ipods and tape units

[elBurro]

is anyone running the tape head unit connected to an ipod that it thinks is a boot changer? I like the idea of it but I'd have to think of somewhere clever to hide the ipod?
I wondered if the cd text worked properly and if the ipod charged and where you've hidden your ipod (since there's no glove box).

I don't have an ipod so I'm in the position to buy alternatives, I've already got a sony mp3-cd player I could use but then I'd be back carrying the face around with me and I don't really want to do that.

also, can someone tell me what the cd sized panel that loosely looks like a "D" is that's above the air vents in the middle of the fascia?

cheers

if you're interested, here's a link to the converter
http://indashpc.org/new/docs/Car Computer Audio HOW-TO final.htm

 

[uniamboman]

I have recently fitted a Becker Grand Prix 7992 into my Arosa, and I am extremely impressed with it!!

www.becker.de

It is a German product, so excellent quality. It's main functions are radio and CD player headunit, with Bluetooth phone handsfree function, plus iPod connection and control (with optional Becker iPod Remote Kit).

The whole setup is pretty expensive - I paid £280 in total for both the headunit plus iPod Remote Kit, from an eBay Shop based in Germany - saved around £100 on the UK price!

The quality of all functions is fantastic, and I would definitely say it improves the sound quality without changing the factory fitted Arosa speakers. Many other people have said this after fitting Becker headunits.

The system also charges the iPod.

The beauty of the headunit is it is designed to blend in perfectly with the Arosa interior - check out the Becker website. The Grand Prix 7992 relates to the headunit with the red display (to match the interior of my Arosa), but you can get other colours if your display is a different colour (blue, orange or green). If you looked at my headunit now, you would not know that it is an aftermarket unit unless you looked closely.

This occupies the top DIN slot, and in the bottom DIN slot, I have fitted the VW Polo / Lupo / Arosa double cupholder and small storage area assembly. Again this looks factory fitted as it is a genuine VW/Seat part. This required a very small amount of Dremel work on it to make it fit, hardly anything (and completely hidden).

I then have the iPod cable coming out the bottom of the overhang in the Arosa centre console (directly below the double DIN area), and hide the iPod on the shelf which the Arosa has - as it is in the middle of the shelf, it is completely hidden from view.

I'm not 100% sure what is under the CD sized panel in the middle of the dash, although I think I read somewhere that somebody got the panel off, and there is nothing under there, just a shallow hole/area which it is not possible to do anything with. I may take mine off one day though to check for myself!!

Hope that helps. The Becker setup is expensive, but well worth it! I then have my phone mounted on a Brodit Proclip setup, not really neccessary as the handsfree works via Bluetooth, but it's nice if you get a text message whilst driving (to read whilst stopped at traffic lights for example).

Matt.

 

[elBurro]

cheers for the reply,
you're right the head unit does look like it fits in well, nice one

 

[msousa11]

becker

I have recently fitted a Becker Grand Prix 7992 into my Arosa, and I am extremely impressed with it!!

www.becker.de

It is a German product, so excellent quality. It's main functions are radio and CD player headunit, with Bluetooth phone handsfree function, plus iPod connection and control (with optional Becker iPod Remote Kit).

The whole setup is pretty expensive - I paid £280 in total for both the headunit plus iPod Remote Kit, from an eBay Shop based in Germany - saved around £100 on the UK price!

The quality of all functions is fantastic, and I would definitely say it improves the sound quality without changing the factory fitted Arosa speakers. Many other people have said this after fitting Becker headunits.

The system also charges the iPod.

The beauty of the headunit is it is designed to blend in perfectly with the Arosa interior - check out the Becker website. The Grand Prix 7992 relates to the headunit with the red display (to match the interior of my Arosa), but you can get other colours if your display is a different colour (blue, orange or green). If you looked at my headunit now, you would not know that it is an aftermarket unit unless you looked closely.

This occupies the top DIN slot, and in the bottom DIN slot, I have fitted the VW Polo / Lupo / Arosa double cupholder and small storage area assembly. Again this looks factory fitted as it is a genuine VW/Seat part. This required a very small amount of Dremel work on it to make it fit, hardly anything (and completely hidden).

I then have the iPod cable coming out the bottom of the overhang in the Arosa centre console (directly below the double DIN area), and hide the iPod on the shelf which the Arosa has - as it is in the middle of the shelf, it is completely hidden from view.

I'm not 100% sure what is under the CD sized panel in the middle of the dash, although I think I read somewhere that somebody got the panel off, and there is nothing under there, just a shallow hole/area which it is not possible to do anything with. I may take mine off one day though to check for myself!!

Hope that helps. The Becker setup is expensive, but well worth it! I then have my phone mounted on a Brodit Proclip setup, not really neccessary as the handsfree works via Bluetooth, but it's nice if you get a text message whilst driving (to read whilst stopped at traffic lights for example).

Matt.

what about the becker radio sound and stereo separation is it good?
uniamboman what ipod you have connected?

 

[uniamboman]

Hi msousa11,

I have the 5G Video iPod (30GB) connected to my Becker.

I am extremely impressed with the sound from the Becker, through the standard factory fitted Arosa speakers. The radio reception and sound is great, as is the sound quality when playing a CD or the iPod. I am not an audiophile, but I am definitely happy with the sound and the setup in general, I think it is perfect for the Arosa.

Having now used the handsfree feature for a couple of months, I still love it, crystal clear sound when on a call, and speaking to people, they are only very slightly aware that I may be driving - probably due to the (albeit small) distance between my mouth and the microphone. But my Mum finds it hard to tell if I'm driving or not, that's how good it is.

Love it!

 

[msousa11]

Hi msousa11,

I have the 5G Video iPod (30GB) connected to my Becker.

I am extremely impressed with the sound from the Becker, through the standard factory fitted Arosa speakers. The radio reception and sound is great, as is the sound quality when playing a CD or the iPod. I am not an audiophile, but I am definitely happy with the sound and the setup in general, I think it is perfect for the Arosa.

Having now used the handsfree feature for a couple of months, I still love it, crystal clear sound when on a call, and speaking to people, they are only very slightly aware that I may be driving - probably due to the (albeit small) distance between my mouth and the microphone. But my Mum finds it hard to tell if I'm driving or not, that's how good it is.

Love it!

does it charge the IPOD and are you able to control it?

 

[uniamboman]

Hi,

Yes, the iPod is charged when connected.

When connected, the iPod is 'locked', and songs can only be selected via the Becker headunit. Using the click wheel has no effect, it is disabled when connected to the Becker - as is the iPod screen; no song data/info is displayed on the iPod when music is being played. All that is displayed is 'OK to disconnect'.

Via the headunit, it is possible to select songs by Artist, Album, Genre or Playlist (this is from my memory so may differ slightly). You can also put it on Random, which is like Shuffle Songs on the iPod. The selection/control of music is certainly not as fast as when using the click wheel, but it is always possible to select exactly what you want.

Hope that helps!

 

[elBurro]

I'm currently looking into this:
http://www.k9spud.com/vwcdpic/

it's a PIC and the GPL software to run an iPod/smartphone etc

 

[uniamboman]

I'm currently looking into this:
http://www.k9spud.com/vwcdpic/

it's a PIC and the GPL software to run an iPod/smartphone etc

Surely this would be better and easier than the above, for an iPod?:

http://www.dension.com/main.htm