OEM Interface - Interface your electronics to your vehicle.

The New Kenwood DNX9140

I am one of the lucky people that has already acquired a Kenwood DNX9140
.  If you don’t know what a DNX9140 is, it is the latest and greatest in-dash multimedia and navigation unit from Kenwood. I received it and installed it as soon as I could.  It is really impressive.  The new interface’s graphics are way more crisp and clean than the previous units from Kenwood.  Plus the DNX9140 uses Garmin’s newest navigation software which has better mapping and integrates into the unit flawlessly. Continue reading »

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 passPortwill allow you charge your iPod from your old interface.  It is about the size of a Zippo lighter and it connects in line between your iPod and the interface cable.  It is the answer to alot of people’s prayers.

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. Continue reading »

In my opinion, Kenwood makes the best in-dash navigation units.  They all use Garmin Navigation.  Out of all the navigation software out there, I find Garmin’s to be the easiest to use and the most up to date.  Also, out of all the Kenwood navigation units I have sold, I have never had someone come back dissatisfied with the units functionality.  Kenwood has not started shipping the new units yet.  They are scheduled for release in March of 2009.  I can’t wait to get my hands on one. Continue reading »

USA Spec makes two iPod interfaces for BMW vehicles, the PA12-BMWand the PA12-BMWDSP.  They both have the same compatibility list, but the PA12-BMWDSP will only work with vehicles that have the factory DSP and the PA12-BMW will only work on vehicles without the factory DSP. Continue reading »

The USA Spec PA11-NIS is a good iPod/MP3 interface for select Nissan vehicles. It controls the iPod extremely well, and like all USA Spec iPod adapters, it allows you to use direct mode to choose songs both from the iPod and the radio. The only downfall to this unit is that it does not work with any external devices, so if you have factory satellite radio, DVD, external cd changer, or Bluetooth, they will have to be disconnected for the PA11-NIS to work. Most people do not want to give that up, so if you have those external devices I recommend using the PAC AAI-NIS2. The AAI-NIS2 will give you an aux in and you will have full control from your iPod, plus you can keep all your external devices. Continue reading »

Many people run into the same problem after they have installed sound systems into their vehicles.  After the sound system is installed, when you turn up the music, the vehicle’s lights dim when the bass hits.  This problem is caused by lack of amperage coming from the battery and alternator.  When the factory designs the vehicle and its charging system, most of the time the charging system is only powerful enough to run the car, plus anything you can plug into the 15amp cigarette lighter.  Most vehicles only have around a 70 amp alternator.  The vehicles computer, ignition coils, warning light, parking lights, headlights, and other electronics can take around 60 amps to run.  That leaves 10 amps for your sound system. A quality aftermarket amplifier usually draws 40 amps or more.  So, you have a 30 amp over draw. Continue reading »

USA Spec makes two iPod interfaces for Honda vehicles. The PA15-Hon2 and the PA11-Hon. The PA15-Hon2 is designed for 2003 and up Honda and Acuras. The PA11-Hon is designed for 1994 to 2005 Hondas and Acuras. Continue reading »