Ordered A New iPod Kit for my Toyota

I just ordered a new iPod/iPhone interface for my Toyota mini-van. I have had an after market Peripheral device in my van since I bought it in 2005. It has worked fine for me. It allows direct connection to my vehicles sound system and allowed control from my steering wheel controls. Sure beats FM modulators and cassette adapters. Unfortunately, the cable the connects to the iPod or iPhone (1st generation) broke and I have had some ugly black electrical tape on it for some time. This is given me the excuse to replace the unit instead of just the cable. I actually did buy a cable replacement that ended up being the wrong one. The device I have installed now only has a dock connector that allows the iPod or 1st generation iPhone charge and play through my van's stereo system. What I have been longing for was an additional stereo input so I could connect any additional device. Another problem is many charging accessories that worked with the iPod and the 1st generation iPhone no longer work with the new iPhone 3G due to a change Apple has made to the way it charges. There is some hope that third party adapters may in some cases restore charging to the iPhone 3G with older accessories. Looking for a new kit to replace my current one turned up several choices offering a second input. That is one with a dock connector that can charge most iPods and the 1st generation iPhone and a stereo RCA input you can switch to for other devices. I could not find any that could guarantee charging for the newer iPhone 3G however. I ended up ordering the USA Spec PA20-Toy Toyota/Lexus iPod Adapter w/ Aux Input, $158 [Amazon link]. It offered exactly what I was looking for. The manufacturers website also clarified the iPhone 3G charging issue and will be offering a quick solution (see below).

Important Note - NEW 3 G PHONE !! Apple changed the connector dock which results that all existing interface (including all other brands) cables do not charge the new 3G We have a new cable being designed that will charge the 3G Phone. This new cable should be available in September. Please email sales for order information. Please note, due to software changes in the new iPods, the new iPhone and iTouch, work fine in the direct mode, but do not work in our new Hybrid mode! The new models work fine on the new PA20 TOY with all features!

the USA Spec PA20-Toy iPod Interface offers the following features:

• IPOD interface to connect, control, charge and play an IPOD through a factory radio
• All plug and play harnesses included for most applications and for easy installation
• Adds additional single stereo Aux input
• Song up/down Playlist/disc select, shuffle and random play features all control iPod
• Auto memory feature – Auto locates last song listened to on each play list
• Auto Skip 10+ songs in each play list with factory CD Changer FF button
• Auto skip to end of play list with factory CD Changer FF button
• Auto Maintain current play list when migrating from portable to in car use
• Auto Charge feature charges IPOD battery and auto stops after 1 hour of non use.
• In some vehicles if Vehicle has existing external CD Changer it must be disconnected.
• Auto Playlist Select – If no play list is created, Auto Selects first 5 play list on iPod

Other New Features: • Playlist Mode - Create up to 5 favorite mobile playlist then use the radio’s CD changer controls to access and control your playlist. • Direct Mode - Gives user complete control of their iPod while it is connected to the factory radio. iPod is not locked out while connected to the radio and user is able to manually access their complete iPod content. Radio still can adjust song up/down random or shuffle play but user can manually control their iPod and select any playlist, genre or Artist of their choice. • New Hybrid Mode! - Combines best features of Direct Mode and Playlist Mode. Create and access your favorite mobile playlist or directly access all your iPod content manually on your iPod. iPod displays song title information and iPod is not locked, so the iPod can be operated manually at all times. No word on the cost of the new cable that will be needed to charge the iPhone 3G yet. But I doubt it will be that expensive. Besides with the AUX input I can connect the iPhone 3G to my vehicle's sound system and charge it with a lighter plug charger. I am looking forward to connecting my iPod classic to the dock connector and my iPhone 3G or any other device that has audio out to the stereo AUX input for a long driving tour of Canada I have at the end of the month. Look for my full review of the USA Spec PA20-Toy Toyota/Lexus iPod Adapter w/ Aux Input after that trip. In my opinion all cars today should at least have a AUX audio input. My fuel saving Toyota Yaris does. By the way if you are looking for a nice mounting system for your car for any of your electronic devices check out ProClipUSA. Love their stuff. I just updated the ProClip mount in my vehicle to a dual mount.