USA Spec. PA15-NIS iPod Adapter Review

I

Ilya

Member
Location
Albany, NY
Hey folks. A couple people were interested in the other version of the USA Spec iPod Adapter so I made a review video of it.

This is the adapter for vehicles that are SAT radio capable but aren't wired for SAT. The PA15-INFI is for those that are wired for SAT.

My original iPod adapter was the Grom Audio USB/AUX/iPod Adapter which is around the same price but 100x less the quality. I can't believe the difference between the PA15 and the Grom. The only benefit of the Grom was the USB connection, but with an iPod, that is easily forgettable.

The song in the video (if anyone is wondering) is: Tinie Tempah - Written In The Stars / http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YgFyi74DVjc

Update for the steering wheel controls:

If you hold up or down it will go to the next (up) or last (down) track. You have to push and HOLD for like 2 or 3 seconds.

Also, if you press and hold preset #5, it will rewind about 30 seconds. If you press and hold preset 6, it will fast forward 30 seconds.

Here is the review:

[video=youtube;S6t2ewgGl9c]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=S6t2ewgGl9c[/video]
 
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Thanks for the post... You sold me on it. I will place an order for it next week.... Going to be busy this next weekend.

I might go to best buy and see what they might have to offer.
 
I bought this today after reading a few reviews and then after seeing your video on the Nico M forum. I got the radio taken out and everything installed properly. Putting the shift knob console peice back was a PITA... I couldn't get it to fit in just right. Finally got it in and started the set up.

So following the instructions, I started the first track on an artist folder for a few seconds... then hit pause... then plugged in the iPod to the adapter. Started up the car. The music started playing thru the stereo right away... EXCELLENT sound quality BTW. Then I started with the whole, CH1 to preset 1 thing for all 6. I finally figured out the basic controls but had a few major problems...

A track would play and then cut out in the middle for a few seconds... play another 30 seconds... then cut out another 3-5 seconds. On top of that... all my regular radio presets disappeared. Then the presets I had for the Aux channels would reset and disappear. Did you run into anything like this with your install? I would call USA-SPEC but they aren't open on the weekends.
 
The DIP switch was set correctly. I started over on the set up this morning and seemed to get it working. The controls are a little confusing still. The preset buttons seem to work for the most part. I think I need to stay away from 4, 5 and 6. Also, the Preset A-B-C button and the RADIO button on the top seems to have a mind of their own. Sometimes I cycle through and it shows all the text, and sometimes it doesn't... Still working out the kinks, but the sound is great and it isn't cutting out at all anymore. Seems like the Playlist button works the best.
 
There is a bit of a learning curve with the system, but I've gotten it down for however it is my car is interpreting the iPod and I'm so glad I switched to this from the Grom.
 
I went and got a different interface set up at Best Buy.

To my surprise, after taking the entire center console apart the Kit was not compatible with the M. ughghghghghg..

Can you guys post a link of where I can get the right set up for this to do the install.
 
Do you have XM or no XM? I have no XM but my radio is XM capable. If so, go to Crutchfield.com and order the PA15-NIS (installs behind radio - what I have). If you DO have XM plugged into your stereo, you need PA15-INFI (installs in trunk).
 
Check this link out for the PA15-NIS:

http://www.crutchfield.com/p_581PA15NIS/USA-Spec-iPod-Interface.html?tp=120&nvpair=FFBrand|USA+Spec

If you have SAT already installed OEM then you'll need this PA15-INFI:

http://www.crutchfield.com/p_581PA15INF/USA-Spec-iPod-Interface.html?tp=120&nvpair=FFBrand|USA+Spec

I've read several reviews on these over the iSimple and this is the best option IMO. The sound quality is amazing.. I had to dial back the volume on my iPod to 50% and it's VERY loud at 50% on my car's head unit.

A local shop called Cartronics carried them here for $199. He offered to sell at $179. I told him Crutchfield had them at $149 so he matched their price.
 
I have the iSimple and installed it in my FX and I am happy with it.

I hope these other ones will suffice.

Thanks for the links brotha.

Ilya I don't have the No XM on my set up.

BTW where did you place the actual Module. I was trying to test the placement of it and I would not fir it anywhere. Any pic on where you place it? You pics on the DIY dont show it.
 
No XM = PA15-NIS
XM = PA15-INFI

As far as where to put it, I put it below the radio on that flat black piece at the bottom of the area. The cables keep it from moving (lots of slack). It was kind of hard to push the radio back in...but I did and the lack of space back there keeps the device from moving.
 
I ran the cable out under the radio into the center housing with the module to be placed in the center console housing. I tried a couple different spots. First I tucked it between the dash and the gear shift housing to the left. I had trouble getting the shift knob housing back over that area, so i moved the module back further. It eventually ended up right under the heated/cooled seats control. I drilled a hole inside the center console just above the internal cigarette lighter plug and ran the iPod cord in there. I liked having the module easier to access without having to tear out the radio again. That way I can update it if need be, or add an aux unit.
 
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Oops...accidentally edited your post instead of replying lol.

Anyhow...

I guess that works. Did you get the PA15-NIS? If so, do you recall if there was an Aux spot on it? I totally forgot to look for that, and if there is one I'm considering going back in there and adding a long 6ft 3.5mm cable just in case.
 
Yeah, there are 2 L-R (red/white) RCA jacks on there. Seems like pressing 6 on the preset activates the AUX (at least it does on mine). I bought the PA15-NIS.

I did notice in one of your pictures that you had some unit under your CD changer that wasn't in mine. I'll see if I can edit a picture here at work to attach to give you a reference.
 
7.jpg


What is this box sitting in between the screws? Mine was an empty slot.
 
Hmm. No idea. But knowing Nissan (I've had 2 Maximas and now this M) that's probably the BCM (Body Control Module) or something. If I'm ever back there again, I'll check.
 
Jeff is right.

I think it's for the Sat. I don't have it and when I took my center console out I used the thread on my iPad to guide me and noticed that I did not have that box there.

I was thinking of placing the module there but It would be a hassle to get in there without taking the entire bracket off.
 
But I don't have XM...

The XM device goes in the trunk on the right side under the right rear speaker basically. That must be some sort of other module for something else in the car. If it's not the BCM...
 
Looks like it has a Nissan logo on the top of the unit. I think you should take your console apart again and tell us what it is. :wink:
 
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