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MaseratiForumMaserati Cars3200GT, 4200 Coupe/Spyder, GranSport Loudlink for 4200 - Giving up on iPod!

Loudlink for 4200 - Giving up on iPod!

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14/11/2008 6:17:49  

Posts: 52
Since: 22/8/2007
Status: offline 		Hi all,

I have tried many, many devices to get the iPod to connect to the 4200's appalling audio system. Dension got close, but with almost no control (due to only 5 CD slots on 4200 and all Dension settings available on the virtual CD 6) failed. FM modulators are mostly rubbish (although I never got around to testing the DICE system, which appears quite good with track titles coming in via RDS and direct connection to the antenna), and even several different types iof Blaupunkt cables/adapters.

So, I have just order the Loudlink Solid State CD Changer. This simulates the old 5 disc CD changer, but uses a standard SD memory card instead. Have a look at the video on the Fiat Stilo version, you'll recognise the interface.

http://loudlink.eu/webshop/loudlink-for-fiat-stilo-connectnav-p-55.html

I will post the results back here, so wait a while before you buy! The guys there have promised me a refund if it doesn't work, so fingers crossed.



Cheers
d



< Message edited by draeburn -- 14/11/2008 6:18:42 >

_____________________________

Dave - London!
2007 GranSport LE
14/11/2008 13:29:23  
 

Posts: 575
Since: 29/1/2007
Status: offline 		if this works I'll be impressed, I managed to get one of the original icelinks for my old 4200 (think someone on here has it now) which did have the limitations you said, but didn't work in my QP (2006), I bought last week the Blaupunkt ipod connector, that does work in a QP (can't change tracks, so pick your playlists carefeully) but it didn't work in my old 4200.

I'll be very interested to see if this works...

lack of ipod and cupholder are the only two reasons for me to upgrade to a new QP, so I'm kind of hoping this sorts it and part of me hopes it doesn't

please do let us know, as many of the peeps on here are crying out for it.

Robbie
14/11/2008 15:26:02  

Posts: 52
Since: 22/8/2007
Status: offline 		Trust me, I'll be impressed too! The problem with the Icelink was that to get manual control (which you need because there is no FF or Rew on the system), you had to select CD6!  I even spoke to Dension direct, and asked if they could pre-program one in advance of sending it to me, but they said it resets when disconnected from the power 

This unit uses the same firmware as the CD changer, so should be indistinguishable, but we'll see.

Also, totally agree about the cupholder, it is SO annoying. Mind you, I wish I could afford a £30k upgrade to a QP just to get a cupholder!!
14/11/2008 18:58:59  

Posts: 705
Since: 16/3/2007
Region: Bristol
Status: offline 		poor guys - us GranSport owners are blessed with the MMC (SD) slot on our Becker head units. The only purpose my CD changer serves now is to partially offset the weight of the battery on the other side of the boot.

_____________________________

06 GranSport (FD ECM, DBW, springs, filter, ProSpeed pipes)
15/11/2008 6:28:37  

Posts: 608
Since: 23/9/2007
Status: offline 		yup.. cd changer providing better poise when cornering.. besides it's so damn slow that's all it's good for :D



_____________________________

06 GS - Grigio Alfieri\Bordeaux
15/11/2008 14:17:00  

Posts: 52
Since: 22/8/2007
Status: offline
quote:

poor guys - us GranSport owners are blessed with the MMC (SD) slot on our Becker head units. The only purpose my CD changer serves now is to partially offset the weight of the battery on the other side of the boot.


Thanks for rubbing that in mate....much appreciated
23/11/2008 14:46:20  

Posts: 52
Since: 22/8/2007
Status: offline 		IT WORKS!!!!

I now have mp3's and iPod working in the car.

It is dead simple to connect, just unplug the CD changer (if present) and plug this device in (you need to have the right cable, they will supply it), and switch on. Hey presto, 5 CD's come up, but each CD has a hundred tracks on it (I am using an 8Gb SD card).

The software you get with it is really easy, simply drag and drop the tracks you want into each "virtual" CD slot, or select AUX if you want the iPod.

After all the pain I have gone through, this solution was a breeze....I was so impressed I asked the vendor (Hungarian) if I could get a discount for other owners. If we order 5 or more, we can get a 15% discount.

Unfortunately, the £ is so rubbish at the moment, that means about £156 minus 15%, so £133 for the unit, plus the right cable.

If you are interested let me know, and we'll see if we can get 5 people.

If you want to listen to mp3's or iPod in your Maserati 4200, this is the BEST solution in terms of ease of install, sound quality, and practicality. FACT!

Please don't hesitate to get in touch if you want more info.....

Cheers
David


_____________________________

Dave - London!
2007 GranSport LE
23/11/2008 16:34:07  
 

Posts: 575
Since: 29/1/2007
Status: offline 		I was so inspired by the first post of this and I ordered one too.... bad news they don't work in QP's, well they don't work this week, I'm going to discuss with them on getting a firmware written for the QP.


but great news, and it's a smart looking little device, I think they might just manage to take in dension!

good stuff

Robbie
23/11/2008 17:34:57  

Posts: 52
Since: 22/8/2007
Status: offline 		Robbie,

I have to say I was a bit dubious at first, seeing as they are based in Hungary, but the guy I have been in contact with (Arnold) has been brilliant....and I am sure they will do everything to try and get it to work on your QP.

Let us know if it works....because it is a great little device from a small company, and it's nice to know these sorts of people exist!
24/11/2008 1:47:28  

Posts: 4164
Since: 5/6/2007
Status: offline 		Hi draeburn, me for one, sounds good to have good sounds  please pm details



regards lozcb 

_____________________________

Old pompous spods current stable
52 plate 4200 cc Lowered Tubi's and full GS body kit,steering wheel and rack
55 plate 4200 cc Gransport Full Larini system,AP Racing big brake upgrade ,more stuff pending

24/11/2008 4:34:41  

Posts: 52
Since: 22/8/2007
Status: offline
quote:

ORIGINAL: lozcb

Hi draeburn, me for one, sounds good to have good sounds  please pm details

regards lozcb 


Ok, once I get 5 people I'll PM everyone the details....please spread the word!!
24/11/2008 15:46:06  
 

Posts: 71
Since: 21/10/2007
Status: offline 		Hi - so who does this work - more info please (I'm not really sold on the mmc slot on my GS, what with having to convert to MP3, and you cant convert purchased iTunes songs.... yadda yadda faff faff) - where/how do you plug in an iPod? Do you plug the iPod into this box, does it work with all iPods? Is the GS autochanger the same...
if the answers are yes - I'm definitely in!
24/11/2008 17:26:39  

Posts: 52
Since: 22/8/2007
Status: offline
quote:

ORIGINAL: fabster

Hi - so who does this work - more info please (I'm not really sold on the mmc slot on my GS, what with having to convert to MP3, and you cant convert purchased iTunes songs.... yadda yadda faff faff) - where/how do you plug in an iPod? Do you plug the iPod into this box, does it work with all iPods? Is the GS autochanger the same...
if the answers are yes - I'm definitely in!


HIya,

Ok, so firstly this is mp3 on an SD slot, so pretty much the same as your GS system, except it also has an aux jack (mini-jack like a headphone jack) to connect your iPod or similar. You simply plug a cable form your iPod headphone socket into this little box.

Secondly, it is almost certainly not the same system in the GS as it is in mine, so you'll need to find out what sort of audio system the GS acutally has, and what sort of CD changer it uses, as this system emulates a CD changer. The company writes software for their device that fools the car into thinking it has a CD changer attached.

I am surprised there is not something for a GS being a more recent car that can attach an iPod? I am sure you have searched though....

However, it is very easy to convert iTunes to regular mp3's, the software I use is Tunebite, but there are literally thousands out there. Some free, some not....Tunepat is a free one that works quite well (just Google these names to find them, or seach "iTunes to mp3"). "Super" is another on that is free, and convert just about everything! http://www.afterdawn.com/software/video_software/video_encoders/super.cfm

Let me know your thoughts,
Cheers
Dave
25/11/2008 12:32:35  
 

Posts: 71
Since: 21/10/2007
Status: offline 		ah ha - thanks - so maybe I need to take another crack at converting iTunes music to MP3 - I run a Mac, but as you say there must be some software to convert files - any suggestions from anyone on the forum welcome.... either way I shall ask the mighty google....

sodding format nonsense - like in my wife's 2008 fiat 500 - its got a usb connector but only for MP3 - morons - did they not realise everyone has an iPod not some poxy MP3 player (no offence)! Even in 2006 when the GS was built iPods ruled not MP3...   ... rant over.....

almost...

if anyone has tried / is thinking of trying an "iplugrds" connector - dont - I have one for my ipod - its crap too - sound quality is VERY average!
25/11/2008 15:22:45  

Posts: 52
Since: 22/8/2007
Status: offline 		I feel your pain mate!

Yes, there should be plenty mp4 -> mp3 converters for the Mac...but I agree about FM modulators, they are mostly pants for sound.....
25/11/2008 17:04:33  

Posts: 236
Since: 6/11/2008
Status: offline 		MP4 / MP3 technical s*it
i got some 45`s and 78`s the odd 45 can put on a 8track .??
OH the good old days
anyone still runing 8track

25/11/2008 17:54:35  

Posts: 52
Since: 22/8/2007
Status: offline
quote:

ORIGINAL: banana

MP4 / MP3 technical s*it
i got some 45`s and 78`s the odd 45 can put on a 8track .??
OH the good old days
anyone still runing 8track


LOL...and football was played by real men called Arthur, Nobby and Alf, wearing canvas shorts and wool shirts!

They're all poofta's these days...bring back the good old days of recession, deflation, unemployme....oh, hang on.....
27/11/2008 10:21:22  

Posts: 43
Since: 1/9/2008
Region: Shropshire
Status: offline 		Hi Draeburn,

Very interested - but dont have the 5CD changer to start with just the standard single CD that sits in the armrest. Anyone know if the cable is laid for the CD changer as a default on  4200 (53 plate) ? or would the kit also fit onto the standard connector in the arm rest ?

If it can be done you can add me to the list of purchasers
Cheers
Steve
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