I-pod Connection

[Martin S]

I have a new 1.9S Passat Estate with bog standard audio (300) unit.

Does anyone know if there is an auxiliary input for an I-Pod on the head unit ?

[iaint]

Yes, I've already done this but not for an ipod, for Creative Zen MP3 Player. You can't however just plug your ipod in you need an adaptor, I've used a connects2 one.

Heres a couple of links to the connects2 website

This is the one I have with a stereo jack for any MP3 player. The CTAVGS009 at the bottom is for the RCD300
https://www.connects2.com/c2search.aspx?catID=11&manID=235&modID=558


This is one for the ipod, the GTAVGIPOD009 in the middle is for the RCD300
https://www.connects2.com/c2search.aspx?catID=27&manID=235&modID=558

I can't offer any opinion on the ipod connector as I haven't used it but the stereo jack sounds excellent through the stereo, although it doesn't charge the MP3 player and you have no control over the unit via the stereo. You have to use the controls on the player to select albums, skip tracks etc.

When you remove the stereo you will see in the bottom corner below the power input and speaker output conections the socket to plug your adaptor in. It's quite obvious when you see it how it fits in. You then simply have to route the cable somewhere to connect it to your player.

Here's a link to tell you how to remove your stereo. Read all the way to the end though, the point about not turning your ignition on with the warning light disconnected is quite important. Oh yes and ignore the posts about needing keys to remove it.
http://www.vwaudiforum.co.uk/forum/showthread.php?t=5106&highlight=rcd300+removal

Good luck, although you won't need it, it's a straight forward job.
Iain

[Martin S]

Thanks iaint, really useful reply, had a go at removing the trim around the unit tonight and I found it easier to remove the trim around the hazard flasher switch first & then work downwards from there, didnt remove the head unit but as described it's clearly held in with 4 torx screws.

No point removing it until I have the lead, not concerned about controlling the I-Pod from the stereo tend to just set it running and then leave it anyway.

One last question, does the head unit detect an input automatically or do you have to set the head unit to Aux ?, I couldn't see any option to switch to aux, (i.e. there are buttons on the front to switch between CD and the various radio frequencies but not an aux button).:beerchug:

[iaint]

Martin

There is no need to set anything up on the head unit other than plug your lead into the back.

To access the aux function you press the CD button on the front of the unit. Press the CD button once and it will switch to the normal CD mode if a disc is inserted. Press the CD button a second time and your display will now change to show the same display as it would have if a CD changer is fitted (it will go to this display on the first press if no CD is in the unit). This extra display won't come on until you insert the lead, it's not there as standard.

It will show the 6 discs for the CD changer next to the six buttons along side the display, with 2 -6 showing no disc. Disc 1 is used as the aux input and as soon as you switch to this display your ipod will play.

This sounds more complicated than it actually is, once you connect everything up it will be very easy to figure out how it all works. Just keep pressing the CD button until something happens.

The only other thing is you may need to alter the volume on your ipod first, it can be a bit quiet when set at normal headphone listening levels.

Cheers
Iain

[macdoc]

I just installed a Connects2 aux unit to the RCD500 radio fitted in a 06 Passat. Best money I've spent on the car since getting it.

Top quality unit. :Blush:

[boggle]

Yes, I've already done this but not for an ipod, for Creative Zen MP3 Player. You can't however just plug you ipod in you need an adaptor, I've used a connects2 one.

Heres a couple of links to the connects2 website

This is the one I have with a stereo jack for any MP3 player. The CTAVGS009 at the bottom is for the RCD300
https://www.connects2.com/c2search.aspx?catID=11&manID=235&modID=558


This is one for the ipod, the GTAVGIPOD009 in the middle is for the RCD300
https://www.connects2.com/c2search.aspx?catID=27&manID=235&modID=558

I can't offer any opinion on the ipod connector as I haven't used it but the stereo jack sounds excellent through the stereo, although it doesn't charge the MP3 player and you have no control over the unit via the stereo. You have to use the controls on the player to select albums, skip tracks etc.

When you remove the stereo you will see in the bottom corner below the power input and speaker output conections the socket to plug your adaptor in. It's quite obvious when you see it how it fits in. You then simply have to route the cable somewhere to connect it to your player.

Here's a link to tell you how to remove your stereo. Read all the way to the end though, the last point is quite important. Oh yes and ignore the posts about needing keys to remove it.
http://www.vwaudiforum.co.uk/forum/showthread.php?t=5106&highlight=rcd300+removal

Good luck, although you won't need it, it's a straight forward job.
Iain


Hi Iain,
Really helpful post.

I also have a Zen MP3 player. I've ordered the Connects2 part and will have a bash at this at the weekend.

Just curious how you decided to route the cable in the end. Did you drill a hole somewhere, or just leave a cable hanging out of the glovebox?

Thanks.

[iaint]

Boggle

The connects2 adaptor comes with limited length in the wire, not really enough for long routing of the cable. What I did was to buy a stereo jack extension lead, which is basically a stereo jack plug and a stereo jack socket connected with a length of cable. I bought mine from Maplins.

I fed the cable round the side of the stereo, keeping it hidden under the silver surround you remove to take out the stereo, I then pulled away slightly the part of the dash which surrounds the dials, just enough to enable me to to feed the wires around without fouling the draw opening. I then removed the small piece of dash above the two draws (this does just pull off, but it needs a really good tug, don't be shy.).

I then filed a small groove out of the top of this piece of dash to allow the wire to pass through. Using a vent mounted holder off ebay I'd had for a while, I fed the wire up behind that so the jack plug dangles over the top of the holder when not in use. I then simply worked back from the top of the dash, taking in all the slack along the way and all the excess length of cabling is tucked away behind the stereo. By mounting the holder high up like that on the vents I can see the track info while on the move.

By the way, the routing of the cable was the hardest part of fitting the connector.

That is just one way of routing the cable but I would be interested to hear from others who've done this to see how they did it.

Cheers
Iain

[andyw]

Denison also do something similar. the ice link plus can display tracks on the head unit as well.

[xcarlink]

Xcarlink also offer a solution, please visit www.xcarlink.co.uk (http://www.xcarlink.co.uk) for more information. Would be happy to answer any questions.

[djsky]

Instead of the CTAVGS009, there is a VVGX004 - Much cheaper and seems to do exactly the job i need - Aux input for the RCD300/500

[james_tiger_woo]

I've got and use the xcarlink - it was pretty easy to fit and the best thing I've got in my car :)

Easy to fit but don't forget the airbag light thing....

[mattedd]

Easy to fit but don't forget the airbag light thing....

What airbag light thing? Is this something I need to care about when I do the install?

[james_tiger_woo]

What airbag light thing? Is this something I need to care about when I do the install?

Yes, a thousand times yes - do a search for it on this forum and you'll find loads of things about it. Bascially if you've got the dashboard airbag warning light thing out and disconnected - don't turn the ignition on as you'll get an airbag error, the light won't go out and you'll have to go to the dealer to fix it.

Also, my xcarlink has stopped working - I've not had it checked yet though....

[flarky]

Hi...

I have a VW Golf 1.6S Auto Mk4 year 2000.

It has the standard VW radio cassette fitted.

I have an MP3 player (NOT an iPod) on my HTC Kaiser mobile phone which uses a 3.5mm jack. Id like to be able to listen to my MP3's via my car radio & speakers.

Can any forum members advise which lead(s) etc I need to buy - one end of which will fit into the back of my car radio and the other end of which will have a 3.5mm (female?) jack to fit into my mobile phone's MP3 player ?

I looked at the back of the radio cassette and it appears that I need a special pin adapter to plug into the unit ?

Ive also looked at the connects2 website but Im unsure which lead I need to order.

I'm not experienced in this kind of thing and would appreciate some guidance and advice :)

TIA,

Mark.

[james_tiger_woo]

Try an xcarlink adapter - mine was ok for a bit, but I suspect that the ICE specialists bodged it and broke it...

[Dr. Ferdinand]

Boggle

The connects2 adaptor comes with limited length in the wire, not really enough for long routing of the cable. What I did was to buy a stereo jack extension lead, which is basically a stereo jack plug and a stereo jack socket connected with a length of cable. I bought mine from Maplins.

I fed the cable round the side of the stereo, keeping it hidden under the silver surround you remove to take out the stereo, I then pulled away slightly the part of the dash which surrounds the dials, just enough to enable me to to feed the wires around without fouling the draw opening. I then removed the small piece of dash above the two draws (this does just pull off, but it needs a really good tug, don't be shy.).

I then filed a small groove out of the top of this piece of dash to allow the wire to pass through. Using a vent mounted holder off ebay I'd had for a while, I fed the wire up behind that so the jack plug dangles over the top of the holder when not in use. I then simply worked back from the top of the dash, taking in all the slack along the way and all the excess length of cabling is tucked away behind the stereo. By mounting the holder high up like that on the vents I can see the track info while on the move.

By the way, the routing of the cable was the hardest part of fitting the connector.

That is just one way of routing the cable but I would be interested to hear from others who've done this to see how they did it.

Cheers
Iain

Any pics of this install?

[james_tiger_woo]

Just an update - the xCarlink adapter broke (I think) and I got a Clarion stereo instead - far better! :)

[MyMidLifeCrisis]

Denison also do something similar. the ice link plus can display tracks on the head unit as well.

It's the Dension 300 and 500s that should display track data via the MFD.

Anyone seen these units in action? Despite my research I can't find a definiative answer!

Dension 300's are approximately £170and Dension 500 around £350 ish, so I would like to see evidence that it works with track data before making the plunge.

[iaint]

Dr Ferdinand

I din't take any photos of the install and I have since moved on from VW ownership so there is no chance to take any now.

Sorry

Iain

[Ronan Parkhill]

HELP ME! Ive just purchased a VW GOLF 2008, it has factory fitted RCD 300 head unit, it has an ipod dock in the central armrest, great!! But can i get it to work? Can i balls! What do i do?? Ive even had the head unit out to check if the leads are all connected, i hit the cd button dozens of times just cannot access aux mode?? Thanks in advance