I like it, so far. As others have mentioned, the text-to-speech interface is not the most intuitive, but I find it acceptable.
Besides the problem I had this week with the iPod software update to 1.2 introducing incompatibility errors I've found it a nice feature to have the iPod controllable through the stereo buttons.
It certainly lets me keep my hands closer to the wheel than if I were trying to navigate my iPod while driving.
I have no complaints about sound quality.
Would I recommend it? Yes, if you have the patience and time to do some trial-and-error while getting used to the text-to-speech interface and making sure everything is compatible. And if you have nimble fingers for making menu selections while driving.
I'm slightly worried about future compatibility, given that
a) who knows how long iPods will use the dock connector b) the text-to-speech software manufacturer is a completely separate company (ZappTek) than Apple and Honda, which means that in troubleshooting you have to determine whether it's a software or hardware problem before you can approach a vendor for the appropriate help.
Others have been disappointed with the product, but I'm glad I chose to have it installed. Considering the number of times I've used it on road trips and around town, it's certainly already been worth what I paid for it.
thanks, that was helpful. I just wish it were possible to see one installed and see how it works. I'm not planning to change my ipod anytime soon - I have the ipod photo (grrrrr, got it just before the video came out). thanks again for the response
I'm a little confused, so I'm hoping someone can clarify this for me.
The pictures which show an iPod plugged into the stereo, show the iPod sitting in the glovebox, with the plug being routed from (what looks like) the back of the radio, and over to the glovebox.
However, the close up pictures of the gear shift selector on the Sport model, appear to show an access plug, just to the left of it.
So ... is is it that the iPod connector is a totally separate and proprietary iPod connection, which integrates the iPod controls into the stereo head unit, and the MP3 connection is essentially an input for the headphone jack? If not, then I'm not sure what I'm seeing in the pictures.
How does it work? No Honda salesperson is able to tell me. Do the titles of the songs display on the radio display? I'm new to all this and wonder if it is easy to use and worth the $199 they want for it. Aloha, Bob
To answer your question about labor intensive. I posted on another thread my experience so far with service after getting my car in June. I don't think service is up to speed on dismantling this car yet. They scratch my rear door armrest using a screw driver. Not really honda master certified is it? So, caution.
My Sport A/T doesn't have the Music Link factory installed it's dealer installed option. In order to allow for navigation of my ipod through the stock stereo. So far I'm using the Aux port. It takes getting used to setting the volume on both the Ipod and stereo. Some reason a tad too much base. It's kinda of a pain to navigate while driving. I'm may get the music link for $162 or less on the web dealers out there. Honda Accessories has the install instructions and seems tedious but do able if you take care and use proper tools and markings. I don't want to be the first.
Anyone try to get this for the Civic or any other Hondas or Acuras?
The SRP is $200 but some dealers are trying to get over $300 and most dealers are charging at least close to $200 to install. That can't be right can it?
You can go to estore.honda.com and it will let to see what different dealers in your area are charging for this and other accessories.
Some of the installed prices for things like floor mats are ridiculous. How much labor to "install" a floor mat?
This Honda Music Link was designed for Hondas and Acuras. SHould only be a matter of plugging in things and running conduits to the glove box, if the conduits already don't exist.
With my corolla i get reception everywhere.. including over a hilly road.. with the sport fit.. the reception gets very static as i cross the hill and lose reception sometimes.. even where i live i get static reception.. does anyone know why? do i need a stronger antannae?
I make the same trip several times a year. The road is sea level and due west from the radio towers. Goes right by them. My Fit has the worst range of any car I have ever driven. Less than 60 miles, where typical useable range has consistently been about 100 miles.
This is the first car I've had with a "rubber" antenna, FWIW.
Just picked up our Black Fit Sport on Friday. Awesome car, and I love the MP3 CD Player. On the radio buttons numbered 5 & 6, they have labels reading "Disc- and Disc +". Haven't figured out what they do! My first guess was that the radio contained a CD-changer, but I don't think it does. Couldn't load more than 1 disc. And the Honda website doesn't show a CD-changer as an option.
Of course, whichever satellite radio you choose, you'll still experience moments of no reception, caused by trees, buildings, etc., blocking the signal.
i get awefully weak radio reception, any idea on how to improve?
what si thisdela with the headlights that i'm hearing about it not being position at a correct angle? my headlight doesn't seem to be a direct beam.. kinda weak... but as long as others can see any light i figured i'm ok...
I'm wondering if anyone has successfully installed a 14-pin to RCA adapter to the back of the Fit stereo. I am looking to install a Harmon Kardon Drive + Play for my iPod (after hearing how the MusicLink works and throwing up a little in my mouth), and I essentially want it installed behind the dash like the MusicLink with no visible cables. I couldn't find any AUX input adapter that promised to work with the Fit.
I installed the USA Spec PA11HON2 into my Base Fit A/T and it works great... they haven't updated the product sheet yet but they will soon... I was working with the owner of USA Spec on the install so I guess mine was the "test car". Hope it works out for ya!
Thanks for the info. I'll be installing the PIE HON98-AUX fairly soon, so I'll let everyone know how that goes. The PIE spec sheets it seems have not been updated in a year, but work through the 2005 Civics, so I'm hoping it won't be a problem. I do know at least the Fit has as 14-pin port like the Civic, so with any luck it will work.
Wow, that's a pretty impressive DIY. From looking at the big pics of the USA-SPEC PA11HON2, the 14-pin connecter is identical and I can't imagine having any problems getting the HON98-AUX to work as far as aux input.
As for installation of the Harmon Kardon Drive + Play, I want it very clean with no cables, which will definitely require some drilling. BestBuy claims they'll do it for $60, but I don't know if they have in mind what I do. It could end up being a DIY.
The "Vocal" setting automatically emphasizes the mid range, and reduces the lower end of the spectrum. Upping the values of bass and treble will help, but are still limited in their affect. Unless your tastes tend to center around talk radio, then you may find a more pleasing equalizer setting with one of the other options: GROOVE - Emphasizes the low and high ends of the entire spectrum for a powerful sound. SMOOTH - Emphasizes the high end of the sound spectrum. VOCAL - Emphasizes the middle end of the sound spectrum. BEATS - Emphasizes the low end of the sound spectrum. NORMAL - The sound spectrum is leveled out for most types of music and general listening preferences.
If you think of it like an equalizer with slide bars, then it would look something like this: GROOVE - The bars would be in a "U" shape, with the far left and right being higher than the middle SMOOTH - The bars would be lower on the left, and gradually increase towards the right, with the far right being the highest VOCAL - The bars would be like a hill, with the middle section being the highest, and the far left and right being the lowest (inverted groove) BEATS - The bars would be highest on the left, and gradually decrease towards the right, with the far right being the lowest (reversed smooth) NORMAL - The bars would be generally flat across the middle, or in a slight "U" formation.
Whatever your choice, the bass and treble settings can help you tweak the equalizer setting, to best fit your particular listening preferences.
It works by using text-to-speech (TTS) software on your computer to record all the information on your iPod into a digitized voice. To find particular playlists, songs, etc., the MusicLink "reads" them all to you in a computer voice.
I have not had the (dis?)pleasure of using it myself, but the customer reviews are generally awful, and it sounds pretty awful to me. I've heard it takes forever for the software to digitize all the stuff, and that it's slow and painful to listen to. I would definitely not pay $200 for it, plus my dealer charges another $140-ish to install it (I don't know if that's the norm?).
In short, AFAIK, no system exists that will integrate with the Honda factory display. I bought the Harmon Kardon Drive + Play for $149 (MSRP $199, should be able to find it for $150 online though) and got it installed for another $65. It has its own display and control knob, and I'm very happy with it.
That said, there are certainly a few other iPod integration systems that are cheaper and most definitely have better interfaces than the MusicLink, although still no text display.
Although I didn't actually witness it myself, the BestBuy installation guy said the PIE HON98-AUX most definitely did not fit, and that the port was completely different. I was very surprised by this, but he just wired it to the aux port and that works fine for me I guess.
In short, I wouldn't recommend buying the HON98-AUX unless can verify this guy was wrong and it does work.
Sport. I didn't exactly need the aux adapter, I was just going for the cleanest installation. They instead wired it from under the center console into the built-in aux port, and that's not a bad solution. I was also surprised when he said it didn't fit, because it looks like the same connecter as the MusicLink and the USA-SPEC.
hmmm... I've got the Base so I don't know about the Sport connections, but I know the sport's is a different head unit b/c it's more powerful/more speakers. The OEM Aux plugs into a 20-pin port but unless you already have a CD changer the 14-pin should be open. Did you see him remove the head unit? It's possible that he didn't want the hassle of removing the head unit and instead did the much easier install of wiring it through the Aux. Lastly, even if he had pluged it into the 14-pin, I'm not sure how the combination of Aux and HON98 would have worked. Regardless, I'm glad you found an acceptable setup!
I am also looking for a way to add an aux jack to my base Fit, ideally without crimping and soldering. I have been lurking on this forum for a while.
My understanding so far is that the PIE HON98-AUX will not work because it uses an older style 14-pin connector that is not compatible with the Fit and other newer Hondas. Here is a PDF that compares the two connector styles. The USA Spec PA11-HON2 uses the newer style, but make sure you get the -HON2 part number - I think the -HON version uses the older connector.
Does that sound about right elkington, mattschechter?
I am trying to find out if the PIE HON03/PC-SON would do the trick. It has both auxiliary input and Sony CD changer interface funtionaltiy, I would just be looking for the AUX. Any thoughts?
I may end up with the USA Spec option. I look forward to seeing your install write-up on Fitfreak, Matt.
Thanks for the PDF, Bob. Based on that, it looks like the BestBuy tech was legit and the HON98-AUX is definitely not compatible with the Fit. As far as I can tell, PIE doesn't make a HON03-AUX that would be compatible. It appears the HON03/PC-SON will do the trick, although it supports a changer and therefore costs more than just an AUX version would.
p/u a $3 3.5mm cable at Fry's and plugged in my iPod via the aux outlet. Turned on my aux and WOW!!! The ipod really lets you hear just how good this stero really is, and it's mighty good IMHO. Yea, I can't fiddle with the ipod while driving, but then again when the Fit is moving that takes my attention. The Sport head unit and speakers make the ipod sound great or is it the other way around?!
Thanks for the equalizer examples. Now I have a much better idea. I have my home system set to the U shape so I tried the GROOVE mode and it does sound a lot better now. For my test using the GROOVE mode, I popped in the Avenue Q CD. It had a very home quality to it with the Bass set at C and Treble at +3. Initially, I was using the VOCAL setting but didn't really hear much bass and then moved on to the BEATS mode but then its too much emphasis on the bass part. Unfortunately, different CDs have different sounds. Example is downloaded music from Walmart might not sound as good using the GROOVE mode so you have to switch over to VOCAL or BEATS. I haven't found any sounds that goes well with SMOOTH and NORMAL is just very flat.
i am looking to put an aux in my base fit. will the PIE HON98-AUX or HON03/PC-SON work in a base model fit? there is a huge "aux" button, and it would be kind of rediculous to not make use of it. are there actually no options?
thanks for the reply. my only question now is, did the hon03/pc-son work for a base or sport? because, someone said they have different head units, which im assumeing means that one has a 14 pin and the other has 20. although im not sure if thats correct. again, thank you for the reply
There's nothing special about the Fit that would prevent any normal radio transmitter or cigarette lighter accessory from working the same as in every other car, as far as I know. What kind of problem are you having? What about it doesn't work?
I picked up my Sport Automatic on 12/13/06 after a 5 month wait, and in the first few days of ownership have noticed a few things that I haven't been able to find mentioned on this forum.
I'm not sure if this one belongs here or under Security System, but I've notice a red light in the lower right corner of the audio control panel, just to the right of preset button #6, that is labelled "Anti Theft." It blinks constantly when the electrical system is turned off, and goes out as soon as the key is turned to the Accessory (I) position. I can find no mention of it in the owner's manual, although it is depicted in every drawing of the audio control panel.
I hope that it is simply telling me that the audio unit's anti theft system is functioning normally, but it would make just as much sense if it meant that there is a problem! Does anyone know anything about this light?
Hey, I've had my Fit for about 2 weeks....so I'm still getting to know it. I tried the charger again, and it does seem to work. Don't know what I did the first time to make it not work, anyway, thanks for your help.
After reading all the bad reviews, I decided not to get the Honda iPod Player when I purchased my Sport Auto. At first, I just plugged the 3.5MM mini jack cable into the Fit’s Aux port. I noticed that in order to get any sound, I had to really turn up the volume on the iPod and the Fit’s stereo. A couple of weeks ago I bought a Monster Cable iCarCharger. http://www.monstercable.com/productdisplay.asp?pin=2132 This thing has a mini-jack line output right on the charger’s dock connector and when I ran the cable from this connector to the Aux port, all the volume issues disappeared and the sound quality is noticeably better. You can buy these things for less than $30 and it is a great alternative to the Honda solution.
This is very good advice for anyone who's hooking an iPod to their aux jack. Headphone jack audio is already amplified and does not make an ideal input for a stereo system. Line level audio will give you noticiably better sound quality and eliminate any volume issues (otherwise you must control the volume simultaneously from the iPod and the stereo).
The iPod dock connector can provide the line out audio from the iPod. I recommend a charger that takes advantage of this, as Dave mentioned. Other options besides Monster include chargers from Belkin and Griffin Technologies (check for models specifically with line out jack). Dr. Bott's also makes a PocketDock with line out that is small and provides a FireWire port and line out in place of the dock connector (this is not a charger, but is also useful for using you iPod as a portable hard drive).
If you are in a situation where you must go directly from headphone to sterero, I'd set the iPod volume at around 75% and make further volume adjustment with the stereo.
I have a question about the Fit's AUX jack. I don't have an iPod, but have a Sirius receiver in my current car that I listen to through the FM transmitter.
After purchasing the correct 3.5mm wire, could I listen to sattelite radio through the Fit's AUX jack? I realize I would have to control the sat radio through the unit's own controls, and not on the Fit's head unit.
I'm not familiar with sat receiver sound outputs, but as long as you can get sound output from the Sirius receiver (again, line out is strongly preferable) and through a 3.5mm cable, you can play it through the aux jack. You can connect any sound source to the aux jack via 3.5mm cable. You could even hook up your record player if you wanted to.
records require susbstantially more preamplification and also need RIAA eq correction, so not quite with the record player.
Also, if you can get a line out, it will be happier. The mini jack OUT on an ipod puts out a low signal. I either have the pod at 85% volume ( draining batteries quick) or have the Fit's volume at 30. But the fit does remember the volume level for each different input (cd, fm, aux) which is nice.
The Neo-Pro claims to run your ipod using your stereo controls, connected via the cd changer in the back of the base stereo. You can then control the ipod via your stereo buttons or via the ipod itself. I am not endorsing this product, have no idea if it works, just came across it while surfing.
"When the iPod is connected, you will have full control on ipod from the iPod itself, your iPod and screen will NOT be disabled when connected. You will be able to access and use the menu, click wheel, track and play/pause buttons. There is no special playlists that need to be setup, and you are not limited in anyway. You will have access to your entire music collection from playlists, artists, albums, songs and genres. This adapter also has an AUX port on it so that you can connect a DVD, SAT, or any audio device of your choice."
$169. The site contains an on-line installation video as well.
Yes, it should. That's the "anti-theft" light to warn potential criminals that the stereo will no longer work once it is disconnected from the battery (unless you have the code). On a related note, don't keep your security code in the glove box.
Honda has re-released their iPod Music Link after upgrading it to deal with the latest iPod software. I had ordered it as a dealer-installed option on my Fit before I read the negative reviews in this forum and on FitFreak.net, but it had been withdrawn by the time my Fit was delivered.
I had a Belkin adapter that I had used in my previous car, so I connected that to the Aux jack. Since the Belkin adapter connects through the docking port rather than the earphone jack, sound was very good, but I found it very difficult (and dangerous) to use the iPod controls while driving, so when Honda's Music Link web page announced that the product was again available, I decided to take a chance on it.
The bottom line is that I am pretty pleased with it. No, it doesn't display any of the normal iPod screen info on the head unit screen, but I found it no more difficult to learn to use the TTS controls than it was to intially learn to use the iPod click wheel. I suspect that the TTS voice chosen may make a difference; Honda recommends using the Microsoft Mary voice, while only Microsoft Sam is standard with Windows XP. The faux-female voice is a lot easier to understand than the deep faux-male voice, especially over road noise.
One of the main features I was looking for was better control for selecting podcasts, which is a major use of the iPod for me. By setting up playlists for each program that I subscribe to, it's easy to select the show title and then move the particular podcast that I want.
Does anyone know who manufactures the radio in the Fit? I was looking into one of the in-dash satellite radio tuners but needed to know if the radio is actually a Sony, Panasonic, Alpine, etc. I understand I could get one of the standalone units and pipe the output through the AUX jack, but wanted to explore all my options.
I had a satellite radio installed in my FIT about 6 months ago by professional installers whom I use for my stereo equipment installations in my home. They ran the radio (tuner) right through the radio and put the stand in the small compartment in front of the gear shift lever. This way I can remove the tuner when not using for car and use for home, I purchased the Delphi brand. They told me I could use the AUX jack but decided to go the other way instead. The antenna sits on the right hand side of the car (roof area) and is barely visible. Hope this helps. I love this addition to my radio and wish I had done it years ago on my older Honda. Ziggy6
Comments
Besides the problem I had this week with the iPod software update to 1.2 introducing incompatibility errors I've found it a nice feature to have the iPod controllable through the stereo buttons.
It certainly lets me keep my hands closer to the wheel than if I were trying to navigate my iPod while driving.
I have no complaints about sound quality.
Would I recommend it? Yes, if you have the patience and time to do some trial-and-error while getting used to the text-to-speech interface and making sure everything is compatible. And if you have nimble fingers for making menu selections while driving.
I'm slightly worried about future compatibility, given that
a) who knows how long iPods will use the dock connector
b) the text-to-speech software manufacturer is a completely separate company (ZappTek) than Apple and Honda, which means that in troubleshooting you have to determine whether it's a software or hardware problem before you can approach a vendor for the appropriate help.
Others have been disappointed with the product, but I'm glad I chose to have it installed. Considering the number of times I've used it on road trips and around town, it's certainly already been worth what I paid for it.
I just wish it were possible to see one installed and see how it works.
I'm not planning to change my ipod anytime soon - I have the ipod photo (grrrrr, got it just before the video came out).
thanks again for the response
The pictures which show an iPod plugged into the stereo, show the iPod sitting in the glovebox, with the plug being routed from (what looks like) the back of the radio, and over to the glovebox.
However, the close up pictures of the gear shift selector on the Sport model, appear to show an access plug, just to the left of it.
So ... is is it that the iPod connector is a totally separate and proprietary iPod connection, which integrates the iPod controls into the stereo head unit, and the MP3 connection is essentially an input for the headphone jack? If not, then I'm not sure what I'm seeing in the pictures.
The SRP is $200 but some dealers are trying to get over $300 and most dealers are charging at least close to $200 to install. That can't be right can it?
You can go to estore.honda.com and it will let to see what different dealers in your area are charging for this and other accessories.
Some of the installed prices for things like floor mats are ridiculous. How much labor to "install" a floor mat?
This Honda Music Link was designed for Hondas and Acuras. SHould only be a matter of plugging in things and running conduits to the glove box, if the conduits already don't exist.
This is the first car I've had with a "rubber" antenna, FWIW.
Any ideas?
Thanks,
Steve
Of course, whichever satellite radio you choose, you'll still experience moments of no reception, caused by trees, buildings, etc., blocking the signal.
what si thisdela with the headlights that i'm hearing about it not being position at a correct angle? my headlight doesn't seem to be a direct beam.. kinda weak... but as long as others can see any light i figured i'm ok...
As for installation of the Harmon Kardon Drive + Play, I want it very clean with no cables, which will definitely require some drilling. BestBuy claims they'll do it for $60, but I don't know if they have in mind what I do. It could end up being a DIY.
Thanks for the info!
GROOVE - Emphasizes the low and high ends of the entire spectrum for a powerful sound.
SMOOTH - Emphasizes the high end of the sound spectrum.
VOCAL - Emphasizes the middle end of the sound spectrum.
BEATS - Emphasizes the low end of the sound spectrum.
NORMAL - The sound spectrum is leveled out for most types of music and general listening preferences.
If you think of it like an equalizer with slide bars, then it would look something like this:
GROOVE - The bars would be in a "U" shape, with the far left and right being higher than the middle
SMOOTH - The bars would be lower on the left, and gradually increase towards the right, with the far right being the highest
VOCAL - The bars would be like a hill, with the middle section being the highest, and the far left and right being the lowest (inverted groove)
BEATS - The bars would be highest on the left, and gradually decrease towards the right, with the far right being the lowest (reversed smooth)
NORMAL - The bars would be generally flat across the middle, or in a slight "U" formation.
Whatever your choice, the bass and treble settings can help you tweak the equalizer setting, to best fit your particular listening preferences.
It works by using text-to-speech (TTS) software on your computer to record all the information on your iPod into a digitized voice. To find particular playlists, songs, etc., the MusicLink "reads" them all to you in a computer voice.
I have not had the (dis?)pleasure of using it myself, but the customer reviews are generally awful, and it sounds pretty awful to me. I've heard it takes forever for the software to digitize all the stuff, and that it's slow and painful to listen to. I would definitely not pay $200 for it, plus my dealer charges another $140-ish to install it (I don't know if that's the norm?).
In short, AFAIK, no system exists that will integrate with the Honda factory display. I bought the Harmon Kardon Drive + Play for $149 (MSRP $199, should be able to find it for $150 online though) and got it installed for another $65. It has its own display and control knob, and I'm very happy with it.
That said, there are certainly a few other iPod integration systems that are cheaper and most definitely have better interfaces than the MusicLink, although still no text display.
In short, I wouldn't recommend buying the HON98-AUX unless can verify this guy was wrong and it does work.
My understanding so far is that the PIE HON98-AUX will not work because it uses an older style 14-pin connector that is not compatible with the Fit and other newer Hondas. Here is a PDF that compares the two connector styles. The USA Spec PA11-HON2 uses the newer style, but make sure you get the -HON2 part number - I think the -HON version uses the older connector.
Does that sound about right elkington, mattschechter?
I am trying to find out if the PIE HON03/PC-SON would do the trick. It has both auxiliary input and Sony CD changer interface funtionaltiy, I would just be looking for the AUX. Any thoughts?
I may end up with the USA Spec option. I look forward to seeing your install write-up on Fitfreak, Matt.
Thanks!
Cheap and excellent sound. Rock on
of the radio
2)What are the wires i use or where i can find a wiring diagram for the stereo's rear channel speakers
I'm trying to add a subwoofer and need to install the adapter but don't wanna tear into it without any sort of clue what i need to do.
Or if anyone out there know if there is a dash kit to install an aftermarker stereo that would be great.
Thanks
Why won't my I-pod charger work in my Fit? It's an I-trip from Griffin and worked fine in my Saturn.
What do I need to get so I can charge my I-pod in my Fit?
Sorry if these questions have already been answered before on the Forum....
Thanks so much and I LOVE my new Fit!!
Suzecruise in TN :confuse:
I'm not sure if this one belongs here or under Security System, but I've notice a red light in the lower right corner of the audio control panel, just to the right of preset button #6, that is labelled "Anti Theft." It blinks constantly when the electrical system is turned off, and goes out as soon as the key is turned to the Accessory (I) position. I can find no mention of it in the owner's manual, although it is depicted in every drawing of the audio control panel.
I hope that it is simply telling me that the audio unit's anti theft system is functioning normally, but it would make just as much sense if it meant that there is a problem! Does anyone know anything about this light?
I've had my Fit for about 2 weeks....so I'm still getting to know it. I tried the charger again, and it does seem to work. Don't know what I did the first time to make it not work, anyway, thanks for your help.
Suze
This thing has a mini-jack line output right on the charger’s dock connector and when I ran the cable from this connector to the Aux port, all the volume issues disappeared and the sound quality is noticeably better. You can buy these things for less than $30 and it is a great alternative to the Honda solution.
The iPod dock connector can provide the line out audio from the iPod. I recommend a charger that takes advantage of this, as Dave mentioned. Other options besides Monster include chargers from Belkin and Griffin Technologies (check for models specifically with line out jack). Dr. Bott's also makes a PocketDock with line out that is small and provides a FireWire port and line out in place of the dock connector (this is not a charger, but is also useful for using you iPod as a portable hard drive).
If you are in a situation where you must go directly from headphone to sterero, I'd set the iPod volume at around 75% and make further volume adjustment with the stereo.
After purchasing the correct 3.5mm wire, could I listen to sattelite radio through the Fit's AUX jack? I realize I would have to control the sat radio through the unit's own controls, and not on the Fit's head unit.
Also, if you can get a line out, it will be happier. The mini jack OUT on an ipod puts out a low signal. I either have the pod at 85% volume ( draining batteries quick) or have the Fit's volume at 30. But the fit does remember the volume level for each different input (cd, fm, aux) which is nice.
"When the iPod is connected, you will have full control on ipod from the iPod itself, your iPod and screen will NOT be disabled when connected. You will be able to access and use the menu, click wheel, track and play/pause buttons. There is no special playlists that need to be setup, and you are not limited in anyway. You will have access to your entire music collection from playlists, artists, albums, songs and genres. This adapter also has an AUX port on it so that you can connect a DVD, SAT, or any audio device of your choice."
$169. The site contains an on-line installation video as well.
Neo ProLink PODHONR3V2Yk
A review
Should the little red light in the lower right corner of the stereo constantly flash when not driving the car?
I had a Belkin adapter that I had used in my previous car, so I connected that to the Aux jack. Since the Belkin adapter connects through the docking port rather than the earphone jack, sound was very good, but I found it very difficult (and dangerous) to use the iPod controls while driving, so when Honda's Music Link web page announced that the product was again available, I decided to take a chance on it.
The bottom line is that I am pretty pleased with it. No, it doesn't display any of the normal iPod screen info on the head unit screen, but I found it no more difficult to learn to use the TTS controls than it was to intially learn to use the iPod click wheel. I suspect that the TTS voice chosen may make a difference; Honda recommends using the Microsoft Mary voice, while only Microsoft Sam is standard with Windows XP. The faux-female voice is a lot easier to understand than the deep faux-male voice, especially over road noise.
One of the main features I was looking for was better control for selecting podcasts, which is a major use of the iPod for me. By setting up playlists for each program that I subscribe to, it's easy to select the show title and then move the particular podcast that I want.