iPod installed in 2003 A4 Avant

[noelty]

Well I finally installed my iPod in my 2003 A4 Avant. I used a Blitzsafe adapter from Auto Toys (http://autotoys.com) . This has to be the worst website known to man. Hard to navigate and customer service is done via e-mail. You cannot call and ##### about an $80 part that takes three weeks to get. Regardless I am happy with the Blitsafe adapter...no more tape adapter! Plugs right into the back of the stock stereo unit...tricks the system into thinking the iPod is a 6 CD changer.

I mounted the iPod onto a cell phone mount made for Audi's which I bought from Clair Parts (http://clairparts.com) . I mounted a Radio Shack cell phone holder on the mount...this is such a great setup! I am totally pleased with the outcome...here are some photos:

http://images3.fotki.com/v28/photos/6/62955/275365/P7020033_edited-vi.jpg

http://images3.fotki.com/v29/photos/6/62955/275365/P7020035_edited-vi.jpg

http://images3.fotki.com/v28/photos/6/62955/275365/P7020042_edited-vi.jpg

http://images3.fotki.com/v28/photos/6/62955/275365/P7020043_edited-vi.jpg

http://images3.fotki.com/v29/photos/6/62955/275365/P7020044_edited-vi.jpg

[trippy]

do you use anything to compensate for the low volume out put? anything like the docks line in?

I did something similar in my truck but used a belkin firewire auto charger with line in and a cd changer->rca input... Works really good, i just havent mounted it to anything yet and not actually sure how i want to mount it.


Anyways, looks good.

[mongoos150]

Looks great. Cool car too.

Trippy: What low volume output? If he has the iPod volume set to 50% - 75% and uses his car input to adjust the volume, it should be just fine.

[noelty]

Originally posted by trippy
do you use anything to compensate for the low volume out put? anything like the docks line in?

I did something similar in my truck but used a belkin firewire auto charger with line in and a cd changer->rca input... Works really good, i just havent mounted it to anything yet and not actually sure how i want to mount it.


Anyways, looks good.

Nope...the volume is fine.

[acg69]

I have an Audi A4 (2001) and I have also been trying to find a way to use my iPod without the tape adaptor. My car stereo is not like yours though; it's just a radio-cassette player without the CD. Does this make a difference? Do you know which part number I have to order from blitzsafe? Is it an AUX Interface or what? OK, I admit I have no clue... I just want to listen to my music!!!

[noelty]

Originally posted by acg69
I have an Audi A4 (2001) and I have also been trying to find a way to use my iPod without the tape adaptor. My car stereo is not like yours though; it's just a radio-cassette player without the CD. Does this make a difference? Do you know which part number I have to order from blitzsafe? Is it an AUX Interface or what? OK, I admit I have no clue... I just want to listen to my music!!!

Teh Blitzsafe adapter I ordered is sprecifically for 2003 models. The other one autotoys offers is for 1998 to 2002 models. You have to have an Audi symphony II radio. My car has the 6 CD changer in the glove box...the install is different if your (empty) slot for the CD changer is in the trunk. Check here (http://forums.audiworld.com/a4gen2/msgs/218162.phtml) for detailed instruction on how to install the adapter if your cd changer is in the glovebox. Check if you have the B5 bodystle or your CD changer is in the rearhere (http://www.audiworld.com/tech/elec.html) . Remeber you cannot currently have a CD changer to do this install. The symphony two thinks the iPod is the CD changer.

Not sure what part number the Blitsafe adapter is that I ordered. I tried to find it again on the Auto Toys (www.autotoys.com) website. There site is such a clusterf*ck that even when I checked my order I could not determine the part number. It is actually the worst commerce website I have ever seen by far!!!! Good luck finding the Adapter...if I happen to run into any info I regarding the part I will post it.

[Aaron]

I have also installed my ipod in my Dodge truck. I used the CD changers auxillary input on my aftermarket Kenwood headunit. My only problem is I can't control the ipod via the headunit. Do you have the same problem?

[noelty]

Originally posted by Aaron
I have also installed my ipod in my Dodge truck. I used the CD changers auxillary input on my aftermarket Kenwood headunit. My only problem is I can't control the ipod via the headunit. Do you have the same problem?

I cannot control ipod from the head unit...although Blitsafe is coming out with an adapter for the Audi's for which you can. If that would be the case I might mount my iPod in the glove box. I am completely happy with the setup the way it is and probably will not change the install.

[mongoos150]

Originally posted by Aaron
I have also installed my ipod in my Dodge truck. I used the CD changers auxillary input on my aftermarket Kenwood headunit. My only problem is I can't control the ipod via the headunit. Do you have the same problem?

Well you wouldn't be able too... unless you installed some kind of remote into the iPod and ran it up to the front of the car... You just wired it for audio, not control.

[Aaron]

Well...if i was to connect a CD changer to the same plug on the back of my stereo I could use a universal remote to comtrol the CD changer. I just figured there has to be a way to program a remote to control the ipod. Especially since we already know it can be controlled via remote. Wired... and NOW even wireless via the new infarred remotes that just came out.

[trippy]

mongoos150: Normally i listen to cds around 14-18(number on volume) with my stereo (kenwood head unit). With the ipod at 50%, i had to crank it up to 30 to get it to the same level and that is going through the changer control(changer control to rca in adapter). It is the same with plugging into a stereo without using the dock. Always have to turn it up much higher than normal for similar sound levels.

It isnt a problem, but when you switch to headphones, the volume is pretty loud at 50-75% of ipod max. I use the belkin firewire charger and it has a line in on it.

[jasonmccabe]

that looks dope!
Nice job

[tonicboy]

Originally posted by Aaron
Well...if i was to connect a CD changer to the same plug on the back of my stereo I could use a universal remote to comtrol the CD changer. I just figured there has to be a way to program a remote to control the ipod. Especially since we already know it can be controlled via remote. Wired... and NOW even wireless via the new infarred remotes that just came out.

CD Changer to Aux converters are meant to take a CD Changer interface (which carries audio in as well as the remote commands) into a line input (which only carries audio in). As such, it "throws" away the remote commands. In order to have something which controls your iPod, you would need a device which converts your specific CD Changer Interface (there is no standard, each car manufacturer is different) into iPod remote commands. It is theoretically possible, but I doubt you'll see one any time soon.

This is why my ultimate iPod accessory would be an Apple headunit designed specifically for the iPod in mind, where you could flip up the face and slide the iPod into a docking slot, providing it power and audio connections. Then, with the face down, it would look like any other headunit but the display would be an interface for your iPod. Of course, it would also have a slot-loading CD as well. Mmmmmmm, wouldn't that be tasty.

[noelty]

Originally posted by jasonmccabe
that looks dope!
Nice job

Thanks!

[A4Man]

Great install - I like to stay as close to OEM as possible with this stuff so I really like the Audi console mount. I had a few questions re your install:

Is console mount a simple clip-on or are there some adhesives or screws to be used?

Is the console mount designed as a "universal" mount - i.e. will it accept various styles of iPod/cell phone holders in case I want something other than the Radio Sack holder?

Does the Blitzsafe affect the steering wheel controls for volume or changing radio stations in any way?

Thanks.

[somedevil]

pictures aren't working...

[ipodkev]

i have the dension ice link installed in my Audi A2 and this gives me control of the iPod throught the head unit.

[tonicboy]

Originally posted by somedevil
pictures aren't working... http://public.fotki.com/noelty/ipod/

Noelty:
I have to admit, I don't understand what the clothes hanger is for. Also, have you thought about using the Belkin Auto Kit? You will get better sound of your iPod (yeah, yeah, I know - its sounds fine now, but it will sound BETTER trust me), plus it will charge your iPod.

[noelty]

Originally posted by tonicboy
http://public.fotki.com/noelty/ipod/

Noelty:
I have to admit, I don't understand what the clothes hanger is for. Also, have you thought about using the Belkin Auto Kit? You will get better sound of your iPod (yeah, yeah, I know - its sounds fine now, but it will sound BETTER trust me), plus it will charge your iPod.

Why would I thinka bout the Belkin Auto Kit? I have the iPod properly mounted in my car and it has worked like a charm since I installed it last July. I am rarely in my car for more than 2 hours at a time so charging is not a huge issue. The sound quality with the Blitzsafe adapter is perfect. As for the hangar..it is used to thread the wire from the adapter to the mount. I used the following write up from AudiWorld as a guideline...big thanks to DennisA4!

Original iPod install write up (http://forums.audiworld.com/a4gen2/msgs/218162.phtml)

[noelty]

Originally posted by A4Man
Great install - I like to stay as close to OEM as possible with this stuff so I really like the Audi console mount. I had a few questions re your install:

Is console mount a simple clip-on or are there some adhesives or screws to be used?

Is the console mount designed as a "universal" mount - i.e. will it accept various styles of iPod/cell phone holders in case I want something other than the Radio Sack holder?

Does the Blitzsafe affect the steering wheel controls for volume or changing radio stations in any way?

Thanks.

Thanks. There are screws to be used...you drill a hle that you will never see...nothing to worry about. The console is universal mount. The average cell phone holder would not exceed the width. Trust me, the Radio Shack holder is incredible...when people see my setup they think it is awesome! Unfortunatley the Blitzsafe adapter does not allow you to controll the iPod fromthe stereo or the steering wheel. That does not matter to me one bit...it is awesome and is very easy to read should I need to switch song, album, playlist etc...

[noelty]

Originally posted by tonicboy
http://public.fotki.com/noelty/ipod/

Noelty:
I have to admit, I don't understand what the clothes hanger is for. Also, have you thought about using the Belkin Auto Kit? You will get better sound of your iPod (yeah, yeah, I know - its sounds fine now, but it will sound BETTER trust me), plus it will charge your iPod.

Thanks for posting the link to the album...I actually did not have the photos with the blitzsafe adapter installed in that album...it was with the casette adapter. I have added the Blitzsafe adapter photos...here are the links for the lazy:

http://images3.fotki.com/v28/photos/6/62955/313644/P7020042_edited-vi.jpg
http://images3.fotki.com/v28/photos/6/62955/313644/P7020043_edited-vi.jpg
http://images3.fotki.com/v29/photos/6/62955/313644/P7020044_edited-vi.jpg

[tonicboy]

Originally posted by noelty
Why would I thinka bout the Belkin Auto Kit? I have the iPod properly mounted in my car and it has worked like a charm since I installed it last July. I am rarely in my car for more than 2 hours at a time so charging is not a huge issue. The sound quality with the Blitzsafe adapter is perfect. As for the hangar..it is used to thread the wire from the adapter to the mount. I used the following write up from AudiWorld as a guideline...big thanks to DennisA4!

Original iPod install write up (http://forums.audiworld.com/a4gen2/msgs/218162.phtml) Yeah I knew you would say that your sound quality is perfect. But it would be more perfect with the line out :D And I guess if you have no need to charge your iPod, then whatever works for you.

Personally, I have my Belkin Auto Kit semi-permanently affixed to my cradle, so that I can connect my iPod and sit it in the cradle in one single motion. No reaching around for an audio cord to plug in. Sort of like a dock for my car.

http://public.fotki.com/tonicboy/ipod_car_install/

[noelty]

Originally posted by somedevil
pictures aren't working...

Tonicboy posted the url for my album of iPod photos...btw...I am a huge DMB fan...just saw Dave and Friends consert a few months ago...sat 10 feet from Dave and Trey. It was incrdible!!!!

[tonicboy]

Originally posted by noelty
Tonicboy posted the url for my album of iPod photos...btw...I am a huge DMB fan...just saw Dave and Friends consert a few months ago...sat 10 feet from Dave and Trey. It was incrdible!!!! Hey, I've somewhat gotten over my Dave phase (after the first three LPs, it just wasn't the same), but I remember one year I went to see him five times. The best is when he has Tim Reynolds or Bela Fleck as guest. Good times.

[noelty]

Nice install! I should say if I were to invest in better speakers than would have better sound. The way it is set up now is fine. Nothing like this past weekend when I drove two hours to the desert from L.A. Just put on one of my faveorite playsists and cruised. ENjoy your install!

Originally posted by tonicboy
Yeah I knew you would say that your sound quality is perfect. But it would be more perfect with the line out :D And I guess if you have no need to charge your iPod, then whatever works for you.

Personally, I have my Belkin Auto Kit semi-permanently affixed to my cradle, so that I can connect my iPod and sit it in the cradle in one single motion. No reaching around for an audio cord to plug in. Sort of like a dock for my car.

http://public.fotki.com/tonicboy/ipod_car_install/

[graks]

Very clean install! i a have ordered a adapter from blizsafe for my 2002 A4, but they managed to send me the adapter for 2001 (B5) A4... Does not fit to my headunit. :( True about the bad custom service from Blitzsafe, very hard to get in contact with them. I am still not sure if they will send me the correct adapter... picture of my A4 2002 2.0 (http://homepage.mac.com/m.s.w/PhotoAlbum20.html)

[A4Man]

Noelty,

I just got the Audi console mount which you used. I really like it but I can't figure out how to remove the plastic trim plate which surrounds the shifter. The pictures in the instructions seem to indicate that you need to lift this trim to get the silver clips on the right side of the mount under the trim.

Can you please tell me how you got the trim to release so that you could get the clips under it? Anything that you could add to help would be appreciated (hints, tools used etc.)

Thanks,
Mike

[noelty]

The cell phone mount docking station is available at

Originally posted by A4Man
Great install - I like to stay as close to OEM as possible with this stuff so I really like the Audi console mount. I had a few questions re your install:

Is console mount a simple clip-on or are there some adhesives or screws to be used?

Is the console mount designed as a "universal" mount - i.e. will it accept various styles of iPod/cell phone holders in case I want something other than the Radio Sack holder?

Does the Blitzsafe affect the steering wheel controls for volume or changing radio stations in any way?

Thanks. Clair Parts (http://www.clairparts.com/accessories4.asp?product_id=1835&PDID=188525) for just under $100...it is pricey but imho it is worth every penny. It clips to the side of the center console and you have to drill one small hole towards the bottom through the carpet. I did it a year ago and have had zero problems...please review the photo:

http://images6.fotki.com/v76/photos/6/62955/313644/drill-vi.jpg

The cell phone mount is universal. I chose the Radio Shack cell phone holder because it fits the ipod perfectly...plus you can adjust the size to also fit all cell phones.

I do not have volume/stereo controls on my steering wheel. I do not believe it affects the controls at all. The Blitzsafe adapter allows you to plug the iPod into the back of the stereo where the glovebox 6 CD Changer would go.

I hope this helps.