I've been testing the latest version of Vais' new firmware for the SL2i and SL2Vi, which are iPod adapters for the Prius (and other vehicles). This latest version of the firmware is very stable and works perfectly in my '07 Prius. With the new version you have these features: Works with generation 5 iPods Displays the following iPod lists: Playlists (up to 999 can be referenced) Artists - select an artist and then view tracks for that artist Albums - select an album title and then view tracks in that album Audiobooks Podcasts View by genre This latest version works great; using the display in my Prius (while I'm not moving), I can select an album and then a track from that album, or select an artist and then a track for that artist. Vais has been great about responding to beta-testing results, and with this latest release, they've really gotten it right. I highly recommend their iPod adapters for Prius owners; installation takes about 45 minutes, is easy to do, and adds a whole new dimension to the Prius. I'm not a Vais employee by the way, just a happy customer... Bob
Just got a 80 GB ipod classic. an email i got from Vais yesterday said they are compatable with the new Ipod Classics as well. Nice product. Hay, Bob, did you do the install yourself? how hard was it?
Yes, I did; it was a little scary, removing the glove compartment and one of he vents on a car with 3000 miles on it... Someone posted an excellent PDF to this forum somewhere, which I downloaded and used as a reference for installing the adapter; I've posted a copy of the PDF on my website at this link: http://www.bobpatin.com/aic_100i.pdf Basically, by removing the glovebox (which is simple), and the air vent to the right of the radio (also not difficult), it gives you easier access to the back of the stereo. It took about 45 minutes to an hour to get the wire attached to the stereo and to have my car put back together. After that, a 1-minute setup of the Vais device, plug in the iPod, and you're ready to go. I'm hopeful that Vais will add a few more features in an upcoming update, including drilldown to albums from the Artist screen, and the ability to stay on the same song when you switch modes. However, those are minor quibbles with a superior device that has not once caused a moment's trouble in the 7+ months that I've had it. The best thing is that the Vais support is first-rate; they respond to emails, and you can actually talk to a human on the phone. Unprecedented!
Thanks! I understand from Vais that it also works with the new 6th gen Ipod. Now, i need to find out if I can get video from the Ipod to the MFD while in motion (and I do not have Nav). thanks again!
I'm pretty sure that video displays while the car's moving... which is exactly why I decided not to get a L2vi...
After the awful experience I had with Coastal Electronics (no phone support, no response, no customer service, poorly-built products), I wouldn't recommend them to anyone. In fact, I seriously considered filing a complaint with the BBB at one point. I'd steer clear of Coastal Electronics; just my opinion, but one echoed by quite a few people in this forum.
Looking to get the SL2i. I understand you have all the features available when the car is stopped. Can you change Artist/Album/Genre when the car is moving ? What does the MFD display when the car is moving ?
Potentially stupid question since it might contain the answer: Do we cut/switchify the same speed cables for NAV and radio/BT if we want to override this?
This PDF is a great read, even if you're not really considering using the Vais. Funny writing, great images. Excellent work!
Yes, it works with Lockpick 3+ installed. My only problem is sometimes that I can't control the volume from the radio know or steering wheel. It seems to happen when I leave the iPod playing when I turn the car off. I'm not sure of the problem, but I unplug iPod and restart car and everything works. This could be a unique problem of mine and I have not contacted VAIS. This is a great unit. ---Kent
longterm does the speed wire need to cut in order to change the tracks on the touch screen for the sl2vi do you know.also what is the fix for video while the car is moving i heard it was grounding the wire from the radio to the handbrake
