I recently installed a P.I.E. device (FRDN-AUX) in my 02 Ford F350 so I can hook my iPod directly to the factory stereo rather than using a cassette adaptor or FM Modulator. Works fine except the signal coming in from the iPod's line out (which I'm accessing from the iPod's doc connector using a Sik Imp cable) is much too hot. I was under the impression that the PIE adaptor was designed to utilize a true, unattentuated Line Out signal but after talking with their tech support I learned this is not the case, it's expecting a lower level signal, like one from a head phone jack. I could use the headphone jack on the iPod and this does work but I hate having to fiddle with the volume on the iPod every time I hook it up. What would be the proper way to attentuate the Line Out signal to properly match what the PIE adaptor is expecting? I've read that some people use a $7 inline "headphone volume control" from Radio Shack to accomplish this but I'm wondering if that would compromise sound quality more than necessary, is there a better way?
Thanks!
Replies (4)
swez on 10/13/2005 19:24:05
Sounds like this system needs a preamp/attenuator circuit to cut down on signal output from I-Pod to AUX inputs of your HU. Do you know if the PIE kit has an internal attenuator circuit that is user/installer servicable?
The Headphone jack is always a good option for this device as it has RCA level inputs. A stock OEM HU does not have that feature directly. However, the adapter does have RCA inputs for I-Pod, MP3 players or other Aux input devices. That seems to be the best way to control AUX input signal strength, to your PIE adapter.
Wait for a few inputs from our installers. See what tricks they can offer.
Swez
matte on 10/20/2005 15:14:47
The PIE unit doesn't have a built-in attenuator. I ended up getting the cheapie 'head phone volume control' from Radio Shack. Still like to know if anyone has a better solution, I can't be the only one using an iPod with this model PIE adaptor...
swez on 10/20/2005 16:25:00
Actually, you are the first one using I-Pod with a CD/AUX control kit and factory HU. (been here 6 years... this is the only post on this specific topic)
Most guys use the Headphone/RCA jacks off I-Pod and AUX features on Aftermarket HU's. The other option is an RF device to FM circuit on a factory HU. Sound quality will suffer as compared to the hard wired kit you have employed.
Yep, we all learned something new here.
Swez
PS To get the most from your I-Pod via CD/AUX line cable link, would probably have to open the module and find the audio signal wires that go out to HU and install attenuation resistors. Not recommended, unless PIE gave you the steps and it does not void warrantee. Best guess, ask PIE Tech Service what your options are. They made the product and know what it can/cannot do. COFFEE
matte on 10/20/2005 17:20:12
okay, I'll see what I can find out, thanks Swez!
Thanks!
Replies (4)
swez on 10/13/2005 19:24:05
Sounds like this system needs a preamp/attenuator circuit to cut down on signal output from I-Pod to AUX inputs of your HU. Do you know if the PIE kit has an internal attenuator circuit that is user/installer servicable?
The Headphone jack is always a good option for this device as it has RCA level inputs. A stock OEM HU does not have that feature directly. However, the adapter does have RCA inputs for I-Pod, MP3 players or other Aux input devices. That seems to be the best way to control AUX input signal strength, to your PIE adapter.
Wait for a few inputs from our installers. See what tricks they can offer.
Swez
matte on 10/20/2005 15:14:47
The PIE unit doesn't have a built-in attenuator. I ended up getting the cheapie 'head phone volume control' from Radio Shack. Still like to know if anyone has a better solution, I can't be the only one using an iPod with this model PIE adaptor...
swez on 10/20/2005 16:25:00
Actually, you are the first one using I-Pod with a CD/AUX control kit and factory HU. (been here 6 years... this is the only post on this specific topic)
Most guys use the Headphone/RCA jacks off I-Pod and AUX features on Aftermarket HU's. The other option is an RF device to FM circuit on a factory HU. Sound quality will suffer as compared to the hard wired kit you have employed.
Yep, we all learned something new here.
Swez
PS To get the most from your I-Pod via CD/AUX line cable link, would probably have to open the module and find the audio signal wires that go out to HU and install attenuation resistors. Not recommended, unless PIE gave you the steps and it does not void warrantee. Best guess, ask PIE Tech Service what your options are. They made the product and know what it can/cannot do. COFFEE
matte on 10/20/2005 17:20:12
okay, I'll see what I can find out, thanks Swez!
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