Ipod Direct Control for factory GM decks

EZStreet said:

Can't believe I missed this all this time! Works great, plus you don't have to sacrifice the stock look to have the ipod functionality. Some of yall may have already heard of it, but for those of you that haven't its a nice product.

http://www.crutchfield.com/App/Product/Item/Main.aspx?g=305250&i=581PA11GM&tp=120

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» Charging the iPod's™ internal battery.
» Control of iPod™ playback by using the the CD Changer buttons on the radio (Playlist mode) or operate the iPod from the iPod buttons (Direct Mode)
» Direct audio connection for optimal sound quality
» Steering wheel controls functions (if so equipped)
» Direct access and control of up to 5 different playlist
» Playback functions include: Track up/down, Fast Track (increments of 10), Fast Forward/Rewind etc.
» Access unlimited song per each Playlist
» Auto skip 10+ songs in each play list with FF button
» Auto maintain current Playlist when migrating from portable to in car use
» Auto Charge feature charges iPod™ battery and auto stops after 1 hour of non use
» Adds additional single Auxiliary input for DVD, game, Satellite Radio etc. Note: The Aux. option works with or without the iPod.
» Compatible with iPod™ 3G, 4G, Mini, Nano [not compatible with 1st & 2nd Generation (10GB/15GB), iPod shuffle nor iPhone ]
» Plug-n-play harnesses are included for easy installation [no additional parts or cables* required ]

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WaynesNside said:

Says you can make 5 lists...so what about the rest of the music if you want to hear a certain song not on your list your SOL.

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The PA11-GM45 provides two ways to control your iPod through the car radio, namely Playlist Mode and
Direct Mode.


1-1 DIRECT MODE: Search and select music on the iPod directly just as you would in portable use. Use
the track up/down, fast forward and reverse buttons on your radio to control music playback. All control
functions on the iPod will still be available. In other words, direct mode lets you have limited control
from the radio and full iPod control using the iPod buttons. Please see section 2 of this manual for
additional information. Music will playback through your car stereo.


1-2 PLAYLIST MODE: Operate and control the iPod as if it was a CD Changer. This mode allows you to
access up to five playlist on the iPod. This is also referred to as External Control Mode. (See Playlist
Naming in section 3 of this manual).


1-3 Dip switch #2 on the PA11-GM45 interface is for mode selection. The “ON” position is for Playlist
Mode and the “OFF” position is for Direct Mode. It is preset to “ON” (Playlist Mode) at the factory.
When in Playlist Mode the iPod is switched to External Control Mode and neither the controls
on the iPod nor the display are active—the iPod will displays “GM, OK TO DISCONNECT”.
Note: Disconnect the iPod from the PA11-GM before switching DIP switch #2 from one mode to the
other.

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WaynesNside said:

Looks like a lot of people say its a good working unit. Still you can only play through your playlists. Says you can make 5 lists...so what about the rest of the music if you want to hear a certain song not on your list your SOL.

I think a lot of them are playlist specific so you won't be fumbling around trying to find songs when you should be driving and focusing on the road. They make it so you have to just let it play. Makes sense though.

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WaynesNside said:

I PERSONALLY don't want to have to use the IPOD. I would like it tucked away like a changer where you don't see it and have FULL control through the radio.

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EZStreet said:

I know an installer @ best buy that owed me, and he said he would install it for free so I had him do it. Two things are going on.

-I can hear the Sirus satellite radio playing in the background when the ipod is in use (very faintly I just noticed it)
-He claims that b/c I have satellite radio I can't do the complete Ipod control from my GM HU, All i can do is play playlists or advance songs thru one album.

Is it true that Satellite radio screws up the functionality of this thing this bad?? Or is he just an idiot?

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MadMedwyn said:

It's worth it though in my opinion. Replacing the HU is the only way to take full advantage of the Ipod with no compromise. And unlike the stock HU, everything will also sound better. I've got the ida-x100 and it's flawless.

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