's unit for $125 in a group buy ($100 more for plug in play). I probably won't install it until spring though.

 

What are you planning on displaying on it? Also, how are you going to run the audio?

 

I'm gonna buy a blaupunkt dvd player and put it in the glove compartment. For the audio I'm thinking of making an aux-in using a relay with xm input. Here's the link for the aux-in I might use something else for the audio like the P.I.E., I'm waiting to see how it works out. I want to keep xm. I really don't know how often I'm gonna use the dvd player, but I thought it would be cool to have, and I'm gonna do the labor myself.

 

the logjam pie unit has a 4 button switch selector source. press 1 button, you go to your factory xm which i've just renewed last night, press another buttom I go to my ipod, and the last button i'll use for audio from my dvd player/monitors for the rear passengers. I purchased the PIE unit cause there's no wiring splicing and I may trade this car in for a manual instead so want to be able to revert back to stock fast and easy. If you plan on using just 1 video source, the logjam/avelectronic/dom's unit will work for you. If your using 2 or more video sources, your shelling out cash. IMO, just purchase a dvd player that has additional video/audio inputs.......that way you can still run 2 video sources. Pyle is currently offering a 1/2 DIN dvd player that can accept another external video source.

http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll...e=STRK:MEWA:IT

Plug your second video source(ps2, etc) to this Pyle unit or any other unit. Run the Pyle dvd video out to a dom's/avelectronic/logjam unit and to your rear monitors and there you go. 2 video sources and your not dropping insane amounts of cash for a multi-video switcher.

Also, to clarify, video is video. All your doing is just hitting a swith to toggle from your navi screen to your external dvd player/video source. That's it. Navi will still be working in the background, but then again I don't plan on watching TV when I'm driving. Leave that for the people in the back IMO.

IMO, the music link is too much cash for too little performance. I like to be able to see the titles/artists and have easy access to playlists, so I'll have my ipod mounted right by the navi.

 

Do you need to take apart the dash to install the PIE parts? (im hoping not)

thanks!

 

Nope, just gotta reach behind and find/locate the right connectors. Guys have located the connectors before when installing their blitzsafe's without dash removal so should be the same scenario.

 

sweeet!!! and the BT/Navi still mutes all the aux/xm inputs like the stock system does?

 

special-ed,

Did you get your PIE yet? I already installed my Music Link. Although you might be able to get to the 14pin connector on the back of the radio, you may have a hard time splicing into +12v for the PIE and Blitzsafe iPod adapters without removing the radio. Let us know if you can do it.

BTW, that 1/2 DIN DVD player is fuckin' sexy. I think it gave me a chub. I might have to pick one of those up. Where can I get one of those Dom's Nav video converters?

jjh1234

 

Sounds like it works good, cool. I might go with this cuz Im gonna add a dvd player and possibly an ipod in the future. The fact you dont have to cut any wires is a big plus. Also Dom's video converter has two video inputs. One is meant to be used for a back-up camera but also can be used for any video source. So Special-ed where did u mount the selector box.

 

Here's the link to Dom's group buy

 

well theoretically it should work. Parts coming in tomorrow and will install depending what time of day the parts finally show up plus I still gotta do some work with my grounding wires for my new optima battery I just purchased yesterday. Yeah, the PIE or switchers like these just give you more flexibility down the road without hurting the pocket. Right now, the nav-to-dvd converter isn't high on my list so I'm just going to buy that 1/2 DIN DVD player (way more room now in the glovebox) and since my headrest monitors can take in audio/video inputs directly (huge plus), I'll just rca out the pyle dvd player straight to my monitors. Then in the future, I can always add the nav-to-dvd converter if I feel like wasting cash but rear monitors are priority for my 2 year old!!

 

i just ordered my PIE parts as well... lets hope the sound quality is good! I also hope that the overall volume for the 3 extra AUX inputs will be louder than the XM.. cause XM volume in our TL's is weak compared to the volume levels of the CD player.

 

Wow, I just spend most of the morning trying to get that damn connector out of the back of the radio. It wouldn't be so bad if there was a little more room.. anyways.

FOr those of you that spliced the wire.. HOW? THere is no slack.. how can you make a splice without having the hands the size of a 2 year old?

Looks like I'm going to have to get the Y harness to give myself some more room.

 

you shouldnt have to splice anything if you get both the X3 and the harness correct? I called logjam electronics and they told me the same thing.

 

special ed: update????

 

I'd love to know more about how you got the wires from behind the dash...was it from the passenger side or the driver side??? pics??? I will be ordering mine tomorrow. :gheywave:

 

Hey guys, parts came in late friday afternoon but didn't have chance to install. Blocking out some time though today (sunday, after the football games....go colts!) so I'll let you guys know what's up!

 

Sweet can't wait....

 

guys,

it works! and its super clean and clear. mounted the "brain" in the driver's foot well, the switch box near the VSA button, and ran two sets of RCA to mini stereo connectors for travel under the center console to the storage bin. just had to tap the power from the cig lighter.

volume is consistant from xm to aux and cycling through the inputs is quick and simple -- overall i'm very happy with this purchase.


for those that have their parts on the way, please keep us posted on your success and impressions. much thanks to the OP for this find.

collin

 

theklassic: how is the volume compared to the XM... cause XM levels dont reach that high compared to the CD player for instance. Also, do the Navi/BT voice functionality still work when the AUX inputs are selected on the switch? (im assuming you didnt have to take apart any part of the dash to do this mod right?)

 

in my test i used a couple of iriver mp3 players. the problem with doing this is that not all mp3s are at the same volume, so one song may be slightly louder than the next depending on the original source, encoding, or etc.

i can say though that if there was a volume difference, its very negligible. but you're right, the CD and XM volume is different, but it also depends on the channel (i've noticed some are louder than others), and the disc (same deal) that you're comparing. moral of it all; nothing is made worse, and you won't need to amplify the signal.

oh. and BT is unaffected. the sound cuts off just the same and i'm notified of an incoming call. its just as if you were playing XM while a call came in.

and now the slightly scary part. this was my first step in a carputer mod (non-navi) so i did actually take apart the dash. my ride is in pieces right now -=( ha!

i've read that some people have had luck reaching back by the driver's foot well to undo the XM plug, BUT its a really really really tight fit. can someone chime in on this method?

if anyone needs help taking apart the dash feel free to hit me up. i hope i can help. and yeah, i can provide a step by step for this --- provided you guys are cool with the dash removal method? honestly thats the hardest part and the most work, everything else is just soldering a wire for power and connecting a cable.

this was a super simple mod which i think is a great alternative to the splice/relay method.

collin

 

I finally got my install done. I have to say, getting that connector lose from the back of the radio is an exercise in patience, endurance and pain!

Anyhoo, I got my Audiovox 6600 [phone/mp3/camera/etc] mounted on the left side vent with no wires showing [routed through the vent]. I also mounted the Soundgate switch in the empty dummy plate as many others have done.

I took lots of pics and will be posting all the stuff I grabbed from the forums to get this done. Thanks for everyone's help too.

 

looks good fperkins! I actually decided to order the cableneck/charger from ten technologies that has the minijack output but it won't come till later this week. Going to do the rest of the install this afternoon however. Not looking forward to reaching that connector though!!

 

i just got my parts in today! i should get it installed by this wknd im hoping (that AUX switcher is definately thicker/bigger than i thought it would be) : /

 

whats the difference between the PIE and the Blitzsafe HON/AUX DMX V.2 + soundgate AUX 3. From what i can gather the PIE is one unit that does the same thing as the other 2 units combined??

I am still unsure as to what I need to order.

 

I don't think that you can keep your XM with the Blitz + Soundgate setup. Correct me if I'm wrong.

jjh1234

 

Hi Guys - excellent progress so far. I just wanted to summarize/clarify for everyone what it appears each of you have ordered and installed into your 2004-2006 Acura TL as of Jan 17. Please correct me where I am wrong:
________________________________
GROUP ONE - The PIE product suite:
Chita79, theklassic, and special-ed each ordered only the 2 parts identified by the original poster:
(1) P.I.E. X-3 Auxiliary Input Converter
(2) P.I.E. X3-HON03 X3 Wiring Harness for Acura & Honda Vehicles

(3) Special-Ed also added the Blitzsafe Universal iPod Interface
and/or
the TEN Technologies (one or both Ed?)FlexibleDock iPod dock for his iPod. If you only ordered the FlexibleDock, does this mean your iPod is being charged by the lighter adapter and not via a hardwired power connection?

RESULT SO FAR:
- theklassic install is done and he's completely happy.
- Chita79 received parts, install underway.
- special-ed received parts, install underway

_________________________________
GROUP TWO - Soundgate + Blitzsafe products
fperkins ordered:
(1) Soundgate AUX3
(2) Blitzsafe HON/AUX DMX V.2

RESULT SO FAR:
- Installation is complete. Had trouble getting original connections unplugged. Appears to be happy with the results? Pics are forthcoming.

________________________________

Myself? I don't care about losing XM radio...i just want 2 (or 3) auxilliary jacks w/power, so that I can seemlessly add on my iPod and Sirius Starbase satellite radio receiver without needing to use the car lighter power for either, or looking at any external cabling. I am undecided which set of products to order - however I am leaning towards joining group 1 above with the PIE product set.

Thanks!

 

First, I must thank everyone for an outstanding thread that is extremely detailed and quite useful for us attempting to fulfill our dream at getting proper IPOD connectivity on our 2004+ TLs with no thanks to Honda's piss poor attempts at same.

My question is regarding powering up the BlitzSafe IPOD Universal Adaptor. Since the adaptor requires a switched as well as an always on power source (the always-on charges the IPOD for 20 min. after the vehicle is powered off), what connection is recommended for the "always-on" lead? Most in this thread have tapped the positive of the 12V lighter socket for the X3 power which is fine as it is switched. If I opt for the X3 with the Blitzsafe universal IPOD adaptor, I'll need two switched (one for the X3 and one for the Blitzsafe) and one always-on power sources (also for the Blitzsafe).

Can anyone care to comment on this?

Thanks!

 

Personally, I would tap into the +12, -12 and switched +12 from the radio harness. This would help eliminate ground loops between the radio and input adapter. I believe the wiring diagrams are on page 2 of this post.

jjh1234

 

Thanks for your response jjh1234. What method did you use to tap the wires? Did you combine the wires in the connector block or simply split off the power wires with some type of "Y" connector? I assume the former to take advantage of the chassis grounding. Sorry for my ignorance on this.

 

I finished my P.I.E. Install today.

Wiggling the connector out was pretty painless for me, once I figured out which side of the car I should be going from (The Driver's side). I used a longish screwdriver to poke from above, and a needlenose pliers to grab the connector and pull. Took about 15 minutes.

The hardest part was getting the connector onto the P.I.E. harness, because the wires from the XM don't have any slack, so that wasn't too fun, but didn't take too long.

I got the P.I.E. Box shoved back behind the console, next to the gas pedal. I'm a bit concerned about a wire getting in the way of the accelerator, but I'm taping and zip tying everything down tight, so I'm not too worried.

I ran the power to the fusebox and tapped into an empty fuse in the top row, Can't remember which one, off the top of my head. That was pretty easy. I used the Add-A-Circuit (or equivalent) part. You don't need a voltmeter to find the switched circuit. When you connect the wire to power, the P.I.E. box gives an audible click.

I ran the RCA cables back next to the center console, and they are just hanging out of the center console at this point. I'll either mount the iPod later, or run the cables to the center console better.

Sounds great. I'm using a Monster iCharger to charge the iPod at this point (since I already had one)

I'll try and take some pictures later.

 

hey jdbruce... id like to know which fuse you tapped into exactly. I am probably going to do my install this weekend (if i have time).... also, where are you mounting your aux selector?

 

Exactly. I've been using it for a couple days now and my intial review still stands.

 

guys, anyone know how to take that damn center vent off? i've searched and looked at the service manual instructions, but it just doesn't budge with my make shift hook.

any tricks? anyone know where i can buy the actual vent puller tool? i need to get that damn HVAC/XM display outta there.


thanks!
collin

 

I haven't figured out where I want to mount that ENORMOUS AUX selector! Right now I have it just hanging.

I'll check on the number of the fuse.

JD

 

I used a bent coat hangar. The trick is to hook the edge of the vent as shown in the installation instructions. I had to pull with a good amount of force to get it to pop out.

 

Hey guys, haven't gotten to the damn install yet....too many interruptions. Hey jdbruce, nice to hear that the install was relatively painless. Haha, I was actually thinking of the same thing regarding the Selector Switch. I actually thought of possibly mounting it in the bottom tray, where the lighter is located but not sure about the sizing/fit. Gonna have to brainstorm on this one.

Also, I did not go with the ipod/blitzsafe unit. I decided on the Ten Technology gooseneck since I get a long gooseneck for mounting which allows for more flexibility in positioning the Ipod (I want the Ipod on the right side of the steering wheel), there's no bulky mounting bracket or holder (IMO), I get charging ability to iPod, and there's a mini-jack output at the base so all I have to do is wire a mini-jack to RCA Splitter cable and run it to the PIE. The Ten Tech product gives you mounting, charging, and aux output all in one unit....I think it's a pretty sweet gadget.

Hopefully by tomorrow or thursday, I'll have this in.