ipods. I have to ask again...

[bsauer]

has anybody out there found any AUX input adapter for the '05s?
also for those who have a FM Modulator what brand and what do you think about it?

[IDSmoker]

While I haven't gotten my Magnum yet, I've been looking INTO this problem as well.

Until someone comes up with an adapter to use the satellite radio port, I think our best bet, sound wise, is using FM modulators.

Here's what I've found on them so far:

• Audiovox FMM100A FM Modulator - one of the more popular units.
• David Navone's N-724 - looks like a pretty good alternative.
• Antenna Port Adapters - these may be needed, I'm not sure yet.

Let me know what you end up going with...

[henry]

No Aux input on the LX radios.

Use an iTrip or another FM modulator. A wired FM modulator with a wired input is probably more robust than the iTrip.

Henry

[Scorpx]

I just found out that Alpine has an iPod interface module that charges and allows the Alpine head unit to control the iPod. The unit costs $100 and $25 for install. I currently use the iTrip mini, it works fine except you really have to turn up the volume on your stereo. Unfortunatly is sounds way better just playing a CD. I am getting the interface installled with a new Alpine CD player this weekend. I will post back after it is installed.

www.alpine-usa.com

[n8thegr8]

With someone with some experience with CAN-Bus and some ASIC programming skills, it shouldn't be too hard to put together an adapter that would work with the Nav system.

Looking at how the UConnect and Sirius devices integrate with the system, I would imagine that it would be possible to make devices that "publish" new modes for the stereo. Just as the "Mode" button switches between CD and SAT, it could switch between AUX, or even IPOD, if the devices were designed well.

I hope some third party realizes the market potential for one of these devices, seeing how the CAN-Bus appears to be taking over the industry. If I knew just a little more and had more skills, I'd put together a breadbox board that would at least do AUX.

(I could probably help out someone who wanted to do a real iPod integration by getting the specs and protocols for iPod communication and control FROM some engineers here.)

[bradlt]

I've been looking for an elegant interface to hook my iPod up to my 300C AWD with NAV, UConnect and Sirius. I'm hoping that I'm not out of inputs on the head unit.

Someone must be coming out with this sort of thing. I don't care if it costs $150 or so, I just want my iPod running in my new car.

[DucatiBoy]

I would recommend one of those audiovox fm modulators. It cuts out the fm antenna in while it's on.

I also ran the RCA inputs and mounted them in the center console and it looks good and can play my ipod in the car over FM. It's not a direct Aux input, but it's not bad.

[bsauer]

DB, do you have any pics of your hook up?

[JimE]

i just saw in todays paper a pioneer cd-18100 which allows you to play your ipod through the car stereo.

[IDSmoker]

If you are willing to REPLACE the entire sound system (head-unit and amp at least), then you may want to take a look at the 2005 Alpine head-units. Here's a copy of their press release.

I have no idea when these will actually be out, but at least one of the new models is being listed on Crutchfield's web site.

[DucatiBoy]

DB, do you have any pics of your hook up?

Yes, I do, I have just be lazy to get them off my camera to post them here for everyone.

[DucatiBoy]

DB, do you have any pics of your hook up?

Sorry it took so long to get these posted....

I tapped off the power for the cigarette lighter in the smokers GROUP but you could tap power off the power point in the center console. Then ran RCA cables and made RCA jacks in the center console and put a power switch for the FM modulator just to have control (some have auto sensing, but just incase)....

[DucatiBoy]

here are more

[IDSmoker]

DucatiBoy: You ought to turn those posts INTO an article for the KnowledgeBase!

[sasksebring]

My Magnum is arriving this weekend, and I'm also looking for an iPod hardwiring option. I've been using the Griffin iTrip, and although it is designed great for the iPod, I want better sound. The JVC head unit I bought for my Sebring 3 years ago has the aux input right on the front of the head unit. Works great. The only option I didn't ORDER on the Magnum was an upgraded radio because there's no way I'm shelling out that kind of dough when I have a 20 gig iPod.
Now here's a link with some potential:

http://www.discountcarstereo.com/detail.aspx?ID=712

This is EXACTLY what I've been looking for. It would be so awesome to be able to use the steering wheel audio controls. The dealmaker is the extra aux-in so I can use my iBook or Powerbook to play DVD's on those long road trips.

Only problem is they don't list the magnum or 300 as an option. Does anyone know if the Magnum's radio is compatible with any of the others listed on the site?