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Guest jstuart

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Guest jstuart
Does any one have any experience of wiring an I-Pod into a VW T5 Camper? My understanding is that it can be made to work like a (very large!)CD changer,using the controls in the vehicle,-- and you could have recorded books on it too.I've got the I-Pod , but where do you get the connectors, and who would fit it?
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Hello Jstuart, The iPod beings an MP3/WAV device can be connected to the VW radio/cd player in several ways. 1. If the radio is MP3 compatible a cable with an iPod connector can be fitted, usually in the radio connector for the remote CD player. This enables the iPod to be driven from the Radio CD controls and has the added advantage of charging the iPod as well. 2. If the radio is not MP3 compatible and has a Cassette player a car kit can be purchased which has a charger for the iPod and connects to the radio via a special cassette. 3. The third way, which is not strictly legal unless you have a radio transmission licence, is to purchase a car kit that charges the iPod and transmits an FM signal at several frequencies. The radio can then be tuned to one of the selected frequencies. Methods 2 and 3 need selection of music etc., by the iPod which will need to be mounted so that this can be achieved. Any half decent Car Radio specialist should be able to supply the kit and carry out the fitting for you. I have had the Radio in my Ducato upgraded for method 1 and also had the speakers upgraded, including extra speakers in the habitation area, to match the output from the iPod. Unfortunately iPods like mobile phones are are a target for break-ins. The connector for mine is positioned to allow the iPod to be out of site. Hope this is of assistance. Regards, Mike C.
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Van Bitz (01823 321992) fitted mine using a simple proprietary adaptor allowing control of the iPod via the Alpine radio/gps units remote control. I would imagine that a similar adaptor is available for other makes of radio,etc. As Mike says it also charges the iPod at the same time.
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Guest jstuart
My thanks to Ron B and Mike C. It is Mikes first option that is the one for me as The van will have a CD player,Radio & Satnav on a single screen. You say you hide the ipod-which would seem like a good idea,-does this mean that you can make your music selections from the CD/Radio controls? or do you still need to use the ipod controls? Do you play audio books on your setup? My thanks and regards from jstuart
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Hi On a similar subect, what would the best option be to conncet an mp3 player to the standard radio CD player, that has been installed in my 'van? I've been racking my brains on this for some time. When I bought the 'van 3 years ago, I thought it would be best to have a Radio CD rather than a cassette. Seems like I've made a mistake now - at least I could have used a cassette adapter with my mp3 player. Don't use CD's now - thing of the past! ? Nigel
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Hello Jstuart, The connection of the iPod to the Radio/CD enables me to control the iPod using the Radio/CD controls in the same way as a CD is controlled IE., The up/down and left/right arrow controls. This is not quite so informative as the iPod screen on my unit as it has the restricted standard radio display but good enough when you are driving. Your full Satnav screen will probably give a better display. I do not play Audio Books but if you can get them on the iPod they will play in the same way as music files. Hello Nigel, You do not say which Van you have but most Radio/CD units have the capability to connect a remote Multi-CD player and this connection is used to connect the MP3 player. You may require some form of converter to take MP3 to a CD recording format that the radio can play. Best bet is to speak to one of the Car Radio Specialists who should be able to advise and supply the necessary equipment. You could always use the dodgy method 3 FM transmitter but be carefull as the fines are high. Regards to both, Mike C.
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Hi Thanks Mike, I'll look into that. I can connect Mp3 player to any jack plug such as active speakers and it plays through the stereo, in the same way as connecting headphones. I have such a set up with active speakers in the rear of the 'van, but the speakers will run with hook-up only. My 'van is fiat ducatto (pre-2002). Thanks for your interest. Nigel
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The way we have achieved it is by using a little transmitter - Belkin Tunecast FM Transmitter. As it just plugs into the ear phone jack point we use it with many different devices. At home we use it to listen to our DAB radio in the bathroom, via another radio tuned in. Ours unfortunatley only has four channels to transmit from. The newer ones are much more flexible. When we are away I sit outside with the old G&T and listen to the radio etc on my own pocket radio and not disturb anyone. Not sure about the signal that it puts out but many other devices are available that work in a similar way. For instance the DAB radio - REVO in car DAB digital radio - works in the same way.
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Guest jstuart
Hi Mike c, Thankyou, this sounds like the way forward for me . I will contact Van Bitz- I know them as they fitted an alarm system on my previous VW van Thanks to all for the Info and interest shown. Happy listening! jstuart
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  • 2 weeks later...
Guest John Chappell
Hi Stuart, Don't know if you have got fixed up yet but the little transmitter is the perfect way and is very inexpensive mine cost me £10 from e.bay it is smaller than your i.pod plugs in to the earphone socket -switch on -tune your radio in to it and you can then sit anywhere nearby and listen. Use it at home as well just tune in to your hi-fi Simple and idiot proof! john
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