Vectra B (2001) - iPod Connectivity

Vectra B (2001) - iPod Connectivity

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Discussion

Mike Raffone

Original Poster:

1,204 posts

194 months

Monday 6th February 2012
quotequote all
Evening All,

I've got myself confused and so require assistance from some brilliantly minded and wonderfully gifted folk..... smile

I Currently own a Vectra B (2001 model.)
It has the CDR 500 stereo (standard, with steering wheel controls.)

Due to absolute and sheer boredom of constantly burning my MP3s to CDs, I'd like to connect my iPod to it.

Having scowed through various websites and forums, I'm a little wiser - but not yet satisfied.

There doesn't appear to be a straightforward way of connecting a "lead" to my stereo, which then connects to my iPod.

I've been on connects2 website, but that only shows a picture and gives me a make/ model of some contraption which I suspect would work... but I can't fathom the buggers out.

Using the radio transmitter devices are a no-go.
Ideally, I would like to ensure the iPod is charged from the stereo and I can retain the use of my steering wheel controls.

I've looked in my Stero handbook which states this has a telephone connection thingie - would this work?
If not, are there any other ways?

If a replacement head unit is required, what would you recommend? Again, ensuring I retained use of the steering wheel controls.

Any help/ advise appreciated, and a possible virtual pint of Brooklyn Black Chocolate Stout could be yours.... oh yes indeedy!


Magictrousers

268 posts

181 months

Monday 6th February 2012
quotequote all
I think it's time to treat yourself to a newer head unit. I had an Alpine unit put into my Vectra, with the lead for the iPod in the glovebox.

It also retained the steering controls, but the top line of the display was 'redundant'.

Look for anything that says iPod ready, with a full speed connection and you're done!

Mike Raffone

Original Poster:

1,204 posts

194 months

Monday 6th February 2012
quotequote all
Magictrousers said:
I think it's time to treat yourself to a newer head unit. I had an Alpine unit put into my Vectra, with the lead for the iPod in the glovebox.

It also retained the steering controls, but the top line of the display was 'redundant'.

Look for anything that says iPod ready, with a full speed connection and you're done!
Cheers me dears!

By "top line display" - um, hard to explain - but I have a display unit which is much higher up than my stereo, and gives me the radio stations name and track numbers, along with the time and temperature. (Orange background with orange text.)

Would I lose this information? (would like to keep the clock and temp info, rest can go.)

Similar to this : http://www.kitekater.de/wp-content/pictures/mid.jp... Except mine is R\H\D

Magictrousers

268 posts

181 months

Monday 6th February 2012
quotequote all
Sorry chap, didn't explain myself very well about the display!

All you will lose is the station / CD status display. The rest is left on.

Mike Raffone

Original Poster:

1,204 posts

194 months

Monday 6th February 2012
quotequote all
Fantastic! Thank you biggrin

Will have a look for an 'iPod ready full speed connection' stereo.

A frothy pint of chocolate stout coming your way (tis a genuine drink, and honestly quite nice.) smile

Mike Raffone

Original Poster:

1,204 posts

194 months

Monday 6th February 2012
quotequote all
Have found one which I think would be suitable...

http://www.kenwood-electronics.co.uk/products/car/...

KDC-455UW
MP3/WMA/AAC/CD/USB-Receiver with AUX Input and iPod control

Plus it has "Orignial steeringwheel remote controle interface terminal" which I assume is marketing lingo for "you get to keep your steering wheel controls?"

And, it's only £59.99, which seems cheap (maybe too cheap?)

===============



Scrap that!smile

If anyone's interested, halfords are currently doing some very good deals.

Just picked up a Kenwood KDC W70440, which comes with a USB data cable built into it for any USB media device or memory stick, and your iProduct (Can control & charge said iProduct from this cable with full data display on head unit,) along with an Aux input slot for additional media players, or anything with a headphone socket.

Techie spec & info

Halfords initially charging £135. £120 at Amazon, £100 or so from ebay - today's special, £34.90biggrin

Halfords Sale

Bargain clap

Edited by Mike Raffone on Tuesday 7th February 20:26