Scosche passPort iPhone 3g, iPod nano (Gen 4), iPod touch (Gen 2) charging adapter
by Nick Mack ~ February 16th, 2009. Filed under: MP3 - iPod Interfacing, New Products, Product Reviews.
If you have an iPhone 3g, iPod nano (Gen 4), iPod touch (Gen 2), you may have an interface in your vehicle that does not charge your iPod. Scosche came out with a quick fix. The passPort
In my opinion, this is a good device that serves a purpose, but it is not the greatest. Basically it is a voltage regulator that converts the 12 volt firewire lead to 5 volts, so the iPod can be charged by the USB charging lead. When there is a voltage regulator involved, there is always a chance that there can be some noise interferance. It is pretty uncommon, but there is still a chance.
So, who would I recommend this adapter for? I recommended this adapter for someone who has an iPhone 3g, iPod nano (Gen 4), iPod touch (Gen 2), ALREADY has an iPod interface installed in their vehicle, and the interface does not charge your iPod. This adapter only fixes the charging aspect of your iPod interface. If your interface does not control the iPod correctly, or allow for audio to pass through correctly, it cannot help you. If you haven’t purchased an iPod interface, you do not need this adapter, you need to purchase an interface that is compatible to your iPod out of the box.
I do not recommend this device if you have an USA Spec iPod interface. There will be interferance. USA Spec makes a cable specifically for their products that will charge the the newer iPods. Also, if your iPhone is charging from your interface, but giving you the, This accessory is not made to work with iPhone, Would you like to turn on airplane mode to avoid audio interference?, it will not solve your problem.
Note: not compatible with the following stereos:
- Select Pioneer head-units that use the CD-iB100 or CD-i200 iPod to IP-Bus adapter.
- Select Mercedes vehicles equipped with the Mercedes Media Interface Cable.
- BMW/Cooper vehicles that are equipped with an iDrive iPod Interface
To purchase the Scosche passPort from Amazon Click Here
April 27th, 2009 at 8:47 pm
just testing the comments
April 30th, 2009 at 1:54 pm
I got one of these things and it is pretty good. alot cheaper and easier than changing my whole iPod adapter.
July 14th, 2009 at 9:44 am
I wouldn’t recommend the USA Spec cable replacement – I tried 2 of them, and both had a high-pitched whine (which to worse whenever my iPhone 3GS was charging).
I just tried a friend’s passPort with my original cable, and it works as expected, with no interference.
July 14th, 2009 at 10:26 am
I have never experienced a high pitched whine using the 3g cable for usa spec. actually, i have experienced the opposite. i have gotten the whine when using the passport with the usa spec adapter. But, i have never used either with the 3GS, so i will have to test that.