So I had my new Alpine head unit (CDA-9830) and Alpine iPod interface (KCA-420i) installed on Friday. The head unit worked great, but the 420i did not work. I have a 3rd generation iPod with version 2.2 (latest update) on it. When I plugged the iPod into the 420i, it did begin to charge and the Alpine head unit did notice that something was plugged into it, but "Alpine" never appeared on the iPod and the head unit never took control of the iPod. I called both Alpine and Crutchfield (where I bought it), and they said that as soon as I plug in the iPod it should say "Alpine" and the head unit should take control. So they told me to check the connections, which I did and they were fine. They also told me to try resetting the iPod and the head unit, but that did not work either. So they told me to send the unit back and they will send me a new one. So when I get the new one, I will try again. So I just wanted to check if anyone else has had any issues with the 420i using a 3G iPod. Hopefully it was just a bad unit or cable that I received, but I am a little skeptical because the iPod was charging and the stereo was realizing it was connected to something. Maybe the processor was shot. Thanks

 

I have a 20g 3G ipod connected to an older alpine 9815 and the headunit sees the ipod without any problems. I also upgraded to version 2.2. Only thing I've noticed is after playing music from the ipod, when I disconnect the ipod I notice that the repeat function is turned on in the ipod.

 

I also have a 20 GB 3G iPod with software version 2.2. I guess I received a bad 420i Unit. They just shipped me a new one today, so I guess we will see this weekend.

As soon as you plug your iPod in, does it say "Alpine" on the iPod?

And what does your Head unit say when you plug the iPod in and switch it to CD Changer?

 

it actually says iPod when it's first connected.

 

Nice, I must say I am jealous. Hopefully I received a bad unit and the new one will work this weekend. Thanks.

 

Hehe it's even better when the control is built in like the 9856