I have a 2004 TSX with Nav.

I've been through them all...

First it was the Blitzsafe --

Worked the very first day and then maybe 1 out of 20 times after that. Wouldn't switch to CD-C mode. Seemed promising and was cheap, but was incredibly unreliable.

Then it was the Icelink (2 of them actually) --

The first one wouldn't pause the iPod when switching to another source (its supposed to) and it would on occasion skip forward twice from the steering wheel instead of once (annoying when trying to navigate). It would also sometimes make it so I couldn't get to the Audio screen on the nav. Occasionally had other weird issues, like blocking out all sound, even on other sources.

Replaced that one...

The second one worked better for the first day, but then it wouldn't switch to CD-C at all, and caused serious issues freezing up the whole nav system. It also had problems with skipping songs more times than pressed. Both units had pretty slow response times.

Finally the USA SPEC PA11-HON2 --

Just installed. So far it is amazing, does everything I cared about that the Icelink did, but is much faster and has been 100% reliable so far. Plus it has an additional AUX output and is $80 less (from Crutchfield too, not one of these shadier places with bad return policies. The only negative so far is it is very hard to fit in the space behind the center pocket thing, and if you're not really careful the iPod cable will fall out of the back of the device. Hopefully it keeps working...

The funny thing is, this is the only unit I've tried that does not advertise itself as being compatible with the TSX.

 

dang man~ you went through a lot!

for me..my itrip has been working perfectly anywhere in my tsx since day one~

 

I see references to a PA10-HON on their site, but no PA11-HON2.

Can you provide any links for it? Do you believe it would work on a 2006 TSX w/ navi?

 

We use the USA SPEC in many cars... but I've had an Icelink in my car for months without any glitches.

 

I will happily send you one to test if you like... XM is the question.

 

Uh, yeah, I'll test it! I've got the full assortment 06 navi, xm, ipod. I'd love to have a dedicated iPod interface.

 

umm sure you tried ALL ?
did you try SNHOND3 ? which I guestimate 80% of TSxer have.
did you try P.I.E ?

 

"USA SPEC" is just a what it means right ? a generic "USA Specification" ?
Not a vendor/supplier

 

Its the name of a vendor. They make OEM radio addon aux units and such. Check out www.usaspec.com

 

can't find it, don't see it on usaspec.com or crutchfield
OP should provide a link

 

Sorry folks, here is the link:

http://www.crutchfield.com/S-pLBfrQN...o&i=581PA11HN2

huckleberry, you're right I haven't tried ALL of them.

Should also mention that to use this with Nav you will need a Y-cable, I used the PIE HON03-F/MM, but there are others out there:

http://www.logjamelectronics.com/piehon03fmm1.html

 

What is your iPod volumne setting with this thing ?
With SNHOND3, I need to turn iPod ALL the way up and then with Radio to like 20 to start getting decent volumne.

 

All these adapters use the fixed line out on the bottom, in the dock connector - iPod volume doesn't affect the level of this output.

But that is a great question. The Icelink has a preamp output adjustment... how is the level with the USA SPEC?

 

elduderino... clear your message box please!

 

what a whiner.

 

it is very hard to find
It's not even on USASPEC site

 

With the USA SPEC using the dock connector the volume is good, I'd say roughly equivelant to the Icelink on the 4V setting.

I quickly tried connecting the iPod's headphone jack to the USA SPEC today, and it was pretty quiet. Had to turn the iPod all the way up and had the radio at like 30 before it was loud enough.

 

Cool, thanks.

 

Maybe so, but rob "shouldn't" do anything. If you want the link, ask nicely, that's all.

 

The pie and x3 works fine with an 05 tsx xm still works as well.

Only problem about it is hidding the big box in the center console you beat up your poor tsx badly.

 

Can you give me more information on how it interfaces with the nav and stereo? I am really new to this, so I dont know if you can control the device using the standard steering wheel/console controls, what limitations there are, and what features are supported. If ther are none, is all navigation controlled thru the device only? Any details would help out a ton. I am already beating my head against a wall trying to decide on a solution for a 2004 TSX with Navi, and an S2000. OH and did you have the in-dash 6 disc changer option as well? I dont think you can get navi without it but its worth asking. IF so did it still support 5 play lists as disks? even though you had 6 disks already?

DBA....

 

Reach

Did you test the USA SPEC interface in your '06 navi and if so, how does it work? I would appreciate any comments from others who have the same setup. Thanks.

 

So this little guy will serve all your IPOD needs for 04'navi tsx? Kinda on the pricey side compare to blitz2 mod.

 

Newplay! -- I thought it was too expensive too until I wasted so much time with the Blitzsafe. Then wasted an equal amount of time with the Icelink, which is like $200

Dbaman -- I have a 6 disc in-dash, this thing doesn't change anything with that. You press CD once and you're controlling and listening to the in-dash, press the same buttton again and your using the USA-SPEC. All Navi controls remain the same. You change tracks and volume with either the steering wheel controls or with the radio controls. You can also control the iPod from the iPod's UI.

 

pretty dumb question regarding iceLink+ and TSX 04 w/Navi.
In order to get the manu on ipod screen i need to switch to playlist 6 which is kinda PITA, the interface is terribly slow. But okay, I somehow manage to get there. But then... Then the big question is -- how am I supposed to navigate that damn menu? Which button moves it up/down and selects an item? Press next and hold on ipod doesn't work. Pressing Up on the steering wheel does something really weird, it kinda scrolls through the menu and goes back to the item selected. Any help will be greately appreciated

 

tmac145,

In case you hadn't seen it yet, Reach has a review of the USA SPEC PA11-HON2 here:
https://acurazine.com/forums/audio-video-electronics-navigation-22/review-usa-spec-pa11-hon2-2006-acura-tsx-339865/

I just got around to installing the very same thing this past weekend on my '04 TSX w/ Nav and after wiggling a few loose connectors, everything seems to work as advertised

I too did a bunch of research and my personal requirements were: direct mode access (not just play lists), steering wheel controls, and using the ipod dock connector (as opposed to using the headphone jack). The PA11-HON2 gives me all this PLUS an extra AUX-IN. For $110 + shipping, I think the price is well worth it.

If you have more specific questions, it'd prolly be best to leave them on the thread above. I plan to add in my own comments as well.

Good luck,
djpinoy

 

I just had mine installed by a local chain for less than $60. They did a great job by drilling a small, unnoticeable hole through the back of the lower tray. The sound quality and access are great. I have an '05 TSX w/Navi and XM. Everything works flawlessly.

 

This sounds very promising! I've heard mixed reviews about most of the ipod adapters out there, but not heared anything negative about the USA SPEC PA11-HON2.

I hope this isn't a dumb question, but will the USA SPEC PA11-HON2 work on the 2004 TSX (without navigation)? Seems like the examples here refer to navi-equipped TSX's.

I assume it will work - you just leave out the y-cable? Anybody have this working in a non-navi '04 TSX?

 

And will it will in 05 TSX w/o nav but with XM?

 

Can someone explain briefly what is involved in the install? Do you just insert the plug with all the wires into an existing socket that's already there? Is there any rewiring or soldering involved? I have a 2004 TSX Nav. (Assume I'll need the PIE connector for the Nav.)

Thanks in advance. I've really tried to read through the FAQs and have seen some discussion for installation but it seemed to be for other adaptors.

 

Installation is the same as the Icelink and Blitzsafe adapters.

 

What kind of mount is that for your iPod?

 

haha I was just about to ask the samething because mines just sitting in one of the cup holders next to my E-brake...

 

Keep me posted!!