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::maroma:: · Jul 28, 2003, 02:53 PM

I've got my iPod hookup wired through my CD Changer port in the trunk. It was an easy setup, went without a hitch and it sounds great. But I got in my car on Sunday and all of the sudden I'm only getting sound out of the right channel when using the iPod. I've double checked all the connections by unplugging and replugging them in. My iPod seems to be fine, since it plays in both channels through headphones and my computer. My car stereo is fine since it plays fine with CDs and the Radio.

Any ideas as to what might've caused this to suddenly happen? Is it bad cables (they are cheap cables from Radio Shack)? And any tips on how to get stereo sound back?

Raining Down in Texas · Jul 28, 2003, 08:31 PM

Originally posted by ::maroma:::
I've got my iPod hookup wired through my CD Changer port in the trunk. It was an easy setup, went without a hitch and it sounds great. But I got in my car on Sunday and all of the sudden I'm only getting sound out of the right channel when using the iPod. I've double checked all the connections by unplugging and replugging them in. My iPod seems to be fine, since it plays in both channels through headphones and my computer. My car stereo is fine since it plays fine with CDs and the Radio.

Any ideas as to what might've caused this to suddenly happen? Is it bad cables (they are cheap cables from Radio Shack)? And any tips on how to get stereo sound back?

I have a cheap miniplug to RCA adapter that I use to connect my iPod to my stereo, and sometimes I only get sound out of one channel if I push the miniplug into the iPod "too far". Trying rotating the plug in the iPod, or pulling it out just a little bit.

::maroma:: · Jul 29, 2003, 11:31 AM

Well, it turned out to be a bad part. (a Radioshack part, no less). It was a bad "sex change" adapter I had, the female-female RCA adapter. Replaced it, and all is well. Damn you Radioshack.

Timo · Jul 29, 2003, 12:14 PM

Hey ::maroma:: did you use an illustrated website for your installation? Do you have any tips?

::maroma:: · Jul 29, 2003, 03:31 PM

Originally posted by Timo:
Hey ::maroma:: did you use an illustrated website for your installation? Do you have any tips?

Yeah, I found this thread over at vwvortex. I followed the instructions pretty closely. Although I didn't do the caddy or the charger, just the audio hookup.

Installation was very very simple. Just needed that one odd part (from rcainputs.com), the rest were off the shelf from just about anywhere.

A couple notes, I think this only works on VW's (I could be mistaken though, since I know someone with an Audi who has a very similar setup). I do not have a CD Changer installed, but I do have the place to hook one up. This made it a lot easier to hook up.

Also, I found that Monster makes a cable that you need for the install, just for the iPod (or at least that's how they market it). You can use generic cables, but for those looking for higher quality this is a good choice. It's 7 ft. long, so you'd probably not need an extension to reach to the front of the car.

I am very happy with the install. Great sound, with minimal clutter and very minimal install work. Let me know if you have any questions.

Timo · Jul 29, 2003, 04:19 PM

I think I saw the vortex thread as well, but thanks especially for the monster link.

I've got a Passat so the hook-up should be pretty similar...

Gotta figure out how I'll stow the 'pod. Are you going with the Belkin cupholder bit, or some PDA holder? These seem a little intrusive to me.

Any pics of your final install would be greatly appreciated!

shrink · Jul 29, 2003, 04:45 PM

Hey guys - thanks for the vortex link. I was looking for a mount/holder and that the vortex link mentioned Panvise which had just the thing. I don't drive a VW, but this will work great in my Acura. I started a separate thread last week on headunits with a front aux input to use with the iPod. I'll post some pics at some point after I install the mount. For now, though, it sounds great!

::maroma:: · Jul 29, 2003, 05:44 PM

Originally posted by Timo:
I think I saw the vortex thread as well, but thanks especially for the monster link.

I've got a Passat so the hook-up should be pretty similar...

Gotta figure out how I'll stow the 'pod. Are you going with the Belkin cupholder bit, or some PDA holder? These seem a little intrusive to me.

Any pics of your final install would be greatly appreciated!

As of now, I don't have any sort of holder for my 'Pod. It sits in the passenger seat with me for now (wearing a seat belt of course!)

I agree that the Belkin and other PDA holders are a bit bulky and not what I'm looking for. What I really want is a hinged holder that would allow the iPod to sit flush up against the side of my middle console in the front. Then I can swing it "open" and have it facing me for navigation, and push it back out of the way afterwards. I have yet to see anything like that, so I may end up building a custom holder. But that will be a little while.

Once I get my good cables in, I'll have it set up in a more permanent way. Right now, I just have the cable running all over my car. I will take pics of what I got so far though when I get home (where camera is). And I will have a more comprehensive set of pics when I get my good cables.

Stay tuned...