RCA A/B splitter for plugging ipod & cd changer into 1 car stereo input?

[soulslinga]

i have a blaupunkt head unit in my 91 volvo with a cd changer attached via rca wires. i havent gotten my 40gb ipod yet. I've heard the aux input (in my case the cd changer input) is the way to go as far as hooking up the ipod in the car. I'd like to split the rca cables so i can plug the ipod and changer into the same jack.

1st method: a/b switch
do they make rca cable a/b switches? if so i could plug the ipod and the cd changer into it, and then the output would go to the head unit. switchable via a switch. Does anyone know of such a/b switches? If i make one, does anyone know where to get a duplex switch (allowing two STEREO inputs and outputting stereo)? i tried radio shack, they have switches but no duplex switches (meaning supports stereo)

2nd method: merging the wires
Can i use a combiner to plug the ipod and the cd changer simultaneously into the head unit? They'll both play at the same time, but will there be static or distortion?? The problem with that is the cd changer starts playing automatically, theres no stop button. i'd have to remove the cd magazine from the changer or pause it everytime. But will this give me sound problems?

[ewong_kaizen]

http://www.installer.com/


find AUX3 on this page:

http://www.installer.com/aux/index.html

Also see Crutchfield - but I didnt see anything for the Blau stuff (didnt look too hard tho)


You could MAKE a physical switch...
I have seen em at Radio shack as "source selectors".

You could build one



Or you can buy the one above but it appears to be "pricey"
- unless it does "active" switching by sensing the voltages on the RCA... tho how if determines who "wins" is beyone me (esp if the head unti has to turn the CD player on to use the Aux in)

[walkabt]

I have my Pocket PC for GPS navigation (much better than my car GPS unit - more accurate maps too) and ipod connected into the same input.

I wanted an option to use them both at the same time. The only way to do that is with a mixer (for those that don't believe me try a Y adaptor and see what happens when used to try to input two devices). But the mixer also lets me switch between the two if needed as well. Just turn one channel off, the other one on.

Cost was less than the switch above. It is manual, just like the above option.

http://www.rolls.com/new/mx42.html

[Galley]

My Blaupunkt uses an adapter that turns one of the CD changer ports into an RCA input. Does your offer that?

[ewong_kaizen]

Originally posted by walkabt

http://www.rolls.com/new/mx42.html

Nice item....

bear in mind that passive mixers will drop the signal level by a tad as (AFAIK) it has to use pads to balance the signals.....

[walkabt]

It does, it says that on the site too, it can go as low as 12dB down. If you switch two on you can tell the difference compared to only one unit on.

[soulslinga]

that rolls mixer looks amazing, thanks.
Do you know if it is still possible to use one of those things that would allow me to control the ipod through the cd changer controls, if i used that mixer (going out to the stereo with one input the cd changer and one the ipod)????
which model would you recommend to control the ipod through the head unit?

Also, do you know if the volume control or any features will be disabled on the ipod?

[ewong_kaizen]

Originally posted by soulslinga
Also, do you know if the volume control or any features will be disabled on the ipod?

On any connector that takes the sound from the DOCK connector (at least on the 4G iPods) the volume is "fixed" at "line level". Thats fine - all your home stereo equipment works like that. There's no "volume control" (at least front panel) on any of my home CD players....

As Far as I can Tell - you could use a "source selector" with an iPod controller... but it will probably attempt to play the iPod too (which you woulodnt hear), or "might" hear depending on how the source selector worked.....

Ive looked at a couple of iPod integrators (I have an older Alpine M-Bus head unit)
Right now Im using an aux in with the line out on the iPod via the docking cradle. Planning on the budget fix of a SendStation Line Out connector....

Planning on putting in a Dennison ICS-Link for my cousin's Honda... It apppears to be the "nicest" of all the units that Ive seen (ipod2car, installer.com, and yes even iCruize)

[soulslinga]

ewong you are a plethera of information. i'm going to use this opportunity to talk with you to ask all my pressing questions, if you dont mind.

so my thing is i plan on hiding the ipod power plug in a 2nd cigarette lighter inside the dash, with the line out also hidden.

1.If i get that belkin car adapter with the line out and volume on the power plug, i'll hide it and i wont be able to access the volume control on the cigarette lighter end. will that be ok, or should i go with a power adapter with a line out but without the volume on it? if so which one?

2.or - is there a car mount with a dock (but no fm transmitter) to avoid any wires stickin outta the ipod? this so i could hide all plugs. like the tunecast for mini. (i have 40gb click wheel)

3.also, the ipod2car, icruize, dennison (do you have a link for that), your sayin they probably wont allow me to control the ipod through the cd changer controls if i run it through that rolls mixer? Is it not worth the risk?

i have a blaupunkt hollywood c30 head unit.

thanks again.

[ewong_kaizen]

Originally posted by soulslinga
ewong you are a plethera of information. i'm going to use this opportunity to talk with you to ask all my pressing questions, if you dont mind.

I just got my iPod last week. Im a nooob....:)


Originally posted by soulslinga
1.If i get that belkin car adapter with the line out and volume on the power plug, i'll hide it and i wont be able to access the volume control on the cigarette lighter end. will that be ok, or should i go with a power adapter with a line out but without the volume on it? if so which one?

Right now Im going for a similar hack. Im not sure I want to get a Dennison for the mBus Alpine Head unit that I have now. I do have an AUX in adapter ont he head unit.

I want a STEALTH installation. I street park the car.

I also want it "clean".

I looked at the "monster" and Belkin adapters. The Belkin is White - I guess to fit with the iPod look.

The volume wheel on the line out scares me. That indicates a cheezy trim potentiometer. Great noize inducer IMHO. If it has an op amp chip in it too (at least one poster somewhere said it did have one - obviously the store wont take kindly to me breaking one ope to take a look see) - even more likely to cheeze out yer sound.

IMHO the reason for the volumne adjuster is to deal witn whatever pople MIGHT plug in there (headphones, aux in, cassette adapters, radio FM "broadcaster" etc). I intend to use a LINE OUT for a LINE IN...so no need to "adjust" the volumne at all.

I havent seen a plug that does what I want:
Power in
Line Out
on a single dock connector
but you can put together one relativley easy.
This is the route Im taking

For the 12v power - Griffin PowerPod
http://www.griffintechnology.com/products/powerpod/

but ditch the wire they provide for a standard fire wire
cause Im gonna connect to the iPod with this
Sendstation PocketDock Line Out
http://www.sendstation.com/us/products/pd_lineout.html

If yer really handy you can install a fire wire female "wall plug" in the dash :)


Originally posted by soulslinga
2.or - is there a car mount with a dock (but no fm transmitter) to avoid any wires stickin outta the ipod? this so i could hide all plugs. like the tunecast for mini. (i have 40gb click wheel)

Well the option above is a dock port but no "clip"

Pro Clips makes the nicest Clips that I have seen

And either PanaVise or Pro-Fit makes nice metal brackets to hold stuff to the dash. Some of the ProClips are nice - some of em I dont care for (depends on car model)

But the really nice way is to get a dock connector that can cradle the iPod, AND connect to the dock connector.

If you have $$ - the Dennison IMHO is one of the nicest dock connectors.

(which BTW - these "Controllers" all seem to run in the $150-$200 range)


Originally posted by soulslinga
3. also, the ipod2car, icruize, dennison (do you have a link for that), your sayin they probably wont allow me to control the ipod through the cd changer controls if i run it through that rolls mixer? Is it not worth the risk?

i have a blaupunkt hollywood c30 head unit.

thanks again.


Denison

http://icelink.densionusa.com/


Not too familar woith Blau's product line (dont own one and too lazy to research it for ya)
BUT ICE-Link DOES work with blau...

"Radios supporting the Blaupunkt CDC-A08 CD Changer. "

http://densionusa.com/merchant/merchant.mvc?Screen=PROD&Store_Code=DU&Product_Code=I20_Blaupunkt&Category_Code=IA_AFTERMARKET

As far as I can tell the Dennison does NOT have "line" plugs as it was designed to go straight into a head unit plug.

Im sure that the head unit plug DOES have line level wires in it (i.e. as far as I know no CD changer is sending the digital stream to the head unit :)

SO Cut into the cable, breka out the line levels and splice in the Rolls.

If yer gonna hack stuff... there are a plethora of interface controls here..
http://www.rdlnet.com/

They are not pretty looking - they are "clean" - and they are dsigned to be stuck in behind the rack so tey dont have to look pretty...

Like THIS one
http://www.rdlnet.com/st-mx3.htm

Will allow yer navi system to "talk over top of " the ipod.

Just set the volume of the navi LOUDER than the iPod.
If ya still can here it , pause the iPod....

[soulslinga]

As far as I can tell the Dennison does NOT have "line" plugs as it was designed to go straight into a head unit plug.

Does that mean that the dennison or other simliar systems will not work (or at least let you control the ipod thru the head unit) if it is running through either of those mixers?

SO Cut into the cable, breka out the line levels and splice in the Rolls.

woah. do i really need to cut a cable? meaning the cable coming out of the cd changer? i think blaupunkt offers a cd changer cable to rca adapter. USing that, would i still need to cut something? And what exactly?

also this mixer: http://www.rdlnet.com/st-mx3.htm
i notice it does not have standard inputs.
1.So i would need to cut the cables going into it?
2. would they have to be rca? i'm new to splicing, but not to audio equipment. is it relatively self explanatory?
3. do i have to adjust the levels on that mixer with a screwdriver or something ( i could be driving)?
4. How do you power it?
5. What do you mean break outta the line levels?

Like this one http://www.rdlnet.com/st-mx3.htm
Will allow yer navi system to "talk over top of " the ipod.
Just set the volume of the navi LOUDER than the iPod.
If ya still can here it , pause the iPod....

ok - the rolls mixer can do the same thing right? the rolls sure seems easier. what are the advantages of them, which is better?


thanks again for all the help. i know i'm full of questions, just stop answering if i get annoying.

[ewong_kaizen]

As a side project I have wired radio station broadcast studios - so splicing wires doesnt really faze me... I ferget that others are not so inclined...

As far as I can tell from the Denison literature
- there is a cable from the iPod to the Icd-link
- the Ice-Line output is an "Apline M-Bus" standard
- the last cable is an Alpine M-Bus standard to Head Unit cable

At no point are there any "RCA" connectors.

Now - the M-Bus MUST have either a digital stream in (possible ) or a line level signal.

Since I have an Apline M-Bus head unit and it has a cheap AUX input "adapter cable" - Im pretty durned sure that it has a line in set of wires burried in the harness.


So if it were my project, Id fiddle with a volt meter, and cut openthe cale and get the wires I needed and hook stuff up.... :)

Now if you could do that - the RDL stuff would intimidate you. In fact since it uses "screw down" connectors - its even easier as you dont have to crimp connect / solder anything.... there is a reason "pro" installers like the RDL stuff - you cna get the studio up and running faster. All the stuff gets burried under the console anyways - so ya dont care it it dont "look" that pretty (tho it needs to look pretty for other engineers who are looking at it)


The fact that you ahve a ton of questions means that a "splice" install is out of your league - at least I'M not going to try to explain it over posts to this list.

The Rolls unit does the same thing - functionally. It will decrease the line levesl of the signal however.

If you bought a fancy schmancy head unit with 4 vol outputs - using the Rolls on those lines just negated an advantage you paid extra money for...

All of this is getting kinda silly however because IMHO the iPod doesnt sound that good to begin with (unless yer ripping to WAV files)

[elfino]

Don't know if anyone has mentioned this, but a good alternative to the belkin for true line out/charging is a cable available at the apple store.

I don't remember the brand, but while browsing the Apple Store in Columbus, OH, I stumbled across a $50 adapter that can be used either as a home charger (AC) or a car charger (DC). There is a switch. Just like the Belkin, the line out is located at the charging end...

I'll try to find out the brand...perhaps a cheaper one is available on ebay or elsewhere on the 'net....

Good luck.

[x15]

Soulslinga, what you need is one of these:
http://www.logjamelectronics.com/pieknwaux.html
This one is for a Kenwood headunit but if you e-mail them, they probably make one for a Blau. I have an 89 volvo, if you want to read what I did since your dash is very similiar, go to http://brickboard.com/AFTERMARKET/index.htm?id=879150
For pics go to:http://brickboard.com/GALLERY/index.htm?page=3&pix_type=TECHNICAL&js_link=&sort=&model=

[soulslinga]

Ewong, so indeed there would be some re'-wiring/splicing required for the rolls mixer setup (with the changer and ipod in the mixer)? Cause that might be outta my league. I am gonna buy that rolls anyway (ran outta stereo inputs on the mixer in my house) ...definetly handy.

X15 X15 X15 X15 X15 X15 X15 X15 X15 X15 X15 X15 X15 X15
That thing just blew my mind. If they could make that for blaupunkt i'll have a coniption fit. Price is not so terrible either for what you get. Do you know that they've definetly made it for other head units besides kenwood?

are there any car chargers with a line out but no internal amp or volume?

[x15]

Soulslinga, call them or e-mail them. They are great to deal with. You said you want to install to a Belkin charger and hide it behind the dash. My Belkin unit is inside the small black box attached to the back of the little storage compartment that lives under the headunit. I tapped into the leads going to the cig lighter. Did you check out the pic's on brickboard.com ? They're at the bottom of the page. Here's the link again: http://brickboard.com/GALLERY/index.htm?page=3&pix_type=TECHNICAL&js_link=&sort=&model=

[jfischetti]

Originally posted by walkabt
The only way to do that is with a mixer (for those that don't believe me try a Y adaptor and see what happens when used to try to input two devices). But the mixer also lets me switch between the two if needed as well.


WALKABT:

I have a Dension Ice-link ...

from the ice-link dock three wires plug into the interface box

L and R RCA plugs
the controller cable ( to send commands to the iPod to switch tracks and turn on & off when needed.

I was wondering, if i put an RCA splitter before the interface box and allow the Ipod audio and my SAT Radio to share input into the Interface box audio-in would i get into trouble as your post states? Id never be running the sound from both sources at the same time.

BTW: what happens if you play both sources at the same time -- chaotic sound or worse?

I'm interested in your opinion as this may be the solution i'm looking for.

thanks

[Liam D]

I made my own, including a cigarette lighter multiplier to stash behind the dash, with parts from Radio Shack for under $50. That also included an RCA to 1/8" jack. It's basically a relay and RCA inputs/output mounted to a project box, with a switch to it. It takes some time and you need the right tools, but it does the job nicely. I'm going to buy a factor switch to install in one of the dummy slots to make completely stealth.

[walkabt]

http://www.epanorama.net/circuits/linesum.html

First section of the site.

For me, I only tried it long enough to realize that I had a problem. Then I did some Google research and found A LOT of sites with information similar to the above one.

[soulslinga]

walkabt
is that for two stereo inputs to one stereo output?
also, one of the two sources will have to be switched off or they'll play at the same time right?

thanks x15 - the pic is helpful.

[walkabt]

two devices inputting sound into a headunit.

I have ppc based GPS announcing the directions over the ipod. With the mini-mixer, I don't have to switch to one or the other. But the mixer can be used to switch as well - I like the flexibility.