Is there an update for the alpine ida-x300 to run the new generation ipods ? It states, on the connected ipod / iphone, that it will not charge.

Check with Alpine for and update for you radio

Are you using the KCE-422i cable included with the unit? The iPod will not work plugged into the USB port with the factory Apple cable. You need to use the silly Alpine cable.

The IDA-X300 has a USB jack on the back of the unit.
You can plug an iPod USB cable (just like you use to connect the iPod to the computer) into this jack, or you can attach a USB thumb drive loaded with music files.

It is not compatible with generic MP3 players other than the iPod, but you can buy an adaptor (KCA-121B Ai-NET/RCA) which will let you connect axillary inputs like MP3 player, DVD players, etc.

Does this answer your question? Feel free to use the "add comment" link if I can explain anything else.
If this helped, please be sure to hit the "thumbs-up" for me!

I have a similar problem. The original Alpine USB cable fell apart on me and I began receiving an error message. "No, biggie," I thought. "I have plenty of iPod USB cables." But I get an error message with each one, as well as an error message with every iPod I've tried. Apparently the IDA-X100 will only read iPods if you use an original Alpine USB cable.

Hi Jared,

The EX-10 was never intended to be an accessory to the IDA-X300, but should work with FM modulation like any other radio, by making sure the FM frequency is set the same on both units. There are four preset channels in the EX-10 but you can change each one to any frequency.

As for the bluetooth mic connection, you must have that connected for the bluetooth to work. You are better off installing a KCE-400BTi handsfree kit to get better functionality, increased phone compatibility, increased audio quality and the ability to use all of the newer iPods (Gen 2 iTouch, Gen 4 Nano and iPhone 3G).

Hope it helps,

Marcel.

i would try reformatting your ipod to factory specs (can be easily done with itunes following the information provided at mac.com)

to reset the ipod, turn it off, then on -- then hold down the 'menu' key while pressing the center 'click' key until you get the apple logo. this just may solve the problem.

Are you using the original Alpine iPod USB cable? If not, that could be the problem. The iDA-X100 will only read iPods using the Alpine cable. Otherwise, you get a "USB Device Error."

try recording a cd as a wma instead of mp3 format. i had this problem before and that worked for me

You connected your blue alpine wire (power antenna) to your blue wire (amplifier remote on) on the BMW harness adapter. You need to undo this, amputate your blue alpine wire (because your E36 has no power antenna) and connect the alpine blue wire with white stripe (remote power) to your blue wire on the harness adapter.

When you switch source from the radio, alpine is shutting off your amplifier through the connected power antenna wire. Since you're not listening to the radio anymore, it sees no reason why it should give it power.

This compatibility issue is caused by the same change with the Apple Dock Connecter introduced with the iPhone 3G. Inside the iPod / iPhone Dock Connecter are 30 metal pins. Previous iPods and iPhones allowed for charging either over pins reserved for the USB connection or pins reserved for the obsolete Firewire connection.
While Apple apparently announced this upcoming change to manufactures of “Made for iPod” accessories back in 2005, Apple only formerly discontinued Firewire charging support with the most recent iPods. New iPods and iPhones can only charge via the USB pin.
As such, there is no way that a software update can fix this issue in the future; this is truly a modification in iPod hardware.