My Experiment with the iPod Interface and a USB HD based media player
 

I have decided to try a little experiment to test the functionality of the iPod interface and my Archos USB based media player. Although the 2010 370z's will likely have USB interface (assuming the rumors are true), I ended up buying a 2009 since the timing was right for me to do so. I do not have an iPod, nor do I really want to buy one, so I decided to buy the following adapter and see if it will work with the Archos:

http://catalog.belkin.com/images/pro...UL1_F8Z026.jpg

In theory, it could work, unless there is something I do not understand about the interface. I figured it was worth a shot and I can always return it to Staples if it doesn't work. I had to order it online, so it will be a few days before it comes in, I will post back when it does and I try it.

If not I guess I will have to see if the 2010 USB interface is easily integrated into the 2009 models.

Paul

good for you Paul! I was thinking to do the same...i do not own an ipod nor do i want to go out and buy one just to use in the z...I have a usb mp3 as well and was wanting to do the same with an adapter...

look forward to hearing the (good) news :tup:

Nice one, let us know. I don't have an iPod either but have been thinking about it.

I tested the stacker the other day and it plays MP3's off a burnt disc fine, so that'll do me for now. It reads the directory names as well so thats cool.

I would just get a cheap used ipod and throw it in the glove box or were ever and forget about it. Even buying one with a broken screen would work which I have done.

I finally got the part in from Staples, after much confusion with the shipping of the adapter.

That all being said, once connected up, the following occurs:

1. The Archos 5 recognizes the connection and prompts me to either select charge only or connect.
2. I select connect and the device goes into HD mode.
3. Unfortunately, the Bose/Nissan HU does not recognize the device as an iPod or connected device. This leads me to believe that the USB to iPod cable is not a hardware-based connection, that it also has to do with software.

I can still charge the device using the connection, but cannot get it to interface with the system. It was worth a shot. I'm curious to see what will happen when Nissan switches to a USB input over the iPod input. Will this be a simple swap out of the cable or will there be some software changes in the HU as well?

Probably software and all changes. As I said my opinion buy a cheap ipod with a broken screen off ebay and use that.

I dislike iPods, and have been holding out on getting one since the Archos is a much better option for a media player. However, I am due for a new cell phone. If they release a 64 GB iPhone anytime soon, that would be an acceptable solution to me.