cjfreitag

Here is how my setup looks. The Belkin adapter plugs into the center console.

I've been very happy with the results of using Jazzy's board along with a little Belkin gizmo called the Auto Kit for iPod with Dock Connector. It combines a 12v charger with a little preamp and a 3.5mm audio out jack. I routed the audio cable into the center console and plug the Belkin into that 12v outlet. Works great, and getting volume matched to the radio has never been a problem.

This is what I noticed when I used the headphone out from the iPod. You get a better signal if you connect to the iPod dock. Scroll up and read my post on the Belkin Auto Kit. It also has a built in volume adjustment, so now my volume is the same on the aux-in as it is when playing a regular CD or FM.

I got mine at Crutchfield.com, but it is showing out of stock. Here is the link: http://www.crutchfield.com/S-c46tp6Ilogm/cgi-bin/ProdView.asp?search=ground+loop&i=127SNI135

I just did a 4 hour road test of mine yesterday and had no problems. There are two things I can suggest. First, make sure that the Belkin Charger is firmly seated in the socket. Start playing your iPod and watch the charger. Do the audio dropouts correspond to the light on the charger flickering? If that is the case, try putting the Belkin charger in the outlet on the dash to see if you have the same problem. Also, check to make sure that the dock connector is firmly seated in your iPod.

I just picked up the Belkin Auto Kit for my iPod, and it's a great addition to this mod. It's an auto charger that connects to the iPod with a dock, but the great feature is that is has a line out audio connector and a volume control. I plugged it into the power source in the cubby, plugged in the cable to the aux-in (which I had routed into the cubby), and then connected my iPod. Works great...no more turning up the car stereo to 20+ to get the volume I want and then getting blown out when I switch to FM. It's the cheapest charger/line out combo I found ($30) and it works.

Well, it works. I finally completed the install today in an 06 Outback Ltd. When I started last weekend I got stymied by a screw in the cubby and had to get a 10 mm socket to clear it. When I started today I had no problems to speak of. The whole thing took me about 2 hours start to finish. The only real glitches I encountered were minor. First, I had trouble with the screws holding on the heatsink. I had to try several different Philips heads before I found one that would work. LESSON: have some good screwdrivers. Old banged up drivers will make it harder. The other glitch was when I hooked up the radio to test it. The CD wouldn't load. I unplugged the wiring harnass and tried again, and the second time it worked. LESSON: If at first you don't succeed, don't panic! I used the inline ground gizmo that I got from Crutchfield. I hooked the miniplug from that to the aux output on Jazzy's board. After I closed up the radio I taped the ground gizmo to the underside of the radio (hope it will hold!). I routed a 6' miniplug to miniplug patch cable down the inside of the center console to a hole I drilled in the bottom of the cubby. The cord and charger will live there. As others have reported, I have to turn the volume up relatively high on the radio (15-16) to get much sound, but the sound I get is excellent! I may get a charger with a line out to see if that makes a difference. Everything went back together quite easily, and the only question now is whether or not I have introduced any new rattles or squeaks. So far this car has been very quiet (which I love). But then, it only has 3500 miles on it. I want to thank everyone who has posted on this board. I would never in a million years have dreamed of trying something like this. I've built a computer from scratch but I don't know from cars! This was much easier than I expected.

Well, I finally got the time, the weather, and the nerve and then promptly got stymied at the second step. When I tried to unscrew the two screws in the armrest cubby the would not budge! I solved part of the problem: a 10mm socket on a socket wrench will do the trick. Unfortunately, my extension isn't long enough (story of my life). You need at least 6 inches. So, as soon as I make another trip to the hardware store this week I am good to go. But now I am nervous about other tight screws. Any recommendations for other tools to have on hand?