Alpine car stereo + iPhone = Greatness!

mofovo · 08-01-2008, 12:52 AM

Things I used:
Car stereo head-unit: Alpine 9884
Alpine iPod adapter: KCE-422i
Car: 1999 Honda Accord Coupe
1st gen iPhone with 2.0 update.

My goal: play music through car stereo while charging iPhone.

After weeks and weeks of research, I found the perfect car stereo that fit my goal. This stereo is good looking and not hard to use at all. Of course it doesn't have the nice cover flow when selecting songs, but I didn't want to risk a car accident by flipping through songs on my iPhone while driving.

I used to have a CD/Cassette deck + cassete deck to headphone adapter + monster cable iPhone adapter. The monster adapter quickly went bad. Also, it didn't look as cool as a nice illuminated CD/MP3 car deck.

I noticed that there isn't the iPhone buzz interference with my new car deck (I've used my new stereo for only 1 day tho.....)
I used to get super annoyed while listening to my music using the cassete stock deck.

No, you cannot control your music from your iPhone once it is plugged in.
Yes, you can receive phone calls if it is plugged in and playing music. You must unplug it to answer the call or simply use your bluetooth headset.

I hope this helps someone!!! Thanks

jarofclay73 · 08-01-2008, 05:25 AM

It's cool you found a great way to use your iPhone in your car. I've never liked FM transmitters. If your car has a 3.5" mini-plug auxiliary input, that's not bad. But, I've always liked straight iPod/iPhone adapters. This is my setup:

2009 Acura TSX with Technology Package
iPhone 3G plugged into USB port
Able to play music from iPhone and music apps like Pandora
Able to control the iPod on the iPhone from the nav screen
Handsfree calling with the iPhone via Bluetooth

Everything works like a charm. As soon as the iPhone is able to use stereo Bluetooth, my car will be able to play music WIRELESSLY from my iPhone.

SaltyOnionBalls · 09-02-2008, 03:26 AM

Awesome, I'm looking at getting either the CDA-9884/86 or the AVH-P4000DVD.

Been looking to upgrade my HU and get something compatible with the iPhone.

draperd · 09-02-2008, 11:26 AM

The Alpine 9884 was great with the 1st Gen iPhone but not being able to charge the 2nd Gen now is a big disappointment to me. Overall it is worth the $ if you don't charge in the car alot.

SaltyOnionBalls · 09-02-2008, 04:09 PM

I have the 1st gen iPhone v.1.1.4

So I should be good?

draperd · 09-02-2008, 04:13 PM

Originally Posted by SaltyOnionBalls

I have the 1st gen iPhone v.1.1.4

So I should be good?

That setup worked great for me!

zarco · 09-14-2008, 06:56 PM

Did the iPhone 3G just take forever to pair and setup or did it take some finessing to get the '09 TSX and iPhone to play fair?

I get the little "This accessory was not made to work with iPhone" warning, but I'm wondering if that is what is causing the problem, as I'm using a 3rd party cable.. maybe I just need to drag one of my "real" Apple cables into the car and see if given some time it'll setup.

The (paper) manual doesn't make note of the iPhone 3G, and currently MyAcura is down so I can't see if there are any updates..

Any ideas? -- Thanks in advance.

Originally Posted by jarofclay73

It's cool you found a great way to use your iPhone in your car. I've never liked FM transmitters. If your car has a 3.5" mini-plug auxiliary input, that's not bad. But, I've always liked straight iPod/iPhone adapters. This is my setup:

2009 Acura TSX with Technology Package
iPhone 3G plugged into USB port
Able to play music from iPhone and music apps like Pandora
Able to control the iPod on the iPhone from the nav screen
Handsfree calling with the iPhone via Bluetooth

Everything works like a charm. As soon as the iPhone is able to use stereo Bluetooth, my car will be able to play music WIRELESSLY from my iPhone.

jarofclay73 · 09-14-2008, 08:08 PM

Originally Posted by zarco

Did the iPhone 3G just take forever to pair and setup or did it take some finessing to get the '09 TSX and iPhone to play fair?

I get the little "This accessory was not made to work with iPhone" warning, but I'm wondering if that is what is causing the problem, as I'm using a 3rd party cable.. maybe I just need to drag one of my "real" Apple cables into the car and see if given some time it'll setup.

The (paper) manual doesn't make note of the iPhone 3G, and currently MyAcura is down so I can't see if there are any updates..

Any ideas? -- Thanks in advance.

No pairing is super easy. In fact, I had re-pair because I had to restore my iPhone recent.

First go to Settings --> General --> Bluetooth and turn on your Bluetooth to make sure it is discovering.

Then, in your Acura use the voice command interface and say "Phone Setup." In the "Phone Setup" menu say "Pair." It will ask for a 4-digit number that you will have to input in your iPhone. Then, in your iPhone you input that number and you should be ready to go. That's all from memory. I hope I'm not missing a step but if you follow the car's instructions it should be a breeze.

And, yes, I'm using an Apple cable in my car. I have a 2G Nano so that cord is in the car and my iPhone cable is on my computer. To play an app like Pandora, put your stereo in AUX. Then plug in the iPhone. Select "No" when the "Accessory" message pops up. Let the iPod play then exit out of it using the Home button. Then, select the app you would like to listen to. Adjust your volume on your iPhone so that you're not blasting your stereo. And that should be it.

zarco · 09-14-2008, 09:40 PM

I guess I should have tried the Belkin cable with my computer first.. the two don't like each other (it'll provide power but not USB connectivity).

Plugged in the Apple branded cable and it worked like a charm.. and the TSX was happy and I was happy and all is good.

Now, to find me another cable that'll work with my laptop...

Originally Posted by zarco

Did the iPhone 3G just take forever to pair and setup or did it take some finessing to get the '09 TSX and iPhone to play fair?

I get the little "This accessory was not made to work with iPhone" warning, but I'm wondering if that is what is causing the problem, as I'm using a 3rd party cable.. maybe I just need to drag one of my "real" Apple cables into the car and see if given some time it'll setup.

The (paper) manual doesn't make note of the iPhone 3G, and currently MyAcura is down so I can't see if there are any updates..

Any ideas? -- Thanks in advance.

aborson · 09-16-2008, 06:34 AM

Things i have:

Clio
Alpine CDR-9886
Had: 1st Gen Ipod Touch 16GB
Now: 2nd Gen Ipod Touch 16GB
THB Bury Bluetooth Car Kit
Iphone 3G Black 8GB

I have just purchased the new ipod touchconnected it up to my car and cable still doesent charge spoke to Alpine in the UK this morning they say the ipod adapter has a 12v rail on the KCE-422i for all the ipods that are currently working on it. But now for the Iphone 3G and 2nd gen Ipod touch he said that the cable dosent currently have a 5v rail on the adapter. There is no fix for it at the moment but he said they are aware and are currently proabably going to make a converter or a new wire.

Did you say you used the USB part of the headunit with a USB to USB cable then with a apple usb cable into it. Did it work?

Please explain your fix?