What exactly comes with Hybrid Stereo
Adapter order?
The kit comes with an assembled, tested interface board wrapped in a
foam insulator, a "Y" cable to connect the interface board to the car,
two mounting brackets, a screw, a ground cable, a printed instruction
sheet, and a video showing how to install it (on VCD disk, or VHS
cassette if you prefer). Of course you also get a brand new Jensen
MP3510 or MP3310 depending on which unit you order. There is everything
you need for a complete installation - there is nothing more to buy.
See a photo of the contents with the
MP3510and with the MP3310.
What tools are required to install the
adapter?
You'll need a philips screwdriver, a drill with 9/64" bit, a 12 mm
wrench, and a few inches of electrical tape.
How long will it take me to install
this?
It will take about one hour. I'm able to install it in about 15
minutes, but I've got some experience.
Do you get to see the artist and song
title embedded in the MP3 file on the Prius screen?
No, but this information is shown on the Jensen faceplate, which can
also be selected to show other useful information.
I already have a Toyota CD player or 6
disc changer. Can I still do this?
Yes, but you will have to remove your existing cd player/changer and
replace it with the Jensen.
What forms of payment do you accept?
You can pay with Paypal
(which allows you to use Visa, Mastercard, Discover or American
Express), personal check, or US Postal money order. To send a personal
check or money order, here is my address.
Please e-mail if you send payment in the mail so I can reserve the
product for you.
The Jensen seems to have an AM/FM
radio capability. Is this useable?
Possibly. Normally you don't connect an antenna to the Jensen, so
if "DISC" is selected on the Prius Dash and you select FM on the Jensen
you will hear static because there is no antenna connection. If you do
connect an antenna you could tune radio stations through the Jensen but
there really is no need for this because the Prius AM/FM radio
continues to provide these functions. It's also not a good idea to
split the antenna signal and feed it to both radios because this will
hurt performance of both radios for receiving weak/fading radio
stations.
How does the Auxilary input on the
Jensen work?
When you select "DISC" on the Prius dash, you hear whatever sound
the Jensen system is producing. If its mode is set to AUX, then you'll
get the sound from whatever you have plugged into the Jensen AUX input,
such as a portable tape recorder. If nothing is plugged into the Jensen
AUX input, you will hear no sound in this mode.
The Jensen has its own power
amplifier. Does it drive the speakers?
No. My product does not use the power driving capability of the
Jensen stereo. The power amplifier in the Prius stereo continues to
drive the speakers. Although I don't know its specifications, it does
provide very good audio quality. In fact the main limitations to sound
quality in the Prius are the factory speakers and vehicle/road noise.
My car has the navigation option, can
I still use this product?
Absolutely! The Hybrid Stereo Adapter does not interfere with any
aspects of the normal operation of the car's screen/button functions.
What is the Warranty coverage?
The Jensen comes with a one year limited warranty from the
manufacturer. The Hybrid Stereo Adapter has a one year limited warranty
from me.
What is your return policy?
See the Warranty and return policy.
What shipping method do you use?
All Product ship by USPS Priority Mail. I can also ship next-day
Express Mail if you arrange this in advance and pay extra.
How long does it take after you receive payment before you ship the product?
Usually I ship products the day after I receive payment, but
sometimes this is not possible. If there is more than one day delay in
shipping I will contact you to let you know what the status is.
Can I use this with a [ insert
favorite brand here ] in-dash unit
instead of the Jensen?
Presently, only the Jensen MP3510, MP3310 and MP5010k are supported.
The only changes needed for some other in-dash units would be software
for the new IR-remote codes and a new wiring diagram. I may be
able to do this for a fee, but be advised that few other stereos offer
as complete controllability via IR remote as the Jensen does.
Will this drain my battery when I'm
not driving?
No. The adapter board only draws power when the key is on, and very
little even then. The Jensen does draw a very small amount of power with
the key off to run its clock. This is negligibly small compared to the
battery drain of the Prius' own systems.
Can the installation be completely
reversed?
No. You need to drill one small hole in the dash fascia (behind the
door in a very difficult to see location) - the hole is the only
irreversible change to the car.
Yikes! Drilling into the dash sounds
scary! What if I drill through something important by accident?
Don't worry. The facia will be removed from the car when you drill it,
and it would be hard to make a mistake then. It is made of plastic so
there is no danger of the hole causing rust either.
I already have a portable MP3 device.
Isn't there some cheap kludge for using it with my Prius?
Yes. You may want to consider an FM modulator. The SF121 from www.arkon.com is quite
reasonably priced. There are also cassette adapter type solutions
available.
