Vol. 03: Hardwired iPod

Want a better way to play MP3s through your car stereo than using an FM transmitter or a cassette adapter? Cut the static by connecting your iPod to your stereo's aux jack.

By Damien Stolarz

+ Downloads & Extras:

iPod Aux Adapter Sources

Most adapters give you limited control of your iPod via the receiver. Some brand name car stereo companies have adapters that will show artist/song information on the receiver's display. They range in price from $100-$500.

logjamelectronics.com

monstercable.com

Pros: Charges batteries, best sound quality. Cons: Expensive, and installation can be difficult for certain cars, receivers, and adapters.

� MAKE: NOISE — Discuss this article

You must be logged in to post a talkback.
[ Display main threads only] [ Oldest First]

Showing messages 1 through 5 of 5.

How can I learn how to get in there?
You must be logged in to reply.

I'm great with computers, I'm awesome with audio, but I don't have much car experience. I know if I coul get in there I could rig up a mini jack to plug in my pod, problem is:

1.) don't know how to get the head unit out.
2.) don't know where to look to learn how.
2.) a) everywhere I do look charges for the INFO.

Any links or tips?

Posted by simontarr on October 18, 2005 at 20:26:22 Pacific Time

What about using the CD Changer Connection?
You must be logged in to reply.

Surely there must be a way to hook the sound output of my mp3 player to the CD changer connection that already exists on my factory stereo. I'd have to fool the stereo into thinking there's really a changer there, and then pick up the sound inputs. Does anyone have an idea of how to go about that? Specifically on a 1995 BMW 325?
Posted by billtheprinter on July 29, 2005 at 08:33:35 Pacific Time

What about using the CD Changer Connection?
You must be logged in to reply.

I found a place that has exactly that... they are some group of electronics hackers who have made lots of adapters for all different cars called Neo Adapter... I got one from a local dealer but the main company page is
www.neocaraudio.com

Posted by JasonLoop on November 21, 2006 at 19:55:06 Pacific Time

What about using the CD Changer Connection?
You must be logged in to reply.

I found a place that has exactly that... they are some group of electronics hackers who have made lots of adapters for all different cars called Neo Adapter... I got one from a local dealer but the main company page is
www.neocaraudio.com> A+++ in my book.

Posted by JasonLoop on November 21, 2006 at 19:54:00 Pacific Time

Pioneer iPod® Adapter - CD-IB100
You must be logged in to reply.

I recently added this unit to my Pioneer DEH-P7400MP head end, and it is working well as a high quality audio interface to my system.

http://www.pioneer-eur.com/eur/product_detail.jsp?product_id=10148&taxonomy_id=25-38

The DEH-P7400MP is not specifically listed as compatible with the CD-IB100, and there are some limitations. Individual song navigation is almost impossible - you have to scroll down from the top of the list. If I want a specific song, I unplug it from the car, select it using the iPod's interface, then replug it in. Play starts right back where I left it. This works well for long, recorded radio shows.

Declan
www.declan.net
Posted by declansn on July 25, 2005 at 22:14:43 Pacific Time

Showing messages 1 through 5 of 5.

Join the conversation -- every MAKE article has an online page that includes a place for discussion. We've made these RSS and Atom feeds to help you watch the discussions: subscribe.