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HOWTO: Install and operate the iSimple gateway iPod adapter

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64K views 61 replies 21 participants last post by  erock335  
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#1 ·
As I mentioned in my prior posts, I installed the iSimple Gateway iPod interface. Like other units on the market, it connects into the satellite interface on a sat ready Bose system. I installed it on my 2006 Murano. This device is the same as the uPAC-NIS2 from Pacific Audio. iSimple from Peripheral Technology, who was recently acquired by AAMP the parent company of Pac Audio. Their marketing is a bit confusing since I found the same device under different labels under the iSimple, Pac Audio, and Peripheral brands. Total investment was ~ $130.

Below is is a short install and controls HOWTO. Their documentation on the controls and install setting for the Murano were inaccurate, which I correct in my notes. So far I am only dissatisfied on two fronts: (a) being unable to change tracks using the steering wheel controls, (which I am still researching) and (b) inaccurate documentation which I correct below.

You can connect any two of four options (iPod, HD Tuner, Sat tuner, or simple line in). I do not own sat or an HD tuner so I cannot speak to them. I was able to connect the 'line in' cable and will leave it in the car for passenger use.

I hope this is helpful to someone! I would love to know how these features compares to the factory option.

INSTALLATION AND INITIALIZATION
  1. For the 2006 Murano, you need the iSimple Gateway (PXAMG) and the PHGNI1 cable harness. They have another Nissan specific harness (the PHGNI2), I am not sure if that is required for different model years.
  2. Remove battery power from the Murano.
  3. On the iSimpleSolutions.com site, download the latest Nissan specific firmware and flash the device. You will need a standard USB A to Mini B cable, it is not supplied. You must have access to a Windows computer. (I used a Windows XP machine via VMWare Fusion on my Macbook Pro and it worked fine)
  4. Behind a sticker on the side of the Gateway is dip switch with 4 pins. Leave 1,3,and 4 up (OFF). Turn pin 2 down (on). (The instructions state to leave pin 3 down, but it would not work this way. Tech support had me flip 3 up)
  5. Remove the head unit. I used Jaak's excellent instructions here to remove the trim and head unit.
  6. Plug the PHGNI1 wire harness into both the 10 pin and 12 pin connections on the radio, then plug the cables you removed into the other end of the harness. A cable splits off from the harness and plugs into the iSimple gateway.
  7. Plug the DIN end of the iPod cable into the DIN connection *farthest* away from the Dip switch.
  8. Plug the cable from the PHGNI1 harness into the side of the Gateway. There is a sticker covering the port on the Gateway you need to remove.
  9. Reapply power to the Murano.
  10. Turn on power to accessories with the key. Make sure the radio is tuned to FM, and let the device sit for one minute. This is a one time step to let the device initialize.
    [/list=1]

    It was a tight fit, but once I was satisfied with the functionality I was able to install the Gateway in the dash

    OPTION 1: 'AUX' MODE:
    AUX mode gives you limited functionality:
    • You CAN charge the device
    • You CAN control volume from the head unit and steering wheel
    • You CAN change tracks using the SEEK buttons on the head unit
    • You CANNOT change tracks from the steering wheel
    • You CAN have full control of the iPod from the iPod itself.
    • You CANNOT browse and select via the head unit
    • You CANNOT display track information onscreen
    • You CANNOT set and control random play via the head unit.

    The primary advantage is someone CAN still control the iPod from the device itself. Great if you have a passenger controlling the playlist. To use AUX Mode:
    1. Press the RADIO button until it says XM for the input. Immediately press SEEK << until your display says AUX or AUX1.
    2. Plug in your iPod to the cable. That's all.
      [/list=1]

      TO USE 'ADVANCED BROWSING' MODE:
      Advanced Browsing mode gives you access to full control from the head unit:
      • You CAN charge the device
      • You CAN control volume from the head unit and steering wheel
      • You CAN change tracks using the SEEK buttons on the head unit
      • You CANNOT change tracks from the steering wheel Annoying. I'm working on this
      • You CANNOT have full control of the iPod from the iPod itself. [NOTE: for my iPhone, I CAN still use other apps on the device. When you launch the iPod app it is locked out.]
      • You CAN browse and select via the head unit (by playlist, artist, genre, composer, and album )
      • You CAN display track information onscreen
      • You CAN set and control random play via the head unit.

      The primary DISadvantage is that a passenger CANNOT control the iPod from the device itself. To use Advanced Browsing Mode:
      1. To select the iPod press the RADIO button until it says XM for the input. Immediately press SEEK << until your display says IPOD. Mine displays IPOD NOT CONNECTED at this point.
      2. Plug in your iPod to the cable. At this point you should not be able to manipulate the iPod directly, it is in accessory mode.
        [/list=1]

        To Control the iPod in Advanced Browsing mode:
        The instructions from iSimple are incorrect, at least for the 2006 Murano. They reference buttons that do not exist on the head unit. Here is what I found to be the correct setup:

        Previous and Next Tracks:
        SEEK << and SEEK >> work. So does the TUNE knob.

        Random Play:
        Press SCAN to cycle through different random modes.

        Browse Mode:
        Press CAT/FOLDER << to enter the browse mode.
        Press SCAN to exit browse mode (or wait 10 seconds)
        Press SEEK << and SEEK >> to navigate the browse menu.
        Press CAT/FOLDER << when browsing to select an item.
 
#27 ·
Sounds good, bk.

FWIW, I routed my cables and the UPAC control box into my glove box so if I need to update the firmware or anything else again, I don't have to go through the pain of disassembling the dash again. All it took was some masking tape to bundle all the cables together and a pair of needlenose pliers to "grab" hold of the taped cables from with the glove box. I can try to take a pic if I remember tomorrow while it's still light out.

Regs,
Jeff
 
#29 ·
Ok, I got motivated to get some pics of it just now. I need to xfer a bunch of them to my PC and then I will see what I can do about posting them here on the forum.

Basically, I threaded the ipod cable out of a tiny hole that is right next to the power outlet underneath the glove compartment. I then just shoved the cable underneath the plastic that makes up the center console until it basically reached the side of the passenger seat. There's plenty of slack in the cable so it can probably reach all the way back to the rear seats, if needed.

As for the actual control unit and it's cable and the other two S-video type cables, that was threaded from behind the head unit into the glove compartment via a small hole that appears behind the actual glove compartment as it swings down. I tried to get a picture of it, but it's easier to see with the naked eye than trying to cram a camera in there. :)

Regs,
Jeff
 
#30 ·
http://www.nissanmurano.org/photopost/showphoto.php?photo=4783&papass=&sort=1

http://www.nissanmurano.org/photopost/showphoto.php?photo=4782&papass=&sort=1

http://www.nissanmurano.org/photopost/showphoto.php?photo=4781&papass=&sort=1

http://www.nissanmurano.org/photopost/showphoto.php?photo=4780&papass=&sort=1

Sorry, couldn't figure out how to get the forum software to let me embed a picture from my member gallery. I'll fix it if someone can tell me how to do that. Using the IMG tags, just showed a blank screen.

Regs,
Jeff
 
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#31 ·
Excellent. I wish I had thought of that BEFORE I crammed it in behind the head unit :)

My cable routing was a bit different because I have a mount to the left of the head unit by the steering wheel - I'll post pics tomorrow
 
#32 ·
bkburns said:
Excellent. I wish I had thought of that BEFORE I crammed it in behind the head unit :)

My cable routing was a bit different because I have a mount to the left of the head unit by the steering wheel - I'll post pics tomorrow
Click to expand...
LOL! Yeah, well, this is technically the 4th or 5th time I've done this, so yesterday I just decided to try snooping around behind there to see if I saw any runways from behind the head unit into a more easily accessible area like the glove compartment. Finding that hole and the one by the power outlet to route the ipod cable through was a nice surprise.

Regs,
Jeff
 
#33 ·
Hello, this is my first post here--- Great forum, I've learned quite a bit about the Bose system from this site. We just picked up a 2006 Murano a couple weeks ago.

I installed the UPAC-NIS1 yesterday. PAC support told me it's the same internals as the PXAMG.

I must say, the UPAC-NIS1 has failed to impress. At this point I wish I had purchased a AAI-NIS2 and saved a few dollars.
Pros:
*Installation was pretty straight forward, the pictures on the forum were quite helpful.
*Charges iPhone 3GS.
*Allows control via iPod while playing (no song/artist info displayed on Murano's LCD)

Cons:
*Advanced Browsing mode via the Bose buttons is far from intuitive.
*Audio level from iPhone and 1/8" Stereo input it significantly lower than the radio and CD inputs. I have a message out to PAC support for more information.
*Plugs for iPod and Aux inputs on the UPAC-NIS1 box don't lock in place. I taped them around the UPAC box in order to keep them from coming unplugged if someone pulled on the cable too hard.
 
#34 ·
Eric,

I agree about the levels. They are WAY LOWER than the other audio sources. On my factory-amped 2-ohm Infinity speakers, I have to crank it up to near max to hear it well with the windows down... and I post-process all my MP3s with mp3gain to balance them out at 96dB.

I also noticed that there is little to no response with regards to the speed sensitive velocity using the iPod cable.

Regs,
Jeff
 
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#35 ·
Welcome Eric!

*Allows control via iPod while playing (no song/artist info displayed on Murano's LCD)
Strange, I get the track/artist info in the display. This only happens when in IPOD/Advanced Browsing Mode though. When in AUX1 or AUX2, it does not display.

*Advanced Browsing mode via the Bose buttons is far from intuitive.
I can't argue with that. My biggest complaint.

*Audio level from iPhone and 1/8" Stereo input it significantly lower than the radio and CD inputs. I have a message out to PAC support for more information.
My PXAMG has much lower audio level on the 1/8" input, but the input from the iPod connector seems acceptable. I'll play with it and see, but I rarely use the radio so it might be my perception.

*Plugs for iPod and Aux inputs on the UPAC-NIS1 box don't lock in place.
Totally agree. I can't stand those connectors anyway, so easy to bend pins.
 
F
#36 ·
Gateway Ipod connection

My girlfriend bought me a Gateway PXAMG with a (PGHNI1) harness for my 2005 Murano w/factory Bose.

I was wondering if the only way to connect to the stereo is through the back of the head unit or can it be connected behind the seat?
 
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#37 ·
Re: Gateway Ipod connection

flyfisher said:
My girlfriend bought me a Gateway PXAMG with a (PGHNI1) harness for my 2005 Murano w/factory Bose.

I was wondering if the only way to connect to the stereo is through the back of the head unit or can it be connected behind the seat?
Click to expand...
Good question. From the pictures on the Sat install threads, it looks like the tuner only has a connection for one cable. The PHGNI1 harness connects to two different connectors on the back of the head unit.
 
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#38 ·
Re: Re: Gateway Ipod connection

bkburns said:


Good question. From the pictures on the Sat install threads, it looks like the tuner only has a connection for one cable. The PHGNI1 harness connects to two different connectors on the back of the head unit.
Click to expand...
I went ahead with the install today and removed the head unit and installed the iSimple Gateway.

Success! it works with my iPod touch.

Thanks to everyone who posted information.
 
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#39 ·
Completed my install today. Only took a couple of hours too. Not too bad. Routed mine into the glovebox too because at first, the Gateway was shorting out a bit on my aux connection. Wiggling the cord at the base of the Gateway got it working again, but I'll definitely be exchanging it for another if driving the car causes it to short out still. Anyway, the one thing I couldn't find any help on in this thread that would have been helpful is which connectors in the back of the stereo were the ones that mated to the new adapter. It turns out, it wasn't the two side by side, but they were actually diagonal of each other. I spent quite a bit of the 2 hours just trying to unplug the darn connectors in the back of the unit. I was a bit peeved when I figured out one of them didn't match my adapter. Argh. But once I got the right plugs sorted out, it went smoothly.

I'm only using the AUX setting for now as I don't have an iPod that uses the 'iPod' type of connector. I did find it a bit odd that I had to use AUX2 to get the sound from my iPod Shuffle instead of AUX1. Not sure what that was about, but hey, it works! The 'change track' button on the steering wheel actually changes the mode on my unit now. The mode button seems to do the same thing. Go figure. Volume control works though, which is all I really wanted anyway for my application.

Good luck to all that complete this after me! Not too bad!!!
 
K
#40 ·
got steering wheel controls to work

es06murano said:
Completed my install today. Only took a couple of hours too. Not too bad. Routed mine into the glovebox too because at first, the Gateway was shorting out a bit on my aux connection. Wiggling the cord at the base of the Gateway got it working again, but I'll definitely be exchanging it for another if driving the car causes it to short out still. Anyway, the one thing I couldn't find any help on in this thread that would have been helpful is which connectors in the back of the stereo were the ones that mated to the new adapter. It turns out, it wasn't the two side by side, but they were actually diagonal of each other. I spent quite a bit of the 2 hours just trying to unplug the darn connectors in the back of the unit. I was a bit peeved when I figured out one of them didn't match my adapter. Argh. But once I got the right plugs sorted out, it went smoothly.

I'm only using the AUX setting for now as I don't have an iPod that uses the 'iPod' type of connector. I did find it a bit odd that I had to use AUX2 to get the sound from my iPod Shuffle instead of AUX1. Not sure what that was about, but hey, it works! The 'change track' button on the steering wheel actually changes the mode on my unit now. The mode button seems to do the same thing. Go figure. Volume control works though, which is all I really wanted anyway for my application.

Good luck to all that complete this after me! Not too bad!!!
Click to expand...

Hey..i had the same problem..aux2 audio...then i found out I had the connection in the second s-video input...and the iPod connection in the first...so thats why my ipod was aux1 or iPod..and the portable sat was on AUX2...

also...i was bummed about my steering wheel controls not working..however...i called icarkits .com where i got it..and they said to switch dipswitch 3 down...and have the rest up..

for some reason if you do not do that the track forward and tune forward button functions are reversed.

try it out...might solve the steering wheel control dilema..

allsoooo i heard the bluetooth programming is almost done!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

hands freeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeee!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
 
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#42 ·
thanks Jeff!

I posted this as its own thread, but I just found a problem:do NOT upgrade your iPhone to IOS4 yet if you are using an iSimple Gateway.

Apple's IOS4 upgrade is supposed to be released today to the public. I decided to test an iPhone 3GS running the gold master release of IOS4. No dice, the iPhone just repeatedly pops up a window stating it is not compatible. No audio or controls work on the phone. I run in AUX mode. I didn't try the 'full' mode.

I am not sure what firmware version I am running on the iSimple, but as soon as IOS4 is officially release I will be calling iSimple about compatibility.
 
A
#48 ·
bkburns said:
thanks Jeff!

I posted this as its own thread, but I just found a problem:do NOT upgrade your iPhone to IOS4 yet if you are using an iSimple Gateway.

Apple's IOS4 upgrade is supposed to be released today to the public. I decided to test an iPhone 3GS running the gold master release of IOS4. No dice, the iPhone just repeatedly pops up a window stating it is not compatible. No audio or controls work on the phone. I run in AUX mode. I didn't try the 'full' mode.

I am not sure what firmware version I am running on the iSimple, but as soon as IOS4 is officially release I will be calling iSimple about compatibility.
Click to expand...
Thank you for posting this information. Since Apple changes their iPhone format on what seems like a yearly basis we have to update the product all the time. If anyone else has this problem please contact AAMP of America at:
AAMP of America or via phone at:

1.800.477.2267 x285

Also check out the operation videos for Nissan and Infiniti vehicles at
http://youtube.com/peripheralelectronic
 
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#45 ·
I just installed the PXAMG-IC hardware upgrade for Apple IOS 4 compatibility. Dirt simple: remove the unit, open it and and replace a small jumpered daughterboard, short out a capacitor to drain it, reassemble, plug in. Reflash the device if you are not at the current level. 10 minute job. Not only does it work, but it removes the annoying "Device not compatible/certified' messages that pop up on the iPhone/iPod touches.

I may be crazy, but I think the latest firmware version makes headway on the volume issues as well.

I took the time to rerouted the cables into my glove box; now the iSimple gateway is in the glovebox and easy to remove and upgrade if needed again. Thanks SliderJeff for the idea!
 
Z
#49 ·
Zak - aamp217

Many people have complained about low volume levels from there Aux/ipod devices. I have experienced this as well during testing of other Mfg's aux input devices. I have designed several devices myself now and I added an op-amp buffer with a variable 3-12db of gain that is adjustable to be able to match input to other source levels. I am very surprised this is not a more common thing?? Maybe you could drop a note in the suggestion box for us??

Is it just certain models of iphone or mp3 player that experience this?
 
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#50 ·
Hey guys - just installed my isimple Gateway, these instructions were awesome! Thank you for everyone who before me provided their insight and tips! I mounted mine in the glovebox, thanks to the suggestions above also! Anyway, just my two cents on the install/config. I received my gateway with the 723b firmware, which I updated to 778b I believe now (it was as of June 2010 I think). The steering wheel controls are still MIA, and the controls on the dash as the same as before, still dont make sense. Like mentioned before, if you hold down the seek button on the steering wheel it will change tracks...oh well. Also to mention, no dip switches are down for me. Wonder if I should start monkeying with that? I've got a 2006 Mo with Bose/XM no nav. Oh and the volume is still lower, when Ipod is connected up, have to almost crank it all the way up.
 
E
#53 ·
Thanks for the tip Jaysea. Would work well for someone that only plays those songs in one vehicle. But since I have connections in all three of my cars, won't this make it too loud for the other two cars that work just fine? Then I'd constantly be fighting the sound issue the other direction. I don't know for sure since I've never tried this, but thought it sounds like a logical issue. Let me know if I'm incorrect.
 
D
#55 ·
you would think they would start manufacturing isimple gateways that are compatible with iOS 4.... does anyone know if this is true yet, or do you still have to get the $10 upgrade...

update: I emailed isimple support:

"Is the isimple gateway now compatible with iPhone iOS 4? Or is it still required to buy the chip upgrade... I cannot find the link to order that upgrade anymore. Namely I am looking to connect my iPhone 3gs with iOS 4 to my 2004 Nissan murano with a gateway ISNI571"

their reply
Thank you for the inquiry. The ISNI571 does have the Apple authentication as part of the interface so it is compatible with the newest iPhone and Touch software.
 
C
#58 ·
ISimple iPod Gateway Volume Way Too Low

I'm going to try to resuscitate this thread is this is the only thread that comes up if you Google 'iSimple iPod Interface Volume to Low'

I have a 2009 Infiniti G37 Sedan. Audio system has the Radio button. I have the ISNI572 installed with the Bluetooth module.

The iPod volume via the cable or via Bluetooth streaming is about 40-50% lower than the built-in analog aux input in the car and the Radio and CD. What frustrates me a bit is the iSimple tech support when I phoned describes it as a known thing where it is only 20% lower volume. That is not an accurate description in my opinion based on my experience and I've searched Nissan/Infiniti forums on the Internet and found many other users of the same device with the same complaint including here.

It seems though some users are claiming they don't have the issue. I am on my second unit installed by the shop and the issue was the same in both units. Yet some users of this device (I assume the same ISNI572) claim they don't have the issue. It is unclear though if this is because a) there is a flaw in the devices design/programming and it needs a firmware update, b) a flaw or difference in certain factory radios in Nissan's/Infinitis, or c) simple a difference is people's sensitivity to the issue.

Regarding (a) considering I just had this installed and this thread is several months old, I would say it is safe to say if they did introduce a firmware update that fixes this, my unit would most likely have it.

Regarding (b) - this is a very real possibility that the factory radio on the later year Infinitis (say 07 or 08 later) without the Nav may have some difference in the Sat interface that makes the audio input sensitivity a lot lower than factory units in some other Nissans and Infinitis of different models and/or years. But based on my software and hardware engineering knowledge I would say the interfaces use standards, so if I had to put a bet down, I would bet (b) is not the case.

Regarding (c), this is a very real possibility. There is a wide range of how people listen to their music, from people that listen at typically low volume levels, to teenie boppers cranking their music. I sit somewhere in the middle but probably on the louder side. In my tests I noticed that the volume difference between the iPod interface and the Radio, CD, or factory analog aux input in the center console, is greater the higher the volume. This would explain why some people listening at low levels don't think they have an issue.

To determine the volume change was WAY more than 20% lower, I plugged the iPod into the analog built-in Aux jack of the car and turned the iPod volume to 100% full. I then adjusted the car volume to a nice medium volume level which is about 1/3 volume on the car stereo. I then switched to the iSimple interface and the volume is WAY WAY lower. To get the same volume I had to turn the car stereo volume up to about 2/3!! In many cases I listen to my music louder which typically whether it is radio, CD, or iPod via factory analog aux input is about 60% on the stereo. To get that same level I now have to turn the volume to 100% UP / FULL on the car stereo at it isn't quite as loud as I would like for my loudest listening level. This level though is probably louder than 75% of typical Infiniti owners will listen to (but lower than a lot of teenagers might listen to.) If you leave the volume that high and switch to the radio or CD, you might DAMAGE your ears or the speakers!

All my MP3 gains are optimized to 93db which is about as high as you can go on most songs without clipping. There is no Sound Check or Volume Limit turned on, on the iPod.

Further more, the up and down buttons on the steering wheel don't advance the track like the instruction booklet says they should. They make the system switch to FM radio and advance to the next station and you get BLOWN OUT with the volume being SUPER high. You have to use only the Tune knob to for next and previous track. You can HOLD the down button and it changes to P.List on the stereo but I haven't figured out what you can do from there with the steering wheel controls as pressing it again, changes to FM radio and advances the station (and blows your ears out.)

In addition, I haven't figured out a way to actually pause song playback either. In fact if the song is already playing and you plug it in, the iSimple may actually pause the song instead of start it and there is no way to start it (as far as I can tell so far) except unplug it and then plug it back in (I may have that backwards but you get what I mean)

The streaming bluetooth sounds exactly the same as the ipod interface.

I'd really hate to waste a bunch of time troubleshooting this to find out this is just the way this device works.

I've found threads and post on the Internet with people complaining about this problem but have never seen anyone who had the problem post that they found a solution.

I am awaiting iSimple's response on this.

If you think this is not an issue on your car and you are using the ISNI572, state the year and model of your car and verify it is indeed not an issue by listening to the Radio or a CD at about 40-50% volume level (medium-loud) then switch to the iPod and listen to the difference.
 
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