CDR-23 Aux Input Achieved

[2003S]

So I completed install of my "low-fi" Aux Input to my CDR-23. I didn't want to replace the head unit, and the Dension unit seemed too pricey for my needs.

I bought a Scosche hard wired FM Modulator, and found the antenna adapters that fit the head unit (tip, the Car Audio places with tons of neon oustide actually have fairly knowledgeable folks working there, at least here in Chicago).

A few hours later, and a little trimming to the CD caddy, and I have a fairly polished Aux in transmitting on FM 88.3. Since it's a powered FM modulator sitting between the stock antenna and the HU, the signal quality is very good IMO - there is actually a station on that channel here, but when I switch it on, it is entirely killed, and all I hear is my iPod.

Sounds every bit at good to me as normal FM stations, just about 15% quieter...

[jakobv84]

Interesting... any chance for a little more detailed DIY? Any part numbers for the pieces you used?

[2003S]

Sure,

the FM Modulator is this:
Amazon.com: Scosche FM-MOD02 Universal Audio Input FM Modulator for iPod, Satellite Radio or Portable Music Player: Car Electronics

The Antenna adapters you need are probably this:
Amazon.com: Metra 40EU30 2002-Up VW/BMW/European Vehicle Antenna Adapter Cable Kit-Add CD with FM Modulator - 1 Each: Electronics

I say probably, because I got mine from a car audio installer, and they had no part numbers or labels on them; but these look right. for a CDR-23 it is not the scosche VWA-KB unit; that is for the CDR-220

As far as install goes, it's fairly straightforward:
- pull the head unit (you'll need the puller, they are like $5 on amazon)
- remove the antenna from the back, and plug it into one adapter, which then goes into the FM Modulator;
- Plug the other adapter into the Modulator on one end, the HU on the other.
- pull the center console side covers off; and tap into the cell phone treatment, or route a line back to the fuse box (D10 works for me) for power, ground behind the center console
- a little cable fishing to route the input & power jack to the CD cubby
- neatly tie up the cables & zip tie to the center console support

That'll work; but I didn't like the thought of taping the input & power switch to the console, so I disassembled it; pulled the CD cubby; dremmeled the openings & reassembled it through the faceplate as shown.

The hardest part was fishing the wires from the HU area to below the center console...

[CenterIsl]

Originally Posted by 2003S

...tap into the cell phone treatment, or route a line back to the fuse box (D10 works for me) for power...

Why not just vampire off of the switched power to the HU (and omit the switch)?

[CenterIsl]

FYI, the Scosche Install Manual says "Connect the RED power wire to a +12v ignition or accessory power source. This power can usually be found behind the radio or at the fuse box." They don't specify a current or fuse but I see a small inline fuse in the Amazon image.

[CenterIsl]

Originally Posted by 2003S

The Antenna adapters you need are probably this:
Amazon.com: Metra 40EU30 2002-Up VW/BMW/European Vehicle Antenna Adapter Cable Kit-Add CD with FM Modulator - 1 Each: Electronics

Hmm...the Amazon fitment thingee says it's not the right fit. Looking at the Metra site and putting my info, I get this one: 40-VW21 - would a "flat connector" be correct for the back of this HU?

[2003S]

Originally Posted by CenterIsl

Why not just vampire off of the switched power to the HU (and omit the switch)?

When the unit is "on", it pretty much kills the regular antenna feed; You have to toggle it on when using the "Aux In"; but yes, you could tap into the radio power, I just didn't have a wire tap on hand...

Originally Posted by CenterIsl

Hmm...the Amazon fitment thingee says it's not the right fit. Looking at the Metra site and putting my info, I get this one: 40-VW21 - would a "flat connector" be correct for the back of this HU?

That doesn't look right to me, and you'll also need the "Reverse" adapter, which isn't included in that.

Here's a picture of my antenna connection for reference, but from the picture of 40-VW21 you really can't tell if it's right:

[CenterIsl]

Originally Posted by 2003S

When the unit is "on", it pretty much kills the regular antenna feed...

Good point - got to have a switch then.





That doesn't look right to me, and you'll also need the "Reverse" adapter, which isn't included in that.

Here's a picture of my antenna connection for reference, but from the picture of 40-VW21 you really can't tell if it's right:
[/QUOTE]

[CenterIsl]

Originally Posted by 2003S

When the unit is "on", it pretty much kills the regular antenna feed...

Good point - got to have a switch then.

Originally Posted by 2003S

That doesn't look right to me, and you'll also need the "Reverse" adapter, which isn't included in that.

Here's a picture of my antenna connection for reference, but from the picture of 40-VW21 you really can't tell if it's right:

I'd be tempted to order both - the one I posted is under $10 anyway. Thanks for the response!

[2003S]

So, wouldn't you know it; I go for a little trip yesterday, plug in the iPhone, and the headphone jack on it has friggin stopped working... Off to the genius bar...

[jakobv84]

The headphone jack isn't a good way to get sound anyway. I use the line out jack with a small converter instead which bypasses the volume control and equalizer on the iphone -- e.g. http://www.amazon.com/Kensington-Charger-Audio-iPhone-including/dp/tags-on-product/B0031U1AU0