iPod Install Question

[willo]

Hey guys, I hope this post is in the proper forum, if not I apologize. Anyway, here goes...

I have a 1999 Explorer (Eddie Bauer Edition) and a 60gb iPod Video and I'm looking to mate the two. I've found a nice article in the forums on how to hardwire the ipod into the factory stereo system and then use a blank cd-r inthe cd-player to make it all work. I was wondering however, if there was a way to tie the ipod directly into the factory amp and run the ipod that way - bypassing the headunit completely?

Any advise, comments, help, etc. would be greatly appreciated..

-willo

 

[jayhawkexplorer]

You'll want to first search the "Explorer Audio" and then if you don't find your answer, post this in that section or in the "Modified Explorers" section. This section is on repairing your Explorer to stock condition. Welcome to the site!

 

[gijoecam]

www.pie.net

ditto about the section....

Oh, and welcome to the best Explorer site on the 'net!!

 

[pfeffer1728]

id just go ahead and get an after market head unit. its not really expensive and it'll sound a whole lot better. get one w/ an rca input and buy you a 5 dollar cable at radio shack and plug it in...just a suggestion though. good luck

 

[willo]

My apologies for posting in the wrong section guys, but thanks for pointing me in the right direction..

 

[ExplorerDMB]

welcome to the site. If you run into a problem like you just did (posting in the wrong forum) - please let a moderator know before double posting. Double posting isn't permitted around here and moderators/admin will gladly move your post/thread. Which is what I have done with your origional post, I have moved it to Explorer Audio. Again, welcome!

-Drew

 

[Flounder]

Willo,

Just to get you started in the right direction - see: http://logjamelectronics.com/piefrdnpcpod.html.

I am not sure of the specifications of your radio. If you check out that page, it'll give you the model numbers of the radios with which it works. Additionally, note the CD Changer issue - if you have an external changer, you must use a different unit.

I wish I could help you further, but without seeing your headunit and if you have the premium or standard system (sub or no sub), I am not exactly sure which one you'd need.

When you determine which you will need, I can help you with any installation questions that you have. I recently installed their FRD03-AUX/S into my Trac.

Good luck.

 

[EricCoolCats]

Willo, I just completed a different installation over the weekend in my '98 Mountaineer. It *does* use the factory radio but the install is very simple, clean, and straightforward. It is the iCruze kit from Monster Cable. Back in Feb. they had a sale on the whole kit for a mere $99. Right now it's back up to around $150 but still a good deal. Here is a pic:

Other pix here:
http://www.coolcats.net/eric/98mountaineer/icruze_01.jpg
http://www.coolcats.net/eric/98mountaineer/icruze_02.jpg

The iPod cable is coming out of the 'tissue holder' slot on the console for now. Bad news is, when installed correctly, the iCruze system totally locks out the iPod functions. That means you can't directly search through songs on the iPod. You have to put everything in playlists, and then access the playlists through the CD changer controls (Disc 1=playlist 1, etc.). I found that only one wire from the iCruze module determines this (the yellow wire in Photo #1 above). If it doesn't have a power source, you can scroll through the iPod and play anything you want, however the charger function won't work. I put this wire on a toggle switch on the radio panel so now, I can do either. The optional display is mounted in the front console tray. I'm happy with it so far.

A friend of mine just put the Harmon/Kardon Drive+Play system in his car, which comes with a joystick to scroll through the iPod, but you'd need a spot to mount that along with the display. He ended up using an aftermarket radio for everything.

Hope the info helps!

 

[techieman33]

Alpine makes head units that are Ipod compatible, all you need is a $30 cable and you can control your ipod thru the head unit.