Ford Edge Sync system and 80Gig iPod video

[byrne2310]

I am considering loading Rockbox on my 80 Gig iPod video.  One of the iPod's most interesting uses that I would not want to lose, however, is its compatibility with the Ford Edge Sync system which includes navigation, sound system, and phone voice controls.  The Edge has a USB connection into the new Sync system built into the car.  This allows me to control the iPod remotely, either from the dashboard console or, most importantly, with simple voice commands that the Sync system is designed to recognize.  The latter control gives me hands free control for the iPod.  Although the Edge comes with a line jack as well, for use with ANY MP3 player, that does not support either console or voice control of the connected device.

I am concerned that I will lose the console and voice controls by loading Rockbox on my 80 Gig iPod video.  Is that true?  Has anyone tried to use an iPod Rockbox with Ford Sync systems?

Jim Byrne

[GodEater]

The system you describe will almost certainly NOT work with your iPod while it is running Rockbox.

However installing Rockbox does not mean you can not use the original Apple firmware as well - we provide a dual boot option that lets you select which software your iPod will run when you turn it on. This is detailed in the manual.

Provided you continue to load music onto your iPod using iTunes then you can use both Rockbox (when you're using your iPod outside your car), and the Apple OS whenever you like.

Please of course make sure that your iPod is a proper "Video" and NOT the new iPod "Classic", which Rockbox does not run on.

[elemenohpee]

Is this still the case?  I would love to be able to listen to all my FLAC files in my car.  If it's not working or not possible, could someone humor me with a semi-technical explanation?

[torne]

We support the Apple accessory protocol better than we did in 2008, and there's more work on it ongoing, but it's still not necessarily possible to get it to work with any particular accessory (yes, from Apple's POV your car is an iPod accessory )

Try it and see.