Sensolution's iMIV iPod Integration – Front-end Installation Guide and Review

[cheapo]

They have pulled all their products while they obtain "Made for iPod" certification.

Maybe that's why they still haven't got back to me.

[larpio]

I just installed the IMIV MII LE on my 2007 XC70. I didn't want to spend the extra for the ipod one and they don't seem to be shipping it right now anyway. I wanted to plug in various things like my iphone, ipod, and the kids' various mp3 players and I didn't want to spend a lot. Overall I like the product and the sound is great.

My car has sat prep so I found the melbus cable easily after removing the side panels. I paid extra for the power cable that's supposed to plug into the brown plug on the fuse panel but mine seemed to be different than the IMIV instructions so I just cut it off and connected directly to the fuse designed for the 10 cd changer. Although IMIV says you need to connect to a place that lets the IMIV have constant power, the above fuse wasn't designed for that. I don't think it matters because the software on the IMIV isn't really necessary since I'm just using the RCA connecters. I grounded the unit on a bolt connected to the rear of the car not far from the fuse panel.

Instead of running the audio cable under the carpet and into the center console, I chickened out and just ran the cable under the rear floor mat (after fishing the cable under the rear seat, coming out of the hole in the carpet where the hinge is.) Then I simply ran the cable under the driver seat and used a locking tie to secure it to the seat belt connecter by the console. My wife just tucks the 1/8" stereo cable into the front seat pouch until she needs it. Then you can place your device in the cup holders and there's enough cable to move things around.

After reconnecting the batter the radio immediately picked up the "10 CD Changer." Now we just select that, plug in the ipod or iphone or whatever, and the sound is awesome!

Sorry for this post being so long, but I just thought I'd let people know that there is a great solution for directly connecting an additional audio source to an HU-650 for not a lot of money and sweat. Now I'm hoping that my wife will buy me one for my 2005 s60

Thanks.
Erik Larson
2007 Volvo XC70
2005 Volvo S60 2.5T
1991 BMW 325i Cabrio

[cheapo]

I installed the iMIV LE a little less than a week ago.
I have one issue and one bit of feedback:

Issue:
The iMIV is not charging my iPhone. It connects and in all respects interfaces with the iPhone as a media player as it should, but the little "charging" lightning bolt does not display on the battery status icon.

Maybe that's why they still haven't got back to me.

I wrote them last week and received no reply. Not even an automated acknowledgment of receipt. I just wrote them again.

I informed them that the iMIV LE was not charging my iPhone at the end of August. I received a reply indicating that they were investigating a possible firmware issue, and then, nothing.

Since then, I have contacted them four more times, (not including today's attempt) and I have received NO response.

[cheapo]

I called Sensolutions today and spoke with Martin Sieber. He told me two things of interest:

1. They are under an Apple embargo at present and unable to ship any cables. In fact, they have been required to relinquish their inventory of cables.
   
2. The contact form on their site is overwhelmed with spam and this is the reason my messages received no response.

As for my charging issue, Mr. Sieber believes it is most likely a faulty cable and he may have a few cables left. (They can send out cables as warranty replacements. They just can't sell any new ones.)

[Art]

Glad to hear that you were able to get through to Martin. I'm curious to when the MFi program is going to be implemented.

On a related matter, my iPod battery is toast….once again. I've changed it out myself two times using different online suppliers but they all appear to be cheap knock-offs that don't hold a charge. Anyone out there having similar issues with their batteries or can recommend a reliable reseller?

[SlimL]

Is there any place where these install instructions might be written up in something like a PDF? It sure would be great to download them to the laptop and take it out to the Volvo when I do the install. It would take a lot of paper to print them all out and have them for a reference. Thanks a lot! This project is getting right to the top of my to do list. Slim

[740gle]

try iMiV site, they have a manual there
HTH

[cheapo]

The new USB cable arrived yesterday. I installed it this morning and—lo, and behold!—my iPhone is now charging. Thank you Sensolutions/Martin Sieber.

There is one caveat, however: when I connected the iPhone, it showed the charging indicator immediately (and the usual "This accessory is not optimized for iPod..." notice). Perfect.

I then turned the car off. When I turned the car back on again, the phone displayed a giant yellow warning sign (one of these: ) with a message to the effect of "This accessory does not support charging."

I disconnected and then reconnected the iPhone and the warning was gone, replaced by the charging indicator.

[SlimL]

try iMiV site, they have a manual there
HTH

Thanks for the help. Slim

[Art]

Good news! Sensolution products have attained MFi (made for iPod) complicity and will be resuming production. Sensolutions will be accepting orders for new iMIV units next week and will begin shipping out starting the week of May 23rd. Those who had pre-registered on their waiting list will be given priority status with respect to processing of orders. It appears that pricing will not change for the time being. We will be BETA testing the new iMIV Classic and LE and will report our findings soon.

http://www.imiv.ca/cms/about-us/news...ming-shipping/

For those wishing to standardize their iMIV units to meet MFi specifications, an upgrade service will be available for an additional cost. The upgrade only applies to 'Classic' and 'LE' models and will include a new iPod dock cable for a front mount installation. Earlier revisions 1 & 2 (black housings) are not eligible for the upgrade.

Some of the benefits of being MFi compliant are:

1) MFi compliant devices use encryption technology that will survive firmware changes to iPod and iPhone models that likely limit functionality to those accessories that do not have it. ( like the switch from Firewire to USB charging)
2) If you want to watch video from your iPod this is seamless, and the iPod is pre-configured by the iMIV to match the RTI settings.
3) The iMIV and iPod are tightly integrated by sharing information and settings. This is evident by the "settings" and "about" menu of the iPod which now will show the iMIV device hardware and firmware configuration - including serial number.
4) The message of "this device is not optimised" is gone.
5) New functions to leverage features of the new iPhone or iPod are planned that other accessories cannot provide.
6) The new dock cables are now using a JAE automotive grade connector that improves reliability.

In summary, being MFi compliant, the iMIV accessory is more closely integrated with the Apple devices, and will offer accessory longevity and features that can match new Apple devices and firmware upgrades.

NOTE: For iPod support, complicity pertains to all iPods from G4 up to Classic (with the exception of the G4 color/photo), all Nano's, all Touches, and all iPhones.