Hi All - I finally got an iPod (should've got one long ago!) and am planning out my install. I'd appreciate input on which routes to go.

So, some specs: I have 2001 TT Coupe with Bose + Changer.(I think radio is Symphony)
iPod is new 20GB version with 4 buttons across top + wheel.

Want I'm looking for is this:
** I want hard-wired sound, not iTrip or FM transmitter. From what I've read it sounds like the FM transmitters have too many issues, plus I'm a stickler for sound quality. So I think I'm looking at either Jeff's changer adaptor or Blitzsafe's <a href="http://www.blitzsafe.com/blitz_catalog/blitz_aux/blitz_aux_list/blitz_audi/blitz_audi.html" target="_top">here</a>. It looks like the advantage to Jeff's is that I can switch back to the changer if needed(?) but it's not terrible if the changer is DOA after install. Also, I'd rather this adaptor connect at the changer so I don't have to pull out the headunit.

** I need power to the iPod, and want it charging in the car. So for this, it looks like I need two things: 1. Belkin's <a href="http://catalog.belkin.com/IWCatProductPage.process?Merchant_Id=&Section_Id=2 01526&pcount=&Product_Id=149006#" target="_top">power + amp connector</a> that connects at the base of the iPod and 2. Jeff's phone-to-lighter adaptor.

** Something to hold the iPod... Belkin's holder looks nice, though from what I've seen on the forum there are lots of options, many of which include drilling.


So those are my assumptions from what I've read so far. Thanks for any input / suggestions / corrections!

-Charlie

 

and there is the ice-link as well. It gives you control over the ipods functions through your stereo buttons! I think there was even a review of someone that bought it here not too long ago. It's pricey I personally bought the blitzsafe adapter and am perfectly happy with it.

As far as mounting, I bought a cell phone holder from radio shack and stuck it to my passenger knee bolster with the included sticky pad. Knee bolster is cheap enough to replace. The holder has a goose neck and is adjustable and removable for times when it gets in the way during aggressive driving, like autocross.

One of these days i'll take pics of my setup...<ul><li><a href="http://www.ice-link.com">ice-link for ipod</a></li></ul>

 

the power and preamp, into my adapter that gives you the input into the H/U via the changer.
I have built one, and have pics at home.
I can post these later, to see what you think about how it integrates.
The beauty of this merge/integration is that all power comes from the CD changer cable.
the iPod is powered through the dock connector, and the audio out from the iPod goes through this connector also.
You have a small black switch box in the cabin that has the volume control on it from the Belkin adapter, and a switch that switches the input. Coming out of this box is the white cable with the dock connector on it.
There is a cable on this black box that goes back to the adapter box at the CD changer.
It works

<img src="http://mk1tt.montebellopark.com/images/belkindetails.jpg">


<img src="http://mk1tt.montebellopark.com/images/belkin8.jpg">

 

the iPod through your radio controls and ignition on-off. You specify whether you want to interface behind radio or through CD connector. I choose changer interface.<ul><li><a href="https://forums.audiworld.com/tt/msgs/995718.phtml">iPod Ice-Link Interface</a></li></ul>

 

1. A Bipesian adapter between the CD changer cables. You end up with sound into the HU and a button to control whether or not the HU plays CD or iPod.

Then..

2. Added the Belkin power source (with amp input)switched via ignition. This unit was then hidden in the center console to the rear of the 'cubby' hole in front of the shifter.

Result is a powered, one wire connector to the iPod. this one wire exits the center median at the front mount point for the cell phone mount.

Here you can (almost) see the belkin one-wire solution as it exits the cell phone mount hole.
<img src="http://images5.fotki.com/v53/photos/1/10517/680097/DSCN9417-vi.jpg">

Result is: Switched power on, fully integrated iPod that sounds great. Only thing left for me to do is to add a mount and that is already ordered (sorry, no pics yet).

Good luck!

 

Very Cool, and Bipesian = ?

 

My word for Mr. Bipes' line of fine products.

 

YGM

 

I have a few questions.

First, it looks like you ran the Bipes wire from the Belkin amplifier back to the adapter that connects to the CD-changer cable. Does that run through the tunnel? How did you route it?

Second, what did it take to snake the Belkin cable from the cubby in front of the shifter, around the shifter and out of the hole on the side of the tunnel?

 

<center><img src="http://www.flatsurface.com/ttipod/fullview.jpg"></center><p><ul><li><a href="http://www.flatsurface.com/ttipod/">More info.</a></li></ul>