Got an aftermarket head unit, MFSW, and iPod? Get one of these

[snid]

http://www.tentechnology.com/product...vipod_gen2.php

The naviPod is an IR remote for the iPod. I had already swapped in an aftermarket head unit with IR remote capability. To make the MFSW buttons work with the new head unit, you need a SWI-X from PAC (see various other threads here on MINI2). The SWI-X is a learning remote, so you can program some of the MFSW buttons with the head unit remote, and some with the naviPod remote.

I've got the right buttons controlling the volume and mute for the head unit, and the left buttons controlling play/pause and track forward/back for the iPod. Everything looks good, so far.

The naviPod IR receiver seems to be very tolerant of where you place the IR LED (sender). I currently have the SWI-X IR LED taped on the side of the plastic around the handbrake, right next to where the seatbelt plugs in. If that location works for a while, I'll place it there permanently.

There were a few threads mentioning the naviPod and possibly setting up the SWI-X with it, but nothing that said "it works". Well, it does.

[GBMINI]

Jason,
Good news that it all works for you ... make sure the IR LED is still good in strong sunlight (if we ever get any round here!) and remember that when you permanently mount it, you need to make the LED point in the same general direction (which I partly messed up in my install).
Do you have any pics? Can you easily remove that stand thing on the navipod - the pic makes it look rather ugly and bulky, not very iPod like ...

[snid]

Quote: Originally Posted by GBMINI

Do you have any pics? Can you easily remove that stand thing on the navipod - the pic makes it look rather ugly and bulky, not very iPod like ...

Pics will show up eventually.

The metal stand part of the naviPod is removable. Without the stand, the remote sensor part is pretty small, smaller than I was expecting.

The sun is supposed to come out tomorrow (no, I'm not singing Annie), so I can test things out a little more then.

[FIX8TED]

SWI-X is there an ideal place for the LED, so it works all the time, I heard that bright sunlight cuts off the controller.

[GBMINI]

This where I fitted mine - a little more tricky to do but it worked perfectly ...

[FIX8TED]

Does it have to be that close for it to work, w/minimum fail?
Are you the one with 8's instead of the 6X9?

[GBMINI]

Don't know if it has to be that close - but I think the closer the better.

I have read of people that fitted it in the steering wheel trim, and they report it works most of the time.

And yes, GBMINI#3 has 8" boxed subs in place of the rear 6x9s (see here)

[mikeythemini]

I have mounted it in the roof lining & had no probs

[snid]

Mine's taped to the side of the plastic around the handbrake. I meant to permanently mount it some day, but never got around to it. I run the cable down the down tube, tuck it under the plastic near the gearshift, and then it disappears beside the seat.

[GBMINI]

Quote: Originally Posted by mikeythemini

I have mounted it in the roof lining & had no probs

Hi Mikey! Happy New Year

(to Jason too)

[mikeythemini]

All the very best to you too