Sorry if this post goes on a bit, and if I'm going over old ground, but I'm looking for suggestions/advice/comments on this project. Here we go:
First of all, I wasn't planning to buy an iPod. I had no intention of doing so. Then someone in the office bought a 60Gb photo, and I was quite impressed. the ITunes software also looked very good. Then the rotten so-and-so (who's a total fashion victim) saw the new, black, video iPod and had to have one. He then went and offered me his current unit for an excellent price, and I fell for it!
So, after a few weekends CD ripping, I've now got over 20 Gb of music loaded. I've also got a good set of headphones (Thanks, Sony!) and a connection to the stereo at home (thanks, Kengsington!). So now the tricky bit -getting it connected in the car.
The CCR2006 in my Signum is not exactly easy to connect to. Web searches only turn up one company that even mentions an iPod interface -Caraudioplus.co.uk, who sell the ICE-Link product. Unfortunately, this is not available for the 2006 any more. They pointed me toward their ICE Link FM product, which connects via the aerial input on the stereo, so should be better than the FM transmitter type of thing.
The trouble is, I don't really want a cradle with the iPod is, as I've already got a phone kit, and the dash will start looking like a Christmas tree soon. So, here's my plan:
I want a dock cable which hides in the back of the slot under the AC controls. The slot isn't any use for anything, and the iPod will slide in there nicely. Said cable should then provide charging volts and a line output to the stereo. I'll then use an FM interface which plugs into the aerial input on the stereo, and connect the whole lot together. I've already got the interface, which I used to use with an Mstation in my Omega, so I just need the cable. Belkin do one, but it comes with volume control, and the line out socket is a bit too near the dock connector. I want the line out to be behind the dash. I've finally tracked down a thing called an "IMP Autocharger" it's supposed to plug into the fag lighter, and gives a 3.5mm stereo jack line out. I'll probably connect it directly to 12V behind the dash, as I want the whole thing hidden. This may require chopping it to bits, but I'm not bothered about that. From there, it's just a 3.5mm stereo to phono adaptor to the FM interface, and we're done. I'll bash a hole in the back of the dash slot for the cable.
So, that's it. Any comments, ideas, suggestions? I also plan to put in a permanent supply for my Tom Tom cradle while I'm fiddling under the dash. I'll also try to document the whole thing.
Phil
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