Alpine KCA-620M: USB interface for Ai-Net

**chuyler1** · 02-28-2006, 11:17 PM

http://www.alpine-usa.com/en/product...KCA-620M&tab=D

Want to play music from your USB thumb drive or portable MP3 player? For playback of all your MP3's, connect your MP3 player to the KCA-620M USB adapter, and control your music right from your Alpine Ai-NET head unit. Use Quick Search™ to find your music quickly.

I just found this while browsing Alpine's website. It sounds like it has some potential for Carputer people. The first thought that came to my mind was simply connecting an external USB drive instead of a small thumb drive. Its due out in April so I guess we'll see.

**Hark** · 03-01-2006, 08:54 AM

Very interesting - sounds like soon Alpine will offer products to replace needing CarPCs completely.

**chuyler1** · 03-01-2006, 10:24 AM

A great setup from Alpine's new lineup would be:
IVA-W200 ($1100) - Double Din Head unit / DVD
KCA-620M ($160), USB adapter for mp3 playback from a disc
KCA-100BT ($220), bluetooth integration for cellphone (hands free)

...and add some other goodies and you've got a system that is very competitive with the CarPuter scene. It's priced right too.

**MatrixPC** · 03-01-2006, 10:43 AM

Good stuff, but people building carPC not just for DVD/movie, MP3, GSP, .....
We build CarPC to surf for PORN when network available

Alpine, Elipse, Pioneer can't do that yet or may not be that cheap.

**chuyler1** · 03-01-2006, 11:34 AM

I'm sure Alpine is working on the WiFi PORN search adapter for Ai-Net as we speak. (LOL)

Everyone has different plans for their carputers. Most already have a head unit or intend on connecting their carputer to one. If all they are looking for is a music bank, this is a cheap alternative to building an entire carputer.

**Freelander** · 03-01-2006, 11:46 AM

The Pyle PLCD63WMU has been on the market for over a year. same thing

on sale, only $120

**MatrixPC** · 03-01-2006, 12:12 PM

There are few HU (Dual, Clarion, ... ) that has USB plug in the front.

BTW, I don't mind getting the Alpine USB adapter for 20-40 bucks. I am not sure if I am willing to spend more than 41 bucks.
Great solution to people for people who want simple way.

**chuyler1** · 03-01-2006, 01:52 PM

I wouldn't buy the Pyle unit but Clarion's unit has restrictions...
http://www.clarion.com/us/en/product...643389085.html

USB Input for Compressed Digital Audio

Anything with a USB output plugs right into the DB365USB so you can hear your music through your mobile entertainment system. The USB (Universal Serial Bus) port takes MP3 and WMA files from portable digitalaudio players and other devices. This source unit can handle 255 digital audio files. File names can be up to 28 characters long, and folder names can be up to 16 characters long.

Alpine will probably have similar restrictions. Oh well, it was a good idea while it lasted.

**turbocad6** · 03-01-2006, 02:00 PM

".... some potential" you say?

as soon as it's out I want one, this is the first real step towards integrating a carpc with an alpine multimedia setup, which is what I need

**chuyler1** · 03-01-2006, 02:11 PM

Read my last post though. I'm sure Alpine's hardware will have restrictions on the number of files it can reference the same way Clarion's unit does. However, some Alpine units support DVD MP3 audio so they must have the capability of referencing more than 255 files....unless that is a USB restriction.