adding a MP3/iPod player to a Monsoon radio?

[FormerUser]

That one says that it does not work with Monsoon either... Let us know how it goes.

Will most certainly keep everyone apprised of the status - I would like to think that the Tech from PAC would know what does and doesn't work, regardless of what a website says…. I'm optimistic. we will see.

 

[jmoffatt]

any update

 

[FormerUser]

I did not receive anything in todays mail, so alas no update….

 

[Hans3T]

You will obviously be hounded until you post a 3 page essay (in MLA format, please) with the complete functionality and build quality of this PAC unit.

 

[JR3T]

Installed the iSimple ISGM575 into my H3T Alpha Monsoon system (without navigation).
Easy to install.
It works perfectly and sounds good, well at least as good as the stock audio system can sound.
Only tried an iPhone 4S so far.
Select iPod to use your iPod or iPhone with control through head unit
Select Aux1 to use your iPod or iPhone with control through iPhone
Select Aux2 to use the 3.5mm audio jack input
Make sure to read the yellow paper with instructions on first time setup (see pic below) or it will not work.
You have to wait ~3 minutes when you turn key to accessory position and radio is on, then press band until XM comes up on display, then QUICKLY rotate lower tune dial to select iPod (or Aux2 for audio jack), once selected your iPhone goes into device connected state and all control can go through head unit.

With "iPod" selected, you can press display button to see artist and song info.
Pressing 3 on head unit lets you find an artist, album, song and play it.
It's also nice that the connector charges the phone. Did NOT get any error messages on the iPhone when connected. Appears iPhone 4S is fully supported. Also it is nice that the navigation apps now play through the speakers and music gets quiet while giving directions. I have only used it a little, so I will update later on if I encounter any issues. But, so far so good. Met all my expectations. If you plan on keeping the stock head unit for awhile, this is a must have if you want to play any type of audio player through your speakers.
Will probably add a panel mount jact for the 3.5mm audio cable on the dash panel at some point.

Remove dash panel. I just pushed from backside bottom to get a plastic trim ply tool under the bottom to pop out the clamps on left and right side, then slowly worked my way up to the top of the vents.

Be careful not to pull on two connectors at top

View with dash panel removed. Noticed I took home a bit of Moab with me back inside the dash.

Remove connectors at bottom. Take note of location of the two clamps at bottom sides for when you are removing and re-installing the dash panel.

Take note of where the clamps are located. One top center, two on side under vent, two on side of head unit

Remove four 7mm screws on head unit

Three connectors on back of head unit.

Contents of iSimple ISGM575 box.

Read this and follow it to the letter on first use. Comes in the iSimple package. This only has to be done once. Next time you use it, it is easy to select the input you want to use at any time by pressing the Band button.

Connect everything and test it out before installing dash panel.

Cable tied device on left side of head unit, with a cable tie around connectors, one on top and one on bottom.

Select iPod to use your iPhone/iPod. Was cool to see this displayed for the first time.

Select Aux2 for 3.5mm audio jack

 

[Hans3T]

You should copy/paste this into tech guide section for all to see. Excellent write-up! :thumbs:

 

[Bigunit]

JR37, thanks for the great write-up & pics. Going to have to get one of these.

 

[FormerUser]

So here is my update - I received the iSimple gateway on monday, and had time this afternoon to install. Followed the directions to the letter, and the post previous on here. clicked the dip switches per the instructions. hooked everything up……….and it didn't work. Not only did it not work - every light/switch on the dash and center stack was buggy. And I couldn't get the truck into gear - the electronic safety switch on the transmission wouldn't disengage, the headlights flashed, the transfer case dash lights blinked in time to the headlights. TPS sensor started glowing….. Did a un-install, put everything back to stock, and…… it self-fixed. Not to sure what to make of it.

 

[Bigunit]

So is this the same unit/model (iSimple ISGM575) that JR3T just installed in his T with no problems?

 

[FormerUser]

Same - identical in every way. The only difference I can see up front - he has a 6 disc factory and I have a factory nav. That and mine is a '10 H3, but I wouldn't think that to make a difference.

 

[Bigunit]

That might be the issue - it may not be compatible with the factory nav stereo/system. I thought I had read that somewhere.

Sent from my BlackBerry 9550 using Tapatalk

 

[alrock]

Just did this install in my truck (Monsoon 6 CD, non-nav) and followed the instruction to a T. Worked flawlessly. Installed the iPod adapter in Port 1 and the headphone jack in Port 2 so I can play both iPods and Android phones. The cable connectors going into these two ports seemed a bit loose. I don't know the technical term but they are like the older computer keyboard and mouse (PS/2) connectors. I chose to use 3M automotive double stick foam tape to secure the iSimple unit to the top of the radio and a built a support under those two connectors so they would not wobble loose. So far so good!

 

[M22KLARS]

Nice!

 

[PacNWAg98]

So looks like the set up that JR37 and alrock have done will work, even for us Zune guys (with the 3.5mm audio jack). Hans, any chance you've tried this with your Zune?

BTW: Great write up guys - appreciate the details!

DAVE

 

[alrock]

I also used it for my Android with the jack and it works fine. It is louder with the iPod jack vs the headphone jack

 

[cgalpha08]

JR37, where do you have the wires that physically connect to your ipod/iphone coming out of? the bottom of the center console right above where the gear shifter is?

 

[Hans3T]

So looks like the set up that JR37 and alrock have done will work, even for us Zune guys (with the 3.5mm audio jack). Hans, any chance you've tried this with your Zune?BTW: Great write up guys - appreciate the details!DAVE

Dave, I don't have this exact unit - mine is the Pac Audio APAC-GMC2. It is essentially an older model. The verdiect is that, yes, it will work for my Zune (with an occasional hiccup solved by restarting the truck) through my OEM navigation/Monsoon system. Mine is currently on the fritz though, as the aux cable they provide (which has a unique fitting so you have to use it) is very cheap and is not working. I am currently in the process of trying to get them to send me a replacement... We'll see.

 

[evldave]

Another option...about $5 and an hours worth of time. Maintains XM, but doesn't charge an iPod. After going through 2 iSimple units in 5 years, I gave up on their quality control and decided to go this route. This is for an Avalanche, but the wire colors and hookup is the same as the H3.

http://www.chevyavalanchefanclub.com/cafcna/index.php/topic,93646.0.html

 

[Hans3T]

Another option...about $5 and an hours worth of time. Maintains XM, but doesn't charge an iPod. After going through 2 iSimple units in 5 years, I gave up on their quality control and decided to go this route. This is for an Avalanche, but the wire colors and hookup is the same as the H3.

http://www.chevyavalanchefanclub.com/cafcna/index.php/topic,93646.0.html

:horns:

That's awesome!! Do you agree with the OP on that Chevy forum? That is, is the sound quality as good as the iSimples you had?

 

[JR3T]

JR37, where do you have the wires that physically connect to your ipod/iphone coming out of? the bottom of the center console right above where the gear shifter is?

For now I just have it coming down inside the dash and tuck it under lip on center console near drivers right leg and come out near cup holders. Nothing elaborate.

Good to hear it worked for you Alex.
I did have it not connect once, but as mentioned by others, a restart of the engine fixes that.

 

[evldave]

Yep, I would say it is...only trade-off is charging for iPods...plus I would say that the settings on your headphone out (ie if you use 'bass boost') affect the sound more than the line-level input via the iSimple. Overall though, $5 + an hour was an easy decision for me

:horns:

That's awesome!! Do you agree with the OP on that Chevy forum? That is, is the sound quality as good as the iSimples you had?

 

[cgalpha08]

Bump

I ordered the Isimple gateway, same part as Jr3t and Alrock (ISGM575), should be here Wednesday and ill install it then too, ill post up how it turns out.

 

[alrock]

Cool. Been working flawlessly for me

Sent from my VS910 4G using Tapatalk

 

[cgalpha08]

isimple came today and i installed it, no problems and works flawlessly, damn plastic clips gave my some trouble, especially disconnecting the 4x4 cluster. I do have a couple of questions for those of you who have this unit and/or know anything about the dash area.

1. What is the giant metal pipe that runs behind the stereo? i only ask because i know some of my wires are going to be touching and i don't want to start any electrical fires.
2. Am i doing it wrong? i have to reprogram the isimple each time i want to switch from my ipod to my android phone, or is there a way to have it programmed to do both.
3. is there a place where i can get another chrome paneling for the dash, i just have this feeling that i'm going to break those clips one of these days, it would be nice to have a back-up
Thanks

 

[SolidusJ]

isimple came today and i installed it, no problems and works flawlessly, damn plastic clips gave my some trouble, especially disconnecting the 4x4 cluster. I do have a couple of questions for those of you who have this unit and/or know anything about the dash area.

1. What is the giant metal pipe that runs behind the stereo? i only ask because i know some of my wires are going to be touching and i don't want to start any electrical fires.
2. Am i doing it wrong? i have to reprogram the isimple each time i want to switch from my ipod to my android phone, or is there a way to have it programmed to do both.
3. is there a place where i can get another chrome paneling for the dash, i just have this feeling that i'm going to break those clips one of these days, it would be nice to have a back-up
Thanks

Some type of roll cage so the engine doesn't wack you if you hit a wall 55 MPH?