07 FX35 iPod interface (non-nav/sat)

J

jDizzle

Member
Location
Michigan
Hey,

I have done some searching and without much luck, cannot find any real answers in finding the best iPod interface for my FX. My FX does not have Nav and is not XM ready - has anyone found any good adapters?

I do not want to use an FM modulator. Also, it is important to me that the adapter does not lock the iPod display. I really want to be able to control the iPod using the factory radio, and it would be nice if it displayed song data (but not that important really).

Anyway, I found the following adapter that looks like it may do the trick: USA Spec PA15-NIS. I can't post links yet, but if you search that part number in google it should be the first link.

Since I don't have an XM ready setup, it doesn't matter to me that this particular model would disconnect the XM. I apologize if this is covered in other threads out there, so please point me to them if they are there. The few I could find didn't address this particular module.

Thanks in advance for any help!
J
 
 
Yes, I did that search but no where does anyone mention this unit: USA Spec PA15-NIS.

There are a million threads out there that discuss iPod interfaces, but many of them are old, many discuss units that are only supported if you have a SAT option (which I do not), etc. I know this has been posted a ton of times, but nowhere can I actually find a good comparison of units available that will work with my FX. Can anyone help?
 
It seems like most people on here either go with the OEM Nissan interface or Peripheral iSimple.

I installed my Peripheral unit following the DIYs for the OEM Nissan unit so they are quite similar. My brother installed the PA15-NIS unit in his 07 350Z a few months ago. Based on what he told me the install for him was very similar. All these units are plug and play.

According to this website that sells the PA15-NIS (linked below), it looks like it fits ALL FX models...scroll to the bottom for details and tech info, and "SAT" button is not a requirement.
http://www.mp3carpros.com/product_info.php?products_id=203

I would suspect it has similar (limited) in-dash functionality and display as my unit. In my instruction manual it tells you which dipstick position to use for various vehicles with colour LCD (nav) screen or orange non-nav screen.
 
Thanks djpathfinder, that helps to know that your brother used this - I am assuming it works well otherwise you would have mentioned something. I just didn't want to get it and go through the trouble of installing it, only to find that it is junk. I think I will probably order one up.

You mentioned the iSimple peripheral...which model? It looks like the Gateway is a good option, but all of these say that an 07 FX is not supported. Plus it says the radio must be satellite capable, which mine is not.

If/when I order USA Spec model and get it installed I will post how it works - hopefully it will help someone out later.
 
My FX is a Canadian model and I don't think the 2005s have the Sat module (but it is pre-wired though)...not sure, but that's what the dealer told me. But I did not have to disconnect anything sat radio-related for the Gateway to work. Don't you have the Sat button on your dash? Is there a blank button where Sat should be?

I just clarified with my brother. He doesn't have a screen in his 350Z so has no on-screen display for his iPod. Otherwise, sound quality and charging capability is all good.

Even for my Peripheral unit, it can display song name, artist, etc on screen, but trying to scroll through albums with the radio controls is very tedious in SAT mode. I still prefer to select AUX1 mode and control the songs by the iPod itself. I can still skip fwd and bkwd with the radio controls in AUX1. I just find the radio controls are awkward to use to control the iPod and trying to find something specific can take a while compared to selecting something directly from the iPod.

If you decide to go with the PA15-NIS, you might be the first or one of very few that have it on the FX, so not sure if anyone on the forum can verify how seamlessly it'll operate. If you want to stick with tried and true, you can choose to go with the Nissan unit or the Peripheral one. In regards to what things will look like on the non-nav screen, you may have to contact the manufacturer to see if they can confirm compatibility. Based on the link I gave you it doesn't show any restrictions.

Good luck and definitely post your results...I'm sure it'll help someone else thinking of doing the same thing. Having different choices in aftermarket items is a good thing.
 
There is not a sat, cat, category, etc button on my radio.

I just talked to a local shop that happens to be a certified seller/installer for USA Spec, and I think I am going to have them do everything. He quoted me $300 which I felt was fair, considering the parts alone are over $150. I have done car audio work before so I'm sure it wouldn't be too difficult to do myself, but for piece of mind as well as a warranty I will just pay for the shop.

Thanks again for the good advice!
 
I guess it is possible...I just got my FX less than a week ago so it is possible I suppose. However, many of the iPod integration modules say specifically that your radio MUST have either SAT/CAT or CATEGORY buttons physically spelled out on the radio.

That would be cool if I my radio is satellite ready - I would consider getting it if it is available.
 
jDizzle said:
I guess it is possible...I just got my FX less than a week ago so it is possible I suppose. However, many of the iPod integration modules say specifically that your radio MUST have either SAT/CAT or CATEGORY buttons physically spelled out on the radio.

That would be cool if I my radio is satellite ready - I would consider getting it if it is available.
Click to expand...

Keep tapping the radio button to see if you have Sat ready. If it is, you should have something running on the screen asking you to call 1888-539-SIRI.

All the Ipod interface out there always require you to have SAT/CAT buttons ready but it's not necessary true. Just plug the USA-Spec on the back of your radio and you are good to go.
 
I was in the process of scheduling an appointment to have the PA15-NIS installed, but after talking with the installer I guess this model isn't quite out yet. He called directly to USA Spec and they told him they should start shipping them in about a week or so. They have PA11-NIS modules available, but they do not support on screen text.

So I am going to wait it out and have one installed hopefully in the next two weeks or so. This would explain my frustration in trying to find anyone that has used this particular model. So being the first person on here I will let you know how it works!
 
From what I learned, the text display only works when you are in "playlist mode", meaning you can't control your ipod directly. I wonder if the new USA spec will allow us to retain the Sat radio. I couldn't wait so I'm gonna go ahead with the OEM unit. Let us know how yours turn out.
 
Will do. My installer also told me of another (new) module that will be available shortly from Dice - I can't do links quite yet, but just search 'Dice electronics' in google.

He didn't provide a date when this module will be available. While I am waiting for the USA Spec to come available I am going to see what I can find on the Dice model. Their online form doesn't list an FX as a compatible vehicle, but the installer assured me that it would work.

I don't really have an opinion on either one since there are no reviews or anything to read, but just looks alone I like the Dice parts since they have available docking stations and accessories as well. Obviously I could go with any 3rd party dock, but it is a nice option.

digital_nrg, I hope that one of these modules do not work that way. It would somewhat defeat the purpose if you ask me, but I guess we will see. Also, I think you should be able to continue using your Sat radio - I believe I read that on the USA Spec specifications anyway...
 
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