I already had an adapter that lets me connect to my stock HU via the satelite radio connection. But I still had 3 other problems...

1. It is using the mini jack. So the quality isn't as good as the digital out.
2. It doesnt charge the iPod.
3. I still didn't have a good mount for th iPod. I just put it in the cubby hole.

So to solve the first 2 problems, I got the Belkin Auto Kit. It charges my iPod and provides a better line out than the headphone jack.

To solve the last problem, I modified the stock coin box and wired the Auto Kit to the coin box.

The center console under the coin box already has a hole, so it totally made the install easier.


I cut a hole under the coin box. Dremel helped a lot here...


Picture of the finished coin box and the Auto Kit connector wired through...


Picture of the other end of the Belkin Auto Kit...


Finished product...


Completely stock looking when the iPod is not connected...


Another interested stealth idea... I went with modifying the coin box so the stock look is retained without the iPod.

 

I like that last picture. When its standing up in the coin tray and you drive "spirited" does it fly out? Mine always used to. Looking nice though!

 

It's holding well so far since it's connected my the Auto Kit on the bottom. I'll test it out some more with spirited rides tomorrow.

 

Hows the reception on that? I had something similar and the stock Bose had to be cranked to about 20 to be heard.

 

Aure you saying you get a better sounding signal with an FM transmitter vice the direct line output?

I tried a couple of FM transmitters and found that they have real problems here around LA where ever station up and down the dial is occupied. I went with the mini-jack direct connection and get pristine sound.

The output out of the docking connector has both analog and digital outputs, I wasn't aware that there was a car adapter with a A to D converter in it. I might have to reseach them again for use in my truck.

 

With the Auto Kit, the sound doesn't seem as muddied.

There's a volume control on the Auto Kit, but at max volume, you can hear a little distortion. It still easily out powers the headphone jack on the iPod though. I would say if I had the volume set half way on the Auto Kit, it is probably about the same loudness as the iPod cranked up all the way.

Currently, with the Auto Kit set at half, I am listening to it at around 18-20.

 

No, I had a similar set up as you. I had a mini-jack direct connection to the HU. The Auto Kit connects to the bottom of the iPod. Then I connected my existing mini-jack connection to the Auto Kit.

It is basically using Belkin's mini-jack out rather than the iPod's headphone jack. iPod's headphone jack isn't really designed to be a line-out. My solution isn't really a true digital solution. If you find an all digital solution, let me know.

 

Looks good...I always love stealth installs. Thanks for sharing