iPod interface
Road Master
Joined: Oct 2010
Posts: 878
Likes: 0
From: Farmington, MN
I just installed my iPod Interface on my 2011 RGU today, wired per the 09/14/2010 revision instructions.....it works flawlessly, and the music quality is much better than when I had the iPod playing through the front AUX port with a mini-jack.
Couple of install notes:
1) On the supplied iPod Y harness, at the end where the bare pin wires emerge from the black protective cover, cut the factory tyrap off and cut back the black protective covering approx. 2", to expose more of the colored wires. This will allow the wires to be integrated into the 35 pin AMP connector much easier, and without undue strain on this supplied iPod Y harness wires.
2) To correctly install the iPod Y harness pins into the 35 pin AMP connector, carefully remove the RED plastic 35-hole alignment block on the face of the AMP connector. This is easily done by carefully prying OUT each of the two very small black clips holding the RED alignment block on each side, while pulling the RED block straight out. This will allow the inserted pins from the iPod harness to click into the primary lock inside the 35 pin AMP connector. When done, carefully click the RED block back onto the AMP connector.
3) Try to route the Y harness wires into the 35 pin connector with some thought as to keeping the wires uniform to reduce strain.
4)It may be confusing as to what they want you to do with the two (1 male / 1 female) 6 pin connectors on the Y harness. You need to search your existing motorcycle harness near the rear of the HK stereo, and find an already mated pair of identical connectors. Disconnect them, and "T" these iPod Y harness 6-pin connectors into the existing motorcycle harness.
5) The single larger connector is self explanitory, it connects to the iPod interface box you mounted on the top of the HK radio.
6) The strange (6 pin) smaller connector that remains after connecting everything is for the NAVIGATION unit that you can buy from HD. This will get capped and stowed if you don't have a Zumo GPS unit. If you do, this connects to the handlebar/dash interface for the Zumo.
7) The actual iPod interface cable that connects to the iPod is self explanitory. It plugs the round end into the iPod interface that you installed on top of the HK unit.
Couple of install notes:
1) On the supplied iPod Y harness, at the end where the bare pin wires emerge from the black protective cover, cut the factory tyrap off and cut back the black protective covering approx. 2", to expose more of the colored wires. This will allow the wires to be integrated into the 35 pin AMP connector much easier, and without undue strain on this supplied iPod Y harness wires.
2) To correctly install the iPod Y harness pins into the 35 pin AMP connector, carefully remove the RED plastic 35-hole alignment block on the face of the AMP connector. This is easily done by carefully prying OUT each of the two very small black clips holding the RED alignment block on each side, while pulling the RED block straight out. This will allow the inserted pins from the iPod harness to click into the primary lock inside the 35 pin AMP connector. When done, carefully click the RED block back onto the AMP connector.
3) Try to route the Y harness wires into the 35 pin connector with some thought as to keeping the wires uniform to reduce strain.
4)It may be confusing as to what they want you to do with the two (1 male / 1 female) 6 pin connectors on the Y harness. You need to search your existing motorcycle harness near the rear of the HK stereo, and find an already mated pair of identical connectors. Disconnect them, and "T" these iPod Y harness 6-pin connectors into the existing motorcycle harness.
5) The single larger connector is self explanitory, it connects to the iPod interface box you mounted on the top of the HK radio.
6) The strange (6 pin) smaller connector that remains after connecting everything is for the NAVIGATION unit that you can buy from HD. This will get capped and stowed if you don't have a Zumo GPS unit. If you do, this connects to the handlebar/dash interface for the Zumo.
7) The actual iPod interface cable that connects to the iPod is self explanitory. It plugs the round end into the iPod interface that you installed on top of the HK unit.
Stage I
Joined: May 2011
Posts: 1
Likes: 0
ipod interface
Update: Found a problem. The thing sounded great in the garage. When I got out onto the road the sound was terrible. There was a terrible echo (like reverb) and although all of the speakers were putting out sound, the vocals all seemed like they were coming from a tunnel and from the right speakers only. Naturally, I opened back up the fairing to double check all of my connections. They were correct per the instructions. I started some trial and error and decided to disconnect some of the 5 pins that go into the 35 pin wiring harness that plugs into the back of the head unit. When I would disconnect one of the tan wires (tan/red or tan/blue) the sound would suddenly be crisp, clear and well balanced, the echo was gone. Plugging that pin back in would immediately bring back the echo and the vocals coming out of one channel but sound coming out of all of the speakers. Leaving one of the wires disconnected cost no functionality in terms of control and gave me great sound and I still seem to have proper stereo sound. The only thing I would notice is a small amount of static when switching between tracks on the ipod. This static is not there when the wire is connected per the instructions but the sound just sucks that way.
Here's my hypothesis... Because I have an '09 CVO Ultra, my bike has the external amp which is mounted under the tour pack. It would be reasonable to assume that there are built in crossovers in this amp setup. The wires, when connected per the instructions seem to be interfering with the crossovers... again, a guess. Having said this, I'm guessing that there is a different wiring setup that should be done with a system like mine that has the Harley Amp. Unfortunately, the instructions make no mention of this whatsoever. The instructions seem to be for the standard HK setup without the amp.
I've left the one wire disconnected and the sound is great on the road and I can't hear the static at all unless I'm in my silent garage. I'm not crazy about the fact that I've had to jury rig the thing to get it to work well but I'm happy with the setup now. I'd be a bit happier if I knew exactly what was going on here.
There's more to this story... any insight would be appreciated.
Here's my hypothesis... Because I have an '09 CVO Ultra, my bike has the external amp which is mounted under the tour pack. It would be reasonable to assume that there are built in crossovers in this amp setup. The wires, when connected per the instructions seem to be interfering with the crossovers... again, a guess. Having said this, I'm guessing that there is a different wiring setup that should be done with a system like mine that has the Harley Amp. Unfortunately, the instructions make no mention of this whatsoever. The instructions seem to be for the standard HK setup without the amp.
I've left the one wire disconnected and the sound is great on the road and I can't hear the static at all unless I'm in my silent garage. I'm not crazy about the fact that I've had to jury rig the thing to get it to work well but I'm happy with the setup now. I'd be a bit happier if I knew exactly what was going on here.
There's more to this story... any insight would be appreciated.
I dont know if you got the update but harley's first instructions crossed two pins. the #19 pin (violet/grey) and the #31 pin (tan/blue)........this may solve your problem with the reverb. hope this helps. The revision is 2010-09-14........it can be found online to back up what I have stated
Tourer
Joined: Feb 2008
Posts: 333
Likes: 1
From: Northfield, NH
Check out Michaeal Stainless Creations. they make a nice bracket. I use that and an isimple cable that charges the ipod and runs the tunes to the radio through the aux in jack. works and looks really nice.
Novice
Joined: May 2010
Posts: 24
Likes: 0
From: Florida
I just installed the iPod interface on my new Street Glide. I can honestly say I couldn't have done without this thread. Thanks to each and every poster.
I got everything hooked up and had no iPod option showing on my HK radio -- it was quite frustrating! I slept on it and came back and re-read this thread from start to finish.
From all the posts here I concluded that it must be one of the connectors and most likely one of the wire contacts not pushed in far enough. I concentrated on the 35-pin connector but I could readily see that all of the contacts there were flush against the connector.
I then turned my attention to the 6-pin connector. With the 2011 SG there was only one 6-pin on the bike, which was connected to nothing when I found it (near the top by the guages) under the fairing. When I looked at the two wires from the Connector Kit P/N 69200033 that I had plugged into the 6-pin I could see that there was an ever so slight gap from the end of the wires to the housing of the connector (probably not even 1/16"). So I pulled those wires back out and re-inserted them -- instant success! Moral of my post ... CHECK EVERY WIRE TO ENSURE IT SEATS IN AS FAR AS POSSIBLE!
2011 103 Street Glide Black Denim
2009 883 Iron Black Denim
I got everything hooked up and had no iPod option showing on my HK radio -- it was quite frustrating! I slept on it and came back and re-read this thread from start to finish.
From all the posts here I concluded that it must be one of the connectors and most likely one of the wire contacts not pushed in far enough. I concentrated on the 35-pin connector but I could readily see that all of the contacts there were flush against the connector.
I then turned my attention to the 6-pin connector. With the 2011 SG there was only one 6-pin on the bike, which was connected to nothing when I found it (near the top by the guages) under the fairing. When I looked at the two wires from the Connector Kit P/N 69200033 that I had plugged into the 6-pin I could see that there was an ever so slight gap from the end of the wires to the housing of the connector (probably not even 1/16"). So I pulled those wires back out and re-inserted them -- instant success! Moral of my post ... CHECK EVERY WIRE TO ENSURE IT SEATS IN AS FAR AS POSSIBLE!
2011 103 Street Glide Black Denim
2009 883 Iron Black Denim
Last edited by denbrown; Jul 25, 2011 at 12:19 PM.
I posted this also in another thread - but this one seems to have some serious users, so here I go...
For those who went from the 3.5 and spent the bucks on the Boom! iPod interface - did you notices a drop in "volume" or "loudness" when using the cable/interface with your iPod?
I would listen to my iPod using the 3.5/AUX jack and my volume would be between 1/2 and 3/4 - plenty of sound and clarity. So this past weekend I broke down and spent the bux on the cable interface and now I have to have the volume cranked at 3/4 to full and the "loudness" and clarity isn't there as it was with the 3.5 hook up - if anything, I was expecting an improvement, not a degradation in sound volume and quality....
Anyone else notice a diff? Anyone have an idea on what I should check?
I do like having all the controls thru the bike and one less thing on my bars, but this lack of sound bothers me. Spending that kinda dough only to get subpar results is not my frugal way. ;-)
Any thoughts and/or suggestions?
For those who went from the 3.5 and spent the bucks on the Boom! iPod interface - did you notices a drop in "volume" or "loudness" when using the cable/interface with your iPod?
I would listen to my iPod using the 3.5/AUX jack and my volume would be between 1/2 and 3/4 - plenty of sound and clarity. So this past weekend I broke down and spent the bux on the cable interface and now I have to have the volume cranked at 3/4 to full and the "loudness" and clarity isn't there as it was with the 3.5 hook up - if anything, I was expecting an improvement, not a degradation in sound volume and quality....
Anyone else notice a diff? Anyone have an idea on what I should check?
I do like having all the controls thru the bike and one less thing on my bars, but this lack of sound bothers me. Spending that kinda dough only to get subpar results is not my frugal way. ;-)
Any thoughts and/or suggestions?
Road Master
Joined: May 2009
Posts: 930
Likes: 4
From: Jacksonville, FL
I posted this also in another thread - but this one seems to have some serious users, so here I go...
For those who went from the 3.5 and spent the bucks on the Boom! iPod interface - did you notices a drop in "volume" or "loudness" when using the cable/interface with your iPod?
I would listen to my iPod using the 3.5/AUX jack and my volume would be between 1/2 and 3/4 - plenty of sound and clarity. So this past weekend I broke down and spent the bux on the cable interface and now I have to have the volume cranked at 3/4 to full and the "loudness" and clarity isn't there as it was with the 3.5 hook up - if anything, I was expecting an improvement, not a degradation in sound volume and quality....
Anyone else notice a diff? Anyone have an idea on what I should check?
I do like having all the controls thru the bike and one less thing on my bars, but this lack of sound bothers me. Spending that kinda dough only to get subpar results is not my frugal way. ;-)
Any thoughts and/or suggestions?
For those who went from the 3.5 and spent the bucks on the Boom! iPod interface - did you notices a drop in "volume" or "loudness" when using the cable/interface with your iPod?
I would listen to my iPod using the 3.5/AUX jack and my volume would be between 1/2 and 3/4 - plenty of sound and clarity. So this past weekend I broke down and spent the bux on the cable interface and now I have to have the volume cranked at 3/4 to full and the "loudness" and clarity isn't there as it was with the 3.5 hook up - if anything, I was expecting an improvement, not a degradation in sound volume and quality....
Anyone else notice a diff? Anyone have an idea on what I should check?
I do like having all the controls thru the bike and one less thing on my bars, but this lack of sound bothers me. Spending that kinda dough only to get subpar results is not my frugal way. ;-)
Any thoughts and/or suggestions?
Real question is does the ipod volume level seem to be the same or close to the same as the radio and cd now? I bet before, your aux volume level was noticeably louder than the cd or fm level, because you had the volume on the ipod turned up high or at max.
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Stage II
Joined: Aug 2011
Posts: 2
Likes: 0
From: Louisville, KY
question
Help me out here guys, i'm interested in the ipod interface but i'm not too keen on drilling holes in my saddlebags or lowers, so here is what i'm thinking/question...... I'm thinking of buying an ipod 6th generation nano which is fairly small and dedicating that ipod just to my harley, which is a 2008 ultra classic, was thinking i could mount that under my right side cover, thinking enclose the ipod in a plastic cover and velcro it in there or using a zip tie or both. First will the wire reach that area without having to buy the extension? and does anyone with experience with this item see a problem with doing it this way? i have been out looking at it and can't seem to find a reason it wouldn't work and the ipod shuts off and on with the ignition switch right? thanks
Cruiser
Joined: Aug 2010
Posts: 107
Likes: 0
From: Tomball, TX
I posted this also in another thread - but this one seems to have some serious users, so here I go...
For those who went from the 3.5 and spent the bucks on the Boom! iPod interface - did you notices a drop in "volume" or "loudness" when using the cable/interface with your iPod?
I would listen to my iPod using the 3.5/AUX jack and my volume would be between 1/2 and 3/4 - plenty of sound and clarity. So this past weekend I broke down and spent the bux on the cable interface and now I have to have the volume cranked at 3/4 to full and the "loudness" and clarity isn't there as it was with the 3.5 hook up - if anything, I was expecting an improvement, not a degradation in sound volume and quality....
Anyone else notice a diff? Anyone have an idea on what I should check?
I do like having all the controls thru the bike and one less thing on my bars, but this lack of sound bothers me. Spending that kinda dough only to get subpar results is not my frugal way. ;-)
Any thoughts and/or suggestions?
For those who went from the 3.5 and spent the bucks on the Boom! iPod interface - did you notices a drop in "volume" or "loudness" when using the cable/interface with your iPod?
I would listen to my iPod using the 3.5/AUX jack and my volume would be between 1/2 and 3/4 - plenty of sound and clarity. So this past weekend I broke down and spent the bux on the cable interface and now I have to have the volume cranked at 3/4 to full and the "loudness" and clarity isn't there as it was with the 3.5 hook up - if anything, I was expecting an improvement, not a degradation in sound volume and quality....
Anyone else notice a diff? Anyone have an idea on what I should check?
I do like having all the controls thru the bike and one less thing on my bars, but this lack of sound bothers me. Spending that kinda dough only to get subpar results is not my frugal way. ;-)
Any thoughts and/or suggestions?