Customer Reviews:
 Seamless iPod integration April 12, 2010
Nerdhead (San Francisco, CA)
3 out of 3 found this review helpful
Purchased and installed this unit in a 2004 Lexus is300. The actual connection was a breeze compared to the work needed to access the rear of the stock radio.
Some thoughts:
1. Check to see if you need a special cable/harness for your specific car/head unit before buying this unit. In my case, I needed one.
2. This unit may or may not display text on your particular radio. Your unit must have a "Text" or "Title" button, or have existing mp3 text capabilities for that.
3. This unit is completely identical to the VAIS Technology Soundlinq SL2i-UP unit, but with outdated firmware (2008). It will not support Gen.5 playlist browsing, so if you have one of those more capable radios, you'll be limited (unless you can somehow obtain the latest VAIS firmware update).
Once you installed this, you'll never go back to using your CD changer again. You've now basically got a 99-disc CD changer via your iPod, with faster speed and superb sound. iPod will turn on/off/charge with ACC/ignition key, and is connected to the head unit via an intelligent interface.
The TOYPD2 is a great value compared to the other popular integration units: GROM (too buggy, based on user reviews), and Soundlinq SL2i (identical unit, same great features but with current/future firmware support, but you'll pay $250).
IT WORK ON MY 2006 TACOMA January 17, 2010
G. Rosas (Tucson)
2 out of 2 found this review helpful
This product works on my factory multi CD system. I don't have the JBL system though. Anyways I went to a Tacoma Forum to find directions on removing the stereo and then followed this products directions to mate it. Using the TEXT button I can see the play list name and the title of the song. If the song name is to long you wont see the whole name. My stereo see's my iPod as a CD.
Great choice for iPod integration July 17, 2010
E. Houston (New Jersey, USA)
I installed the Toypd2 in my 2008 Corolla, and I'm quite happy with it.
As other reviewers have said, removing the factory radio comprises most of the work in the install. I've never done anything like this before but it's not difficult, just time consuming. I found clear instructions online; search for "how to remove radio (insert year and model of car)". In preparation make sure you have a small phillips head screwdriver, a flat head screwdriver or small pry bar, and a long socket wrench and proper attachment.
Once the radio is removed you begin following the Toypd2 instructions. Although slightly minimalist (step 1 is "remove radio") they get the job done. The Toypd2 plugs in to the back of the radio easily. Depending on the capability of your radio, you flip a switch to set the unit to CD or MP3 mode, and then you're all set.
The instructions state that there may be a harness plugged into the back of the radio that should be removed to plug in the Toypd2, however my car didn't have one. (This was also mentioned in a previous review.) All a harness seems to be is a thick set of wires that attach to the unit and stabilize it in the dash. Instead of buying one, I found my own solution. I used cable ties to attach the unit and excess cable running to and from it to a thick/sturdy cable running above the glove compartment. (This was the second most time consuming part of the install.) The unit is hidden, and quite secure; I have no worries that it will bounce around or bang into anything, which is a warning including in the instructions.
You can run the ipod wire down into the glove compartment with absolutely no hassle. However, because I wanted easier access from the drivers seat, I drilled a small hole through the back of the glasses compartment in the center console and ran the wire through there. Now it can be easily accessed from either seat, and I have a secure place to store it.
The final step is reinstalling the radio, which is a far faster process, and then you're completely done. Everything is fully hidden behind the dash and the cable is hidden within the compartment. It doesn't just look great, you can't tell anything was changed at all.
Because my car does not have a text feature on the radio, that feature of the Toypd2 of course doesn't work (despite what the salesman suggested). This makes a big difference in the functionality of the different modes of the unit. The Toypd2 functions in either CD (or MP3 depending on your car) mode OR simple mode. CD mode alternates the iPod with cds when you switch discs. In this mode the radio buttons control everything; the iPod can't be used. CD mode plays your playlists only and allows you to switch songs within a playlist or switch playlists. However, when you have no text in your radio this is fairly useless because not only can you not see what song is playing (it scrolls in small text on the iPod, not very safe for driving), and you can't see what playlist you're in.
Simple mode is just that, simple and easy to use, and exactly what I wanted. You can control everything through your ipod, but also advance a track and control volume through the radio. The cd changer does not work when in simple mode, and even once the ipod is removed, simple mode must be actively turned off before it works again, but that's no big deal. FM/AM radio works with no problems.
I have several ipods between 2-4 years old, and have had no problem with any of them playing or charging. Although I have yet to try an iPhone I will update this review when I do.
Overall the install was a bit of an adventure for a novice, but not too complicated and it looks great. I also feel very accomplished, lol. Most importantly however, I am completely satisfied with the iPod playback and charging.
Just what I wanted. February 3, 2010
J. Sherman
0 out of 2 found this review helpful
The iPod input contoller was exactly what I needed. Arrived in plenty of time for gift giving and was new,in the original package.
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