So what all does the PIE adapter send to the stock head unit? I realize that you maintain your steering wheel controls, but what about information like station information off of an XM tuner? Not over standard RCA cables, I'm sure, but what about something like this?

http://www.terk.com/xmdirect/index.html + P.I.E for pioneer

or

http://www.pioneerelectronics.com/pn...006491,00.html

+ P.I.E. for pioneer

Since PIE is compatible with that XM tuner directly, is it a sound thought that it'd be capable of displaying track info, station info etc on the display? I'm not sure if anyone has tried this.

You're probably asking why I'd go to all the trouble but it's because i'd like to avoid any additional displays and devices other than the standard mazda parts which may be impossible.

I mean, I could just go out and buy a PIE and a sat tuner and hook it up to a line in and be done with it, but that's not much fun, now is it? Then of course I could buy a new 05 head unit, their sirius adapter and be done that way, but honestly, that's expensive.

So, anyone have any ideas on this?

 

so...i have the PIE / Alpine setup...i tried the PIE / Pioneer setup, and while i did get control from the steering wheel...there was no display...you have seen my commander setup, and i just prefer that over missing the display...my advice if you don't want a different display, is to go the Sirius route...get the new head unit...it will cost more, but with a single display, i think you will be happier...just my $0.02.

 

Bingo !!!!!!!!!
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I mean, I could just go out and buy a PIE and a sat tuner and hook it up to a line in and be done with it, but that's not much fun, now is it? Then of course I could buy a new 05 head unit, their sirius adapter and be done that way, but honestly, that's expensive.
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The Pie Unit is the best way to get Audio into the HU.. For things like the Sat box yes its just a RCA input.. but you do get the Mode,Volume and Mute buttons on the Wheel..

Pie Has just released a PIE-Ipod box like theIce Link.. its not ready yet.. but thats comming.. and all of these require you to have a HU with firmware of 9.55 or higher.

The Pie Unit is Simple to install . just plugs nto the HU.. same place the Sat box does.
But if you go the way of the Sat bax from Mazda you will loose the abillity to add a MP3, DVD, Carputer... , because the Sat box will use that input path.

The Pie Box can have its input split. so you can add more that just one audio source.

 

Yea, but I have no display unless i get a seperate XM head and I didnt want one of those.. blah..

 

mount that display inthe MP3/MD spot where ihavemy V1 radar unit display. then you have the best of both worlds.. After all its not like you are watching that screen with the bands name on it .. you know who you are listing to but alas i do understand..

 

So what will you see on the display then if you are using the pie adapater and sat radio? Just the station number or ext?

 

thew - quick question. Not sure if it's related, but I think it's a PIE question.

I want an audio input for an ipod that has text display and steering wheel controls. I know the new icelink can do that (my firmware is above 9.55). If possible, I would like it to allow another audio source - from either a mod'd xbox or PS2 through an AVElectronics converter.

I would like to know the best way to do this without sacrificing audio quality or soldering/mutilating the back of the headunit. Whaddya got?

 

on the Text display ? just the input you are on like you do now.. IE.. you hit CD button again and it switchs from the CD to EX1.. Ex1 will blink , thats all. you will not see any data about the sat box . you will hear its Audio but any info will need to be displayed on the Sat box itself or its external mount display.

 

The top display is in a perfect spot where i barely have to take my eyes off the road to read the display. Plus, it looks clean and nice

 

yes.. i know.. but the spot below is also very easy to see.. and, it is what it is.
I can only help you do what is possible today. The chioce is OEM SAT in a Sat ready HU or the Pie kit. IF you only want the Sat inout then get the Mazda Sat kit. IF you want more than just Sat get the PIE and deal with the extra display. If you had an IPOD you would have the same issue.

 

More help questions. :o Santa's bringing me a Roady2. I don't have a cassette, so I'll go wireless for now. What specifically do I need to have it connected directly to the HU (for better sound from what I've read) and will this allow me to easily take the Roady2 out and move it to another vehicle?

Am I correct in reading that with the PIE connector, the instrument panel will only display EX1 and I will be able to control the Roady2 with the steering wheel controls? What the difference between the Alpine and Pioneer? Would either work in the RX8?

 

you need the Pie/ALp box and the RCA cable. it will allow the Roady2 to send Audio into the Head unit and you will get to controll the volume anm mute. also if you hit the mode button your HU will switch to CD, MD,FM,AM,TAPE, CD, EX1-EX6

then 2nd push of the CD button will get you your new EX 1 input.. it will flash thats normal.

You can remove the Roady as long as you make the Rca cable accessable.. it can run in to you center cup area

 

Thanks!

 

Np