[s-cars] RE: ipod lovin'

[Steve Powers]

Lee -

> Yep. I may try one of these.
>
> http://www.dlo.com/products/tp_Prod.tpl?command=showpage&cart=11364995634515
> 484
>
> It charges the iPod, provides an FM transmitter connected via the dock
> rather than the earphone jack, and a line out jack. Run a connection from
> the line out jack to the cd changer plug and connect to R, L and common.
>
> I don't know if this will work though...I don't know if the changer provides
> other signals to the head unit that are required. Clearly there's a data
> circuit that signals disk and track...
>
> Uh, oh, this could be a problem. For later cars ('98+):
>
> "Volkswagen's OEM head units lock this interface from being used by anything
> but a Volkswagen CD Changer by muting the audio inputs unless there is a
> valid data stream coming from the CD Changer. "
>
> Bastids. Wonder if the same is true for earlier units.
>
> Now I do have a (defunct) CD changer in place, but I'd rather just unplug it
> and tap in to the end of the cable...but given the above, that may not
> work...
>
> Lee
> '96 A6 quattro avant (w/dead 6 cd changer)
> '95 A6 quatto avant (never had changer)
> '93 MB 300d 2.5L turbodiesel (w/dead 6 cd changer!)

another option might be to ditch your Bose Gamma head unit and replace
it with the Concert I unit from the '98 and later A6s, TTs or Beetles.
Look in the archives for the discussion on PhatNoise. You end up
cutting one wire and adding one wire to the K-line. these radios sell
for about $100 on eBay or elsewhere. once you've got this radio
installed, the iPod adapter should plug right in.

Steve Powers