Ashtray iPod Dock - 986 Forum - The Community for Porsche Boxster & Cayman Owners

fishage · 09-08-2006, 11:38 AM

Anybody have one of these iPod docks? They show an installation in a 996/986.

http://www.2point5.com/

http://www.2point5.com/images/996_ins.jpg

I think I'm going to order one after my aux kit comes in from Becker.

NickCats · 09-09-2006, 09:39 AM

fishage,

Thanks for the suggestion. My ipod is hardwired to the radio and currently just sits on the passenger seat. I sent them a email yesterday and am waiting on a reply. Looks like a nice, clean solution...

Thanks,

Nick

dcallas · 12-13-2006, 01:28 PM

I posted this reply elsewhere, but I thought I'd drop it in here too, since you've already found the spec.dock:

I recently got a little creative with my iPod integration in my 2002 986. It's somewhat of a pricey option, but I think it's well worth it.

I wanted to have my iPod AND my XM tuner run through the stereo ("direct connect") without losing my CD changer. After a lot of Google searches (and thanks to a lot of the folks here at 986forum), I came up with a pretty cool solution.

First, for the iPod I bougt a spec.dock from www.2point5.com. A spec.dock is an iPod dock that replaces the ashtray in your Boxster. You send them your ashtray, they remove the "flip door", attach it to a spec.dock (complete with whatever wiring you need) and send it back. Here's a shot:

This cost me $199.

Second, I already had a Delphi SkyFi 2 XM receiver mounted, but I was using the FM modulator function. So I had to purchase a $20 cable to direct connect the XM.

Third, I bought a Soundgate Aux3 switch, which basically allows you to connect multiple devices to one head unit (in my case, the Becker CDR 220) and toggle back and forth between them using a small black switch, which I mounted in the "dead" space opposite the cigarette ligher (i.e., if there was a lighter on the left side of the stereo panel, this is where it would be).

The Aux3 cost me $60 I think.

I had Al & Ed's do the install for me for $200 (I'm not handy enough to be removing panels and rewiring stuff in my car). The net result is an iPod, XM Receiver and CD Changer ALL direct connected to my head unit with a nice, sleek 3-way switch mounted next to the receiver for me to choose which I want to listen to, and the iPod dock cleverly hidden away in the ashtray beneath the flip door (very James Bond-esque if I do say so myself). ONE DRAWBACK: I still have to control the iPod from the iPod itself, not from the stereo controls. But I preferred this option - others may prefer to purchase the additional hardware that lets you control it from the stereo controls.

So, spec.dock from 2point5.com, Soundgate Aux3 from some discount stereo website, XM from Al & Ed's, miscelleneous cables from Al & Ed's and about $200 of installation. It's a very sleek option and it looks and sounds great!!!

I'll also add that, although FM modulators are far, far inferior to a direct connection, the one modulator I had pretty good luck with was the dLo TransDock. If you're on a budget, this one isn't bad.

Happy driving.

986Roadster · 12-13-2006, 05:19 PM

thats sweeeeetttttt. very cool product.

DreamWeaverFun · 03-13-2007, 11:35 AM

I love the idea of the spec.doc but I am concerned about bumping and hitting it.
Has anyone got any feedback on this?

SD987 · 03-13-2007, 11:49 AM

I don't have the equipment linked to but I do have an ashtray mounted iPod FM modulator.

On the 987 the ashtray is located aft of the shifter (I assume the same for the 986), and yes it is a somewhat balky annoyance, although manageable. In the picture it is located before the shifter in what appears to be an Audi. I use the same FM modulator in my BMW with much less annoyance due to the cig-lighter location (also forward of the shifter).

Cloudsurfer · 03-14-2007, 06:55 AM

I love the idea of a drop in dock for the ipod, however, my biggest concern is the fact that the dock is now supporting the ipod off its connector. Aside from bumping it while shifting, the passenger knocking her elbow into, etc. my greatest concern is the loading of the connector from G-forces related to driving. I'm just not sure that Apple ever designed the dock connector to withstand such repeated stress.

I do love the idea though, much better than keeping it under the armrest cubby. On the flip side, however, that convenient location also really invites trouble in my opinion- whether its sitting there with top up (somewhat asking someone to smash a window to get it) or top up while you run into quickie mart to get a soda, etc. At least under the cubby its not readily visible asking to be stolen.

Patrick

Chills · 03-14-2007, 10:24 AM

Those were concerns of mine, as well.

Here is what I did with my iPod:

djomlas · 03-14-2007, 11:16 AM

im glad i dont own an ipod and dont really listen to music while driving

Chills · 03-14-2007, 11:26 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by djomlas

im glad i dont own an ipod and dont really listen to music while driving

Why are you glad? Music is an expression of emotion and deep feelings (usually lol). I thoroughly enjoy my music, and I enjoy it even more now that I can listen to it in the Box. My iPod has the soundtrack of my life on it. I don't go anywhere without it.