Navigation & Audio iPhone 3G and iPod/USB charging issue solved!!!

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Aug 15, 2009 | 08:25 AM

#26

Gumpper

Neutral

Joined: Jun 2008

Posts: 9

Likes: 0

Quote:

Originally Posted by robovega

First off, thanks Corey986 for sharing your workaround. Much appreciated.

I really like this solution, but I'm reluctant because of the messy look of excess cable and adapters. According to eBay, the cable from Amazon is 3.28 feet.

This seems to be another option from eBay:

New USB Female to 2 USB A Male Power Y Cable Extension

This cable measures only 11 inches, so this could make things a little more tidy. I'm also eyeing this power adapter that sits flush against the cigarette lighter socket:

Belkin Micro Auto Charger

Just thought I'd add a few more options for those motorers who want to try and keep things neat.

I'm confused as to why the new Y-connector is needed. If I got the Belkin min-charger, couldn't I just use the OEM Y-connector, but run the USB male into the Belkin instead of the dashboard? I'm assuming the Belkin has sufficient output power to charge the 3GS, so what do I gain by having a cable plugged into the dashboard female USB?

Aug 18, 2009 | 07:39 AM

#27

Little Bean

3rd Gear

Joined: Jul 2008

Posts: 169

Likes: 0

From: Gaithersburg

Amazon USB split cable to "Y" cable

Quote:

Originally Posted by robovega

First off, thanks Corey986 for sharing your workaround. Much appreciated.

I really like this solution, but I'm reluctant because of the messy look of excess cable and adapters. According to eBay, the cable from Amazon is 3.28 feet.

Just wanted to let everyone know that this set up does work with the IPhone 3GS. Old (infamous) "Y" cable audio jack to the jack plug, Y cable USB end to the female end of the new Amazon cable with the two other USB ends going to the Mini USB port and the other to a cig. plug adapter. Only problems are: A. multiple wires B. my LED on cig plug adapter stays lit even when car is off. ( power from Mini USB), C. I have extra cables b/c I got a single to dual cig. plug adapter so can charge phone and run radar detector.
Little Bean

Aug 18, 2009 | 07:42 AM

#28

Little Bean

3rd Gear

Joined: Jul 2008

Posts: 169

Likes: 0

From: Gaithersburg

usb to cig plug vs. dashboard/ mini usb hub

Gumpper,
I think the USB still needs to be plugged into the car for controls of music. We should let Schatzy chime on in.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Gumpper

Aug 18, 2009 | 06:58 PM

#29

Gumpper

Neutral

Joined: Jun 2008

Posts: 9

Likes: 0

You're right, Little Bean. Right now I've got the original Y-cable plugged into a Belkin mini-charger and the aux input, but have the second Y-cable on order. Not having the steering wheel controls isn't much of a problem for me now, since I'm primarily using the iphone with the Slacker app.

Aug 19, 2009 | 05:00 AM

#30

schatzy62

OVERDRIVE

iTrader: (1)

Joined: May 2008

Posts: 5,483

Likes: 11

From: Gardner MA

Quote:

Originally Posted by Little Bean

Gumpper,
I think the USB still needs to be plugged into the car for controls of music. We should let Schatzy chime on in.

Little Bean, You are correct on this. To retain control of the Music from the radio/MFSW controls you will still have to have a USB cable plugged into the MINI USB port.

THus to power and control music you will need a "USB Y-Cable" and the "MINI Y-Cable". The "USB Y-Cable will plug into the power (what ever item that is used for that) and the MINI USB port. Then the "MINI Y-Cable" USB will plug into the "USB Y-Cable" and the Audio connector will plug into the AUX. Then the iPod connector end of the "MINI Y-Cable" will plug into the iPhone.

Oct 16, 2009 | 03:53 PM

#31

godskid

2nd Gear

Joined: Oct 2006

Posts: 120

Likes: 2

From: HBG, PA outskirts

Anybody got a source for the MINI Y-Cable that charges less than my MINI dealer, who says the cable is $68? I lost mine.....

Nov 3, 2009 | 02:43 PM

#32

Parkerton

4th Gear

Joined: Jun 2008

Posts: 463

Likes: 0

From: San Francisco Peninsula

Quote:

Originally Posted by schatzy62

THus to power and control music you will need a "USB Y-Cable" and the "MINI Y-Cable". The "USB Y-Cable will plug into the power (what ever item that is used for that) and the MINI USB port. Then the "MINI Y-Cable" USB will plug into the "USB Y-Cable" and the Audio connector will plug into the AUX. Then the iPod connector end of the "MINI Y-Cable" will plug into the iPhone.

Sorry Schatzy, but I’m having problems envisioning this. I think I’m much more visual.

Can someone diagram this (nothing fancy – hand drawn is fine) so that us visual people can experience this new iPhone charging / playing bliss too?

THANKS!!!