Holden VY/VZ iPod interface

As the picture shows, there are fixed icons and two lines of characters. The first line can display eight characters and the second line four.

Here is a text I generated with my interface:

Obviously with this limited display capability it is not practical to view iPod menus. I think I could probably use the first line to display scrolling song information though.

24thMarch 2008

I am now able to control the iPod via the radio buttons. The iPod is operating in simple remote mode. In this mode there is no iPod status available such as song name, artist etc. but the iPod display is fully functional and the iPod could be controlled either via its own key interface or/and via the radio buttons. In comparison, the iPod advanced remote mode (I am considering to implement it later) would allow the radio to display song names, albums etc. but the iPod display and key interface are disabled and only the radio buttons would control the iPod.

I tried to integrate the iPod as seamlessly as possible to the radio. It is simply “plug and play”. For example, connecting the iPod to the interface cable, automatically switches the iPod and the radio units on (if necessary) and the iPod starts playing (exactly the same way as inserting a CD in the CD player). As a result the screen looks like this:

Disconnecting the iPod from the cable switches the radio unit to FM1, FM2, AM or CD depending on the last radio state.

Once the iPod is playing, the CD button can be used to toggle between CD and iPod. It works in the same way as the FM button toggles between FM1 and FM2. If FM or AM button is pressed, the radio is selected and the iPod is turned off. The iPod is always turned off when not selected. If no CD is inserted, the CD button automatically selects the iPod.

The last CD button state (iPod playing or CD player playing) is remembered and re-entered first when the CD button is pressed (the same way as the FM button and the FM1/FM2 selection).

I assigned iPod functions to all available radio unit buttons when the iPod is playing. Here is the mapping of iPod functions to radio unit buttons.

The radio unit buttons not mentioned in the above table work as originally designed.

Because not all iPod function to radio button associations are intuitive I display a message for two seconds on the first line of the radio screen when a button is pressed while the iPod is playing. For example when button 3 is pressed, MENU is displayed for two seconds as shown bellow:

When the radio clock is displayed on the radio screen, only the first line can be used and the display would normally look like this:

And when a button with iPod association is pressed (e.g. TRACK RANDOM) the display changes for two seconds like this:

15ThMay 2008

The firmware for the iPod interface became too big to fit in the microcontroller memory. I had to use different chip and rework the prototype board from scratch. I had to port the firmware to the new chip as well.

Once I had it all working again, I implemented the steering wheel remote feature.

The Mode-button cycles through FM1, FM2, AM, iPod, CD. When there is no CD loaded it cycles trough FM1, FM2, AM, iPod.

When in iPod mode, the Prev/Next buttons work as Previous/Next iPod song select.

The Volume and Mute buttons work as expected and when no iPod is connected to the interface, all works as originally designed.

4thJune 2008

Today I had the iPod audio signal going through the radio for the first time.

The sound quality is perfect as it could be expected when the audio signal is directly driving the radio circuit.

The equalizer, boost, fader, balance and mute are working as expected. The telephone interface is also working as expected. When the telephone is off hook, VOICE IN is displayed on the LCD, the audio switches to the phone and the iPod is paused. When telephone is on hook, the iPod resumes playing.

With this feature finished I believe I have proof of concept – a high quality iPod interface integration for Holden VY is possible.

The interface is not finalised yet though. I still need to finish the power management (make sure the iPod won’t flatten the car battery when the radio is off), iPod charging, song info display, support for the 6 CD stacker and more rigorous testing.

18th June 2008

I am now able to switch and control the iPod from simple remote mode to advanced. In this mode the following information can be retrieved from the iPod: play time, song, artist and album names.

The song, artist and album name text is scrolled on the first line of the radio LCD screen (eight characters long). The play time is displayed on the second line exactly in the same way as when the CD is played.

The Time button toggles the second LCD line between radio clock and iPod play time display.

24th August 2008

Today for the first time I connected the iPod interface in my son’s car for on road testing. The iPod power management is fully synchronised with the radio. The iPod automatically is switched off when not in use or the radio turns off.

The next feature on the list is to make the iPod charging when connected to the interface and the radio is on.

30th August 2008

Here is a video showing the main functions of the iPod interface:

24th November 2008

I bought a Holden VZ 6-CD radio headunit (the top of the range), which has graphics LCD screen, pictured below:

The screen has a graphics area of 95x34 dots and a set of fixed icons under it. Following is a picture of all display segments switched ON:

And here is a picture of a graphics image:

This radio headunit is quite different from the one with the two text lines LCD screen. I had to rewrite significant part of the iPod interface firmware before I could get it working. Here is a video demonstrating how this headnit works with the iPod:

I also have tested the iPod interface with iPhone 3G and the latest iPod Nano. It works fine with them. All iPod types (including iPhone) are charging properly when connected to the interface.

The iPhone works like a normal iPod. When an incoming call arrives, the current song is paused and the iPhone rings through the car speakers. Once the call is answered, the car speakers are muted and the call audio goes through the iPhone speaker. When the call ends, the paused song starts playing again through the car speakers.

14th January 2009

All major obstacles have been resolved. The iPod interface now works with all Holden Commodore VY/VZ headunits but the kit will be released in March 2009. This is due to suppliers’ delays caused by the holiday season.

The iPod interface should also work in Pontiac GTO, Chevrolet Lumina and Lumina Ute.

17th January 2009

The iPod interface could work with any MP3 player by receiving signal from the standard headphone socket. This would require SoundDock cable adapter advertised here:

http://www.cablejive.com/sounddockcable.html

Any audio device with RCA outputs could also be connected to the iPod interface with the addition of RCA to SoundDock adapter cable available for purchase from the same place.

When the iPod interface works with MP3 or RCA output audio devices using the above cables, the car headunit LCD screen displays MP3 instead of IPOD. In this case it is not possible to control the MP3 player (e.g. using next/previous song). Switching to MP3 is through the headunit CD button or the steering wheel MODE button. Volume/mute/phone and equaliser controls still work as expected.

14th March 2009

In preparation for the release I created three documents describing different phases of the iPod interface installation process.

• 1. Holden VY/VZ headunit removal instructions

  2. iPod interface for Holden Commodore VY/VZ - single CD headunit modification instructions

1. iPod interface for Holden Commodore VY/VZ - six CD headunit modification instructions

There will be a fourth document released later on describing the last phase of the interface installation:

Holden VY/VZ headunit (with iPod interface) installation instructions

22th March 2009

It has been more than a year since I started this project and today I am pleased to announce that the iPod interface for Holden VY/VZ is available as a product for other people to purchase and use it. This interface achieves high quality iPod integration compatible with headunits for all types of Holden VY/VZ.

The iPod interface has the following features:

-         Maintains the original look and feel of the car interior. The original functionality of the headunit is fully preserved, no features are disabled, affected or compromised by the iPod interface.

-         Allows the car headunit and steering wheel buttons to control the iPod. Allows the iPod to be controlled through its own user interface while playing through the headunit (iPod has to operate in simple remote mode - selectable via the headunit button 6).

-         The headunit displays iPod status information, song, album, artist name and play time (iPod has to operate in advanced remote mode - selectable via the headunit button 6).

-         Seamless integration, plug and play operation. The headunit CD button switches between CD player and iPod in the same way as the FM button switches from FM1 and FM2. The steering wheel MODE button toggles the headunit operation modes between AM, iPod, FM1, FM2 and CD.

-         Intelligent iPod power management. Switching from iPod to another playing mode (e.g. CD or radio) turns the iPod OFF. Turning the headunit OFF or car accesories OFF also turns the iPod off if it was playing. If the iPod was the last one playing, it is automatically turned ON when the accessories or the headunit is powered ON.

-         Cars with automatic antennae will retract the antenna when the iPod plays.

-         Headunits with car kit interfaces (such as Bluetooth) are compatible with the iPod interface. When incoming call arrives or the phone is off hook and the iPod plays, the iPod is paused. When the phone is put back on hook, the iPod resumes playing.

-         The iPod interface works with iPhone.

-         iPod and iPhone charging.

-         Support for other MP3 players through an optional adapter cable.

The known iPod interface limitations are:

-         When the iPod plays and is in simple remote mode (no iPod song, album, artist and play time displayed on the headunit screen), it could pause or stop by itself (e.g. when all songs in a play list have been played). The iPod interface cannot detect this and would still think that the iPod is playing. Pressing the headunit Pause button would make the iPod playing instead of pausing.

The workaround for this is to press the headunit Pause button twice or make the iPod playing through its own user interface.

-         The instrument cluster LCD screen displays AM when the iPod plays.

-        V1 only limitation: There is static noise interference in the audio when the iPod plays and charges at the same time. This is more evident on iPods with high current charge (such as iPhone) and when the audio signal is low (e.g. between changing songs) but the volume setting is high.

The workaround for this is to disable the iPod charging during iPod play. Full instructions of how to do this are given here:

holdenvyvzheadunit(withipodinterface)ins

The iPod interface will be offered in three installation options.

Installation option 1.

Do it yourself (DIY) kit. People who decide to choose this option should have advanced soldering skills. This type of work is suitable for electronics shops.

The cost of the DIY kit is AUD330.00 including GST and postage within Australia. Additional cost for tools and materials as per the installation manuals should be considered. The conversion steps are:

- Step 1.

Purchase an iPod interface DIY kit. When ordering the kit, the headunit type has to be specified. Type 1 headunit is with a text LCD display as the one shown on Figure 1. Note the volume bar display (the three dash lines circled in red) on the bottom of the display. Also note that the single CD headunits are always Type 1.

This is what the first customers say:

“the more I use it the more I appreciate how good it is”

“The work that has gone into both type1 and 2 are extensive. Having the type1, the integration with the stereo and the allowances for the installed car kit just simply operates as it is part of the standard factory system. Well done Vlad, You have a winner here!!!”

“I really think anyone out there that still has the factory HU should cough up the cash and get it installed as it's a great addition to the vehicle!”

“What a simple install. Thanks heaps Vlad, the DIY kit you sent works a treat... and took bugger all time to mod (-:”

“I personally think this is the best integration of any kit out there. I guess I simply see a hobby project that has great potential.”

“Well I thought I'd let you know that the type1 in my system is working a treat. Such a simple install and all is working well.”

“Job well done mate and thanks heaps for taking the time to work it all out :) This is one happy camper as I refuse to buy one of those fm transmitter things so the iPod just sat on the coffee table.”

“My impressions? Well I certainly don't think I got ripped off, I'm extremely happy with the implemented board to my factory stereo.”

“I find it to be simply brilliant and I use and abuse it. Well done mate, you’re a hidden talent.”

“So in ending I would like to thank you for such a wonderful device... I also would like for you to note that as I'm genuinely satisfied with your on going support, not hesitating to help attitude and of course for making a home project for your son’s radio a gift to many others.”

“The interface has worked well thanks. Your instructions were very concise and it made the job quite straight forward.”

“Thanks again for all the work that you have put into this. I can now get rid of the FM modulator I was previously using.… I appreciate your efforts.”

“I have had the unit in the car for about 2 weeks now. It has been excellent so far, have had no problems with it what so ever. It is the wife’s car so I don’t get to use it all the time however she has commented that it has been trouble free and easy to use. Great job and thanks.”

“I installed this in my GTO yesterday. It is unbelievably cool! I absolutely love it!”

“The level of integration is astonishing. I am not sure Holden could have done better unless they replaced the lousy segmented LCD screen. You would swear it was built into the radio. The kit is REALLY well done.”

“The instructions Vlad provides are extremely clear and well documented. He is extremely helpful and friendly as well.”

“Awesome...Today I installed your iPod interface and all I can say is WOW!  Very nice work! ... Thanks again for all your hard work!  Really incredible!”

“AMAZING PRODUCT!!! Installed in my GTO and works flawlessly!!! EXCELLENT!”

“I think it is very important to maintain the stock look and yet have a highly integrated iPod solution - by far my favorite mod to this car!”

“Everything works as it should.  It’s awesome. I will be recommending it to anyone else with a Y / Z series commodore in an instant. Highly appreciate your trouble and all your help.”

“very impressed amazing unit works great, service was amazin best ebayer iv found”

“I must say I am very impressed it works fantastic.”

“Fantastic interface for a GTO. Arrived quick, works perfect. … Installed it today - perfect!! Thanks for the hard work to make this happen.”

“Kudos to you for all the time and effort you put into this project.”

27th June 2009

Pontiac GTO owners can now buy the DIY iPod interface kit on eBay.

Please search on eBay http://www.ebay.com.au/ (the Australian site) for “V2 iPod interface: Holden VY/VZ GTO radio/CD player” and use your regular U.S. eBay id. It is seamless and no different than buying on US eBay.

13th July 2009

Notice: It has come to my attention that some people who have enquired via udc.aus@gmail.com have not received my replies. If you do not receive an email reply from me within 24hrs, please call me on 0411 350 700.

8th August 2010

The iPod interface is now being confirmed to work on Vauxhall Monaro.

People who install the interface themselves often ask me for soldering tips.

Here are the steps I follow when soldering the interface ribbon cable wires to the radio PCB components (you need a soldering iron with a very fine tip):

1. Strip around 1 millimetre from the wire insulation end.

2. Tin the stripped wire end.

3. Melt small quantity of tin on the pin of the component where the wire is to be soldered. This should be done for a few seconds only, otherwise the component can overheat and fail or fall off the board.

4. Place the wire end in parallel (horizontally) with the PCB, over the

component pin and touch it with the soldering iron. It should easily melt and provide the solder junction between the wire and the component (no additional solder is required as both ends have already been pretinned).

16th February 2011

Today I would like to announce a new version (V2) of the Holden VY/VZ iPod interface kit. The new version V2 is the same as the current version V1, but has a solution for the static noise limitation V1 had. V2 provides the best audio quality that could be achieved by the radio and the iPod/iPhone while charging the iPod/iPhone at the same time.

The V2 interface is $20.00 dearer than V1. The prices for the three installation options are:

1. DIY kit – 350.00.

2. Kit plus installation and test in the radio – $460.00.

3. Kit plus full installation in the car - $570.00.

The old V1 interface will still be available at the original prices: 

4. DIY kit – 330.00.

5. Kit plus installation and test in the radio – $440.00.

6. Kit plus full installation in the car - $550.00.

It is important to point out that V1 and V2 interface have the same high quality audio, when V1 charging is disabled during playback.