Connecting an iPod/MP3 Player to Factory Radios/Nav Systems

[IDSmoker]

It looks like the best bet may be an FM modulator, unless....

I've 'heard' that the Navigation system is manufactured by Alpine (but I'm not sure of the other stock radios). If this is true, can anyone tell me if the system comes with one of Alpine's ai-Net interface/ports?

It is my understanding that Alpine will be coming out with an ai-Net compatible interface device for the iPod this fall. This device will allow the radio to not only display track/album information FROM the iPod, but will also allow the radio controls (including the steering wheel controls?) to control the playback of the iPod.

If the stock units don't support this feature, I can always REPLACE them with a "real" Alpine head unit, but it would certainly be nice if the stock units could handle this!

Does anyone know anything more about this?

[Blanchman]

Wow, this would be such a cool feature....

I've been wondering this myself, as a multiple iPod owner.

I have used the FM broadcast method before, as in the iTrip, but am generall disatisfied with its performance. I went back to a cassette interface in my Explorer, which sounds soo much better.

[IDSmoker]

Yes, it seems that sound quality improves as you move down the following list:

1. FM Transmitter
2. Cassette Interface
3. FM Modulator
4. Headphone Out to Aux In
5. Aux Out (thru base or other special cable) to Aux In

Supposedly the BMW interface (the one FROM the commercials), will eventually allow the radio to display track information. It is also currently limited to only 5 "special" playlists, and does not allow you to switch among your normal playlists.

Another couple of interesting possibilities are the Denison ice>Link and the Pac AUX-Pod, but both of these devices use vehicle-specific harnesses to connect to the factory radios, and I have heard that something about the Magnum (and the new Durango) radios prevents them FROM using the "standard" Dodge/Chrysler harness. Yet another reason I'm posting here looking for more information! <grin>

It looks like Alpine has just put up a Flash Demo on their new iPod interface. Take a look!

[IDSmoker]

I found another possible solution at Neo Car Audio but it seems to suffer FROM the same problem as the Denison and PAC units, in that it's 'vehicle compatiblity' list specifically says that it's Dodge wiring harness does not work with the 2004 Durango or Magnum!?!? What's up with that?

Is this because of the new Can-Bus system? Is the Can-Bus communication protocol available to the accessory makers? If not, then it will be a long time before we see accessories that can use the EVIC display.

Has anyone heard when/if we can expect to see a wiring harness that will work with the Magnum (or the new Durango for that matter)?

[lightmejohnny]

Hi Ijust got the alpine CDA-9835 with the AI-Ipod adapter KCA-4201 intalled by Kromer in Toronto on my 300. Its sweet I only have to take the ipod out to add more tunes as it charges it as well. The best feature is i can rerad the the playlists on the deck and autoscroll.

[Badwolf]

Monster announced the new iCruze to let ipod be connected to and be controlled via cd changer or satellite port!

saw the news on ipodlounge.com

[BobF's 6POINT1]

I don't have an iPod, I have Creative Nomad. I'm not worried about controlling the MP3 Player with radio controls, only getting sound out of my speakers. (not FM sound).
Anything that will work for me?

[snickle]

I am trying to splice INTO the satellite connectioon for my Nomad. Sholud work like a champ

[IDSmoker]

bobf: Until someone posts a How-To (with pictures) of a hookup that works with the satellite connection on the Magnum's radios, the only method that I know will work is an FM modulator. It wires inline with your FM antenna. You can find them at most car audio stores (online and B&M), although you may need an adapter cable for the DC antenna ports.

To all who've talked about using the satellite connection (on this and other threads)... I'm not doubting your car audio knowledge, it's just that I've read a lot of posts FROM people who have discovered unexpected issues associated with the Magnum's can-bus system while trying to do other upgrades.

I'm afraid that until the aftermarket accessory market starts specifically supporting the Magnum (IOW, until someone cracks the can-bus issue), I'm going to be strictly a "Show Me" kind of person when it comes to these kinds of upgrades.


sorry snickle, I didn't mean for this to sound like I was unloading on you specifically, it's just that I've been reading a lot of theories lately in areas where I've been looking for facts. Hopefully, now that I finally have my Magnum, I can start contributing some facts myself.

[Ruppstar]

http://www.monstercable.com/press/pr..._11_icruze.asp

[BobF's 6POINT1]

Two-hundred bucks!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Maybe I'd pay $30 for what I'm looking for. Just give me a jack for the MP3 Player.

It makes me insane that this isn't on every manufacturer's list of options. This is 2004 for God's sake!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[IDSmoker]

I don't know why any manufacturer would create a car radio these days without at least providing a set of Aux RCA inputs in back. You can find that 'feature' on some of the cheapest head-units on the market!

The more expensive units, like the Monster Cable iCruze, are trying to provide even better integration for the Apple iPod (since Apple has most of the MP3 player market in their pocket at the moment). The only difference I see with the iCruze (which is priced in line with the Denison, Aux-Pod, and Neo units), is that they mention being able to connect through the HU's satellite radio port.

Unfortunately, I think the iCruze will probably suffer the same problem as those people trying to hook an aftermarket satellite radio up to the factory Magnum radios.... the radio doesn't seem to support anything that can't provide the expected signals on the can-bus network.

We'll just have to wait and see if the iCruze can overcome this problem. According to their site, it should be out in another month or so.

[AndyK]

$200 is about what I'd expect for sirius/changer interface w/ track info.

If you want a $30 option, just install a wired FM modulator.

Hopefully this'll work w/ CANBUS.

[BobF's 6POINT1]

Bought a hard wire one for my Tahoe for $30. I owuldn't dream of going through the FM. I'd start burinng CDs before that.

[IDSmoker]

Yep, I'm planning on using a modulator to tide me over until someone manages to crack the can-bus issue.

You know, after using an iPod (via cassette adapter) in my old car for 2 years, it really feels limited to be stuck with only 6 CDs worth of MP3s! I have song collections of individual artists that won't fit on a single CD!!!

I think I've been spoiled! <grin>