How to add iPod products, DVD, SAT Radio to my car radio.

Peripheral PXAMG-VW iPod/HD Radio adapter for Select 2006-Up VW displays text on all VW Radios with SAT button
Click here for more details.

1. Input Jack

The easiest way is to plug the iPod into the input jack on the car stereo. Unfortunately, many car stereos do not have an input jack so you must use a different solution.

2. Cassette adapter:

A cassette adapter connects to your iPod's headphone output, plays on your car's cassette deck. Connecting a cassette adapter to your iPod and car will result in better overall audio than even the most expensive FM transmitters on the market, however not all cassette adapter are of equal quality.

3. FM Transmitters:

For those who do not have an input jack or a cassette player there is still one last solution. A couple of companies make short-range FM transmitters. The wireless FM transmitter, like the cassette adapter, plug into your iPod's headphone output, the transmitter sends a low-powered FM signal to your car radio. Wireless FM transmitter signals are susceptible to static and outside interference, and can vary in strength and quality depending on your location.

4. FM Modulators:

These devices connect to the antenna cable and like FM transmitters, they are susceptible to static and outside interference and can vary in quality depending on your location.

5. AUXILIARY INPUT ADAPTERS
An auxiliary input adapter takes audio information from the audio device (iPod, MP3 Player, DVD, Game, Computer and etc) and makes a direct connection to the radio CD Changer or SAT port. Most if not all auxiliary input adapters require that you disconnect the external cd changer or xm tuner .

They are two types of auxiliary input adapters: Aftermarket and Factory (OEM).

5A. AFTERMARKET:

RCA- line level input: Usually located on the back of a car radio, (though certain models offer a convenient front-panel input), you'll have to run a mini jack-to-RCA cable from under the dash for the iPod to plug into.

CD Changer port input: Usually located on the back of the aftermarket radio, you'll have to run a manufacturer specific adapter cable from the radio CD Changer port to the audio device. ( Any device making use of the CD Changer port must be disconnected to use these adapters).

To further illustrate this connection, lets connect an iPod to a Pioneer P-Bus headunit.
a. Purchase a PIO/P-3.5m Pioneer P-Bus to 3.5mm adapter cable (this cable is 6ft long with a right angle 3.5mm (headphone-type) jack on one end (See Fig. 02) and a male P-BUS connector on the other [See Fig. 03 (right)]. Connect the 3.5mm end to the iPod headphone output jack (See Fig. 02).
b. Route the PIO/P-3.5m male P-Bus plug to the back of the dash and connect it to the headunit P-BUS connector (located on the rear of the radio or on the radio harness) [See Fig. 03 (left)]
c. Turn on the Pioneer stereo and enable the "AUX" option as outlined in the stereo's user manual.

Note: If the audio device has a pair of RCA outputs use the PIO/P-RCA or CD-RB10 instead.

Apply the above procedure when connecting an iPod, satellite radio, DVD Player, Game systems etc to Alpine, Sony, Kenwood, Eclipse, Clarion, Blaupunkt, JVC and etc aftermarket radios with a CD changer port AND auxiliary input capabilities. Each manufacturer requires a unique cable and most if not all are available here @Discount Car Stereo.com

Auxiliary inputs provide a direct connection from the iPod or audio device to the receiver, they give you the cleanest and most detailed possible sound in your car.

WARNING ABOUT AUXILIARY INPUT ADAPTERS: Auxiliary input adapters DO NOT control, charge or display text from the external device (iPod, DVD player, SAT radio, MP3 etc), they are used to transfer audio from the external device to your stereo, you control external devices from their buttons or remote controls.

A more clever approach is now available using the dock connector on the bottom of the iPod-- this connector has 30-pins for audio (line out), ground, power among others. Using one of these aftermarket iPod connecting cables will allow you to play and charge your iPod on select aftermarket radios. Cables are available for Alpine, JVC, Kenwood and Pioneer. See Fig. 3.3
As with all auxiliary input adapters-- control or display information is not available.

5b. FACTORY (OEM):

 These adapters, make use of the factory radios CD changer or XM port. This means that your factory radio must be able to control an external CD Changer or XM Tuner. (Most if not all the auxiliary input devices sold on our site make use of the radios CD Changer port and in most cases you must disconnect the external †CD Changer to install these devices.) Like aftermarket auxiliary inputs, you'll have to run a 3.5mm-to-RCA cable from under the dash for the iPod or audio device to plug into, they also give you the cleanest and most detailed possible sound in your car.

To further illustrate this connection, we will be connecting an iPod to a Volkswagen factory radio using the VWR-AUX auxiliary input adapter.

Note: The VWR-AUX is compatible with all AUDI/VW CD Changer control radios having the 8-pin port on the back of the radio (see Fig. 06.)
2002-UP Double DIN AM/FM/CD/Cassette radios must use the VW02-AUX. Vehicles that are prewired to the trunk with a rectangular 12-pin connector must use the VW-AUX

1. Purchase a 3.5m jack-to-RCA adapter cable and a VWR-AUX,  VW02-AUX VW-AUX or auxiliary input adapter.

2. Connect the 3.5mm end to the iPod headphone output (See Fig. 02)

3. Install the VWR-AUX, VW02-AUX or VW-AUX as per manufacturers instructions

4. Route the two male RCA-ends of the RCA-3.5mm adapter cable to the back of the stereo and connect them to the VWR-AUX, VW02-AUX or VW-AUX audio input jacks (See Fig. 05)

5. The VWR-AUX includes a short harness with a blue 8-pin plug on one end and PIE Molex plug on the other. It also includes a black ground wire that MUST be grounded. (See Fig. 04).

5a. The VW02-AUX includes a short harness with a white 12-pin connector on one end and PIE Molex plug on the other. (See Fig 2 below)

5b. The VW-AUX includes a short harness with a 12-pin rectangular connector on one end and PIE Molex plug on the other.

6. Connect the blue 8-pin(VWR-AUX), 12-pin (VW02-AUX) plug to the 8-pin (see Fig. 06) or 12-pin (See Fig. 4 below) connector on the back of the radio.
Note: If a factory cd changer cable is occupying this connector, you must disconnect it. Connect the black wire to chassis ground.

7. Connect the PIE Molex connector to of the interface box.

8. Turn on the iPod, Satellite Radio, DVD and etc. Turn On the VW radio and press the "CD" button. Turn up the volume on the stereo, you should hear a clean audio sound-- if distorted, turn down the volume on the device.

Note: Not all external audio devices have the same audio output level. Some devices may sound louder than others. If you want to match the audio level to the device to that of the factory radios CD or AM/FM, use a Line Driver to increase the device output level.

You may apply the above procedure when connecting an iPod, satellite radio, DVD player, Game system, etc to: Audi, Acura, BMW, Chrysler, Ford, GM, Infiniti, Jaguar, Land Rover, Mazda, Mercedes Benz, Mini, Nissan, Scion, Toyota, Volkswagen, Volvo factory radios with CD changer controls. Each vehicle manufacturer requires a vehicle specific adapter. Click here to browse!

ABOUT AUXILIARY INPUT ADAPTERS: Auxiliary input adapters DO NOT control, charge or display text from the external device (iPod, DVD player, SAT radio, MP3 etc) on the factory radio display, they are used to transfer audio from the external device to your stereo, you control external devices from their buttons or remote control.

† You can install an auxiliary input device and retain the factory cd changer in select vehicles [see our docking station for more details]

6. iPOD INTERFACES:

These interfaces are made specifically to connect iPod products to your factory or aftermarket radio. Like Auxiliary input adapters, iPod interface Adapters they connect to the CD changer or XM port on the radio and to the dock connector located on the bottom of the iPod so the sound quality is optimal because the line-out on the dock connector is fixed and is independent of the volume level set on the iPod. Currently PIE, Blitzsafe, USASpec iPod Interface adapters do not display text information. These iPod interfaces use the CD Mode to display* song/track (CD1, TRK1) and some allow allow you to navigate through the iPod's song collection using the factory radio controls, including steering wheel controls -- and contribute significantly to safer driving while others do not allow control from the radio. iPod Adapters also charges the iPod automatically, making it the ideal solution for long trips.

iPod interfaces can be Vehicle Specific and Universal.

1. Blitzsafe VW/M-LINK1v.3 (see Fig. 07) is an example of vehicle specific adapter. It charges the iPod and connects to the VW radio CD Changer port. This unit and all Blitzsafe iPod adapter to date (5/30/06) do NOT control iPod functions from the radio or steering wheel... you control the iPod using the clickwheel.

2. USASpec PA11-VW (see. Fig. 08) is another example of vehicle specific adapter. It connects to VW prewired cable in the trunk/hatch/center console and will also connect to the 8-pin CD Changer port behind the radio [a CDL-VW cable (sold separately) is required]. The PA11-VW charges the iPod and lets you control the iPod in 2 modes, namely direct mode and playlist mode.

3. Peripherals PXAMG-VW  (see Fig. 012) is a new generation of multi-vehicle iPod adapters. The PXAMG-VW connects to the radio's SAT port to display text information on the radio screen. This is possible on select 2006-Up VW radios with a "SAT" button with or without the factory XM tuner. This device will not disable the factory XM Tuner. This interface also controls the optional HD radio tuner. Click here for more details.

Direct mode: the iPod clickwheel is not disabled and because of that none of the iPod functions are compromised. You'll have full access to all functions on the iPod (just as you would in portable mode). In addition to full controls from the iPod, the PA11-VW lets you TRACK UP/DOWN, FF/REW from the VW radio buttons.

Playlist mode disables the iPod clickwheel. Controlling the iPod is possible using the radio buttons. Text information is not displayed on the radio or the iPod, however the radio will display "CD1 TR 1" (playlist 1 track 1) See fig 6, bellow.

 3. Blitzsafe UII (Universal iPod Interface) (See Fig 09)), and Peripherals PXP01A (see Fig 010), PIE UNI-POD (see Fig. 011) are examples of Universal adapters. These devices will provide:
1. Charging the iPod battery
2. RCA audio output to any factory or aftermarket radio that has RCA audio inputs. (aftermarket or factory radios that do not have RCA inputs but do have a CD Changer port require a vehicle specific or radio specific auxiliary input adapter to connect to the Universal iPod adapter.)
3. Clean audio connection to the iPod dock connector

The following in an exampled of a Vehicle Specific iPod interface installation. It is intended to provide our customer with a better understanding of this simple and easy process. Please note that your vehicle setup may differ, but the basics are the same.

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 PIE VW02-PC/POD iPod Adapter Installation Tutorial
(also helpful when installing other PIE (VWR/PC-POD, VWR-AUX, VW02-AUX )auxiliary interface adapter)

Fig. 0

1. For your safety we ask you disconnect the negative battery terminal, (please have the radio code handy, you will need to enter this code when your done).

2. Using a Radio removal tool (sold separately), remove the radio to locate the 12-pin CD Changer port (see Fig. 4).
The tool must be inserted into the 4 slots (2 on top and 2 on the bottom of the radio) to release the metal tabs holding the radio in place. To use, simply insert the tool into the top and bottom slots with the "straight edge" facing out, (see Fig. 1a) the tool should lock onto the metal slots that hold the radio in place; push-toward the center of the car and pull-out to release radio. Repeat procedure on the other side. Pull the radio out as far as possible. (to avoid scratching your beautiful dash, we recommend putting a towel or soft cloth under the radio)
Factory data/CD Changer Cable (if present) must be disconnected.

3. Connect the 12-pin connector of the interface cable (See Fig.2), to the 12-pin CD-Changer port of the radio (See Fig.4)
Note: They are two 12-pin connectors on the back of VW double DIN radios. Connect the interface cable to the 12-pin connector as seen in Fig. 4 (opposite the 10A fuse), do not force or change the settings on the plug--- it will only fit one of the two connectors.

4.Connect the ground wire of the interface cable (See Fig. 2) to chassis ground (bare metal surface of the radio or vehicle), this step is required.

5. Connect the 10-pin Molex connector of the interface cable to the mating connector at the top of the interface box.

6. Connect the male 13-pin DIN of the 4-foot dock-connector-cable to the female 13-pin DIN on the interface box (See Fig.3)

7. Route the dock-connector-cable to the iPod location (i.e. center console, glove box, cup holder etc), DO NOT CONNECT iPod

8. Reconnect Negative battery terminal, and enter radio code

9. Connect the dock-connector-cable to the iPod. The battery charging symbol will show next to the battery indicator.

10. Wait a few seconds while the iPod interfaces searches for all the Playlists [VW02/PC-POD only] searching time may vary depending on the number or Playlists.
Each VW02/PC-POD playlist must have a unique name as described in the users manual
If you are connecting the VW02/PC-POD2 no wait time is required.

11. After connecting the iPod, to the interface, the iPod will display "OK to disconnect" (VW02/PC-POD See Fig.5). This message means the iPod product is in external mode control and proper synchronization is complete.
Note: The VW02/PC-POD External Control Mode means that the iPod buttons and screen are disabled. Controlling the iPod is only possible using the factory radio buttons.

IMPORTANT (PLEASE READ) : The iPod display (see Fig 5A) and clickwheel are NOT DISABLED when the VW02/PC-POD2, iPod2car or PA11-VW6 (in direct mode) adapters are installed. PIE VW02/PC-POD products disable the iPod screen and clickwheel (see Fig 5)

12. If a few minutes has passed and the message does not appear, disconnect the iPod or iPod mini and re-connect.

13. Press the "CD" button on your radio to engage CD-Changer/iPod mode. If the iPod is not connected to the interface, the radio will display "NO MAGAZINE".

14. Once in the CD Changer/iPod mode, the radio will display "CD1 TR 1", this means the radio is playing the 1st song of the 1st playlist. (See Fig.6) shows "CD1 TR  4), ipod is playing the 4th song of the 1st playlist. Artist name, song title, album name etc are not supported.

15. Once radio is in the right mode, simply press SEEK▲ and SEEK▼ buttons to change between songs or use the "SCAN"/"TUNE" knob (See Fig.7) if present.

16. Use the different presets 1-6 (See Fig.8) to change playlist (s).

Note: Everytime the iPod is connected to this interface, the play cycle starts on playlist 1 track1 (CD1 TR 1). The "on the go" feature of the iPod is not supported.

In closing:
PIE first generation iPod adapters (PC-POD), requires playlist naming and they also disable the iPod clickwheel.
PIE second generation IPod adapters (PC-POD2) do not require playlist naming and do not disable the iPod clickwheel. -- please select the right interface based on the product description page or the product manual.

Your feedback is appreciated.

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New 2006-10 VW Radios with "SAT" Button are fully compatible with our PXAMG-VW iPod + AUX or HD Radio Interface.
Full text displayed on radio screen, full control of iPod and HD radio using the radio and or steering wheel controls. Click here for details.