GROM Audio iPod, PDA interface...

[Noisy Crow]

iPod etc. interface that neither I nor search have seen mentioned here before... including software that looks like it will let you use the HU to control it



http://gromaudio.com/ipod.html

May as well throw this in as well:
http://indashpc.org/new/adapters/index.html
http://indashpc.org/new/adapters/car2pc-maz.html

[eqlso]

I ordered the Grom last week, still haven't received it yet. Probably post up a review once I get it installed.

[Fobio]

I'm using the GROM, but using it for RCA/3.5 input for my Coolnavi navigation unit instead of iPod...so I can't speak on functionality...but the build quality of the GROM unit is fantastic, and instructions were flawless...it doesn't come with any padding, but I used the padding that came with the OEM Switching Box and everthing went just as planned...good luck!

[Gizzmo_jr]

Old'ish thread but relative to the topic.

Okay, I just received my GROM unit today (took 2 weeks to get shipped to me).
I'll write this mini reviewed biased from the Neo Prolink which I returned. Based off using my iPhone (1.1.4 at the time).

First why I returned the Neo unit. It was very slow is responding from inputs (steering wheel/headunit). It uses SAT emulation which the only benefit was full text display but mainly I hated the steering wheel controls, to much effort to change one track. Going through my playlist to find a song was agonizing. I paid $152.99CDN + $57.XX UPS Brokerage fees. Literally, there was a learning curve to use this, mainly how to change tracks. Besides being slow, the unit is great.

Now comes the GROM. Whopping $90 US (ebay store) shipped to my door USPS (No extra fees). I heard this unit uses the cd changer emulation which in theory should be instant response. Well it sure is. THIS unit is the one to get. The steering wheel controls are perfect, press ^/V once to change tracks, hold to scan ahead/back in tracks (not seek). Seek works perfect, time display doesn't work on basic mode. In advanced mode, you get time display that is synced but thats it. Some cars get text display but not my 07 non-Clarion non-Bose unit. The random button on the headunit works, which totally surprised me that it would. Find an artist you like, turn off random now the next track will be the next song of the artist. Scan button will allow you to advance 10 songs up or down the list at a time.
The GROM will play/pause upon mode change or the headunit powered on/off. The iPod is always charging and there is no ground loop feedback (obviously if powered up from the headunit).
Basic mode = unlocked
Advanced mode = locked

No idea how the factory Mazda ipod unit works, perhaps I should of went with it from the start but I know I'm going to keep my GROM as I am very happy with it. FYI, i'm going to try to splice in the stock AUX input to the connector to see if I can retain that input. I'll try to remember to post up how that went.

[eqlso]

I only use mine on basic mode, but it works fairly well. I like having the ipod unlocked to control if needed. The only thing that bugs me is that the next track button doesn't always work. About once out of 10 times, pushing next track gets ignored. Not so much of a deal since you can just push the button again. And am very pleased with it like you.

[howitts_done]

Old'ish thread but relative to the topic.

Okay, I just received my GROM unit today (took 2 weeks to get shipped to me).
I'll write this mini reviewed biased from the Neo Prolink which I returned. Based off using my iPhone (1.1.4 at the time).

First why I returned the Neo unit. It was very slow is responding from inputs (steering wheel/headunit). It uses SAT emulation which the only benefit was full text display but mainly I hated the steering wheel controls, to much effort to change one track. Going through my playlist to find a song was agonizing. I paid $152.99CDN + $57.XX UPS Brokerage fees. Literally, there was a learning curve to use this, mainly how to change tracks. Besides being slow, the unit is great.

Now comes the GROM. Whopping $90 US (ebay store) shipped to my door USPS (No extra fees). I heard this unit uses the cd changer emulation which in theory should be instant response. Well it sure is. THIS unit is the one to get. The steering wheel controls are perfect, press ^/V once to change tracks, hold to scan ahead/back in tracks (not seek). Seek works perfect, time display doesn't work on basic mode. In advanced mode, you get time display that is synced but thats it. Some cars get text display but not my 07 non-Clarion non-Bose unit. The random button on the headunit works, which totally surprised me that it would. Find an artist you like, turn off random now the next track will be the next song of the artist. Scan button will allow you to advance 10 songs up or down the list at a time.
The GROM will play/pause upon mode change or the headunit powered on/off. The iPod is always charging and there is no ground loop feedback (obviously if powered up from the headunit).
Basic mode = unlocked
Advanced mode = locked

No idea how the factory Mazda ipod unit works, perhaps I should of went with it from the start but I know I'm going to keep my GROM as I am very happy with it. FYI, i'm going to try to splice in the stock AUX input to the connector to see if I can retain that input. I'll try to remember to post up how that went.

I think I'm going to return the Neo based on what you said and get the GROM. I ordered the Neo after you posted the info from the M3F GB then I started reading mixed reviews.

Any problems returning the Neo?

[Gizzmo_jr]

No problems what so ever, they returned the cost which the group buy was at. Told them it wasn't for me (made up a tiny story) but no hassle.

[Sean80]

I've been enjoying my GROM unit for the last 8 months, until yesterday. When I use my ipod in the car, it will now only play out of the right side speakers. Meaning my sub and left side speakers don't work. When I switch to a cd or the radio everything works fine. I have tried several ipods and the same problem occurs, so its not my ipod. I have discovered the problem is related to the connector cord that plugs into my ipod. If I wiggle the connector the sound from all speakers cuts in and out. I have emailed Grom Audio about this and hope they can help me out. Has anyone else had a problem with theirs?

[Gizzmo_jr]

Ya mine does that. I had a friend yank his iPod to hard one time, loose conection on the cord side of the plug. Let me know if I can buy just the cord.

[Sean80]

GROM audio is sending me a new cord free of charge. I'm extremely pleased with their customer service. :)

[Sean80]

I received the new cord. Took me 10 minutes to put it in and now everything works normally again! Matt, I would send them an email about your issue and they'll send you a new cord as well.

[Gizzmo_jr]

I received the new cord. Took me 10 minutes to put it in and now everything works normally again! Matt, I would send them an email about your issue and they'll send you a new cord as well.

Will do, thanks Sean.

[Gods Son]

Uugggghhh. I ordered my adaptor two weeks ago yesterday and still haven't received it :(

[Gods Son]

Ahhhhhhh finally recieved it! I pulled the installation directions off of mazda 3 forums and it took me 25 mins. This thing is fantastic and I encourage any one of you who owns an ipod and doesn't wanna change the stock look to grab this. Works flawlessly with my iphone 3G.

[akyboy]

hi guys,
i am thinking about getting grome v2 , but i cant find information if actual song name is displayed on cars display?

any info on that?

thank you

[liquidzyklon]

hi guys,
i am thinking about getting grome v2 , but i cant find information if actual song name is displayed on cars display?

any info on that?

thank youSong name is not displayed on car's display. You can get the time elapse for the song playing on the head unit. (I am referring to 2008 Mazda 3).