Customer Reviews

GM CLASS 2 IPOD AND AUXILIARY INPUT TO FACTORY RADIO

5 star:		(3)
4 star:		(1)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(1)

 

 

I purchased this gateway from Pacific Stereo here at Amazon for my 2007 Silverado Classic. I had purchased it to install with a PAC uPAC-HDRT HD tuner (also purchased through Amazon). While the product listed and shown is the PAC uPAC-GMC2, Pacific stereo sent the latest version iSimple ISGM575. It's visually and physically apparent both products are the same, the only difference being the unit color and labeling, and both share the same licensing.

The actual gateway is very small, light, and was zero problem to stow in the limited space behind the dash of my Silverado. I actually positioned it below the heater and air controls and just above the cigar lighter plug assembly, and it required nothing to secure it in that position (The larger and much heavier HDRT fitted nicely below and to the rear of the radio assembly housing with a nylon tie.). The adapter wiring harness fitted perfectly and matched the locking OEM connectors with a snug and strong locking fit like the original, and I used both locking connectors at the radio. The only wires that don't lock are those for the HDRT, and the iPod. The iPod has a 5v souce, and must use the position farthest from the DIP switches, and the HDRT uses the connection next to the DIP switches.

The provided instructions are straight forward and very clear with the user manual, two glossy cards for component use, and a yellow "quick install" sheet. Operation with the factory headunit is very simple and straight forward. I tuned the radio to FM, removed the ignition key, and disconnected the battery before wiring my components. I had no installed XM and was a little worried I might need a dealer to to program the band function on my radio - but that was no issue.

Once I had the wiring and components in place, I re-connected the negative battery terminal, placed the key in the ignition switch, and turned it to the first "accessory" position. The radio immediately came on, but with static as my factory antenna was now in the HD tuner (using a Metra AW-ADGM adapter). I resisted the urge to touch the radio per the provided instructions for a full three minutes. When I pressed the "band" button on my radio, I instantly saw the original and added HD FM/AM (listed HD1 and HD2) functions and, with quick rotation of the radio tuner knob, I saw all added functions for auxillary 1 & 2 and iPod. If I had it, the XM or Sirrus unit would also be a one connection install the provided adapter wiring provides for at the radio. That was the only unused connector. I selected the HDRT tuner and was immediately amazed at how well it worked and how simple its operation was in comparision to the Kenwood KTC-HR300 I just installed in another of my cars with an older Kenwood eXcelon headunit (the aftermarket Kenwood headunit is really loaded with features and complex in operation.). Those two glossy use cards, for the iPod and HD tuner use, really help in quick reference, but I doubt I'll ever need them again. I stowed them with my vehicle papers.

The only thing missing after my install, was the "auto update" feature for my radio's clock, and of course FM 1&2 and the AM tuner no longer worked on the OEM tuner. I can restore all of that with an added hidden antenna connected to the OEM radio antenna port.

I'm almost 60, and this install took me about 15 minutes - and I had never seen the inside of my dash before. I wanted HD radio when I purchased my Silverado new, but the dealer wanted $400 at the time. I've spent $200 getting it, but that's still $200 less than the dealer wanted for what amounted to only a few minutes of work - and a factory part that probably works no better, if as good. It may even be more cheaply made - just far more expensive. This gateway gives me far more options such as the iPod or audio connection for that port to use a portable player of some other type - and I can still add satellite to the OEM radio port. I'm well pleased with this product, and it adds to the value of my truck.

This unit works as advertised. I purchased it to connect and control an ipod player from the factory head unit.

Installation is straight forward and only took an hour and a half. There are two input cords included in the package. One cord connects directly to the ipod. The other cord splits to a set of rca inputs and a standard 3.5mm headphone plug.

The head unit detected upac device right away and there were no problems controlling the ipod.

I am very satisfied with this purchase.

This unit works perfectly. I'm able to control the iPOD as advertised from my vehicle's head unit. The iPod and generic aux cable are plenty long enough to reach from head unit to center console.

This product does what it says, it does connect your iPhone (mine is a 3Gs) to your factory GM class 2 radio. The way you navigate the unit is a little clunky, plus once you connect the iPhone, you have to use the radio to control it. This does come with another input that has the 1/8" male plug that would connect to the headphone jack. I will try that and report back if it behaves any differently. Overall though, I am happy with this purchase.

I read other reviews on the net about this unit burning out wiring harnesses & radios but decided at the time it was the cheapest way to be able to listen to my XM Radio & iPod. The unit installed just fine, the first incident indicating that something wasn't right was after about a month, I was driving home & just before I got home, the volume went way up, the radio buttons went bright white & then utter silence. I just happened to be 2 blocks away from home, got home, turned my vehicle off, flipped the power back on & the radio came back on. Weird ... then it all went to heck in a hand basket two weeks ago ... same thing but this time the very same thing happened on the way to work, which happens to be a 40 mile trip one way. But, this time when I tried to reset the unit @ work, the radio did no turn on. Last week, the radio took it's last breath, I was at work, started my vehicle, went to turn the radio on, nothing, nada, zip, zilch, no lights, nothing, not even the clock was displaying, this condition continued all the way home. The next day, while driving to work, I drive in the early morning hours so the dash is lite, the radio would glow bright white, no clock display & then just go completely black. After doing this three time, the radio then went completely black & has been black since. I now had a large black hole in my dash. I've since pulled the radio & interface, nothing seems burned out, but, the radio is completely dead. The unit itself also doesn't seem burned out, but obviously, as other reviews indicated on the net, be very cautious if you intend to purchase this unit. I am thankful, that in my case, the factory wiring harness did not catch fire as other users also reported this condition, I will be sending this unit back to PAC with a simple letter telling them of my experience in the hope that they take the time to take the unit apart & improve upon since, I feel that the root cause of all this is actually GM. You see, if my GM product had been better designed, sothat we didn't need these stupid interfaces in the first place, then, none of these items would even be a issue, since, all we would have todo is buy the proper wiring harness & not have to go with these stupid interfaces for On-Star etc.