GreenmanS2000

I've made a search but i cant find a summary of the pros and cons of the many ipod connections out there.

My requirements are:

- operate a nano 4
- maintain das controls
- ideally maintain control of the ipod whilst it is plugged in
- any cabling and "box of tricks" to behind the standard head unit with the lead poking out into the passenger footwell (so I can store it in the luggage net)

Not much!

Tx
Clive

NineBolts

All the full interfaces with charge facility that I've used seem to take control of the pod. I've never wanted to fiddle with my ipod while driving so it's not been a problem.

I use an x-car link on the oem headunit, cost me about £35 new that four years ago. Does all that you ask apart from loss of ipod control.

GreenmanS2000

thanks...except xcarlink seem to be nearer £80 now....
ebay will be my friend......

whaninoz

I have a AUX in to my headunit, and also a USB input. I use the USB to charge and the AUX to play music.

I could just use the USB but i prefer the ipod to control music choice rather than going through the head unit.

vividracing.com

I'm not sure about availability in the UK, but Metra makes a product that will do exactly what you want and it's pretty cheap. Basically you unplug the OEM antenna and plug it into this box, then plug the antenna from the box into the radio. Wire up +12v and ground, then run the cable to the iPod.

You'll need an "RCA to stereo mini" cable, as well. You'll still control everything from the iPod, and since it's hardwired to the radio antenna, you get great quality sound.

http://www.google.com/products/catal...ed=0CEcQ8wIwAA

Hedropsforglory

What?: Replaced the OEM Head-unit with a Sony DSX-100 Tune-tray (no CD, instead you slot your iPod inside)

Why?: Don't listen to CDs, haven't for years, and no-where to keep many in the S anyway. Radio or iPod always for me. Picked it up new for £100 quid, sound isn't perfect but much better than the OEM and plenty of options to add extras to improve it if that's your thing, a cheap interface lead means that it works with all the dash controls - and I didn't have to pull-apart/cut/tuck any new cables anywhere. Also works with any other USB device of course.

Only two drawbacks are that it has a beeping-benny if you leave the unit inside when switch off the ignition, though that only lasts for a few seconds - and there's no LW on the tuner to listen to the cricket!