Index of iPod installs

[TreeSki]

I put this index together because I realize we have a large number of people looking to integrate iPods into their systems and many of the same questions arise. Below, you will find some answers to iPod FAQ's, as well as a listing and links of some of the installs throughout the forum.


Does my OEM headunit have an aux input?

02 - 06: No, the OEM Subaru headunits do not come with aux-inputs. There are some creative ways to add an aux input, the most popular and well documented is the following: http://www.scoobymods.com/forums/sho...?threadid=1132. This gives step-by-step instructions on adding an aux-input to your OEM radio by integrating a tape adapter permanently into your tape deck.

Also, a NASIOC vendor, Jazzy Engineering, also now offers conversion kits to add an aux-input to your stock head unit. The reviews all seem positive thus far. For more info, check out this website: http://www.jazzyengineering.com/index.php?cPath=21

07: Some of these come with an aux-input jack next to the cig. lighter.


If I don't have an aux-input, can I still install my iPod?

Yes, you have a few options here. See below for more details.


Ok, so I don't have an aux-input. What's a FM Modulator?

Essentially, this will broadcast a signal through a FM station from your iPod which you dial to on your radio. The signal is not always the greatest and the sound quality is, at best, radio worthy. These can be purchased at your local Best Buy or similar retailer. A good option for someone who is not looking for an 'integrated' solution.


I don't like this FM Modulator idea. What else is there?

You can use a trusty tape adapter: one of the 'old school' adapters you probably used to play your portable CD player through the tape deck in your Granny's Buick. These will work about the same as they did when you did that: not all that great, but a viable option in a pinch.


I've heard about Alpine and some integration of iPods. Explain...

Alpine has a product out which directly integrates an iPod into some of their aftermarket headunits. More information can be learned through this link: http://www.vwvortex.com/artman/publi...icle_650.shtml or by doing a Google search. Essentially, it consists of a 'brain' which is daisy chained between the iPod and the headunit to send the signals both ways. Once this is hooked up, song titles will appear on the Alpine face and volume/track/list control can be done from the headunit. Has gotten good reviews thus far.

NEW ALPINE INFO: http://forums.nasioc.com/forums/showthread.php?t=694791

NEW CLARION INFO: http://www.pcmag.com/article2/0,1759,1749985,00.asp
Essentially an Alpine-like iPod integration method for all new Clarion models.


Are there any other integration methods?

Another product available is 'iceLink' by Dension: http://www.densionusa.com/x/index.ph...407&Itemid=109. This product looks to be a promising adapter method as it utilizes the existing CD changer jack in the rear of many OEM radios as an entry point for the iPod. While it is not available yet for any Subaru vehilces, it is a product to keep on the radar screen and follow along its development path...

Ok, so Dension doesn't make this iceLink thing for us yet, but they do offer some very nice mounting kits made specifically for mounting iPods into Subarus. Check it out for a listing of them: http://densionusa.com/merchant/merch...ode=PRC_SUBARU

PocketDock <<<< A MUST SEE FOR SMALL INSTALLS
This little product replaces the bulky stock stand that some of us don't want to install in our cars but do anyway to utilize the line-out connection. This small piece now includes a line-out AND a connection for power in a very, very small package: further expanding the possibilities for iPod audio install. Highly recommend checking it out: iPod Pocket Dock



INSTALLS

Listed below are some of the different install threads located thoughout NASIOC. Most include pictures and they cover a variety of install methods:

***8216;Floating' iPod install
http://forums.nasioc.com/forums/showthread.php?t=676033
Gives step-by-step instructions as to how to integrate an iPod into a system with an after-market headunit which has aux-inputs, as well as mount it cleanly next to the a/c controls. Good photos of finished product.

Another ***8216;Floating' install
http://forums.nasioc.com/forums/showthread.php?t=617187
Uses air vent and a Radio Shack cell phone holder.

Subaru Specific iPod Mounting Kits

Direct to Amp/Stealth iPod install
http://forums.nasioc.com/forums/showthread.php?t=571964
Outlines process for wiring an iPod directly to an external amp and how to integrate that using a line output converter (LOC) into the stock headunit. Also discusses ***8216;stealth' install of iPod in center console and placing little silver iPod remote in blank switch plate near side mirror controls. Pics linked below; install info in post #9 from link above.

Pic #1
Pic #2
Pic #3

Ipod dock install
http://forums.nasioc.com/forums/showthread.php?t=641803
Step-by-step instruction, with photos, of installing an iPod standing base dock into the lower portion of the WRX center console. Clean look and well integrated into overall system.

Two more dock installs
http://forums.nasioc.com/forums/showthread.php?t=558115
http://forums.nasioc.com/forums/showthread.php?t=477817
Both use factory clock location and an aftermarket headunit with aux-inputs.

Dock install in useless cupholder above radio
This shows how to integrate the iPod dock into the sliding cupholder for easy slide-in/slide-out access and a clean stand for the iPod: Cup Holder Dock Install

Forester Ipod Solution
http://forums.nasioc.com/forums/showthread.php?t=521811
This gives step-by-step instructions, and photos of process, on how to wire an iPod to the 6-disc changer jack in the rear of the OEM Forester headunit.

Pioneer Aux Input
http://forums.nasioc.com/forums/showthread.php?t=708168
Diagram on how to build an Aux input wire harness for many Pioneer decks.

Build your own iPod dock output RCA input wire
http://www.mindspring.com/~pmbenn/iPod/cable.htm
Very interesting and detailed instructions on how to build an RCA-out for the dock connector on the bottom of your iPod.



This is by no means the 'end all' of iPod threads. This is intended solely as a tool to put a good chunk of the iPod information in one place. If you have any suggestions for other threads to be added to this list, please let me know. Enjoy those iPods!!

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[Blue Rabbit 02]

hey tree,thanks so much for puttinthis together. im getting an ipod for christmas and have been wondering about car usage all along. no more thread searching!!!

[TreeSki]

Originally Posted by Blue Rabbit 02

hey tree,thanks so much for puttinthis together. im getting an ipod for christmas and have been wondering about car usage all along. no more thread searching!!!

thanks!! i'm hoping it gets some use and people find it helpful in the future. once again, if anyone has other suggestions for additions, please let me know...

[Liam D]

Very nice, thanks a lot! I think I've seen all those threads at one point or another, but having them all in one place will make it a lot easier for me to decide which install to do.

I'm going to have a Sirius unit as well as an iPod, so two external pieces. Any suggestions? I was thinking of the Forester iPod above, and mounting the Sirius to the passenger seat bolt. Like this:
http://www.arkon.com/pdamount.html

[TreeSki]

Originally Posted by Liam D

Very nice, thanks a lot! I think I've seen all those threads at one point or another, but having them all in one place will make it a lot easier for me to decide which install to do.

I'm going to have a Sirius unit as well as an iPod, so two external pieces. Any suggestions? I was thinking of the Forester iPod above, and mounting the Sirius to the passenger seat bolt. Like this:
http://www.arkon.com/pdamount.html

glad you found the thread helpful. your thought on how to do 2-external pieces is interesting: be sure to let me know if you post a thread about it as it might be a good addition to this index...

[jmolaver]

TreeSki - good index...

I posted on that Forrester thread a little while back but still haven't gotten an answer about the '05 STi head unit..

It looks _very_ similar to the Forrester model, so I think it may have the DIN input in the back, but no one has been able to verify this (and I've been too lazy to pull my dash apart)... Anyone know about this?

[valmiki]

For those of you'll that have the money to spend behind integrating your ipod, check this out. http://icelink.densionusa.com/ Works with after market head units really well I've heard. Now if only freeipods.com (where i got my ipod from) will do a freeicelinks.com , then I'll end up with one

Valmiki

[TreeSki]

Originally Posted by jmolaver

TreeSki - good index...

I posted on that Forrester thread a little while back but still haven't gotten an answer about the '05 STi head unit..

It looks _very_ similar to the Forrester model, so I think it may have the DIN input in the back, but no one has been able to verify this (and I've been too lazy to pull my dash apart)... Anyone know about this?

While I can't offer an answer, I am sure there is someone out there who has their '05 STi radio sitting in their closet who can/will take a quick look for you. I may be doing some install work in a friend's '05 soon, so I'll add what I find when I start the work...

[samagon]

what about inline FM modulators, I assume that these give some sort of quality over just an FM mod, but I was wondering how much better they are. does anyone have experience with them?

[TreeSki]

Originally Posted by samagon

what about inline FM modulators, I assume that these give some sort of quality over just an FM mod, but I was wondering how much better they are. does anyone have experience with them?

i have no experience with inline fm modulators but if i find some info, i'll add it to the index...

[snoballz]

Originally Posted by samagon

what about inline FM modulators, I assume that these give some sort of quality over just an FM mod, but I was wondering how much better they are. does anyone have experience with them?

That is defintely better than the wireless FM modulators. I've read up on it at ipodlounge.com

Obviously, the site is not Subaru specific but you'll get the general idea of hooking-up a wired FM modulator to the HU.

Personally, I prefer using an aux input. IIRC (it's been awhile since I hooked-up my iPod) I have an aiNet cable from my Alpine HU to a Y cable which then goes into an iMonster cable then into my iPod dock.

good luck!

[TreeSki]

bump...added some new Alpine/iPod integration news...thanks to jsalicru for the heads up

[TreeSki]

bump...new info

[ap0kalypse]

If you have an iPod mini (like myself), you might want to check this out:

http://www.tentechnology.com/product...s_flexdock.php

TEN Technology's flexDock. At the moment it is only compatible with iPod mini. I have one and am using my buddy's old 03 wrx's head unit that has a tape deck to use flexDock's accompanied cassette adapter. It is not CD quality sound, but it is much better than FM Transmitter like iTrip. I plan to purchase an aftermarket HU with an aux input to have a more direct connection in the future. For the time being, I am very satified with my flexDock and iPod mini in my 05 STi.

HTH

[TreeSki]

bump: added new info on how to add an aux line on a pioneer deck. thanks to zuczek for writing it all out for everyone and drawing a great diagram.

[Handsdown]

is this in the threads of note sticky yet? cuz it should be!

[HappyDude]

Clarion is going the iPod route too.
LINK

All their 05 models will be compatible with a Apline-like module. The VRX755VD DVD Center Unit should be really sweet, due out in February I think.

[TreeSki]

updated the list...thanks to Happydude for pointing out the new Clarion tool!

[ashwinearl]

Not sure if this web page has been referred to yet:

Great info on how to adapt the Belkin cable for connection into aux inputs and power. Also has some Subaru Forester specific info.
http://www.mindspring.com/~pmbenn/iPod/cable.htm

[ashwinearl]

Not sure if this web page has been referred to yet:

Great info on how to adapt the Belkin cable for connection into aux inputs and power. Also has some Subaru Forester specific info.
http://www.mindspring.com/~pmbenn/iPod/cable.htm

[TreeSki]

updated per ashwinearl's info!! Thanks guys!!

[REDrum]

Good work Treeski!!!

Worthy of Sticky'n

My two cents:

iTrip was waste of $30.00

New head unit w/ aux was work around for me.
Added input jack to console blank where DCCD would go. 12" cable was perfect to keep iPod (and cell phone) in cup holder. Will improve with interface box in the Spring.

N

[TreeSki]

Thanks for the nice words REDrum and thanks again for setting up the Sunset meet: gotta love 100+ beers on tap . I'd be interested in seeing what you did for your install and maybe adding some pics for the index. Next time we get together I'll bring my camera...

[wrx614]

For you iPod users out there, Alpine makes an interface adaptor that allows you to control your iPod from the Alpine cd player. You can put the iPod in the glove box out of sight and it will charge it and control it. It even allows you to search the folders and control it just like you were touching it. http://www.alpine-usa.com/

[REDrum]

Originally Posted by TreeSki

Thanks for the nice words REDrum and thanks again for setting up the Sunset meet: gotta love 100+ beers on tap . I'd be interested in seeing what you did for your install and maybe adding some pics for the index. Next time we get together I'll bring my camera...

No sweat. If ya PM me an e-mail address I'll send ya a snap shot of my jack condition/location. And bass boost controller

N