PIE HON03-POD/S User manual

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P.I.E. FRDN-POD/S iPod Adapter
Application/Installation and Instruction Manual
INTRODUCTION
Precision Interface Electronics (PIE) has released a new line of iPod interfaces that allow you to interface your
iPod directly to the OEM (factory) radio in select Ford/Mercury Vehicles. The FRDN-POD/S allows you to
operate your iPod (Mini, G3, G4, G5, Nano) using the factory Satellite Radio controls of your Ford/Mercury
Group radio. Using this interface, the iPod will take the place of the Ford Satellite Radio System, providing you
with one of the most interactive factory iPod interfaces in the industry. Control of the iPod through the OEM
radio includes, but is not limited to:
1. Individual search of artist, album, playlist, song composer etc.
2. Ability to display the following TEXT fields:
Artist name (12-characters)
Song Title (16- characters, shown 8-characters at a time when song is first selected, 12 characters when
searching songs)
Album title (12-characters)
Playlist name (12-characters)
3. The option of using the factory Radio or iPod clickwheel to control your iPod
4. Direct connection of the iPod to Ford vehicle audio system for optimum sound quality
5. Charges the iPod internal battery
6. Plug-n-play installation: includes installation cable, interface and owner’s manual
Note: If a factory Ford Satellite radio is present, you must disconnect it before installing this interface.
IPOD COMPATIBILITY
Use the FRDN-POD/S with one of the following iPod models:
iPod (G3/G4, G5) , iPod Photo, Nano, Video and iPod Mini equipped with a dock connector.
Note: The operation and functions of this interface described herein have only been confirmed with the
following firmware versions (see apple.com/iPod for firmware updates)
iPod (G3) iPod Nano iPod Photo iPod Video (G5) iPod Mini
Firmware v2..3 firmware 1.1 Firmware 1.2.1 firmware 1.1 firmware v1.4.1
firmware v3.1.1 (G4)
IPOD PLAYBACK FUNCTIONS
The control functions for the iPod using the factory radio’s satellite controls are similar to those used for the iPod
itself. Due to certain radio limitations, there are some differences in how the iPod information is accessed and /or
displayed through the factory radio.
The following describes how to control the iPod from the factory radio, and any similarity to the iPod‘s controls or
buttons has been noted.
1. Listening to your iPod.
Once the iPod is connected to the dock cable, press the SAT button to being listening to your iPod. The
iPod will being playing the song that is was currently at before it was connected. When the song title is
first displayed, you will momentarily see the first 8 characters of the title, then the next 8 characters, and
then back to the first 8 characters.

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2. Selecting a song on your iPod
Now that your Ipod is connected and you are listening to your music, you will need to put the radio into
the ‘SONGS” category in order to select songs from the current playlist. This is done as follows:
Press the <DISC- TUNE> button on the factory radio until you see the “SONGS” category.
Once you see the “SONGS” category displayed on the radio, press the <SEEK> button. The next song
in the current playlist will be selected an you can now use the <SEEK> button to track up or down
through the current playlist.
As described in the next section (“Controlling your iPod” the factory satellite radio controls are used in a
variety of different ways to navigate through your iPod library.
3. Controlling your iPod
<DISC-TUNE>- (similar to iPod clickwheel)
Allows you to toggle through the following categories:
CATEGORY OFF (similar to “Now Playing”)
At any time during a category or song search, pressing <SEEK> twice, while CATEGORY OFF is displayed,
will reset the radio display to the current song information, similar to the “NOW PLAYING” selection that the
iPod uses. On some radios, pressing any of the radio preset buttons will also perform a CATEGORY OFFF.
ALBUMS (See –“browse songs”)
ARTIST (See- “browse songs”)
COMPOSER (See- “browse songs”)
GENRES (See- “browse songs”)
PLAYLIST (See- “browse songs”)
If one of the above categories is selected using the <SEEK> buttons (ARTIST, for example) but no song is
ultimately selected, the radio will continue to display the last selection in that category. To return the radio
display to the current song information, select CATEGORY OFF and press<SEEK> twice.
A “CAT ON” message will be displayed if you attempt to enter into a category that you are already in.
PLAYMODE (iPod or HEAD)
With PLAYMODE displayed, press the <SEEK> button to toggle between the following modes as
described.
”IPOD Mode”: When selected, upon disconnect and reconnect of iPod, the iPod display screen and controls
are now functional and the PIE interface functions as an auxiliary input adapter only. (You control the iPod
using the iPod button/clickwheel)
”HEAD Mode”: When selected, “OK to disconnect” reappears on the iPod screen and full iPod control is
restored to the Ford Radio.
To return radio display to current song information, select CATEGORY OFF and press <SEEK> twice.
REPEAT (ON, OFF)
With REPEAT displayed, press the <SEEK> button to turn the REPEAT function on or off.
To return radio display to current song information, select CATEGORY OFF and press <SKEEK> twice.
SHUFFLE (SONGS, ALBUMS, OFF)
Shuffle SONGS: Songs from the current category selection will play in random order.
Shuffle ALBUMS: Albums from the current category selection will play in random order.
To return radio display to current song information, select CATEGORY OFF and press <SEEK> twice.

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SONGS
Used at the end of a given search to play the first song in the selected category.
For example, if you select the ARTIST category and the first artist displayed is “Air Supply”, when you select
the SONGS category and press <SEEK>; the first song from “Air Supply” will be played.
SCAN
Press once to listen to the first 10 seconds of each song in the currently selected playlist. Press a second time
to turn SCAN function off.
<SEEK>
WHEN TOGGLING THROUGH CATEGORIES: Used to enter the displayed category. (Similar to the iPod
select button)
WHEN IN “SONGS” CATEGORY: Used to select next or previous song (similar to iPod previous/next track
buttons)
WHEN IN A CATEGORY OTHER THAN “SONGS”: Used to select next or previous selection in the current
category (similar to the iPod clickwheel)
WHILE LISTEING TO A SONG: Press and hold to fast forward or rewind through the current song. Audio is
muted during this time, however, audio returns and elapsed time is momentarily displayed once the SEEK
button is released. (Similar to iPod previous/next track buttons)
<REW - FF> or <TEXT>
WHILE LISTENING TO A SONG:
Press REW to view artist name for current song. Press REW again to return to song title, otherwise song title
will return in 3 seconds.
Press FF to view album name of current song. Press FF again to return to song title, otherwise song title will
return in 3 seconds.
WHILE LISTENING TO A SONG (with SHUFFFLE ON):
Press REW then FF in rapid succession to select next song (momentarily displays 12 characters of song title).
Press FF then REW in rapid succession to select previous song (momentarily displays 12 characters of song
title).
WHILE LISTENING TO A SONG (with SHUFFLE OFF):
Press REW then FF in rapid succession to view next song title (momentarily displays 12 characters of song
title) while current song continues to play. To play the song that you have located, and that is currently
displayed, press the SEEK button.
BROWSE SONGS
The following are examples showing the use of the factory adios’ satellite controls, as previously described in
these instruction, to perform browse and search functions similar to how the are done on the iPod itself.
BY ALBUMS:
Press the <DISC-TUNE> button until the “ALBUMS” category is displayed. Once the “ALBUMS” category
is displayed, press the <SEEK> button to enter the “ALBUMS” category.
NOTE: if you do not press the <SEEK> button within 4 seconds, the radio display will default back to the
current song information and you will need to start your category search over.
Using the <SEEK> button, locate the desired album.
Note: You can use a press of the REW or FF button (in rapid succession) to toggle through the albums
without the momentary audio mute that you get when using the <SEEK> button.
Once you find the desired album, press the <DISC-TUNE> button until the “SONGS” category is
displayed. Once the “SONGS” category is displayed, press the <SEEK> button to begin playing the first
song in that album.

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BY ARTIST:
Press the <DISC- TUNER> button until the “ARTIST” category is displayed.
Once the “ARTIST” category is displayed, press the <SEEK> button to enter the “ARTIST” category.
NOTE: if you do not press the <SEEK> button within 4 seconds, the radio display will default back to the
current song information and you will need to start your category search over.
Using the <SEEK> button, locate the desired artist.
Note: You can use a press of the REW or FF button (in rapid succession) to toggle through the artist without
the momentary audio mute that you get when using the <SEEK> button.
Once you find the desired artist press the <DISC-TUNE> button until the “SONGS” category is displayed.
Once the “SONGS” category is displayed, press the <SEEK> button to begin playing the first song in that
artist
BY COMPOSER, GENRE, etc:
To search by composer, genre, or playlist follow the sequence that has been described to search by album or
artist using the <DISC-TUNE> and <SEEK> buttons.
Once you become more familiar with the factory Satellite radio control buttons and how they have been
described to control your iPod, you can do detailed song searches such as going into playlist, then going into
artist, then into albums, and eventually to the first song within that album.
Depending on the amount of songs on your iPod, it is sometimes more practical to set the PLAYMODE of
the FRDN-POD/S to “IPOD” mode so that the iPod clickwheel controls can be used to more rapidly
navigate through your music library.
VEHICLE COMPATIBILITY
For use with the following vehicles when equipped with satellite ready radios with 16 & 20-pin radio connectors
and a “SAT” button on the radio face.
FORD MERCURY
2004-05 Escape 2005 Mariner
2004-05 Explorer
2004-05 Sport Track
WARNINGS!!
1. The FRDN-POD/S is not compatible if any of the above vehicles are equipped with factory Rear Seat
Entertainment (RSE) or factory Satellite radio—these options must be disconnected.
2. The FRDN-POD/S is not compatible if any of the above vehicles are equipped with Ford Phase II connectors
(16/24-pin) if so – see our FRD03-POD/S
3. Radios must have a “SAT” button on the face and Ford 16 & 20-pin “World” connectors— to identify your
radio we ask you remove it from the dash and check the connector—otherwise you may be ordering the
wrong part.

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INSTALLATION
This operations manual has been prepared to provide a thorough description of how to interface and operate the
iPod with your factory radio. All vehicles required different PIE interfaces and installation techniques. The
information given is for guidance and each installer should make necessary decisions that are not covered by the
guide. Precision Interface Electronics strongly recommend professional installation of all aftermarket equipment.
The terms of warranty demand that professional assistance of an experienced installed be present, as the
installation may require special tools and knowledge.
Warnings:
1. Ensure that the vehicle’s battery terminal (-) is disconnected before installation. Disconnecting the battery
terminal before installation this interface ensures proper synchronization and helps avoid possible
synchronization errors.
2. Ensure that normal control and operation of the vehicle is not impaired by the installation, mounting all pieces
securely and preventing interference to necessary vehicle operation.
3. This interface is suitable for use only in vehicles with a 12-Volt negative ground. Use on other supply voltage or
alternative polarity will damage the equipment.
Please read the installation guide thoroughly, making special note to the warming section, before beginning
installation.
INSTALLATION STEPS
1. Disconnect the negative battery terminal
2. Remove the factory radio using Ford radio removal tools (sold separately)
3. Disconnect the factory 16-pin and 20-pin (if present) connectors from the rear of the radio.
4. Connect the 20-pin connector of the interface harness into the radio
5. Connect the BLACK/GREEN wire of the FRDN-POD/S to chassis ground
6. Connect the GRAY/VIOLET wire of the FRDN-POD/S to a constant +12Volt source (see 16-pin diagram
below)
7. Connect the 10-pin Molex of the interface harness to the mating connector of the interface black box
8 Connect the male 13-pin DIN of the 4-foot dock cable to the female 13-pin DIN of the interface black box.
8. Route the 4-foot dock cable to iPod location (i.e. center console, or glove box) do not connect iPod yet.
9. Re-install the factory radio back into dash
10. Reconnect the negative battery terminal
Note: For bet synchronization between iPod and radio, radio and iPod should both be ON.
11. Connect the routed 4-foot dock cable to the iPod. A symbol showing your battery is being charged will show
next to the battery indicator.
12. Wait a few seconds while the iPod interface searches for all the playlist(s). Searching time may vary
depending on the number of playlist (s)
13. After connecting the iPod to the interface, the iPod will show an “OK to disconnect” message. This message
means the iPod is in external control mode and proper synchronization is complete.
Note: If the “OK to disconnect” message does not appear within 5-10 seconds, please disconnect the iPod and
recheck your connections.

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FORD 16-PIN WIRING DIAGRAM
Connect the GRAY/VIOLET wire of the FRDN/POD/S to pin 9 (Hot at all Times) using a T-tap or splicing
the wire—if splicing make sure to tape securely to prevent short circuit .

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WIRING DIAGRAM
Revised 4/12/06
© 1995-06 Discount Car Stereo, Inc. All rights reserved. Information in this document is subject to change without notice.
Other products and companies referred to herein are trademarks or registered trademarks of their respective companies or
mark holders.
iPod™ is a trademark of Apple Computers Inc. registered in the USA and other countries.