Hi guys,

I've been searching around on this forum for the "memory card" option on our 8's that I saw on a C-NET review of our cars. But, I've never actually seen it, or know of any one with this option. I know there's audio-link, and the OEM iPod adapter options, but before I go that route, I wanna know if you guys have heard of this memory stick option. I think it was a factory installed option that allow you to put your MP3's on these two "memory cards". So anybody have this, or does this even exist, cuz it would be a cool purchase?

Check out this vid at approx. 42 seconds:

http://reviews.cnet.com/coupe-hatchb...-31352292.html

He refers to it as Mazda's "FAT or PHAT" something internal hard drive music system?

Also, does the OEM iPod adapter allow track selection with my steering controls?

Thanks and God bless.

Ben.

 

He is talking about Phatnoise. It is an add on and I think runs around 600 plus dollars. I don't know of anyone who has it. It's a hard drive based unit.

http://www.phatnoise.com/

Bob

 

I checked the site, and I think the Phat Box (if that's what the dude on the C-NET video was talking about has been discontinued), which kinda sucks cuz I woulda really liked to have that unit installed. And apparently Mazda supported it too. How come no one else here has that....is it not a very good quality product? Are there any alternatives?

 

Maybe with the popularity of the Ipod they deemed it obsolete...

 

Here is another unit. There are a few things that turned me off being 6 directories that can only contain 99 songs. No names or tracks (going from memory)...

http://www.therpmstore.com/product_i...products_d=141

Take care,

Brian

 

The other fatal flaw with this product IMHO is that random play mode only chooses from among the 99 songs in whichever of the 6 directries you happen to be in at the time. I will probably end up buying a cheap iPod and getting a DICE adaptor. Not sure if I'll also have to duplicate my mp3 library within iTunes software to get optimal use of playlists, etc.

 

Yep, solid state memory, e.g. the iPod, overcame the hard drive based technology. Even the older hard drive iPod's are a better value, even if you do have to install an adapter. 2009 RX-8 model catches up with an Aux socket, as have many other vehicles . The pace of technology .....

 

Yeah, that sucks, so I'll probably end up going the iPod route. There's the Audiolink version and the OEM Mazda version. I heard that the OEM Mazda version displays the song titles and folder titles as text, however, the steering wheel controls only work for the volume and not for the track changes. The Audiolink version allows track changes on the steering wheel, but no text readout of the song titles and the folder titles. Is that correct? Which version do you guys like better?

 

No, neither the OEM nor the Audio Link
display song information as LED text. Audio Link also sells the Axxess unit that displays text but do a search and you'll find that unit has been plagued with overheating problems. Maybe the've since been fixed??? The other unit that displays text is the DICE unit I mentioned above, which I'm currently considering.

 

Does the DICE adaptor also support steering wheel controls for track changes as well as volume? Also, the link you sent me is not working.

 

I believe so but I do not have the unit myself so can't yet speak from personal experience. I did not send you any link. Maybe you're confusing me with someone else?

 

DICE, Neo, Audiolink, Axxess, and even the OEM iPod adapter all allow control of track selection and volume from either the head unit or steering wheel. The first three allow for direct access of the iPod while it is plugged in, while the last two do not (and they both basically play through 5 playlists with the 6th playlist being the entire iPod).

They all charge the iPod while plugged in. All but the OEM unit have an aux input as well to allow the addition of a non-iPod MP3 player or external satellite radio. The Audiolink can also be purchased with a USB plug-in instead of the iPod cable.

The Axxess unit plugs into the tape adapter (so you cannot have a cassette or MD in your head unit) and displays text on the head unit.

The DICE and Neo (which are the exact same product rebadged) will display text but only on radios with the SAT button (basically 2005 and up) and if you purchase the R2 version of their units.

They are all relatively easy to install and can be done by anyone with very basic motor skills and about 20 -30 minutes of time, a Phillips screwdriver, a 10mm socket with an extension, and a slot screwdriver.

All but the Axxess plug into the external changer (this does NOT affect an in-dash 6-disc changer) port, so if you have an external CD changer in the trunk, it cannot be used with these.

Hope this helps.

 

Whoa...I read the whole Axxess post, and I seem to be interested in the Axxess, but it has overheating problems....is there a DICE post with people's experience with the DICE?

 

https://www.rx8club.com/series-i-interior-audio-electronics-24/experience-dice-ipod-integration-kit-139658/

If the link doesn't work for you, just search on "DICE" in a thread title.