CurtPalme.com Home Theater Forum

[tri_joel]

Okay, this may seem like a strange question. I want to put an iPod adapter on my OEM stereo, like this: http://home.valornet.com/splacket/index.htm

The head unit in my Disco has the controls for the under-the-seat CD changer. The wiring for the CD changer is there, but there is no changer. I believe what that site is doing is wiring the adapter plug into left/right CD changer inputs. Does anyone have any idea how I can figure out which wires in CD changer harness are the left/right sound? The Disco is not worth the money and time it takes to remove the stereo and send it to the company for the mod, and it seems to me like it should be a fairly simple mod. But, usually when I think something is simple I have to get help from my Rocket-Scientist neighbor to put things back together.

[ecrabb]

Hey, Joel!

I don't know the specifics on the Rover head unit (lots of different stuff from each year/manufacturer/model), but most head unit/changer setups use a smart serial control protocol between the head unit and changer. The problem with your idea is that because there needs to be something on the end for the head unit to communicate with or it won't enable the aux/changer input in the head unit, and will never go into that mode.

That mod you linked to looked a little hinky in my opinion... I've always hated the "cord tacked on the dash" look, anyway.

It's not cheap, but what most people do is buy an aftermarket "iPod/changer interface". What that does is trick the head unit into thinking there's a changer connected and enables the line-level inputs. Even better, some of the higher-end interfaces even enable steering wheel and changer controls and translate them to iPod commands sent over the dock connector so you can change playlists and tracks right from your radio or steering wheel.

For example:
BMW / Mini / Rover GROM iPod Adapter Direct Interface(GROM-I2-BMW)

I don't know what year your rover is, but I'd look into that. If you don't want to do it yourself, any decent car audio shop should be able to install it for a nominal fee.

SC

[Bucketfoot]

It's certainly not elegant, but I went with something like this for my Honda.

http://www.crutchfield.com/p_581PA11HON/USA-SPEC-iPod-Interface.html?tp=120

[tri_joel]

Thanks Steve.

It sounds like it's not as simple as I thought. My Disco is a 1997 with 120,000 miles. It's in good shape considering it's age but I just hate putting money into something that has more value at the scrap yard than on craigslist. I have a 45 minute to and hour commute each way now. I have one of those crappy ipod FM transmitter things but there are so many radio stations in Metro DC that I am constantly changing stations. It may be easier and cheaper to buy an aftermarket head unit with an aux input. I don't need anything fancy or elegant, I'm just hoping to get another 30,000 miles out of the Disco before buying something else.

[ecrabb]