I've searched previous threads on this topic but its inconclusive in terms of a solution to my specific problem.

 

Got my new VRS with Columbus on Friday and have tried to connect my old ipod nano using the standard USB apple cables (two different types) and it says error on the screen. It charges it but thats it.

 

I'm assuming I need a different cable but the question is which one. I've seen there is a Y cable which also connects the Aux socket as well as the USB. If I get one of these will I be able to control the ipod through Columbus?

 

Would appreicate any advice on this.

 

Define 'old' when it comes to your iPod Nano? Are we talking so old that it's one you can format for either Mac or Windows? If so, then it probably won't work if it's a Mac formatted one. If it's not that old, and it doesn't work with a standard Apple USB cable, then I'd be getting the dealer to have a look at it, because it should just work.

You need the 'mitsumi' option mate. Ordering mine with it. Apparently you need an extra cable too at around £90 from a dealer :-0

You need the 'mitsumi' option mate. Ordering mine with it. Apparently you need an extra cable too at around £90 from a dealer :-0

 

Welcome to the forum, but please don't sprout crap now you're here  .  As has been explained many times on here already, the Columbus unit includes the Mitsumi functionality without having to order it separately / pay any extra.  And you certainly don't need any extra cables from a dealer.

What he said ^^^^

I had one on demo for 4 days last month with Columbus. Just used the standard Apple USB lead which charged it and allowed full playback. Mitsubishi NOT required.

Mitsubishi NOT required.

 

What about a Suzuki?  :p

The iPod is pretty old, I think first gen nano but it worked fine in my 60 plate F10 5 series, connected to the usb socket and uploaded the whole iPod into the hard drive. Surely a car that is much newer can do the same thing? Plan B is an SD but my iTunes is on SWMBO's Mac which I can never get on!

Why is it in the brochure and two separate salesmen tell me the same thing then??

Why is it in the brochure and two separate salesmen tell me the same thing then??

Because they're all wrong. You cannot order Mitsumi with Columbus.

To support older devices requires a lot of work, so such is typical in the IT world older devices are slowly dropped off the compatibility list. Newer devices offer so much more storage and better control so something has to give. Your old BMW would most likely not support the newer devices without an upgrade of some sort, so its the other way around.

 

Your best bet is the SD card or a USB stick loaded with music, but then your itunes library must be in MP3 format. If the ipod is old, then chances are so is the iTunes library contents. Problem here is the default ripping format back then was protected AAC which will not play on the Columbus so you would need to convert the whole library to MP3 which is not going to be easy.

 

Alternatively visit the likes of CEX or game and purchase a newer generation iPod and sync that with itunes and use that instead.

Problem here is the default ripping format back then was protected AAC

 

No... before iTunes Plus (IIRC) all purchases were protected AAC, now all purchases are DRM-free AAC (and if you have Match, it'll convert all your protected purchases to DRM-free as well as match all your ripped music).  iTunes has never added DRM onto ripped music.

 

Agree with your point though - if the music is all protected, then it won't work via USB.  However, I believe it would work via aux and via Bluetooth (not that the old nano is going to have Bluetooth) as for both of those methods of playback it's the iPod doing the playback and the head unit is just acting as an amp/speakers (unlike over USB, where it does the decoding as well).

No Mitsubishi lol. No Mitsumi or other Japanese car manufacturer required!

No Mitsubishi lol. No Mitsumi or other Japanese car manufacturer required!

Thanks for the advice and info guys, all sounds a bit technical to me but I think the SD card is the way forward by the sounds of it and maybe a new ipod from Santa!