Advanced Ipod Integration Instructions (write up)

[reggiebrown40]

Hey guys,

Glad you all found my discovery helpful. I had been searching for a way to integrate an iPod into the Q for about 2 years, looked at and tried several different devices and none worked. I tried using the inputs from the cd changer, but the output was too low. Also, I couldn't remove the changer altogether because the tape head unit needs to see the device in order for it to work.....dead ends all around.

Then, one day i popped open the tape player just to see what I could find. I put in a tape and with the cover open, disconnected the harness with the 2 black and 1 yellow wires. Sound went away. I figured that this was the output from the cassette into the internal amplifier. But was it be limited by the characteristics of a typical tape player? (about 40hz -15khz, not impressive at all I had to find out.....

I hooked up my iPod to the inputs and, BAM....it worked. Not only did it work but it sounded terrific. I couldn't wait to come back to the forum (another forum) and tell the guys what I had found. I quickly took pictures but with a camera phone.....quality wasn't so good

I posted the pictures and got a lot of positive feedback, namely from one guy named Boonie....He asked and asked questions, which I didn't mind answering because I'm that cool a guy, and others inquired, and it was all cool.....UNTIL....Boonie says "i'm going to get a guy to fabricate a harness for this and charge people." I didn't think this was cool and i insisted that if he found a harness that he should share it with everyone for FREE....things kinda got out of hand verbally between me, Boonie and others on the board, but it's all good.....my intent was to share this with everyone and thanks to Boonie, I have.

Hopefully this doesn't start a chain of flame-posts....that's not my intent. Funny thing about the Internet....once it's out there, it's out there and anyone can take credit for your work. Imagine if I would have been selfish and not posted on the other forum my discovery?

thirty7th

* Next you need to solder and tape each connection separately. Solder is not necessary but highly recommended.** it is necessary. Without a good solder connection you run the risk of the wires jarring loose and/or introducing noise into the signal path....There is no better way to connect wires than solder.

ronez82...you probably know this by now but it's your mp3 player. The input is line level on the tape deck and not adjustable. Your tape adapter probably had some signal booster to gain up the signal. (you didn't accidentally plug the harness back in did you?)

2003 - 2004 M and 2002+ Q are the same with the exception of the black din plug on the rear of the unit, probably for satellite input.

[reggiebrown40]

Just completed this mod over the weekend. Sound quality has improved dramatically over the cassette adaptor. Thanks to all that contributed!!

I'm getting a little alternator whine and I can hear the ipod's hard drive spooling up between tracks. Is there anything I can try to fix or reduce this noise?

You may have a cold solder, or your tape deck may just promote noise. Try this: disconnect your iPod and turn on your headlights. Turn up your radio and rev the gas. If you hear a whine, it's your tape deck. Don't know if you can do anything about that. If you hear no whine, it's your iPod or the cable that you soldered. Make sure you use shielded cable when you do this mod. (looks like aluminum foil inside the cable)

[Sazar]

You may have a cold solder, or your tape deck may just promote noise. Try this: disconnect your iPod and turn on your headlights. Turn up your radio and rev the gas. If you hear a whine, it's your tape deck. Don't know if you can do anything about that. If you hear no whine, it's your iPod or the cable that you soldered. Make sure you use shielded cable when you do this mod. (looks like aluminum foil inside the cable)

Actually all you need is a ground-loop isolater.

Quote »When using an auxiliary device in the car, you might hear a slight buzzing sound, engine noise, or high-pitched whine. That is because your car model has a grounding issue between the audio system and the power socket, which causes a whining or buzzing sound when you drive. This sound is not caused by your Kensington product; however, Kensington has an easy solution. Simply purchase an automotive ground loop isolator for your car that is compatible with a 3.5-mm jack. This simple tool will enable you to use your music in a safe, hands-free environment.[/quote]http://www.amazon.com/b/?node=...lator

[Bag302]

Thanks guys. The whine was coming from the Harman Kardon Drive + Play. I moved the ground and all is well.

[reggiebrown40]

Sazar, ground loop isolators usually lower the whine to a level you can tolerate, but don't eliminate it completely. It's best to find out what device isn't grounded properly and fix that.

No professional installers use ground loop isolators. They use shielded cables and ground each device securely to it's own chassis point, to prevent loops.

[Boon]

First off let me say again as I did in my original post up top, thanks to Thirty7th who I guess is also reggiebrown40 for the idea.

Secondly

.....UNTIL....Boonie says "i'm going to get a guy to fabricate a harness for this and charge people." I didn't think this was cool and i insisted that if he found a harness that he should share it with everyone for FREE....things kinda got out of hand verbally between me, Boonie and others on the board, but it's all good.....my intent was to share this with everyone and thanks to Boonie, I have.

Not to start flaming you but I must interject, I did not say I was going to start making a harness and selling it. I had already started the write up and a lot of people where talking about how they didn't feel safe splicing those tiny wires and then soldering them. I then said I know a friend that could probably fab a harness, if anyone was interested I'm sure he would send them one for the COST OF PARTS PLUS EXACT SHIPPING COST. This was for people that didn't want to splice and solder the wires and the COST OF PARTS PLUS SHIPPING would not yield any financial benefits to anyone. This wasn't something he would actually be buying, he would literally be making the harness out of melted plastic as he owns a plastics fab shop that makes harnesses and other things for the automotive industry.

You continue to try to make me look like I was trying to benefit financially from your idea which is far from the truth. The reason that me and other members got out of hand verbally with you is that you were being irrational with your accusations and you wouldn't look at the situation for what it was, me trying to help people. I, in that forum and in this one, gave you props for the original idea, I just decided to do a write up to help people further and that obviously upset you, which for the 100th time I apologize.

[reggiebrown40]

First off let me say again as I did in my original post up top, thanks to Thirty7th who I guess is also reggiebrown40 for the idea.

Secondly

Not to start flaming you but I must interject, I did not say I was going to start making a harness and selling it. I had already started the write up and a lot of people where talking about how they didn't feel safe splicing those tiny wires and then soldering them. I then said I know a friend that could probably fab a harness, if anyone was interested I'm sure he would send them one for the COST OF PARTS PLUS EXACT SHIPPING COST. This was for people that didn't want to splice and solder the wires and the COST OF PARTS PLUS SHIPPING would not yield any financial benefits to anyone. This wasn't something he would actually be buying, he would literally be making the harness out of melted plastic as he owns a plastics fab shop that makes harnesses and other things for the automotive industry.

You continue to try to make me look like I was trying to benefit financially from your idea which is far from the truth. The reason that me and other members got out of hand verbally with you is that you were being irrational with your accusations and you wouldn't look at the situation for what it was, me trying to help people. I, in that forum and in this one, gave you props for the original idea, I just decided to do a write up to help people further and that obviously upset you, which for the 100th time I apologize.

Boonie,

You DID say you were going to sell a harness for a couple of bucks over cost of the parts, AND a little extra for the time and trouble it takes to manufacture the harness. Not your exact words, but close. Only one person said he wasn't comfortable doing the mod, and I told him I would try to find an adaptor for him to use, so I don't know where you got "a lot of people" from. Everyone else thought they could solder it on their own. I only asked that if you found an easier way to attach a cable that you share it with the board.

You asked a lot of questions and I thought I was being very helpful in answering them. You knew nothing regarding the Q's audio system. I gave you all of the information you needed to do an excellent write-up, with pictures. Excellent job. I don't want you to apologize. You've thanked me enough! And, I am thanked every time someone does my hack on their Q.

[Boon]

Well this was covered a while ago, my Exact words were Cost of Parts and shipping rounded to the dollar, most anyone would pay extra would have been .99, and this would have gone to the person using his shop and time to FABRICATE a plug, not find one and change around pins, literally fabricate a plug that would fit using the factory plug as a model. Only one person posted on the topic, but I had at least 5 people PM me about it. Again I was more then appreciative then and now about you doing the legwork on this, I was never trying to steal your thunder, just figured since I was going to do it I would take pictures and write it up as this was a subject of interest for many people.

Thanks again............... Boon

[reggiebrown40]

I don't remember your exact words Boonie, but you said cost of parts and labor, and a few dollars for manufacturing the harness for time and trouble. I'm glad you appreciate my efforts because it was my pleasure to share what I discovered with the Q community.

You're welcome again........Thirty7th

[Boon]

Don't forget the M community cause you helped us out too...........

I noticed you didn't create an account until recent, stick around as this is a really good community and much more active then the other. I know you'll be hanging more in the Q area but you're input will be good over there too.

[reggiebrown40]

Don't forget the M community cause you helped us out too...........

I noticed you didn't create an account until recent, stick around as this is a really good community and much more active then the other. I know you'll be hanging more in the Q area but you're input will be good over there too.

I look at the M/Q as being fraternal twins and oftentimes mention one while meaning both I didn't mean to omit the M owners especially since this is their home.

I've been around on NICO mostly reading the posts for about 2 or 3 years now. I thought I actually had an account but couldn't remember for certain so I created this one a few days ago.

I will hang around in different areas as I like to absorb ideas and input from other users, regardless of which car they drive.

[Jake4074]

I wanted to say thanks to Boon for providing these instructions. I did this install and not only was is easy and smooth... thanks to the detailed instructions and pics... but the sound quality is awesome. The quality is actually better than the CD-Changer. It took me approximately 45 minutes to complete this install and I'm no expert by any means. Highly recommended.

[smcd1969]

I know it was said in the first post that you're assuming someone doing this knows how to remove the tape deck, and instructions are plentiful on this site, but I have looked everywhere and can't find how to get it removed, and I sure don't want to mess up my car. Can someone either link the instructions or give me an idea what panels need to be removed and how to go about it? Thanks!

[Jeff Williams]

Great idea and great write-up, regardless of where this information came from.

thanks for Posting it!