Hey all - I've been searching on these forums for an answer to two questions that I haven't been able to find. Hopefully I'm not duplicating here, but here's what I've got. I just installed the USA Spec PA11-H2y Ipod interface and have a couple questions.

1. I have the unit installed, and the "CDC" text shows up in CD/Aux mode. I cannot find a way to switch over from the CDC mode to the CD changer. Have I lost the use of the in-dash CD changer, or is there something I did incorrectly?

2. I've also noticed that the volume really has to be cranked up in order to get a decent sound. On some songs, I was maxing out at 40 in order to get a reasonably loud sound. Is this normal?

Thanks for your help!

 

1. What happens if you press the CD button a 2nd time? It should switch over to the internal 6-Disc

2. Adjust the master volume of the iPod while in iTunes. That'll fix it.

 

hmmm...

This device connects via the dock connection and not the headphone output, right? If so, then adjusting the ipods volume shouldn't change the speaker output because the ipod's dock connector is essentially a line out or fixed output voltage.

I've had a problem with my icelink were if the ipod is in the cradle and car is turned off, then on settings get randomly reset. One of the settings is the icelink's output voltage which gets set to a lower value. Once that is set back to the max, then normal volumes should output. I would imagine the Usa spec unit has similar settings that may need to be adjusted.

Now i never have the ipod in the cradle when i start my engine and there no more problems. I don't think their internal power supply timings are correct or they are prone to voltage spikes .

hope it helps...

 

Dice - thanks for the advice re: pressing the CD/Aux button a second time. I've tried that, and pretty much everything else I can think of, and the only available sound sources I currently have are the factory radio and the ipod link via "CDC" when I press CD/Aux... Anyone out there with an '04 TSX non-navi that has the USA Spec installed?

Castles_Saloon - Yes, the device does connect via dock, although there is also an Aux input. I could try to see if over headphone output the sound is improved - I might do that. I'm not familiar with the USA Spec having output voltage settings, but I'll look into it. Thanks for the tip!

 

I guess the only other advice I have is check your cables - that's very strange.

 

I think you've either got something installed wrong or a bum unit. Un-install / re-install, then take it up w/ the usa spec people. That's not normal behavior.

 

Thanks for the tips - glad to hear confirmation that this is not normal. One last thing - I probably should have mentioned that this is an iPhone I'm using. I can't think of why the iPhone would behave differently in terms of volume, but is there a possibility this is the cause?

 

I use an iPhone w/ my usa spec. No problems. Again, I think you've got a systemic problem somewhere. Check all install points then contact the manufacturer.

 

This may seem obvious, but do you have any CDs in the CD changer? I'm not sure if you can switch to the CD changer if it is empty.

My USA SPEC is a little quiter than the radio, but in the 30s is always more than sufficent.

 

Def check your EQ on the Ipod and the wiring make sure you plug every connection (Should take 5mins).

I have mine at 14-16volume leve and that thing is plenty loud for me.

 

I've had a USA-SPEC (original PA11-H2, no "y") in my 2004 non-navi for over a year with no problems, used with a 4G color iPod.

- With my iPod, the output level of the iPod track (ripped with no gain adjustment) and the same CD played on the changer seem to be identical.

- Pushing the CD button times reliably switches between the CD changer and iPod (auxiliary) in my installation.


I agree with the suggestion for contacting USA-SPEC. I had some questions when I first got my unit, and I received responsive, knowledgeable technical support by phone. They may be a lot busier now but it's worth a try.

 

Thanks everyone for your suggestions.

I feel a little bit foolish re: the CD changer issue. I had taken all of the CDs out of the changer per USA Spec's instructions, and as 04rob suggested, I didn't have any CDs in the changer. I feel like an idiot on that one. Now that there are CD's back in there, it's working like a charm!

I tried castles_saloon suggestions re: when to plug in the iPhone - I have started attaching it after the car is started, and when the stereo is set to a low volume, and this avoids a sound "spike" I was getting on startup when attaching the iPhone, and it also seems to have solved the volume issue, although that could be subjective and perceptual, as I have no way of really verifying this.

Either way, I feel very satisfied with the unit now and I appreciate all of the helpful suggestions.

Thanks again!

 

i'm glad to hear its working and you're happy!