install guide ipod with aura + keep cd changer + connects2

[JP_LCR]

Hi,

This is my first post on seatcupra.net so hope it’s useful to someone.

Intro:

I have used these forums for a while now, had a 2003 Cupra 180 on 18's for 2 years and now have a 2003 Cupra-R 225.

I couldn't find any post where someone had kept the original Aura head unit and added hardwired ipod connection and retained CD changer as well.

Purchase:

After a bit of research on t'internet I decided to get the Connects2 FM ipod adapter. This uses FM modulator but is hard wired not a transmitter, when you connect the ipod it cuts the feed from your normal fm aerial and uses your ipod feed, giving no or very little interference. It also has a live wire to connect to any switchable live feed and dock connector to charge the ipod, nice.

A trip to good old Halfords which apparently sell Connects2 and was told you can only use the version which replaces CD Changer, but I want to keep this so when I borrow/buy a CD I don't have to wait until I've put it on iTunes, etc. Then went to local ICE dealer, said no problem £150 fitted , I left quickly. I mentioned the FM version and they said £100. At this point I'm thinking I should just get new head unit instead.

After a bit of research on t'internet I found the Connects2 FM ipod adapter from lowcostcaraudio.co.uk, it was £28.99 plus delivery, arrived in 48 hours.

Fitting:

I needed the following bits to install:

ISO to standard aerial connector (Halfords) £3
Standard to ISO aerial connector (Autoleads) £3
European Head Unit keys (Autoleads) £3
Philips Screwdriver
Electricians Tape

1. Used keys to remove head unit.
2. Open and remove ashtray, single screw then slides towards you, disconnect cigarette lighter.
3. Feed ipod dock connector cable up through one of 2 holes behind ashtray to behind head unit.
4. Connect cable fed through into Connects2 box.
5. Unplug head unit aerial and using ISO to standard adapter connect to Connects2 box, using standard to ISO connect the output aerial back to head unit.
6. Connect red wire (live) from Connects2 box to live on head unit by removing insulation and pushing live wire connected to back of head unit and taping securely (block bottom - red and white striped cable).
7. Re-fit ashtray, removing piece for holding ash creates a nice ipod sized shelf to hold ipod as cable comes out neatly from under ashtray. (Think there's a post somewhere that someone has created a really neat holder from the ashtray I just leave it loose there but it doesn't rattle or move when cornering hard.
8. Switch on head unit, select FM 88.0, 88.4, or 88.8. You can change this with switch on back of Connects2 box. Test out a few different EQ settings on ipod and choose you’re favourite.
9. Position Connect2 and cabling neatly in head unit slot, back left was best for me for the box, then put head unit back in.
10. Enjoy ipod, radio, CD changer or even tape if you still have some of those!

When not using it is invisible install, can hide all cable and ipod in closed ashtray. Sound quality is better than radio but not CD quality, important to ensure all cabling is secure especially Connects2 to ipod which needed to be in firm when mounted behind head unit.

£40 in total, compared to £100 pro fitted, bargain I reckon.

Anyway hope this is useful to someone.

Cheers,

James.

 

[scottyjimb]

james,
many thanks for that post, it is very helpful as i have just purchased a skytronic fm modulator unit much like your connects2 one. the only difference is that there is a ground lead on the skytronic one, i am guessing that this will be ok just fitting it to the subframe? i am hoping to have a go at mine tonight, i have the scotch clip and impatience ready and waiting!
cheers,
.s.

 

[sandy1981]

You got any pics of this connects2 set up mate?

 

[scottyjimb]

found out i can't go the ashtray route to feed it up through as there is nowhere for it to go in my toledo, bugger. looks like a little bit of planning may be required, i'll put some pics up when i have done it.

 

[Maximus2000uk]

Right, having issues! I tried to fit my kit last night, one from Car Audio Security, but with no luck.

I do not have a spare connector for the unit to plug into, because I have an AUX socket in the car.

Does the AUX connector have to be removed in order for the Ipod connector to both plug in, and work?

Im seeing a professional tonight, but i'd like to have an idea beforehand.

Many thanks!

 

[33754k]

Do you have a part number for the connects2 part?

 

[Maximus2000uk]

CONNECTS2-CTASTIPOD009-SEAT
http://caraudiosecurity.com/shop/product/products_id/8794.html

A couple of comments about this product though.
1) My one will only go forward...not backwards
2) It doesnt display the track name, although thats fine.

M

 

[33754k]

By ISO to standard is this the same as (ISO TO DIN)

 

[JP_LCR]

Hi,

Yes ISO to Din is correct and the Connects 2 version I used is this one at £24.99, its cheaper and uses FM so not the same quality as the CD changer connection version Maximus2000uk installed but is fair bit cheaper though you still have to use iPod for all controls except volume.

Depends what you want really. After having it 10 months now I'd consider CD connection replacing one or for the £75 could go for replacement head unit?

http://caraudiosecurity.com/shop/product/products_id/9495.html

Cheers,

James

 

[Markyboyt]

Hi a newb around here (and around Seat actually)
I am currently undergoing the same dilemma.
I have just brought a 2001 Leon Cupra t and want my ipod in their. In my old escort I used an FM transmitter in a phone holder screwed to the dash and it worked perfectly. In the Leon I just don't seem to be able to get as clean a signal although I am now wondering if thats an aerial fault, as the radio makes my speaker crackle a little whereas Cd changer doesn't.

Anyway where was I, so I've looked into these ipod kits a little and am now actually considering something more along the lines of Harman Kardon's drive and play kit. The reason being that for a full Ipod kit I would lose my disc changer which I don't want to do and plus I would imagine (somebody correct me if i'm wrong) that the system works like most others that replace the changer (older BMW's that I know of) and only actually show you a track number for each song which would be useless.

The FM modulator kit would be an option but then obviously the Ipod needs to be mounted somehwere in view to allow you to control it.

The HK kit gives you a control dial and a screen to navigate. You also get the option of using either a line out into a vehicles AUX port (in this case also uses CD changer socket so of no use) and an FM modulation box which would be of use.

In writing this post i've looked up the HK kit in more detail and now think it seems a pretty good plan, well except for making the car look like a space craft or something lol.

Wow what a first post lol

 

[Greegiecee]

I thought instead of starting a new thread I would resurrect this one. I have used Connects2 in my previous car. It was a doddle to fit (Renault Megane) so I though when I bought my Mk2 Toledo I would fit one there. Well I spent hours shredding my hands in tight spaces and finally got the aerial and live wire connected. I switched it on, plugged in my iPod and it worked! I pushed the radio back in and couldn't get it to click back in the dash so I pulled it out to readjust the wires and it clicked back in. But, now the radio won't pick up the iPod. Any ideas? I spent about 4 hours on it today and eventually pulled it all out and left it as it was. I find these radios are very narrow minded, it won't find the iPod if it is set on RDS, it did find it on straight FM but even when I set it manually to 88.0 it still wouldn't work. Sigh!