Integrating iPod into Factory Stereo (Mazda)

[Cahuna]

Well I've just bought myself a 2003 Mazda 6 (NZ new) and am looking for a way of integrating my iPod into the factory head-deck. In the Sentra I just had a headphone jack running to the Aux In at the back of the head-deck and that worked really well so I'm not worried about incorporating controls/charging etc into the stereo, just the sound.

Some research via Google turned up a whole lot of devices from the States that can be used but I don't feel confident about fitting any of them myself (especially when they start talking about shorting connections to over-ride some factory behaviour! ). I found this thread from here last year that indicated that these mods weren't really done in NZ.

So, my questions are:
* 12 months on from the last thread on this topic, is there now anywhere (pref in Auckland) that anyone can recommend who can integrate an iPod into a factory head-deck
* Or, if I purchased a kit from the USA, can anyone recommend a good audio fitter (again, pref in Auckland) who would be willing to fit it?
* Or, in lieu of this, is it possible to replace the factory-integrated unit in the Mazda with one that can handle iPods etc and what type of cost would I be looking at roughly for this (remembering that in teh Mazda 6 the head-deck is integrated into the dashboard and on-board computer)

I could just go with the FM adapter I have... but... well... you get the picture! Any tips/ideas would be much appreciated!

(EDIT: Oh, and after the cost of actually buying the car my budget for this is not exactly unlimited )

[Bling]

FM adaptor all the way imo

well thats for no hassle solution anyway

other option is replace the head deck with one with aux in on the front face.

[soopachargen]

i would suggest having a look at the digital logistics website http://digitallogistics.co.nz/distributors.html they import audio interfacing products, otherwise get in touch with ivan at bass (botany auto sound)

[Mr.Phreak]

Auxmod

[Adydas]

Great sound, easy and can be used in more than just one car..

[Cahuna]

Thanks guys, I've had a look at the Auxmods site and I think I'll be ordering one of those this week (and will call in a couple of favours for fitting it). I checked Digital Logistics but none of their distributors appeared to have anything for Mazdas in their catalogues.

I do already have a FM tuner for my iPod but just had a look at this Kensington one, unfortunately they don't seem to sell this model any more and the ones they do advertise on their site don't appear to work properly with the new iPods. I've never been impressed with the audio quality from the FM tuner and it sucks the life out of the battery, hence why I'm looking at an integrated solution.

Changing the head-deck to one with aux in won't work - the Mazda has a factory integrated head-deck, not a standard din/double din one that I can just replace with one off the shelf.

Thanks all for your suggestions.

[Rumad]

I have seen a kinda 'hard-wired' version of the fm transmitter one that, instead of sending a radio signal to be picked up (which is never ideal) it actually plugs in-line with the aerial plug, same way a band expander does...Imagine while this wouldnt be an ideal solution it would be a step up from a modualator type as its utilising a 'solid' connection.
Just looking thru the Jaycar catalogue and they have an ipod charging cradle that plugs into your cigarette lighter and has built in modulator for around $60, also have a lot of other car/ipod related accessories in their catalogue including an 'ipod av cable' that converts to rca leads and a cigarette charger plug with the 30-pin connector for ipod that if you combined the two would effectively give you the best connection you could hope for short of changing the whole stereo out for an aftermarket one.

Also check out Alpine as i know they have done alot of work recently integrating factory steering wheel controls into their aftermarket stereo range and they may have a product that does a similar thing with the ipod

[Bling]

pretty sure they got it sorted 8 months ago mate

[Leon]

Now ... is there something that does the same cigarette lighter fm transmitter, but without needing the ipod .... just have a cig lighter usb fm transmitter....

[ROBODISCO_20v]

Mazda do a genuine iPod kit but it will only fit the facelift Mazda 6 (May 2005 onwards) They're $236+gst retail

http://johnandrew.co.nz/partsfinder.asp

[snwtoy]

Now ... is there something that does the same cigarette lighter fm transmitter, but without needing the ipod .... just have a cig lighter usb fm transmitter....

There sure is, you can just plug any usb stick into them. Work well. Been on trademe for ages.