MikeBat

hello all,

just a quick note regarding a new cable available directly through Becker which not only connects your iPod to your stereo but also charges it.

It is called the BAS-IPOD, cost $64.99, direct from Becker.
http://www.beckerautosound.com/ the phone number on the website is not good. Listen to the message, they quickly tell you the new number.

In any case, the install process was not at all as the instruction manual that shipped with the cable described. The info supplied indicates that each cable is connected separately. In fact, it comes with a connector at both ends, no need to plug individual wires.

NOTE- this takes the slot that belonged to the cd changer, you have to choose, cd changer or iPod.

Here are the steps:
-remove the radio using the special removal key tools (these cost an extra $5)
-connect the connector to the topmost open slot (it will be obvious)
-fish the cable through the open slot in the console from where your pulled the stereo from, aim for the driver side footwell.
-have a second person reach around for the cable as you try to get it through and down to them.
-after you have pulled it through, pass it through to the passenger side footwell.
- the cable is not very long but long enough to for it to be 6 or so inches from the shifter (you can always buy an extension at Best Buy)
-follow the instructions on how to turn the Auxilary input on.
- presto. Done.
-push the radio back into place by giggling it as you slide it back into the slot. (I could not figure a way to say that that seemed PG13)

Now you have a cable and a stock way to have your iPod work with your CDR220 and charge it at the same time.

But.... I do need some help.... I cannot get the removal keys out of the slots! Silly... but.....can anyone help me?

JReid

I wonder how the Becker option compares to the iPorsche unit? Does the Becker kit include a ground loop isolator, does it need it? When you consider the fact that Becker does not include the head unit removal keys and shipping there doesn't seem to be anything in it between the price of the two kits.

MikeBat

I had never seen this kit.

If I was to compare from a distance, the benefits of the iPorsche are cable length (could be a fault too if you wanted to keep the cabin neater), and the included the ground loop isolator.

Benefit of the Becker unit is the neatness of the cable (no RCA connectors).

Since i installed this last night at 10pm, and finished around 11pm... I have not taken it out on the road with the engine (and alternator) running, so no clue about ground loop isolator/alternator whine.

I will check it out and get back to everyone.

MikeBat

Well, it snowed here yesterday.... so I did not go for a ride to try out the new iPod connection.. but I did sit in my driveway and try out the usage of the iPod with the engine running and reving.

There is a slight hum, or buzz, but you have to turn the radio up to 35 to 40 to hear it. I could not hear it when the music was playing, because with the volume at 35 the music is really loud, so loud that I rarely if ever listen to music at this volume for extended periods of time. At this volume, with music, no audible buzz.

If I pause the iPod and turn the volume on the radio to 35 to 40, there is a slight buzz that modulates with the speed of the motor.

So, in conclusion, I cannot see the ground loop buzz as being a problem, because I cannot hear it when the music is playing, even at extreme volumes. The sole time (so far) there is an audible noise is when there is no music and the radio is pegged to max... and that just very happens.

Fissionx

And it won't work with the iPhone correct?

MikeBat

Yep. No iPhone. Touch neither, I believe.

Best off to call Becker.

p.s. like I said above, their instruction sheet was pretty much worthless.

JReid

Thanks a lot for the update. So at reasonable volume levels or with any music playing at all there is no humming? Have you tried the setup while driving yet?

SKooT1027

Thanks for the post. If I could ask without stealing the thread, bc ive been wondering, are there any aftermarket decks that will work with the ipod/iphone, or are this or the iPorsche the only options?

rpratt

If you search for "CDR-220 replacement" or search on my name you should find a thread I started a couple of weeks ago about replacement head unit recommendations with good iPhone compatibility.

The short version is that there were a range of good suggestions, I ended up going with an Alpine replacement head unit to use with my 3G iPhone.

Bob

SKooT1027

Awesome thanks

MikeBat

Tried it all weekend.

No noise. Just pure bliss.

skiracer

I also called Becker and they sent me the direct connect cable. No audible hiss or noise when playing the iPod - simple to intall for DIY. Becker guys very good to deal with!

MikeBat

Were your instructions for the cable you got, or for the older style cable that does not charge the iPod? Mine was for the older style cable.

No big deal, but...it would have saved me a few minutes of head scratching (seeing I had never installed a car radio before)

JReid

Thanks for the updates, guys, glad the cables are working out.