Blacknoir

I've seen lots of posts for different kinds of ways to hook up an iPod with the 8. For those of you that actually have one, what do you think is the best way to go?

Thanks,
BlackNoir

DarkBrew

OEM adaptor = solid, reliable but no IPOD screens or controls available when connected. Instructions are a bit cryptic but search here for better explanations (I posted some)
Other adaptors are available, some which allow IPOD control and screen when hooked up but they have had some reliability issues.
All of them install the same way. All are similar in price.

Pick the features that are important to you - screen or no screen? OEM or not?

Blacknoir

How about holders for the iPod? If you have to use it for control you'd want it fairly accessible.

MazdaJeff

I would recommend the Audiolink. I have had it for a while and find it excellent. Zero problems.

laythor

I would suggest the Audiolink. It's a breeze to install and gives you the choice of using the Ipod controls while playing or using it in playlist mode. So it basically does what the mazda adapter does plus it gives you the option of controling the ipod directly when you want.

I've had it in for 4 months now and it's working like a champ.
I had planned to run the cord into my center console but after being unable to find the right mini-din extender I left in the glove box. Works great, sounds terrific, and since I lock my glove box I have that extra layer of security for my Pod.



PS Beware the dreaded bolt when removing the radio!

map

I have Dice. It works fine. Pretty much the same as Audiolink from what I've read. I like the different control schemes it gives based on what "disk" you're playing. The only crappy thing is every time you switch a "disk" it interrupts the audio for a second. It cost a bit more than audio link but I bought during a sale and got a free iPod mount with it so the cost evened out. I recommend the Proclip mount system which will put the ipod just to the right of the climate controls in front of the hand brake. I made a thread on that with pics, just search proclip.

I wouldn't buy the OEM kit since you can't use the ipod's controls. It's too much of a pain when you want to listen to a certain song to go about finding it with steering wheel controls and playlists.

Fortunate Few

iTrader: (2)

I bought the mazda ipod connecter. i wanted it in my center consol behind my cup holders but the mechanics said it wasnt possible (im sure it it they're just stupid and lazy). it works fine sounds amazing but you cant control it with ipods screens, you have to really know your ipod or else it gets confusing (playlists) I have mine in my glove box... for now.

N rider89

audiolink is the cheapest at around 110 w/ the rx8club discount. plus i had a slight problem with mine and they sent me a brand new unit for free, just shipped back my old one. great customer service.

1bkasper

Hi everyone, noob to the forum here...I was just looking for an ipod hook-up and found these two. Search ebay for this item number: 270131207111 and have a look at this one too: http://www.discountcarstereo.com/detail.aspx?ID=887

qbclub13

I installed my oem kit today and ran the ipod connecter behind my cup holders and in the box there, dont understand why the dealer would not do that for you.

DeViLbOi

iTrader: (1)

https://www.rx8club.com/showpost.php...6&postcount=63

There are the steps to getting it back there. Should take 10 minutes from end to end.

jquigley

Apologize if this is a stupid question.

I really like the way the ipod looks run through the rear compartment, but was just wondering if you'd had any issues with running it that close to the lighter plug in there?

I am constantly in the car and need my phone plugged into that outlet.

Thanks!

nt5k

Question about these solutions. I have the first-gen icelink and it works fine, except that when i turn the car off, it keeps charging my ipod. (even after the ipod is fully charged). I like to keep the ipod in the car but have had issues with my car battery dying because i leave it connected.

So.. Which one of these will not charge my ipod when my car is off?

DeViLbOi

iTrader: (1)

I don't use the plug for anything so I can't say for sure, but my guess is that it doesn't create any heat so it should be fine.

laythor

The audiolink does not charge when the car is off.


7 months with the audiolink and zero issues!

Fortunate Few

iTrader: (2)

i have the Mazda one, its good and ive never had a problem with it. It is a bit confusing but it gets the job done.. i hate it only when youre searching for a specific song its nearly impossible. if you get it install it yourself mazda charged me way more then the thing was worth just to plug it in and its supposed to be pretty easy to install.

TRAVASS

connecting this to the thread about "secret compartments"... it would sure be nice if the mazda one that i have installed would allow me to select songs from the ipod itself, since like a few of you already mentioned ..it is hard to find one particular song.
It would be neat to have the connector wire coming thru the "secret compartment" /hole" next to the cup warmers. anybody done that with maybe a different system connection. pics? mine is just sittin in the g-box. (lockable)

nt5k

word? If that's the case I'm sold.. The icelink just gathers dust cause I know I'll forget the ipod plugged in heh.. What version ipod are you using?

Also what's the best, ie. cheapest place to get it?

laythor

therpmstore.com is where i bought my audiolink and I would recommend the site to anyone, great place and very friendly owner.

I have a 5g 80gig Ipod black that I have stored in my glove box. The audiolink sit on a rail between the side of the radio and the interior plastic of the glove box frame. It's a perfect fit.

CosmosMpower

I had some issues with my first audiolink, it randomly froze up my cd player and I had to pull the battery to reset it. Then it finally permanently died, FalconTX with the RPMstore has great customer service and is local to me. I met him to pick up the first unit and he was easy to work with. My 2nd Audiolink has been working fine, it just has some weird quirks every once in a while but the sound quality is better than CD and 10X better than radio.

It's also pretty easy to install once you figure it out the first time, I can take mine in and out in under 5 mins now. If anyone in Dallas needs help with an install I'd be happy to.

Rogman

I've got the Axxess adapter check this thread for the info. If you read the whole thread you'll find that I seem to be the only one not having trouble with what appears to be a heat related problem.

Certainly I'd keep an eye on everyone else's experience. That said, I'm really happy with mine, easy install, works exactly as described and the only adapter I'm aware of that does display playlist and track info!

Good luck. . .

-Rogman

luckz88

Does the stock head unit have two rca jacks in the back so that I can just go to walmart and buy the $10 cord to plug into my ipod and then in the back of the headunit?

laythor

no

luckz88

dang ford, well thanks for answering that question

Zephyrzone

I had the AudioLink and no glitches but it DID charge the ipod when the car was off and it produced a hissing noise. I sent it back to Donny at therpmstore.com and he replaced it with another one. The second one had an even worse hissing sound so he refunded me. Their customer service is remarkably good. 5 stars. The product had excellent audio quality, but the background noise was too much for me to handle. I have the Neo Link now which has a better method for selecting playlists and tracks from the head unit, but it's pretty glitchy, doesn't charge the ipod well enough (it's always almost empty) and the audio quality is barely average. I'm selling it to try another one.