[Zim]

I'm assuming Apple did not pay an NRE to fab an entirely new connector (not cheap), and instead is using an off-the-shelf part, tho most certainly using the pins as they choose, not to any assigned spec.

Anyone know what this connector is called (ie. DB-25, etc)?

Obviously (apparently) places like Belkin are able to order them, so it must exist.

I'm trying to build a custom car-connector (and will be happy to post plans when I get things worked out). With the gen3 iPods, I see no reason to be paying for an external amp, not when Line-Out comes from the iPod. I also don't want the bulk, and plan to hard-wire the power behind the dash. Should be a one-cable plug in to the iPod for power-in and sound-out.

Thanks,
Mike

[hempcamp]

Originally posted by Zim:
I'm trying to build a custom car-connector (and will be happy to post plans when I get things worked out). With the gen3 iPods, I see no reason to be paying for an external amp, not when Line-Out comes from the iPod. I also don't want the bulk, and plan to hard-wire the power behind the dash. Should be a one-cable plug in to the iPod for power-in and sound-out.

I'd like to know whether this is a pre-manufactured connector too, so I can make a similar device for use with a portable headphone amp.

BUT... the device you are looking for already exists. The Belkin Audio adapter for Gen 3 iPods has both power *and* and audio out for connecting to nifty car players that have minijacks.

--Chris

[Zim]

Originally posted by hempcamp:
I'd like to know whether this is a pre-manufactured connector too, so I can make a similar device for use with a portable headphone amp.

BUT... the device you are looking for already exists. The Belkin Audio adapter for Gen 3 iPods has both power *and* and audio out for connecting to nifty car players that have minijacks.

--Chris

What they have is hackable to what I want, but I'll end up chopping off most of it. With the line-out, there is NO need for an amp (wasted $$, bulk), and I plan to hard-wire behind the dash for power, so the cig plug is wasted $$, bulk. And with line-out on the Dock connector, there is no need for the plug that goes into the headphone jack. While needed for the Gen 1/2 iPods, its no longer "slick" when mated with the gen3s. All in all, I'd be better off spending the $39 on 2 Apple dock cables, so I could screw up my first attempt.

I emailed Apple, and was told the info is available only under NDA. So I'm going to apply, but I guess I won't be able to tell you what I find Leave it to Apple to actually be obtuse enough to not buy an off-the-shelf connector.

In the meantime, I have confirmed that the pin-outs from the ipoding.com photo gallery are correct.

I've search the AMP and Molex websites, but have not found a matching connector yet (not that their search engines are any good).

Cheers,
Mike

[jtbowden]

I did exactly what you are talking about with the Griffin adapter, minus cutting it appart. I found that the amp is actually nice, because I can adjust the line out until it is of equal volume to the radio/CD player. Plus, the sound quality is nice coming out of the amp.

I wired my iPod to my Honda Accord, all under the console. I wired in an extra 12V socket under the console and then used an AUX converter to connect to my stereo. Now I just connect my iPod to the dock connector in my armrest and voila! it charges and connects to my stereo. Its a pretty slick setup. I'll post some photos eventually.

[Zim]

Originally posted by jtbowden:
I did exactly what you are talking about with the Griffin adapter, minus cutting it appart. I found that the amp is actually nice, because I can adjust the line out until it is of equal volume to the radio/CD player. Plus, the sound quality is nice coming out of the amp.

I wired my iPod to my Honda Accord, all under the console. I wired in an extra 12V socket under the console and then used an AUX converter to connect to my stereo. Now I just connect my iPod to the dock connector in my armrest and voila! it charges and connects to my stereo. Its a pretty slick setup. I'll post some photos eventually.

Aren't you having to connect to the headphone jack AND the dock connector jack with the Belkin? (or are they passing the line-out on the d-c o their amp?) (the single connection point is one of my goals).

I've found that with a cassette adaptor, I'd also reduce the line-level out (it seems fairly strong, altho the very rare distortion might be in the cassette adaptor, not the signal level).

Cheers,
Mike