Stupid Ipod question

[SwampAss]

What do I need to buy to install an Ipod into my MS3? I think there's a power outlet in the center armrest and another plug. Is it just a matter of cabling? Can I utilize all of the controls of the Ipod from my Stereo? Will it shut off when my car is off? I do NOT have the Bose stereo. Just the regula one.

I searched but found mostly threads on people not being able to use both Sat radio and the Ipod. I just wanted to know what I needed and what were the limitations of each


Danke!

 

[dread]

You can connect your ipod with a 3.5 mm-3.5 mm cord, but you will not be able to control it with your steering wheel. If you pay 130 you can get a special attachment for your ipod which will let you switch songs with the steering wheel controls, but your 3.5 mm jack will be useless. If you want both you need to buy the switcher which cost another 120, I think. Your songs will not display on the headunit either way, so if you don't care about changing songs with your steering wheels then all you need is a $10 cord from radio shack.

 

[icspots]

Like dread said if all you want is audio signal then you simply need a 3.5mm-3.5mm cable. If you plan on charging your ipod at the same time with the 12v DC outlet in the console then I highly recommend getting a ground loop isolator as well since you'll end up with alternator whine.

If you want ipod integration (ipod charges, control the ipod from stereo controls, ipod turns off when car is off) then you'll want one of the multiple ipod integration methods that are available.

Check the thread stickied at the top of this forum for specifics.

 

[SwampAss]

Cool. Thanks for the information.

 

[TheMAN]

the ipod adapter DOES allow better quality sound from the ipod as it utilizes unamplified/unmixed audio from the ipod rather than through the crappy headphones jack from the ipod... furthermore, the ipod is always being charged whenever the car is running... that and of course you can control it with the radio buttons and steering wheel buttons... all that with NO clutter.... only downside is it can be a b**** to use and as mentioned already, NO song info displayed

 

[dread]

oh yeah you definately would need a ground loop isolater, I got one from crutchfield for $17.00 and it works like a charm. Does mazda even try to address problems like this, when they design a car. You should not here the alternator when having your ipod charge.

 

[TheMAN]

using stupid little accessories like audio players and FM modulators is NOT something that they had in mind... the power port is just for... cigarette lighters and power inverters

 

[dread]

If that is true then the engineers are not considering how the consumer of their vehicle will actually use their cars. How did they think I would charge my ipod or power my sirius reciever

 

[TheMAN]

they're expecting you to get the OEM sirius receiver kit and the OEM ipod adapter?

 

[icspots]

Good point about the better sound quality with the non-amped signal. that being said the difference may not be that noticeable in a car anyway, but still it is there. If that's your only reason for getting the ipod adapter though then you can always get one of the belkin (or similar) adapters that charges through the dock connector and gives you access to the line out instead of using the headphone jack.

TheMAN, I agree with dread that saying that the designers just didn't have it in mind is a bit of a cop out. The designers knew quite well that people would be plugging things into the audio input, and charging them through the power port right next to it. They just decided to not adequately isolate/ground the audio input. However you're right, they do still want you to buy other stuff.

My friend's BMW has a similar setup in the center console, and it has absolutely no problems with alternator whine.

Perhaps if enough people complain then they'll make a TSB fix for it.