iPhone / iPod connectivity for Cayman
Discussion
This is my first message on these boards, I've been following everyone's general advice on here for a while and finally placed a deposit down on a 2008 Cayman 2.7 with an OPC. I'm so excited about it, almost like Christmas has come early.
The ICE on the car is standard / basic, no PCM here! Which I don't mind as I can pretty much get all the functionality and more from a well mounted iPhone4, the only snag is getting a decent holder/dock and audio connection that doesn't invalidate my 2 year OPC Warranty!
The OPC has offered to fit the official Porsche iPod connector into the car for £452 which to me seems a bit steep, also its in an annoying place next to the handbrake? Which makes it fairly useless if you want to double up the iPhone as a sat nav.
What are my options here? I'm guessing I'm going to have to go the FM transmitter route which is not ideal but a good compromise on cost / keeping warranty in tact. Has anyone got a tried and tested FM transmitter that just works, my experience in the past is they aren't too great! What about iPhone holders?
Thanks all in advance!
The ICE on the car is standard / basic, no PCM here! Which I don't mind as I can pretty much get all the functionality and more from a well mounted iPhone4, the only snag is getting a decent holder/dock and audio connection that doesn't invalidate my 2 year OPC Warranty!
The OPC has offered to fit the official Porsche iPod connector into the car for £452 which to me seems a bit steep, also its in an annoying place next to the handbrake? Which makes it fairly useless if you want to double up the iPhone as a sat nav.
What are my options here? I'm guessing I'm going to have to go the FM transmitter route which is not ideal but a good compromise on cost / keeping warranty in tact. Has anyone got a tried and tested FM transmitter that just works, my experience in the past is they aren't too great! What about iPhone holders?
Thanks all in advance!
Porsche iPod solution is - as you mentioned - just an FM transmitter. PCM/radio will simply see it as a radio station you can tune into. I would be surprised if any FM transmitter solution was any different functionality wise, and would certainly be hundreds of pounds cheaper.
If you don't want to get into stealthy installs that can be removed easily but still run the risk of warranty voiding, then this is pretty much your only option.
Congratulations on the purchase!
If you don't want to get into stealthy installs that can be removed easily but still run the risk of warranty voiding, then this is pretty much your only option.
Congratulations on the purchase!
I think the Porsche one might be FM modulated through a cable directly into the aerial socket tricking the stereo into thinking its a Radio when in fact its plugged directly in.
Anyway I've done a little research and found this interesting device:
http://www.ilounge.com/index.php/reviews/entry/new...
Works by connecting to the iPhone via bluetooth and then retransmitting the Audio over FM or AUX to your stereo so you have a fully wireless system. I'm not sure it can take calls though. Does seem to offer to retune using your GPS location to record the best station for each area. Not sure if the car would auto retune as well though.
Then I found this one here:
http://satechi.com/Satechi-Bluetooth-Handsfree-Car...
which seems to offer hands free too which is pretty cool as you could be listening to endless music over Spotify whilst running Sat Nav software then if someone calls you auto pauses and lets you speak to them over the car's speakers.
I guess in theory this would be great, I just wonder what the FM interference is like in London.
Anyway I've done a little research and found this interesting device:
http://www.ilounge.com/index.php/reviews/entry/new...
Works by connecting to the iPhone via bluetooth and then retransmitting the Audio over FM or AUX to your stereo so you have a fully wireless system. I'm not sure it can take calls though. Does seem to offer to retune using your GPS location to record the best station for each area. Not sure if the car would auto retune as well though.
Then I found this one here:
http://satechi.com/Satechi-Bluetooth-Handsfree-Car...
which seems to offer hands free too which is pretty cool as you could be listening to endless music over Spotify whilst running Sat Nav software then if someone calls you auto pauses and lets you speak to them over the car's speakers.
I guess in theory this would be great, I just wonder what the FM interference is like in London.
Another solution (on my 2011 Cayman) was their Aux input in the centre console cubby hole (3.5mm jack) which then requires a line level output (not a simple headphone jack lead) in the form of the fiio l10 lead http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/New-Fiio-L10-50cm-Line-O... . This does not give any control from the CDR-30 other than volume, but it does sound quite reasonable.
OP - I have one of these:
http://store.myitablet.com/motorola-motorokr-t505-...
just clips onto the visor and works fairly well. Essentially you transmit music from your iphone to the unit via bluetooth and the unit then transmits the same to the stereo via an FM signal. Can take calls wirelessly too. It's not perfect by any means and, in London, there's occasional need to change frequency, but it's not too bad. Way cheaper than Dension and doens't knacker your warranty.
http://store.myitablet.com/motorola-motorokr-t505-...
just clips onto the visor and works fairly well. Essentially you transmit music from your iphone to the unit via bluetooth and the unit then transmits the same to the stereo via an FM signal. Can take calls wirelessly too. It's not perfect by any means and, in London, there's occasional need to change frequency, but it's not too bad. Way cheaper than Dension and doens't knacker your warranty.
wallywalts said:
The ICE on the car is standard / basic, no PCM here! Which I don't mind as I can pretty much get all the functionality and more from a well mounted iPhone4, the only snag is getting a decent holder/dock and audio connection that doesn't invalidate my 2 year OPC Warranty!
The OPC has offered to fit the official Porsche iPod connector into the car for £452 which to me seems a bit steep, also its in an annoying place next to the handbrake? Which makes it fairly useless if you want to double up the iPhone as a sat nav.
What are my options here? I'm guessing I'm going to have to go the FM transmitter route which is not ideal but a good compromise on cost / keeping warranty in tact. Has anyone got a tried and tested FM transmitter that just works, my experience in the past is they aren't too great! What about iPhone holders?
Thanks all in advance!
Welcome.. Hope everything with the new car is more than you hoped it would be The OPC has offered to fit the official Porsche iPod connector into the car for £452 which to me seems a bit steep, also its in an annoying place next to the handbrake? Which makes it fairly useless if you want to double up the iPhone as a sat nav.
What are my options here? I'm guessing I'm going to have to go the FM transmitter route which is not ideal but a good compromise on cost / keeping warranty in tact. Has anyone got a tried and tested FM transmitter that just works, my experience in the past is they aren't too great! What about iPhone holders?
Thanks all in advance!
Anyway.. AFAIK.. With the CDR-30 Audio system, the Techequipment iPod connector (Universal Audio Interface) amounts to, basically, and aux input in the centre armrest into which you can plug the iPad (or any other MP3 player etc). No charging (so need to be running a cable to the lighter socket as well unless you can run on batteries the whole trip). No control of iPod through the audio system.
It is not, I don;t think, an FM transmitter (maybe the old one was??). It requires you to use the AUX button on the CDR.
With a PCM installed, functionality is improved (you can select music, playlists etc through the PCM system) and you get charging as well (you get a USB port and a multipin connector).. Only confirmed to work with slightly older gear with compatibility with newer equipment sometimes possible, but not guaranteed.. Works with my iPhone 3Gs even though it says it is incompatible when connected.. Works fine with all my older iPods (except shuffle).
To get any sort of interactive functionality, you, therefore, really need PCM as well...
Now.. When can we have aftermarket DAB radio for out PCM's.. there's another thread right there...
DavidAL said:
With a PCM installed, functionality is improved (you can select music, playlists etc through the PCM system) and you get charging as well (you get a USB port and a multipin connector).. Only confirmed to work with slightly older gear with compatibility with newer equipment sometimes possible, but not guaranteed.. Works with my iPhone 3Gs even though it says it is incompatible when connected.. Works fine with all my older iPods (except shuffle).
Are you sure about that? Everything I've read about the Porsche iPod interface (at least for 987) is that it doesn't allow control via PCM. You have the iPod in the centre console cubby hole and if you want to change songs you have to fiddle about with it while you're moving. Not good.On the plus side it does charge it, but after having been charged several hundred that's not much consolation imo.
Durzel said:
DavidAL said:
With a PCM installed, functionality is improved (you can select music, playlists etc through the PCM system) and you get charging as well (you get a USB port and a multipin connector).. Only confirmed to work with slightly older gear with compatibility with newer equipment sometimes possible, but not guaranteed.. Works with my iPhone 3Gs even though it says it is incompatible when connected.. Works fine with all my older iPods (except shuffle).
Are you sure about that? Everything I've read about the Porsche iPod interface (at least for 987) is that it doesn't allow control via PCM. You have the iPod in the centre console cubby hole and if you want to change songs you have to fiddle about with it while you're moving. Not good.On the plus side it does charge it, but after having been charged several hundred that's not much consolation imo.
You can't do this if it's fitted with the ordinary CDR radio/CD.. So what you describe.. Having the ipod in the centre consol and fiddling with it to change songs etc.. sounds to me like what you get with the UAI and CDR30 combo..
Durzel said:
A minor point but you can't retrofit BOSE and BOSE isn't a requirement for PCM or vice versa. I'm not even sure Porsche would officially retrofit PCM, though I guess it should be possible.
Just downloaded the latest Techequipment catalogue and, yes, according to that you can retrofit PCM..!!The aux input socket does work well, but as mentioned it doesn't give you any control from the cdr or PCM other than volume. Although I bought a longer curly lead which allows you to close the centre lid and put the iPhone on the passenger seat. This allows for changing of tracks (when safe) by yourself or if you have a passenger they can do it. Useful on longer trips.
Charging is a pain, but there are solutions to that.
Has any model got USB connection now? Does seem odd not to offer this option and it would be better than the aux connection.
Charging is a pain, but there are solutions to that.
Has any model got USB connection now? Does seem odd not to offer this option and it would be better than the aux connection.
I am in a similar position with my Boxster S.
I spoke with a very well regarded audio installer today and he told me that it is absolute rubbish that changing a stereo or speakers will invalidate the warranty. Apparently if Porsche were to follow this up and cancel an entire warranty just because of the stereo then they would be breaking a number of European Laws. It would obviously affect the warranty of the audio system but apparently nothing else.
I need to look into this a little more closely as I must admit I think this makes common sense. Especially considering that modern aftermarket stereos have the functionality to make it safer to use a mobile whilst driving and safer operate an ipod compared to the Porsche option. Surely this could be negative press for Porsche and in the long term could affect the resale values of their used cars from the forecourt??
I spoke with a very well regarded audio installer today and he told me that it is absolute rubbish that changing a stereo or speakers will invalidate the warranty. Apparently if Porsche were to follow this up and cancel an entire warranty just because of the stereo then they would be breaking a number of European Laws. It would obviously affect the warranty of the audio system but apparently nothing else.
I need to look into this a little more closely as I must admit I think this makes common sense. Especially considering that modern aftermarket stereos have the functionality to make it safer to use a mobile whilst driving and safer operate an ipod compared to the Porsche option. Surely this could be negative press for Porsche and in the long term could affect the resale values of their used cars from the forecourt??
From what I understand, the original manufacturer's warranty is valid regardless provided any 3rd party components haven't caused the failure. However, any additional guarantees (3rd year on new cars) has a clause on the contract that you sign regarding non-approved parts. This is where they get you.
EU law does not cover additional guarantees in the same way that they cover the original manufacturer's warranty.
EU law does not cover additional guarantees in the same way that they cover the original manufacturer's warranty.
Ok so I went for the TuneLink device in the end:
http://www.mobilefun.co.uk/tunelink-auto-bluetooth...
managed to pick one up from ebay for £30 brand new. I just tried it out in the car and I have to say the quality is amazing. It easily trumped all the other local stations and super clear with decent bass response. I have yet to try it out on the road yet but will report back. I'm heading up to the Lake District in a few weeks time so that should give me a good chance to give if a full review.
I also went for this magnetic device holder:
http://www.mobilefun.co.uk/tetrax-magnetic-iphone-...
I got one from Amazon for £24 which doesn't have the iPhone 4 case but does come with 4 (2 large and 2 small) magnets with sticky backs to stick to a phone. I opted for the Air Vent holder as its location in relation to being easiest to access and visible (for at nav) was ideal compared to say the FIXWAY model which requires you to actually stick it to the dash. Seems really stable in there and super minimalist which is perfect, being a magnet its easy to slide the phone on or off and also rotate for landscape. Overall very happy, will see how it responds to bumps and cornering but from what I can tell it should be very solid.
As far as I can tell this is the best solution for the car audio/sat nav without affecting the warranty.
http://www.mobilefun.co.uk/tunelink-auto-bluetooth...
managed to pick one up from ebay for £30 brand new. I just tried it out in the car and I have to say the quality is amazing. It easily trumped all the other local stations and super clear with decent bass response. I have yet to try it out on the road yet but will report back. I'm heading up to the Lake District in a few weeks time so that should give me a good chance to give if a full review.
I also went for this magnetic device holder:
http://www.mobilefun.co.uk/tetrax-magnetic-iphone-...
I got one from Amazon for £24 which doesn't have the iPhone 4 case but does come with 4 (2 large and 2 small) magnets with sticky backs to stick to a phone. I opted for the Air Vent holder as its location in relation to being easiest to access and visible (for at nav) was ideal compared to say the FIXWAY model which requires you to actually stick it to the dash. Seems really stable in there and super minimalist which is perfect, being a magnet its easy to slide the phone on or off and also rotate for landscape. Overall very happy, will see how it responds to bumps and cornering but from what I can tell it should be very solid.
As far as I can tell this is the best solution for the car audio/sat nav without affecting the warranty.
I should add the only downside is that the device still pulls power even when the keys are taken out of the ignition. Its something I need to investigate more as maybe theres some setting I can make on the car to stop power going to the 12V adapter when the keys aren't in?
Even so not a deal breaker as a quick yank and it sits neatly in the compartment under the elbow.
Even so not a deal breaker as a quick yank and it sits neatly in the compartment under the elbow.
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