A stock radio but with modern technology…, Connect an iPod, iphone or mp3 player. Options

[computers4kids]

I wasn’t happy with the look that my modern stereo contributed to my 914 interior, so I went to a stock radio. Origninality was important to me (IMG:style_emoticons/default/biggrin.gif) However, my radio also plays music from my iPod, or iphone. One extra benefit about the iphone, is I can turn on an internet radio station and play it also through my stock radio for free…a poor man’s satellite radio.

Our cars were outfitted with a variety of radios such as the Motorola the Sapphire or the Blaupunkt. There are a variety of options to connect an ipod, iphone or mp3 player and have them play through the stock radio…you could wire an iPod through the headphone jack directly to an amp as well, but I’m focusing on just enhancing the stock radio.


FM Modulator (hard wired version):
•One of the leads from the FM modulator plugs into your radio’s antenna jack, while the other lead of the modulator connects to your antenna lead. When the switch on the modulator is turned on, the radio starts receiving its signal from the iPod, mp3player or iphone.
•The cord that plugs in to the line-in port of your iPod (bottom) both transfers a pure signal to your radio but also charges the iPod at the same time.
•This option produces one of the best pure signals and is simple to install. These units sell for about $80 new, but can be had easily for $25 on eBay.



FM Transmitter Modulator
•These come in a variety of shapes and styles. Generally, the unit plugs into a cigarette lighter and the iPod. The unit then transmits the iPod signal over a FM radio frequency that is unused by local stations. This is the easiest to connect, but the sound out of the radio often has static heard when the music is low and the FM signal isn’t always reliable. Costs about $70.


Tap into the pre-amp of your radio
•Another option is to open your radio and tap into the pre-amp circuit off of the volume control. It can be as easy as removing one wire off the volume control and inserting an aux jack inline with a couple of resistors. You can also soder onto the circuit board. Combined with an iPod cord that you switch the pins on, you can charge your iPod while pumping the signal directly into your radio. Many of the schematics are available on SAMBA. Costs about $20. Here are some of the radio schematics on SAMBA. Here is a video of the basic idea how: http://www.metacafe.com/watch/897853/conne...isten_recharge/

Traditional ipod lineout cables do not charge the ipod, but only directs the music. You can rewire the pins on the cable if you want, or just buy one off the net.

Pin order Required to charge ipod and direct music out. (connects to ipod)
pin 30 (& 29 optional) Black color
pin 20 Red color
pin 4 Orange color
pin 3 Green color
pin 2 White color

Here is the wire code that connects to your radio.
Grd Black & White cables twisted together
Left Channel Orange cable
Right Channel Green cable
12V Red Cable

If you have a Blaupunkt, it can be easy as plug’n play.
On these radios, there is a DIN port on the back. A special cord can be purchased that allows you to directly plug in your iPod to the radio. You don’t even have to take the radio out; the port is easily accessed from the back. The cord can be had on eBay, just do a search with the words ‘Blaupunkt’, and ‘din.’ One of the seller’s names is mercedes.benz_vintage_parts_and_service.
Here is a link to one on eBay for $89. EBay auction.


Bottom line, you can do any of the above for pretty cheap if you are resourcefull. The video above on the "tap into pre-amp" option, shows everything you need to know about the wires on the ipod/iphone cable...how you choose to connect it is really up to you.
Good Luck

Edit: Here is a guy on the SAMBA that sells the DIN cable for a Blaupunkt for $20 delivered.