Smart and (iPod operation)

[Neonspinnazz]

I have a question for you guys.

I noticed from some pics from another member that the exhaust pipes are under the car next to the engine (looks like a U shaped tube to me).

I recently read the SCOA article on how to drive your smart the best (and might I say that it was an excellent article). It said not to drive through deepish water because of its negative effects reported by our Euro buddies.

So my question is, what exactly happens to a smart that attempted to swim?

P.S. How do you use your iPod while driving in the car? Is there a way to control the iPod without using the iPod yourself?

[JPaul]

Originally Posted by Neonspinnazz

... P.S. How do you use your iPod while driving in the car? Is there a way to control the iPod without using the iPod yourself?

As far as I know, the OEM radio cannot control the iPod. The only elegant solution short of changing radio I've seen posted is to plug the iPod in a combined charger/connector (i.e. Griffin AutoPilot) that has a play/pause/FF/FB switch. That way, you can control the essentials from the plug that goes in the "cigarette lighter".
See: Ipod nano (and other mp3)

Hope it helps!

[h20m0f0]

My answer to both of your questions: Q,A My car never gets wet when it rains it stays in the garage. Q,B My Ipod is in my glove box and all I have to do is tell my car to play the artist and it plays the artist. I think thats pretty cool....

[forestacademy]

Originally Posted by h20m0f0

. Q,B My Ipod is in my glove box and all I have to do is tell my car to play the artist and it plays the artist. I think thats pretty cool....

Care to elaborate. My Ipod doesn't listen to me

[vpkb1998]

Originally Posted by h20m0f0

My answer to both of your questions: Q,A My car never gets wet when it rains it stays in the garage. Q,B My Ipod is in my glove box and all I have to do is tell my car to play the artist and it plays the artist. I think thats pretty cool....

You're not helping him. If you want to do this, and if it's within your budget, get an aftermarket head unit. This will run you about $500-600. I have the Smart popular Kenwood 5120 unit, and it controls my iPod flawlessy. Built in Navigation is also a plus.

[Neonspinnazz]

Aftermarket makes sense, I don't want to be caught looking at my iPod on the interstate to find out that traffic had just stopped ahead... $500 seems very possible during the summer...

h20m0f0 - how did you get Ford's sync technology in your smart?

No, really how do you tell your iPod to change songs? (Is it an iPhone?)

[mvaldes]

You can also buy a Harmon-Kardon Drive+Play unit. It's "brain" connects to your iPod and to a display screen and to a controller knob that is very similar to the iPod's click wheel. I put the screen in the left cubby; the controller knob on the dash ledge between the right cubby and the radio and the brain and iPod on the top of the passenger footwell. (That big space on top of the foam insert that covers the battery and holds the compressor, goop and tow hook.)
That way, the iPod is completely out of sight when the car is parked. When driving I can glance down and see the screen and can use the controller to pick artists, playlists, etc.
The now "obselete" version 1 which has a B&W screen (as opposed to the new version's color screen) is intermittently available on eBay for $10-20 and online for about $25. It's an easy installation too.

[vpkb1998]

I still suggest you budget for a in-dash receiver. I've tried add on devices, but they tend to be too cumbersome to operate. Me, I like a clean dash, even a cigarette charger bugs me.

[mvaldes]

There are definitely some much nicer (and much pricier options.) With the H-K Drive+Play and with replacing my door speakers with the Polks, I'm happy. I never expected my Smart to be an audio listening paradise.

[canon1753]

I was wondering when someone was going to do a Drive + Play... I may do a lash up job until I'm happy with it (I ordered 2- one for my neon to get that unit working again, the computer part died on it) and one for the smart. I do wish the control knob was wireless, just velcro it to the wheel...

Just a specific question about the aux jack and the Drive + play- how is the volume? My neon has the antenna and find a station set up which seemed to quiet the sound a lot. Is that also the case with the aux in jack? Thanks!