(This post has evolved over the length of today, I keep tacking on new info (and questions) on the end. This is all with regard to the standard 2010 head unit (T1814), NOT the premium Alpine model.)

I've been looking high and low for a place to buy a new aux/ipod input module for my 06 XB. like the one in this picture, But I can't find it anywhere other than ebay, and they seem to be rare even there. Most search efforts only turn up the ipod cable, but not the input module itself.

I'm also trying to find a source for some sort of USB input plate to use with the 2010 XB head unit I'll be installing. I'd like to mount a USB jack on the dash or down where the aux/ipod inputs go, any thoughts?

***EDIT***
Now that I'm learning more about the 2010 HU (T1814) I'll be installing (should arrive today), I don't think it has an "iPod connection" like the older 06 model does. It seems to just use its USB input to connect with an iPod, so I won't be able to have both a USB jack AND an iPod connection (not counting the 1/8" jack). So I guess the question becomes, is the USB connection to the HU just a USB jack on the back of it? Can I just run a USB extention cable from the HU to wherever I want to mount a USB jack (not necessarily by the e-brake)?

***EDIT #2***
Ok, after many more hours of reading and searching, I've answered some of my own questions and came up with some new ones. I found a photo of the back of the HU and see that there is no USB input, so I'll have to tie into the factory wiring. I've also found wiring diagrams for the 06 XB (Gen 1) but none for the newer models including the 2010. Apparently there is only a single USB connection (not sepperate USB/iPod connections. Meaning the iPod connects to the USB). So now I'm trying to figure out two things.

First, does the new USB connection use the same jack on the back of the HU as the older iPod input? And if this IS the case, can I take that factory iPod input cord and splice a USB jack onto the end of it instead (which means I'll need to know the pinout for the USB connection on the HU)? OR can I buy a USB console connector cable and hook it right up to where the older iPod console connector cable would have gone and have it work?

Second, IF the connection on the back of the HU is the same for the new USB cord as it was for the old iPod cord, AND if there is no way to get a USB jack hooked up to the new HU without buying stupidly expensive harnesses from the dealer or something equally unpleasant, can I simply hook up one of the iPod cables that would connect to the older scion HUs and be able to just use an iPod but not a memory stick (that being the attraction of the whole USB thing int he first place).

 

Hey, did you ever end up getting the T1814 installed in your xB? I'm looking to do the same thing with my xB, but just need to find the cable that attaches to the rear of the T1814 (I probably will need to splice it into an iPod/USB cable to connect my iPod somewhere in the glove box.

I can't find the wire/harness that connects to the HU. Did you find one?

Thanks!

 

Sharing a link to my post on the Toyota forum (since I installed this unit in my 1999 4Runner) that gives step by step instructions how to solder an inexpensive USB extension cable to the internal circuit board on the T1814 that will give you full functionality for USB flash drives, USB MP3 players and iPods.

Link to thread - click here: http://www.toyota-4runner.org/772394-post6.html


Couple of pics:
http://i211.photobucket.com/albums/b.../Scion-USB.jpg
http://i211.photobucket.com/albums/b...Scion-iPod.jpg

 

Falcon, Excellent write up on the USB mod. Just a few questions. Why do you connect the cable with the male end of the cable left to connect with? Since the ipod sync cable is also male ended how do you connect it to the male end of the cable installed to the T1814? Also, how did you figure this out???? Genius!

 

LED-Maniac - take a closer look at step 6 of the instructions "Cut the male end off the cable". So you want to cut off the male end and leave the female end which would accept your standard USB charge cable from an iPod. In answer to your 3rd question I'm not a genius but you know the saying "Necessity is the mother of invention" or however it goes LOL. There wasn't any way I could find to buy an adapter cable but I really wanted to use this head unit - once I got it apart and saw the pinouts labeled on the board I was pretty sure it would work to just solder on a standard USB cable. Being a bit cautious, I did plug in a cheap flash drive first so I didn't run the risk of toasting my wife's iPod!

 

Thanks, it makes sense now and I beg to differ this mod is very genius!

Its members like you that make this site so helpful!

 

will the T1814 / T1815 bolt into the 04-06 xB without issues? i was looking at the manuals and it seems that the 14/15 is slightly wider so i just wanted to make sure.

what's the difference between the 14 and 15?