iPod interface

[jas451]

I have a PIE iPod interface plugged into my aux on the factory Shaker 500.
If I don't use it for a period of several weeks and then I go to use it -- I
push the "aux" button it doesn't recognize it and reads "no aux". I disconnect the battery so that the radio "re-boots" and then everything is fine again. Just curious if anyone knows what's going on??????

 

[billy_tripper]

Yea I have the same interface and about every month or 2 my stereo says "no aux" and won't pick anything up. It still charges the ipod when connected but I have to take my dash back apart, disconnect the ground and reconnect it and then it works fine. I'm going to have to try disconnecting the battery because that would be a lot easier. Wonder what the deal is though?

 

[iskwezm]

the deal is they dont work.We just discontinued our part because it was having trouble communicationg with the Ford can bus system.

 

[billy_tripper]

I love how it works. It really is not that big of a deal to me because resetting the battery or whatever is worth being able to listen to my Ipod directly through my stereo to me. I keep several thousand songs on my ipod and it has made life much easier for me, but I can see many people who don't like messing with their cars having trouble with these. I've had it about a year and a half I think and have probably had to reset 6 or 7 times but I don't care, I would def buy it over again. Anyways, it seems the Mustang is kind of complicated because I've also found out I can't get an aftermarket cd player put in that will work with my factory amp and subs. That means that to get a new cd player to replace the crappy Shaker 1000, I would have to buy new amp, subs and all, virtually replacing the $2000 system Ford charged me for. That sucks!

 

[Hoboattacker]

I love how it works. It really is not that big of a deal to me because resetting the battery or whatever is worth being able to listen to my Ipod directly through my stereo to me. I keep several thousand songs on my ipod and it has made life much easier for me, but I can see many people who don't like messing with their cars having trouble with these. I've had it about a year and a half I think and have probably had to reset 6 or 7 times but I don't care, I would def buy it over again. Anyways, it seems the Mustang is kind of complicated because I've also found out I can't get an aftermarket cd player put in that will work with my factory amp and subs. That means that to get a new cd player to replace the crappy Shaker 1000, I would have to buy new amp, subs and all, virtually replacing the $2000 system Ford charged me for. That sucks!

Bull****. The stereo shop just doesn't want to mess with it because it's a PITA. I know plenty of people that have an aftermarket head unit in their Mustang's with the stock speakers and amps.

 

[05wolfkiller]

I love how it works. It really is not that big of a deal to me because resetting the battery or whatever is worth being able to listen to my Ipod directly through my stereo to me. I keep several thousand songs on my ipod and it has made life much easier for me, but I can see many people who don't like messing with their cars having trouble with these. I've had it about a year and a half I think and have probably had to reset 6 or 7 times but I don't care, I would def buy it over again. Anyways, it seems the Mustang is kind of complicated because I've also found out I can't get an aftermarket cd player put in that will work with my factory amp and subs. That means that to get a new cd player to replace the crappy Shaker 1000, I would have to buy new amp, subs and all, virtually replacing the $2000 system Ford charged me for. That sucks!

+1 on what hobo said. i have a aftermarket alpine w/ ipod connects. and i am absolutely able to use my factory amps. i also have a aftermarket amp hooked up to a single 12' sub. the secret is you have to wire in a 5v voltage regulator that costs $2 from radio shack. the info is in this forum. try searching for shaker 1000 replacements.

 

[stanmckinney]

I have an Alpine also with no problems. It allows me to connect my ipod and satellite tuner. It displays all songs, artists, playlists, etc.
It's great.

 

[speed1972]

I talked to a local stereo shop yesterday...
They told me that PIE has a next generation interface that just came out recently and this issue is resolved. I won't know until I get mine, they have a shipment coming in next week so we'll see but it looks promising. Also, the tech told me that if I have any problems within the first year, its got a warranty so I'd try to see about getting it swapped out for the newer one.....

LB

 

[jas451]

It's not a real big deal - it seems like as long as you use it fairly often it's not
an issue. It's only happpened twice in the last 6-7 months. I suppose I would go
ahead and switch it out although I'm not all that crazy about going in a taking the
radio out again. It's sits velcroed on top of the radio with the cord running thru
the console tunnel - into the console where the iPod plugs in along with the dc
adapter. Everything is out of site.

 

[hatless pony]

Mine's done the same thing twice in the last year?? First time it did it I figured something came unpluged, so I took everything apart again(WAB) unplugged it replugged it, and it worked. Second time it was like "I aint taking the console and dash apart again, I'll listen to CD's til I find the time". Low and behold I went out for a dirve on Saturday and just on a wim pushed the AUX and there was the PIE, ipod works?? I don't understand how it reset itself? Earlier in the thread the suggestion was to pull the battery connection to reset. I've heard a horror story of another convertible owner who disconected the battery to install something and when reconnected the windows wouldn't do their 1" roll down to get in the car. He had to have it towed to the dealership and they had to reflash or something to get in the car. If I need to reset it myself can I reset the radio by pulling the fuse?? Which fuse would that be on a Shaker 1000.

Hatless Pony
aka: David

 

[jas451]

Checkin' w/PIE

I submitted the question to PIE. Their website is www.pie.net
See what they have to say about the situation.

 

[speed1972]

Installed my 2nd generation PIE about a week ago. Had no problems so far, the only issue I see is if the ignition is already on and you hook up the IPOD, it won't pick up.... just need to hook it up before starting the car. They claim that the issue is fixed with this 2nd gen.....so I'll keep you guys posted if the new one has any issues.....

LB

 

[bluecar]

Audio Snob....

My Ipod connection worked fine but it sounded terrible. The songs are smaller file sizes and it shows up on the sound quality. I took the cables back to the Apple Store. Different story at home but thats :OT:

 

[stanmckinney]

I have an Alpine head unit that accepts the ipod. The sound quality is awesome. I wonder what the difference is?

 

[jas451]

What volume level did you have the iPod set at when you 'downloaded'/ recorded?
I usually have set at almost 8/9 on a 10 scale. Also when you installed the the
interface there is a "gain" adjustment that you set so that it matches volume output
with the "cd" and the "radio".

 

[vicmeldrew]

my new gerneation pie is on the way; for those of you who have installed one could you please tell me where you spliced the power wire into and where you hooked up the ground wire; thanks

 

[jas451]

If I remember I tagged on to the power plug right above the radio.
I think there's a ground there also OR I may have grounded by just attaching to the body or a metal brace. I used velcro and put the interface on top of the radio.
Used a monster RCA cord from the interface which runs inside/under the console tunnel into the console where there is a removeable plastic plate/access door.
The cord comes thru there and hooks up w/the iPod. I notched a little half-circle
on the plate to allow the cord to come thru and snapped the plate back on.
There is a power source inside the console also so you can get a power adapter to
plug into the iPod. Everything is out of site!

 

[stanmckinney]

MY ipod updates through itunes and I pretty much use the standard settings. Never had a problem. I plug it directly into my Alpine from the console. There are no adjustments whatsoever for me to make.