jenkins000

I'm attempting to install an ipod/mp3 input into my '01 LS430. I have the ML system installed and also the navigation system.
Anyone have any suggestions?
One solution I've seen all around the internet is the antenna adapter. However, I'm not entirely sure where the antenna plugs in? So I'm not sure what the adapter should look like.
Any help is greatly appreciated. Thanks

2GSKaizen

iTrader: (1)

I saw a pretty slick setup from GROM audio that plugs in line with your 6 disc changer, so you don't have to splice any wires. Just pull out the radio, unplug the changer, plug in the GROM, and then plug the changer plug into the GROM's harness.

jenkins000

Update:

I did discover that the radio tuner is actually in the trunk of the car. This is what the antenna plugs into.
The tuner box is located underneath the right floor mat in the trunk. It is the forward most box of the two that sit there (the other is the navigation/cd installer unit. And also, the ML amp is located forward of both of these boxes, up above the wheel well).
I'm going to install an fm modulator now. Hopefully I'll get some pictures of the process and link the product/antenna adapters I use.
Peace.

DiamondX

I have a 2002 w/Nav and ML. I installed a device form Vais Technologies. Now I can use my iPod with control from the steering wheel, Nav. screen, and standard controls on the radio. You'll have to remove a portion of the center stack. It will take a couple of hours the first time.

peteyx

Use the search function on this forum. There are LOTS of posts describing what to use and how to install.

jenkins000

Here is my solution to my Mp3 problem.
After quite a bit of internet reading, I decided to install the Isimple FM modulator which allows the playback of any 3.5mm device (ipod, droid, laptop...)
All in all, I think it cost me around $60.

Antenna adapters (make sure to select your exact vehicle).
http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll...m=200867906472

Antenna extension (You need 2 of these: 1 running to the Isimple, 1 running back to the tuner box)

Isimple (Has the on/off switch which completely removes any static from the radio station)

red white 3.5 mm (For plugging your mp3, ipod, droid, laptop into the Isimple)

jenkins000

Next set of pictures

jenkins000

Check out the very last picture for the overall set up.

denIS200

iTrader: (4)

WOW all this stuff for an iPod integration?

I have installed an Usaspec PA15-TOY just behind the navigation screen. It was more simple to install


Denis.

jenkins000

True that. I bet it was easier. However, for half the price, I'd gladly put the 2 hours of work into this method. Thanks for the alternative though.

Lust4Lexus

Welcome to clublexus!!
No disrespect, but there is no way in hell I would go through all that for iPod integration, especially considering the sound quality that an FM modulator gives. Or should I say, doesn't give. This product you installed makes no sense to me. You have no display on your navi, no steering wheel control, no charging, and the lowest quality connection from your iPod. IMHO, Vaistech would have been a MUCH better choice. You know the old saying , a penny wise......

MDSC

iTrader: (3)

I have grom and it works great and very easy to install, the steering wheel controls work also.

jenkins000

I agree that a Grom or Vaistech (sp?) would have been easier to install. I had to pull out the cd/radio changer in order to run my 3.5mm cord anyway. But if you're on a very tight spending budget, this iSimple device is the way to go.

Also, another reason I wasn't too hooked on the Grom/Vaistech is because I'm actually playing music through my droid bionic phone (not an ipod). If I was playing through my iphone/ipod, I might have put more consideration into those options. However, the iSimple works just as well with ipods as it does my droid/any mp3 player. The one major downside for ipod users is the lack of a built in charger.

Thanks for the feedback peoples. I hope the pictures are of some use to SOMEBODY out there.

Jabberwock

Thanks for taking the time to share your project and for posting the great labelled pictures. These pics are also helpful to folks that need to pull the back seat for any reason (like replacing subwoofer).

I would also second the comments that a direct ipod interface would have provided significantly higher fidelity and would have been a lot easier to install (although more expensive). The standard FM bandpass is limited to 6khz maximum so sound produced via any FM tuner is very compressed compared to what is coming from an IPOD device.

Again thanks for contributing and sharing your project and the excellent step by step photos.

MDSC

iTrader: (3)

the grom i bought and installed in my wifes ls works great with her Android, the song titles display on the nav screen and she can control of her phone with steering wheel buttons