Well I finally broke down and picked up and Ipod for myself. Now I am trying to figure out the best to integrate it into my '06 shinka. A friend of mine connected leads to the CD 1 on his changer, burned a 84 minute blank CD and connects his ipod that way. I admire his brilliance but am not nearly as handy with a sottering iron as his is. Just thought I'd see if anyone knew of a way of doing it without dropping $250 on a unit that basically does the same thing but, may or may not actually work. Any advise out be appreciated.

 

https://www.rx8club.com/series-i-interior-audio-electronics-24/your-ipod-mp3-player-integration-solution-here-77790/

check this its only 120 with code. i have it and its pretty good

 

^^ +1

 

well the problem with it is that it all of these install kits will not work (or you have to disconnect) any satalite radio. I ending up doing the install last night using these instructions http://www.whatsmyip.org/ipodrx8/. It's a pretty lenghty install but well worth keeping my satalite radio. It took me about 3hrs (that includes time going to radio shack to buy some cable).

 

That's true... I guess it all depends upon which is more important to you, your satradio or your iPod. In my case, it's the latter... Since I primarily listen to only one talk program on XM, and that show is available for download so I usually listen on the iPod.

So, for me, the iPod integration was the answer to all my prayers. When I want to listen to the XM, it takes about five seconds to swap them out.

 

I am waiting for the aux mod basic to be re-stocked (uses the tape input on the bottom of player). Until then, I used the Audiovox FM modulator that is hardwired into the fm antenna input of the stereo. Other than a direct aux input this is hands down the best way to get audio into the stereo. I had best buy do the install and they did a great job. When the transmitter is turned on it totally silences any FM radio stations on the one of two frequencies you can use. There is no static and you only hear some mild hiss at very high volumes. It is typically plenty loud at about 15-19 on the volume control of the mazda. The unit provides rca inputs and comes with a ground loop isolator. There is NO engine noise and the clarity is astonishing for FM. You can also continue to use satellite radio. I'm pretty picky about audio and I think it sounds very good. I use the monstercable ipod charger that also has a line level ouput that is taken from the bottom of the ipod. That plugs into the passthrough port on my JET remote control (radio, not infrared). The remote for the ipod is stuck on my dash w/some double stick tape. The ipod is in the center console behind the cupholders. It works very well and is a fairly inexpensive solution. The FM modulator is like 40 bucks at circuit city. the JET remote is in the same price range I believe.

 

I went to my dealer today because they had to change some spark plugs.. Somehow, even though I bought the car last month. They had a Ipod integration system. Installed & all costed $250 I believe, but they list it at $121. Should be nice.

 

ya the upside about my install was that the total cost was about $21. The downside is that it isn't exactly and novice install.

 

Check out the link in my signature, if you don't have one yet, you can easily win one!!!