Very shortly after getting my Honda Accord Hybrid, I got a module that provides a true iPod connector to the radio as well as a separate auxiliary audio input.  The module I added is the USA Spec iPod Interface.  Although this wasn't terribly cheap, it seemed to fit a need.  Namely, I'd be able to plug-in my iPod, control it from the car stereo (even the wheel), and have it charge.

Installation was easier than I had expected, although pulling out snapped in pieces is always a challenge in will power.  The piece around the center console really looked and felt like it was going to break before it just snapped out.  I also goofed and pulled out the rubber insert in the "not-an-ashtray" compartment when the whole plastic piece came out (if I recall correctly). 

After pulling the center junk box out, I was able to get in behind the radio without pulling it out.  The fit was tight, but once I got the cable connected and the XM cable reconnected, I was able to keep some wires behind some of the small supports inside so it was nice and tidy.  I zip tied up the auxiliary input, for the time being, as I wasn't quite ready to drill a hole in the plastic to have the second input (for a phone music player or the likes).

At first, I wanted to get the iPod connecter into the center elbow rest console.  This would have required a bit more drilling than I wanted to do.  Eventually, I found an easy opening in to the glove box area, which is also convenient because it can be locked and is easily accessible by the passenger (although the center storage would have been accessible by even the back seat).

Feature-wise, the unit has two modes.  One is a smart mode that only uses a few specifically named playlists, but where you have slightly more control via the car's stereo controls.  This mode does not allow the iPod controls to be used. The other mode, which is my preferred mode, allows the iPod controls to be used and anything to be played.  When in a playlist, the next and previous buttons work, but that's about it.  These can work for fast forwarding, too, which is convenient. 

Now, the unit is not without problems.  If a song isn't currently being played when it's plugged in, the unit starts playing the first song on the unit -- regardless of what you're doing with the iPod.  If the unit is actually in play mode when you plug it in, it'll go to pause mode so you have to press play again.  Personally, I choose what I want to play first, start it, put it in pause, and then plug it in -- at least when I can remember to do so.

If the playback stops at the end of a single song or playlist and then you turn the radio off or change to a radio station, the interface sends the play/pause signal (apparently) because you'll see it start to play.  That's a bit annoying.  When I still had XM service, this would cause a little bit of the iPod audio to bleed in with it, too.  Of course, you can just reach over and pause the iPod, but it's a bit annoying. 

Also, occasionally, if switching back and forth between the radio and iPod, occasionally it won't reconnect even when turning the radio completely off.  On a few occasions, this has required powering the entire car down and back up to "fix."  Although annoying, this is quite rare. 

It's quite nice to always have my iPod charged.  I listen to it for 40 minutes to and from work each day.  Given the battery life of the newest 5.5Gen iPod Videos, this basically means I never have to specifically plug it in to anything to charge.

Overall, I found the USA Spec iPod Interface to be worth the money on my Honda Accord Hybrid.  The installation was easy enough and the convenience of a full, single connector for power, controls, and audio is hard to beat.  In addition, the auxiliary input may come in handy some day, too. 

Posted by Shane on March 7, 2007 8:12 AM | Permalink