I'm considering buying this device, but I was just thinking that maybe I dont want the ipod charging every time I use it in the car. Does the audio out work w/o plugging it in? and how does the amplifier affect the sound quality?

 

I use one in my wagon. It needs power to pass the sound through. The amp does add some distortion, but it's actually quite clean for the most part (especially at low gain levels). The charging can actually add noise (ground loop etc).

For your purposes, sounds like a dock audio pass-through is what you want. I think "Sik" makes one? I actually gutted a Belking AutoKit for another car to bypass the amp and charging circuit. it' just passed the line signal from the dock connector to a 1/8" stereo jack. If you pick up a cheap AutoKit on eBay, this is a viable hack, but I would not pay full price to do it!

Craig

 

Why not charge it? The batteries in the iPod don't have memory and the type of battery (Lithium Ion) like to be topped off rather than deep cycled.

I had one of these and quite liked it. It's probably the best inexpensive solution (Belkin + HON-AUX) for stock HU integration.

My issue with it was my 3rd gen iPod would continue playing after the ignition was shut off and drain the batteries. My wife's iPod mini switches to "pause" when the ignition is off, allowing it to shut off after a few minutes.

I use an iCruze now, and while it has its share of warts and is quite expensive it's starting to shape up pretty well to.

 

Hey thanks for the info guys.

rworne, you're right. I guess the battery charging really shouldnt be an issue.

Anyone have experience w/the blitzsafe adapter? I was thinking maybe I could just for for that as the integrated solution. They say that it also charges the ipod for 20min after the car is turned off. I wonder if thats good or bad. But I guess you probably shouldn't leave the ipod in the car, especially when its hot.

On a side note, I have an old, but pretty decent pioneer deck that I was also considering installing since it has an aux connector. All i would need is a wiring harness. I think it would sound better since it has built in x-over controls and a bit more power, but I dont think I like the idea of sacraficing my DCI...

O well, I think I'll order either the HON-AUX and Belkin or the Blitzsafe. I'm leaning toward the HON-AUX since I could also use it for non-ipod devices too.

 

Well mine is in the car 24/7 now that work decided not to allow any "personal media devices" and cellphones.

I don't park in the sun if I can help it, but in the few times I had to, the iPod had gotten so hot the display turned black and it was literally painful to hold for more than a few seconds.

It still ran just fine as hot as it was.

 

I've had a Denison Ice Link in my car for a while now and it's great. I can use the controls on the radio and DCI to control the ipod. Also, I can turn on and off or set a timer for the charging feature.

 

MikeyC - Are you running the stock HU, or an aftermarket one? Which brand?

John

 

I am using the stock radio. However, they do make Ice Links for a few brands of after market radios. Ice Link. I would assume if you are able to use the DCI controls with your aftermarket radio (thru Modifry's DCI unit or something else) and then added an ice link as well that you would be able to use the DCI with the ipod even with an after market radio.

 

Only thing I could find was the ice Link FM, which is a modulator, which I do not like.

John

 

Depending on where you live, an FM modulator is useless. Here in Los Angeles you get static and bleed through of local radio stations no matter what frequency you choose.