Most tidy iPod installation - Pics and advice please

[Charger_Pete]

Hi Peeps

CALLING ALL IPOD + MINI OWNERS!!

I know iPod installations have been covered a lot over the last year or so and i have read through the many threads on it already. What i want to see, and i believe will be useful for anyone thinking about getting an iPod, is a pic of your current installation and what parts were used. I have just bought a 40Gb iPod and want to have the tidiest install: i.e. as few trailing wires as possible.

Any advice on what parts to use and where to install would be most useful!

I look forward to seeing ya pics peeps

Thanks

C_P

[ABG]

I'll second that - I deffo need to find a way to use my 30Gb iPod in the MINI. I don't hold out much hope as I have satnav & a CD autochanger which from past threads all mkae things a bit trickier

[Charger_Pete]

Quote: Originally Posted by ABG

I'll second that - I deffo need to find a way to use my 30Gb iPod in the MINI. I don't hold out much hope as I have satnav & a CD autochanger which from past threads all mkae things a bit trickier

I was under the impression that if you have an AUX port at the back of your Boost Stereo (I have HK and was built in March 03 so should be there) you should be able to plug in another source. CD autochanger is in the boot i presume and sat nav shouldn't effect AUX input (correct me if i am wrong - no doubt i am )

If your head unit has an AUX port, get the AUX adaptor installed and all should be ok.

C_P

[ABG]

It's been a while since I read the threads, but I got the impression that the satnav unit make it v. difficult to get access to the back of the head unit.

At some stage I'm going to have to look for myself aren't I

[GAMini]

I know the way I have my IPod may not be the most ingeneous but it works for me. I got the Aux/Iput installed in below the toggels and bought a car charger for my IPod. Two wires, and the Ipod sits in my cupholder. The cupholder seems like it was designed for anything and everything except cups!

Anyway check out my pics for my set up....it works great for me

[mikeythemini]

Having the sat nav doesn't make it any more difficult to get at the back of the radio

[ABG]

Quote: Originally Posted by mikeythemini

Having the sat nav doesn't make it any more difficult to get at the back of the radio

Thanks for the info Mikey! (That'll teach me to try an rely on half read threads from weeks ago .)

[punkeyfunky]

Pete...

I just got my iPod installed; shame I didn't get it done in time for the bormingham run!

I'll take some pics later tonight. Mounting frame was from mikethemini, he also told me where to get the actual cradle for my iPod. I then bought the aux kit for my stereo (not the factory HU) and presto, working solution.

As I say, pic to follow....



Lee

[snid]

I'm not sure where my pics are these days... I've done the iPod thing two different ways so far. First was with a homemade aux in cable and putting the iPod dock between the center console down tubes. I think that is the way to go for "low profile" installs. And, it's cake to take the iPod out of the car, just pop it out of the dock - no need to mess with any wires.

For some reason I cannot remember - something to do with noise in the homemade cable, I am now using the Belkin stuff - auto kit (charger and line in) and tune-dok (cup holder cradle thingy). The iPod is more visible this route, but that may be a good thing. The buttons are easier to hit and I can actually see the screen. It's a little more work to remove the iPod - you have to push in the sides of the connector on the auto kit, but that's still not bad. A little more wiring visible with this. The power thing is only a few inches from the dock connector of the iPod, but there's a 2 foot or so cable to deal with. Oh well...

I'll try to remember to take and include some pictures in the near future.

[GAMini]

So the tune-dok fits well inside the factory cupholders?

[gypsyslady]

Anyone tried the iRock FM Transmitter to play their iPod in their MINI?

Thinking about getting one for my husband --seems to be alot more convenient than plugging into the back of the stereo and can preset a station to the range it will transmit to. Could also use around the house.

Curious if anyone has a real application and review of this? Thanks!

[d2create]

Quote: Originally Posted by gypsyslady

Anyone tried the iRock FM Transmitter to play their iPod in their MINI?

Thinking about getting one for my husband --seems to be alot more convenient than plugging into the back of the stereo and can preset a station to the range it will transmit to. Could also use around the house.

Curious if anyone has a real application and review of this? Thanks!

Look for the iTrip. From what i've heard (reviews) and from actually using one for a day, it may be the best FM transmitter.

[gypsyslady]

Quote: Originally Posted by d2create

Look for the iTrip. From what i've heard (reviews) and from actually using one for a day, it may be the best FM transmitter.

That's really excellent --don't think it was avail for the new iPod when we bought it, but it's now shipping! I'll definately go that route now. Thanks!

[guru220]

best thing i have seen is a FM radio thing that you connect to the headphone socket and just lay the ipod next to you somewhere (cupholder or something) and then tune to a frequency like 88.0 or something not used by a station then it plays without wires. it then remains portable and connectable.

[font]

I bought an iTrip at the local Apple Store (I tried buying one direct from Griffin, but they are apparently almost always behind with orders and will only send one out in a timely manner if order cancellation is threatened -- thus making some other poor *** wait around even longer) and tried it out just before I got my MCS. In my testing in a late-model Infiniti I30 and in a Mercedes M-series, I was unable to get the iTrip to broadcast a clear signal to the head unit unless I held the iPod right up to within 20 cm of the faceplate. I paid the restocking fee and resolved to go wired when it came to put the iPod in the MINI. However, your mileage may vary. I would suggest trying it out (borrow from friend) before parting with the cash to see if the performance is satisfactory.