Cheap iPod to Stereo Interface

[JGD Member Find all posts View Profile Close JGD]

I got sick of the crappy audio while using my iPod with an FM transmitter so I purchased and installed one of these adaptors over the weekend. It allows my iPod to operate with the factory stereo, making my iPod audio as clear as a CD and allowing me to charge the iPod at the same time.

The adaptor was purchased through eBay for a total cost of $84.95 (that included postage). It took 48 hours to arrive and installation took me about 20 minutes.





The adaptor connects to the spare CD changer port on the rear of the stereo - this port was available on my stereo, even through a CD changer is not an option. You then select the adaptor using the CD button (one press goes to the CD player, press again to the iPod adaptor, press again to go back to CD etc).

There are other adaptors available (I can think of the VIAS as one) but most are well over $200. This is a bargain in comparison.

This adaptor does not display the song names being played on the stereo or allow control through the radio, but as I didn't want this feature anyway (seems pointless on a one line 20 character display!) it doesn't affect me, however it may be something you want.

The eBay seller I purchased this adaptor from was "caripodcables" but you may be able to get them from elsewhere - and I have NO connection whatsoever with the eBay seller mentioned, apart from being a satisfied customer!

Cheers,
JGD

[Golly Advanced Member Find all posts View Profile Close Golly]

Re: Cheap iPod to Stereo Interface

an even cheaper way is to buy one of the Black Widow dash buddys like in my build up, and put the IPOD into one of the sleaves. I then use a 25cm jack to jack from Ipod to the AUX input on the stereo. Perfect! if you dont mind the little cable run.

[fishnut Advanced Member Find all posts View Profile Close fishnut]

Re: Cheap iPod to Stereo Interface

Golly, the early models don't have the Aux input.

But they do play cassettes :lol: - I use a cassette adapter if I want to run the ipod

but I like your new toy, GJD

[GDS Member Find all posts View Profile Close GDS]

Re: Cheap iPod to Stereo Interface

But they do play cassettes :lol:

For those born after 1980..... This is a cassette!

[Golly Advanced Member Find all posts View Profile Close Golly]

Re: Cheap iPod to Stereo Interface

But they do play cassettes :lol:

For those born after 1980..... This is a cassette!

hahaha classic, mate I tore through some of the ole TDK's in my early days.

[ntp Addicted PP Member Find all posts View Profile Close ntp]

Re: Cheap iPod to Stereo Interface

hahaha classic, mate I tore through some of the ole TDK's in my early days.

OT, I know. But I also remember when this was also how I stored information from my computer before floppy discs, CDs, external hard drives, etc! :shock:

[comp.dad Junior Member Find all posts View Profile Close comp.dad]

Re: Cheap iPod to Stereo Interface

But they do play cassettes :lol:

For those born after 1980..... This is a cassette!

hahaha classic, mate I tore through some of the ole TDK's in my early days.

Had about 120 upstairs... Tried to sell at a garage sale.. The young ones just don't get it :lol: Was almost going to pull out an old 8 track cartridge but thought better :roll:

[Sunday Member Find all posts View Profile Close Sunday]

Re: Cheap iPod to Stereo Interface

GJD: what a great post! I've been putting up with crappy FM - delivered ipod playback as well. I didn't realise options such as this were available for my (2003 vintage) bog standard stereo head unit without an aux input.

I'll track something like this down. Thanks heaps.

Sunday

[2003GXL Junior Member Find all posts View Profile Close 2003GXL]

Re: Cheap iPod to Stereo Interface

JGD , Where abouts have you mounted this little beauty and are you stil happy with it. I am currenty using one of those Mobile car mp3 player with FM Modulator that plug into the cigarette lighter and use a radio station to pick up the sound. The quality is sh#t and this unit sound like the ducks guts so to speak.

[JGD Member Find all posts View Profile Close JGD]

Re: Cheap iPod to Stereo Interface

Hey Greg,

Mate I'm still very happy with this adaptor. Just got back from a trip from Sydney to Brisbane and Fraser Island and it worked flawlessly.

I've mounted the little box behind the radio with the double sided tape and I ran the iPod cable through to the glove box where I normally have the iPod.

Having used an FM transmitter type setup before buying this adaptor I know how crappy they can be. This definitely makes the sound far, far better and for a decent cost.

[Mark Smith Junior Member Find all posts View Profile Close Mark Smith]

Re: Cheap iPod to Stereo Interface

Hi JGD

I'm chasing one of these to fit to my Pioneer DEH4650P. Pioneer have their own version but it doesn't work properly with my head unit since they upgraded thier ipod player to suit the latest head units ( so i'm told). I've looked up your seller on ebay but can't find these units listed. Have you got a link by chance? I'm also assuming you used ebay Aust?

Many thanks

Mark

[speed_racer Member Find all posts View Profile Close speed_racer]

Re: Cheap iPod to Stereo Interface

Do you know if this will fit a prado which already has a 6 stack cd changer? is that plug already used?

[Novice Lurker Find all posts View Profile Close Novice]

Re: Cheap iPod to Stereo Interface

by speed_racer on Sun Sep 06, 2009 11:19 pm

Do you know if this will fit a prado which already has a 6 stack cd changer? is that plug already used?

Maybe all the guys installing the digi will have an answer to this question??? I'd like to know as well.

Pete

[FlyingBushPig Advanced Member Find all posts View Profile Close FlyingBushPig]

Re: Cheap iPod to Stereo Interface

But they do play cassettes :lol:

For those born after 1980..... This is a cassette!

hahaha classic, mate I tore through some of the ole TDK's in my early days.

Had about 120 upstairs... Tried to sell at a garage sale.. The young ones just don't get it :lol: Was almost going to pull out an old 8 track cartridge but thought better :roll:
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OT but did you know the first digital camera, made in 1975 used cassette tapes to store the images!
I still have a Sony walkman CD player with the cassette adapter we used to use in our 73 series. Them were the days.

Haven't really bought into the Ipod thing though, I upload MP3's for my phone but when in the car I figure it takes me less time to burn MP3s to a disc then it does to get them onto an ipod.

I hate carrying stuff around. As it is, being a diabetic I have insulin pens, blood tester, wallet, phone, glasses, keys, loose change etc.
One day I'm sure i'll get an iphone though.

[speed_racer Member Find all posts View Profile Close speed_racer]

Re: Cheap iPod to Stereo Interface

by speed_racer on Sun Sep 06, 2009 11:19 pm

Do you know if this will fit a prado which already has a 6 stack cd changer? is that plug already used?

Maybe all the guys installing the digi will have an answer to this question??? I'd like to know as well.

Pete

Anyone know the answer to this? Im still using the FM transmitter and whilst its not too bad i would prefer a direct line in. 8)