On the fence about iPod connection?

mickeykelley · 11-09-2009, 08:55 AM

The wife's 09 couple came with the Monsoon 6 cd changes which has the little Aux jack. But that sound is not as good, no control and NO CHARGING. I tried the USA Spec which is what I have in several other cars, but the version for this radio is not the same and had problems including response time. Finally sent it back. Checked into the GM PAL, but lots of complaints about response times, flaky operations and will not charge the newer iPhone/iTouch. Plus the nail in that coffin was many said if they had it to do over, they would not do the PAL again. So I decided to check out the USB version which was a late addition for the Sol. Ordered one from GMPartsHouse for $280 and install it this weekend. WORKS LIKE A CHAMP, no response time issues (iPhone with over 2,500 songs), charges all the iPods/iPhones that use the USB wire, sounds great, has the matching red backlite button controls like the rest of the Sol dash, Bluetooth still works, etc. Both wife and I are now happy campers. Some had mentioned you would have to take the radio to dealer for programming and that is NOT TRUE. I plugged it in and it immediately worked including the XM. If you get the radio out of another car, you may have to take it to the dealer, but new out of the box you do not. There are several different part numbers depending on whether it is a radio for the Chevy HHR/Cobalt, Sky or Solstice. The difference (as best as I can tell) is color of front face plate and button lights. The correct one for the Solstice is #20768367. As I understand it, you also have to have the Monsoon option already in the car. The total time was about 2 hours to do the switch, but that was learning how to get the plastic dash off and taking my time to avoid breaking it. Now that I have done it, no big deal and could do again in under an hour.

TomatoSoup · 11-09-2009, 11:53 AM

Good to know. Thanks.

Have you tried the non-iPod connection? I.e. a USB memory key or similar? I would like to do this with the radio, but don't have (or want) an iPod.

mickeykelley · 11-09-2009, 06:55 PM

Not yet but plan to just to see how it works, but will use iPhone so gets charged too.

Prophet · 01-03-2010, 09:38 PM

I have an '07 GXP with the 6 disc monsoon system and would like the functionality of a usb for my iPod touch 3gen. Do you know if the radio part # 20768367 that you put in your 09 is compatible with my 07? Seems like it would be since my owner's manual shows an option for a factory usb head unit. Interestingly enough, the dealer says it can't be done because it was not offered on the '07, even the the manual says it was available.

2KWK4U · 01-04-2010, 03:06 PM

So with the USB option, are you taking control of the ipod through the head unit and steering wheel controls? i.e. can you go to the next/previous track without having to fumble with the actual ipod?

agentsky · 01-04-2010, 06:03 PM

Thanks for the detailed post and information. It is helpful for those of us on the fence for the radio upgrade. I am just using the AUX input for now. My 2009 was one of the first ones out and has no USB input.

Drgolf · 01-13-2010, 01:18 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by agentsky

Thanks for the detailed post and information. It is helpful for those of us on the fence for the radio upgrade. I am just using the AUX input for now. My 2009 was one of the first ones out and has no USB input.

I have the aux input I bought a Belkin Tune Base Direct model F8Z442 It charges the Iphone and Ipod directly and has an alternate USB port to charge other things like GPS I got it at best buy for 89.00.

Cheers Drgolf

Alan_L · 01-13-2010, 01:25 PM

Pictures???

Drgolf · 01-13-2010, 01:33 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Alan_L

Pictures???

Hands-Free : Takes On Tech

mickeykelley · 01-13-2010, 02:06 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Prophet

I have an '07 GXP with the 6 disc monsoon system and would like the functionality of a usb for my iPod touch 3gen. Do you know if the radio part # 20768367 that you put in your 09 is compatible with my 07? Seems like it would be since my owner's manual shows an option for a factory usb head unit. Interestingly enough, the dealer says it can't be done because it was not offered on the '07, even the the manual says it was available.

I have no idea if it will work in the 07. My gut feeling is yes, but if you order the radio and it does not, then you are stuck trying to sell the unit, which should not be too hard to do on the forum.

mickeykelley · 01-13-2010, 02:17 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 2KWK4U

So with the USB option, are you taking control of the ipod through the head unit and steering wheel controls? i.e. can you go to the next/previous track without having to fumble with the actual ipod?

Yes the steering wheel controls change to next song in your current selection and vol works. However, you use the head unit controls to select playlist, etc. It does charge the iPod/iPhone and the phone portion still works. For example, it mutes the music when a call comes in and sends it to the factory bluetooth. It works very slick. The actual iPod controls are not available when plugged in, as the head unit controls it. The wife actually loves it and has not had a problem learning the radio interface.

2KWK4U · 01-13-2010, 04:02 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by mickeykelley

Yes the steering wheel controls change to next song in your current selection and vol works. However, you use the head unit controls to select playlist, etc. It does charge the iPod/iPhone and the phone portion still works. For example, it mutes the music when a call comes in and sends it to the factory bluetooth. It works very slick. The actual iPod controls are not available when plugged in, as the head unit controls it. The wife actually loves it and has not had a problem learning the radio interface.

That sounds like a FAR better solution than the finicky PAL kit I have.
How quick is the reaction time?
Does it remember what song you left off with when you shut off the car and come back later? PAL will do that for me rarely.
Does it remember what PLAYLIST you left off with? PAL will do that for me *sometimes*
Does the previous track button go to the beginning of the track you're in before it jumps to the previous track?
How about when you have it on shuffle, and you try to go to the previous track? With PAL, it randomizes in forward AND reverse. No chance of listening to that song again!

G8TR · 01-13-2010, 06:41 PM

2Kwk4u,
I did this over a year ago with my '08 Sky. I bought a Chevy Cobalt radio with USB (09) off eBay and put it into mine. Full functionality with no lag on the '08, better solution then a PAL as far as I'm concerned. I detailed it all in '09 Radio With USB Works!!! - Saturn Sky Forums: Saturn Sky Forum. My lights on my radio are blue, actually makes them a bit easier to see in the daytime, better then the normal Sky color.

wanderso · 01-13-2010, 06:42 PM

I had the PAL for my '08 and after about 6 months working with the GM tech that writes the programming, GM bought the unit back. I just recently bought the new radio with the USB and look forward to getting it installed.

2KWK4U · 01-14-2010, 03:20 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by G8TR

2Kwk4u,
I did this over a year ago with my '08 Sky. I bought a Chevy Cobalt radio with USB (09) off eBay and put it into mine. Full functionality with no lag on the '08, better solution then a PAL as far as I'm concerned. I detailed it all in '09 Radio With USB Works!!! - Saturn Sky Forums: Saturn Sky Forum. My lights on my radio are blue, actually makes them a bit easier to see in the daytime, better then the normal Sky color.

Sweet. I checked out that thread. Didn't see any mention of the backlighting color for the BUTTONS. What color are they on the Cobalt radio you bought?