Well, I won't bet getting my MCS for another couple months, but I've already started picking out some accessories I'd like to buy for it. One of the first I'd like to do is an iPod adapter. In my current vehicle, I have a highly modified* Belkin Auto Kit connected to an auxiliary input adapter on my factory stereo. This works well (sound quality is great) but I'd like to do a little more with the MINI. I really like the idea of being able to skip tracks with the multi-function steering wheel, so I've been looking at systems like the Dension Ice>Link. I came across a link to this adapter, and I think it looks nice, both because of features and price. However, I have two questions:

1) Has anyone here used this USA SPEC iPod adapter, and how is it?
2) What is the best way to route a cable from the CD changer connection in the boot up to the vicinity of the dashboard?

Thanks!

* Modifications to Belkin adapter in my current vehicle:
- Removed from original housing and hard-wired in behind the dash trim (with inline fuse holder)
- Internal amplifier/volume control disconnected, providing direct line output

 

I have this in my Honda S2000 and it works very well. Only negative is the conector is only 46 inches long so you may need an extendor depending on where you mount the device inside dashboard.

 

How'd you do that? I love the Belkin but am frustrated that it has an internal amp when it doesn't need it...

 

I'll see if I can find the instructions that I used. Basically, it involved disassembling it, cutting a few traces on the circuit board and a little soldering to bypass the amp. After that, I soldered an inline fuse holder and longer wires with quick disconnects to the power input points on the circuit board, and buried the whole thing in the dash behind my radio.

Edit: This was easier to find than I thought it would be - turns out I still had it bookmarked.
Belkin Auto Kit Direct Line Out

 

I saw this one which basically winds up replicating the MINI iPod interface. In the end, I just wound up getting the MINI piece. Don't these Belkin items cost around $50? If this is true, I'd just save the effort and get the factory item.

Regardless (sorry for inserting my opinion), here's a link for the modification :


http://www.mindspring.com/~pmbenn/iPod/cable.htm

EDIT: This Belkin mod is intended for stereos that have an RCA-plug line-level (aux) input

 

The benefit of the Belkin adapter is that it only one connection for both power to the iPod and audio output. It also automatically pauses the iPod when power is removed (i.e. by turning off the car). As I mentioned above, I used the modified Belkin adapter with an RCA aux input adapter (connected to the CD changer port of the factory stereo in my '98 Blazer). I got the Belkin adapter REALLY cheap (like $2 plus shipping, seriously) from some surplus company via an eBay auction, so I didn't feel too bad about tearing it apart. Audio quality is really good, and only a tiny bit quieter than the CD player or radio.

I just want something a little different when I get the MINI, because I want to be able to skip tracks with the MFSW buttons, so I'll probably be getting the USA SPEC adapter, as it seems to be the cheapest way to get that functionality

 

Cool - thanks!

Did you hear any noticeable difference in quality between the (prewired) amp'd output versus the (modified) un-amped output?

 

I think it sounded better, but it may just be the placebo effect after putting that much work into it. It wasn't connected to the greatest system in the world, either. Delco factory head unit, factory 6" rear speakers and Rockford Fosgate components in front. It definitely sounded better than my previous setup, which used a cassette tape adapter, but that doesn't really matter here.
I was planning to remove it from the case and hardwire it inside the dash anyway, so I figured I might as well bypass the amp while I was at it. Overall I'm pretty happy with it.

 

Claancy says that the Belkin system will pause the ipod when the car is turned off.......does this mean the ipod is turned off or just paused? Is there a simple car cigarette lighter charging system that connects to the ipod docking outlet to provides audio and charging AND will shut the ipod off so you do not have to keep remembering to shutoff the darn ipod every time you leave the car?

 

In my experience, the iPod shuts itself off after it's paused for a few minutes - I have an iPod connected just with AUX input cable; when I stop for coffee I press pause and when I return the display is off and I have to press play once to wake it up again and again to restart playing.

 

Not true if it kept in an "alive" state by another device through the dock connector. If the cigarette lighter cuts power when the ignition is turned off, you should be ok.

 

but is it correct that the Belkin Auto kit will pause the ipod when the ignition is shut of? I would like the ipod to shut off when I leave the car.....I had contacted tech support at belkin and the techie told me it would not pause the ipod....however the tech did not seem to know about this item and kept on putting me on hold for every little question to ask someone

 

I can't give an honest answer for sure - if there is power going to the iPod (can't recall which pin) it never gets the kill signal. Since we install DICE kits all day long - there's no need for the Belkin.

You can try giving Belkin another call and ask to speak with another tech.

 

ok, just got off the phone with Belkin tech support again...with the Auto Kit w/docking, when the car is shut off so no power to the cigarette lighter, the ipod will remain on and will not be paused....but out there in the real world, can anyone confirm this?

 

well, just answered my own question...Belkin tech support says their Auto Dock does not shut off the ipod...Claancy says it does...so I just bought one...yes,it pauses the ipod then the ipod shuts itself off in few minutes...just what I wanted....also, the line out plug is right at the cigarette lighter so the only connection to the ipod is through the docking plug so it is very neat....it is connected up to the Aux Input and, the sound seems noticably clearer and cleaner through that lineout ( which isn't truly a line out since it is amplifed and has a volume switch on the charger) than through the headphone jack....I like it