Holden VE iPod interface

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8th April 2011

Today I would like to announce that I am working on an iPod interface for Holden Commodore VE. In fact I started working on it more than a year ago on my VE Omega, but I only recently scored some promising results. In summary, it seams to be possible to have high quality iPod integration with the factory radio unit of the VE model vehicles.

At present I have a prototype of the iPod interface working in my car. The interface controls the iPod/iPhone via the radio buttons (e.g. next/previous song, pause, mute, shuffle etc.) and via the steering wheel remote controls. The interface displays basic status text on the radio information display and on the digital instrument cluster information display (similar to the VY/VZ one).

It is important to mention that all the original radio functionality is fully preserved. When the iPod is not plugged into the interface cable, the radio works normally. When the iPod is plugged in, the radio starts playing the iPod. Switching to AM/FM, CD or REAR AUX from iPod is through the usual radio buttons or the steering wheel MODE button. Switching back to iPod is through the AUX radio button or through the MODE steering wheel button. The iPod is just “replacing” the FRONT AUX mode. If a MP3 player is plugged into the radio FRONT AUX socket, the iPod is automatically turned off, and the radio plays the external MP3 device as per normal. Removing the MP3 player from the radio socket automatically starts the iPod. When a phone call arrives (VOICE IN), the audio is switched to the phone as normal and at the end of the call back to the iPod.

The iPod interface installation is similar to the VY/VZ one. The interface board is connected (internally) to the radio main PCB via 11 ribbon cable wires soldered directly to 11 points on the radio PCB. The other end of the ribbon cable is plugged to the iPod interface PCB. The iPod is connected to the interface PCB via an iPod cable (the same as for the VY/VZ interface). It is important to point out that no modifications of the radio are required (such as cutting tracks, replacing or removal of components, etc.). The iPod interface is simply “solder and play” (the same as the VY/VZ one).

It is worth mentioning that the iPod interface charges the iPod/iPhone and achieves the best possible audio quality, with no audio noise introduced by the interface.

My next task is to implement the iPod advanced remote mode, which allows retrieval and display of song info on the radio and digital instrument cluster displays. Finally, I will try to implement song and album selection lists on the radio information display.

I am planning to regularly update this page with the progress on this project.

21th April 2011

I have been receiving emails with questions about the project. Instead of answering them individually, I thought I’d publish a list of FAQ and answers. Here they are:

Q1: When will the interface be available?

A1: This is a hobby project for me and I am only working on it in my spare time. Because of this I wouldn’t be able to commit to a firm date. My desire is to finish the project and design a new product this year.

Q2: How much would it cost?

A2: The product is still in the development phase. Although it looks like the iPod interface hardware is close to being finalized, changes are still possible and may affect the final cost. My aim is for the price to be similar to the current Holden VY/VZ iPod interface variants.

Q3: Will it be available for installation in the Melbourne area?

A3: I would offer installation options similar to the ones for the current Holden VY/VZ iPod interface, in Melbourne.

Q4: Will the interface work with all Holden VE radio models?

A4: The first version will only work with the radio models with external LCD screen. Later on I plan to redesign it for the models with colour screen radios (Calais and Statesman).

12th June 2011

Here is a video demonstrating how the iPod interface operates in the car.

The next step is to design a proper printed circuit board and perform more rigorous tests.

13th August 2011

I am pleased to announce the preliminary release of the iPod interface for Holden VE Omega Series I.

This is another first and unique product designed and manufactured in Australia by Unique Design Concepts.

Everyone enjoys listening to their favorite tracks while driving. Simply connect your iPod, iTouch, iPhone or iPad to the radio through this interface and choose your favorite songs from your entire collection, while charging at the same time. Once your device is plugged in, you can access your music library, switch between songs, playlists, albums, artists, composers and genres by using the radio buttons, the steering wheel controls or directly via the iPod buttons or touch screen. Now you can have endless musical enjoyment without being districted from driving.

Here is photo of the interface:

Here is a photo of the radio buttons labeled with their new iPod functions:

And here is a photo of the steering wheel buttons labeled with their new iPod functions:

The iPod can operate in two modes – simple remote mode and advanced remote mode. The button functions labeled in blue are active in both modes. The functions labeled in red are only available in advanced remote mode. The switch between the two modes is via the function key labeled “SELECT IPOD MODE”

In simple remote, the iPod can be controlled directly from its own graphical user interface. This is useful for quick browsing of huge song lists. When in simple remote mode, the radio display and the instrument cluster display show only simple iPod status information (such as PLAY, PAUSE, etc.).

In advanced remote mode, the iPod cannot be controlled via its graphical user interface. In this mode the radio and instrument cluster displays show song status information (such as track name, album name, etc.).

The interface firmware is upgradable (encrypted GMLAN protocol) via the car OBD-II diagnostics port.

The interface does NOT introduce static noise when charging the iPod or when the engine is running. The audio quality is only limited by the quality of the sound track, the iPod and the radio audio paths.

The price of the iPod interface is $330.00 including GST and registered postage. Installation and test of the interface in the radio will cost additional $110.00. Full installation of the interface in the radio and the radio in the car will cost additional $220.00.

7th September 2011

Ahead of the official release of the Holden Omega VE iPod interface DIY kit in mid-October I am preparing documents with detailed installation instructions. Here they are:

Holden VE stereo removal instructions

iPod interface for Holden Commodore VE Omega - single CD stereo modification instructions

iPod interface for Holden Commodore VE - six CD stacker stereo modification instruction

Holden VE Omega stereo (with iPod interface) installation instructions

16th October 2011

I am pleased to announce the release of the Holden VE iPod interface DIY kit. The kit works with all single and six CD radios with external LCD screen. These radios are typically fitted in the Omega, SS and SV6 car models. At this stage the kit does not support radios with built-in full colour LCD screens (typically fitted in SSV, Calais, Caprice and Statesmen).

Three installation options are available:

1. DIY iPod interface kit - $330.

2. iPod interface plus installation and test in the radio - $440.

3. iPod interface plus full installation in the car - $550.

5th January 2013

I have been working for the last year on iPod integration for the Holden VE (Pontiac G8) head unit with colour LCD display. Unfortunately, I have been discouraged by the recent Apple iOS-6 release changes. Any iPhone updated to iOS-6 can no longer charge from the iPod interface plus iOS-6 has some serious bugs causing incorrect song information to be displayed. While I have a working iPod interface prototype proving the concept, it is a fair amount of work to make a product from it. I can't see how the iOS-6 problems could be worked around and for now I have put this project on hold.

Here is a photo showing the iPod interface operating on my test bench:

19th May 2013

Important update: iPod interface works with iOS-6

Today I can confirm that Apple has fixed the iOS-6 bugs affecting my iPod interface. The song information is now displayed correctly and the iPhone/iPad is charged by the interface as it was before.