Hi, I'm thinking to buy the Belkin Auto Kit for iPod with Dock Connector (http://catalog.belkin.com/IWCatProdu...duct_Id=193794, part number F8V7058-APL-BLK). I had the bright idea of doing some research and (on other forums) I read about some people having serious background noise issues with it.
As always, suggestions ranged from adding a GLI (Ground Loop Isolator) device, to pure voodoo remedies, going through Faraday cages (for the science-inclined among us) and home-made grounding solutions that would connect everything, driver included (and NO, I don't want to know what's the best grounding point in a human, ok?).
I'd like to have some feedback from MINI owners as not all cars are created equal when it comes to noise and interferences...
So, do you have it? Does it work well?
I'm no audiophile, but I do have 2 ears...

 

i have it and it works well. I had the issue of the audio cutting out with a straight aux from the headphone jack, so I tried the Belkin. It solved the ground loop issue. There is some noise at loud volumes. If for instance you were to pause the ipod, you would hear it. But I never notice it while music is playing.

had it for over a year and still works great.

 

It's not the Belkin that has serious grounding issues, but rather the mini's Aux port that has the issue.

I've had the Belkin for over a year with a homemade AUX cable built from the GLI. I've never had any problems or extraneous noise.

My only beef is that the wire sleeve right by the connector is pulling back. Otherwise I've had no problems.

 

Can you explain in details what's your setup? I'm curious...

 

I'll take pictures of it tonight for you.

 

Pics would be great, but also a simple description would work. I don't quite understand where did you put the GLI, having the Belkin...

 

Two for one today! Pics WITH descriptions.

First of all I got this GLI from Radio Shack

http://www.radioshack.com/product/in...entPage=search

On either side of the actual isolator there is a long wire and a short one. I have the long wire hooked into the back of the HU (via computer parts).



Then I run the wire down the back and around the side...



Under the bendy center console thingy (very technical... I know)... and up to the top where I have my 1/8in jack (from RadioShack too) soldered to the other shorter end of the wires of the GLI.



This is the view from the other side, where I have a little 6in 1/8 male-to-male cable running from the Belkin to the aux port.



Then I have my iPod mount up by the steering wheel.




I have the full write up of how to make a DIY aux cable here.

Let me know if you have any questions.

 

Thanks for the info, I perfectly understood what you did.
I'm wondering whether you had to use the GLI because you weren't using the OEM MINI AUX Input kit, or not. The OEM AUX kit definitely has "something" in addition to wires: I have no idea what, because it's all tightly wrapped with special tape, but there is definitely something (could be just a couple of resistors).
Anyways, I think I'll try the Belkin: if background noise is too much, I'll get a GLI.

 

You can search around here, I've read a couple of places that people have needed GLI's with the OEM port too.