Making an iPod/mp3 adapter:

Sir Sam · **Posted:** Wed Jun 08, 2011 1:47 am

So today I noticed that the aux radio input uses a very common plug in Jeep vehicles, I happen to have a spare one sitting here now from replacing a broken mirror.

Made me wonder if I connected the right, left, and ground to a standard audio jack if it would work for the input. On some radios this is all that is needed, I'm just wondering if the radio will "see" that there is something connected and allow that audio selection, since the PCI bus and other "audio return line" are in place I wonder if one of those is used to "tell" the radio to allow that input.

Anyone ever go down this same path?

Zack A · **Posted:** Wed Jun 08, 2011 7:41 am

....try it?

Sent from my LS670 using Tapatalk

Frostii · **Joined:** Sun Apr 10, 2011 5:48 am **Posts:** 54

would love to hear how this turns out....much needed input for me.

JL Rockies · **Posted:** Wed Jun 08, 2011 4:37 pm

I use the Peripheral PXDX... seems to be lots o electronix in that box. I think that the box is mimicking the changer protocol which then allows you you route the audio.

JL Rockies · **Posted:** Wed Jun 08, 2011 4:41 pm

What I have done is hack into an existing changer cable and routed audio through a JL Audio CL-SES so when you hit the changer button, you could listen to the changer or the aux audio source but I do have a black belt in the 12V Arts.

liquidxit2 · **Posted:** Wed Jun 08, 2011 5:25 pm

The only other way would be to crack open the radio itself and find the wires that feed input signals to audio from the cd player. Would kinda be a pita (and possibly overload the circuit) due to having to either remove whatever disc was in the optical drive or the drive itself from the circuit. Other wise potential overload is possible and you definitely would be listening to a garbled mess. :-)r

Sir Sam · **Posted:** Wed Jun 08, 2011 5:36 pm

JL Rockies wrote:

I use the Peripheral PXDX... seems to be lots o electronix in that box. I think that the box is mimicking the changer protocol which then allows you you route the audio.

Yup, this was my thinking as well, seems like there is quite a bit of junk in that little box....possibly to mimick the CD changer or sat radio.

liquidxit2 wrote:

The only other way would be to crack open the radio itself and find the wires that feed input signals to audio from the cd player. Would kinda be a pita (and possibly overload the circuit) due to having to either remove whatever disc was in the optical drive or the drive itself from the circuit. Other wise potential overload is possible and you definitely would be listening to a garbled mess. :-)r

Someone used to offer that service for older Chrysler radios with the tape deck and Cd player combo, I never saw the point since I always just used a tape adapter(and still do to this day).

infernicus · **Posted:** Wed Jun 08, 2011 5:54 pm

I used a similar model to this. http://www.bestbuy.com/site/Metra+-+FM+ ... Id=9848376

The factory antenna gets plugged into the unit, then gets plugged into the back of the head unit. There can be perfect audio coming through the station, as soon as you put power to the unit, you get your audio.

I installed it myself. I don't remember what I paid for it, but it definitely wasn't $100. I did purchase it from Best Buy, it was an open package, I don't think I would've spent more than $50 on it.

It doesn't control the iPod, just plays whatever audio is put through it. It has standard L-R RCA input. Which is nice when you want to put another audio source through the speakers, like a cellphone or laptop.

I also added a switch for power,

and an LED to know when it is on, looks factory if I do say so myself.

Also attached to the switched power is the power for the iPod as well, so when I flip the switch on, power goes to the iPod and FM Modulator.

NewOldTimer · **Posted:** Wed Jun 08, 2011 8:37 pm

Sir Sam wrote:

So today I noticed that the aux radio input uses a very common plug in Jeep vehicles, I happen to have a spare one sitting here now from replacing a broken mirror.

Made me wonder if I connected the right, left, and ground to a standard audio jack if it would work for the input. On some radios this is all that is needed, I'm just wondering if the radio will "see" that there is something connected and allow that audio selection, since the PCI bus and other "audio return line" are in place I wonder if one of those is used to "tell" the radio to allow that input.

Anyone ever go down this same path?

You'll have only one "minor" problem with this....... :banghead:

The audio from your iPod will be a 'speaker level' signal, the input for the radio is a 'line level' signal.
Hooking up in this manner, you stand a very real possibility of blowing your entire audio system. :banghead:

The "easy route" is to simply get an adapter from USA Spec., or other manufacturer.
Yes it's $100, but you have a direct connection for your iPod, plus an AUX input for another audio source.

Unless of course, you're the adventurous type, and want to go thru the trouble of building it yourself. :mrgreen:

bunkermonkeycw · **Posted:** Wed Jun 08, 2011 10:11 pm

seen this online randomly, bought a head unit right before I needed to do it. Tven chrgeability is easy. Looking now... of course I cant find it but is easy. You use old wires that connect to mother board jumpers (PC, thay are the same size as the pins on the stereo)

I will continue to search.

teckman02 · **Posted:** Wed Jun 08, 2011 10:25 pm

this is the setup i want to try

then replace the Sirius unit with with a line in unit i ues my cd changer

Aldo0510 · **Joined:** Sun Jan 18, 2015 8:05 am **Posts:** 2

Hi all
Did you complete your project?
I google it a lot but didnt find a solution for my Rek 2007 kj radio.
I tried to connect a stereo jack directly to 1 2 6 pinns but nothing.

dennyb · **Joined:** Wed Aug 13, 2014 4:27 pm **Posts:** 110

I bought a $20.00 radio from the local U-pull junkyard. The Chrysler RAZ radio has CD and cassette. I then found one of my old cassette to headphone plug adapters. http://www.allpar.com/model/m/repairs/stereo-swap.html

Or E-bay adapter. Some of these have direct I-pod control also. http://www.ebay.com/itm/Axxess-AIP-CRCAN-IDPKG-Factory-Radio-Aux-Input-Android-iPod-iPhone-Adapter-/380738543451 http://www.ebay.com/itm/Radio-Auxiliary-Interface-Aux-3-5mm-Android-iPhone-iPod-Fits-Chrysler-Dodge-Jeep-/251795531098?fits=Make%3ADodge%7CModel%3ARam+1500

THese might work and have 2 inputs or Ipod and aux? http://www.ebay.com/itm/like/271464569857?lpid=82&chn=ps http://www.ebay.com/sch/i.html?_from=R40&_trksid=p2047675.m570.l1313.TR0.TRC0.H0.TRS0&_nkw=ISCH73&ghostText=&_sacat=0

Durango forum of how someone tapped into the radio audio and split there to make the connection.
http://www.dakota-durango.com/forum/showthread.php?t=92164

dennyb · **Joined:** Wed Aug 13, 2014 4:27 pm **Posts:** 110

Edit: 6-30-15

I found out the Parrot bluetooth adaptors have units with internal amplification and aux inputs. They pigggyback on the factory radios outputs and disconnect the factor radio audio when a call comes in or you play music. Then their amp output goes to the speakers.

dennyb · **Joined:** Wed Aug 13, 2014 4:27 pm **Posts:** 110

How about trying a DVD changer out of a Pacifica?

I just bought a Pacifica DVD changer dash unit last week. It has front aux input too. I pulled it out of a 2004 car. My headunit recognizes it and plays it as a disc changer. The aux inputs activate automatically when you play your mp3 player by sensing the signal. It returns to disc changer automatically aux when sound stops after about 3 second wait. Havn't checked if it plays mp3 files directly yet.

I just now have to find a place to put the player. Its about 7.5in wide and 10.25in wide at the faceplate mount. front to back it is 9.5in deep. Rear seat video will be possible if I get a cable for the video out to work later.

New question how much music can fit on a 4.7gig DVD?

teckman02 · **Posted:** Sun Jul 05, 2015 10:49 pm

dennyb wrote:

How about trying a DVD changer out of a Pacifica?

I just bought a Pacifica DVD changer dash unit last week. It has front aux input too. I pulled it out of a 2004 car. My headunit recognizes it and plays it as a disc changer. The aux inputs activate automatically when you play your mp3 player by sensing the signal. It returns to disc changer automatically aux when sound stops after about 3 second wait. Havn't checked if it plays mp3 files directly yet.

I just now have to find a place to put the player. Its about 7.5in wide and 10.25in wide at the faceplate mount. front to back it is 9.5in deep. Rear seat video will be possible if I get a cable for the video out to work later.

New question how much music can fit on a 4.7gig DVD?

sorry won't work you can only burn mp3 cd's the dvd changer won't play mp3 dvd's

also if you want to have some fun here is a project that i started http://www.lostjeeps.com/forum/phpBB3/viewtopic.php?f=45&t=66258

also don't ask if i have finished it yet i haven't have not had the time to work on it i got a ton of other things on my plate right now

Making an iPod/mp3 adapter:

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