and i do not want to buy a different head unit

 

you want it to charge too?

 

preferably

 

The only thing I've been able to find is something that wires into the antenna receiver on the radio. So it cuts out other transmissions, but it's still radio (not very good radio) quality. Seriously I searched for the EXACT same thing for the past 3 years. I'm finally breaking down and buying a new head unit that is ipod compatible.

 

It doesn't "wires" in if its over the radio, it's broadcasted. A lot of them are better then others. I had one for my old nano that was clear as a bell then 2 for my 3g that sucked.

If the stock RF doesn't have an aux, cd etc input then there are only 3 options.

-One is truly hard wiring it in by soldering. It's been done a bunch of times if you google it.
-Second is the broadcast.
-Third is a new head unit.

 

I had though about soldering in the connection for an ipod but good head units can be had for under $150 so i figure instead of f-ing something up, I'll just buy a new headunit thats compatible and is more versatile than the stock HUs

 

i just found this one

Apline CDA-105

I have not used it yet... but i heard it has very good reviews...it can be found NEW on ebay for about 175 and i even saw one for 142... i got mine from overstock's auctions for about 103 including shipping, tax, etc... and it came new from bestbuy (no shrink wrap, but i will deal and this is for a 2001 Xterra) ..and i don't know how the newer stock headsets are..but I can tell you that mine IS NOT working well at all..it just refused to play any cds...

I will let you know how the installation goes... it does have a direct connection for an ipod and you can control it from the head unit...and besides..

This may seem like an off the wall suggestion.. but if there is a second slot available on the car.. you may be able to find a tape deck and then just put in one of those cassette adapters into it..but by the time u spend that money.. you could have purchased a legit ipod ready system...

 

I would just go for the new HU. Way worth it in the long run. I hated spending money on all the cheap transmitters.

 

The only way you can have a wired connection to your factory head unit is if it has an auxiliary port. I'm not sure if the 2004 Rockford Fosgate has one or not. I know my 2001 did not. If you do have one you could connect it that way and charge it with a charger in the cigarette lighter.

The only other option you have with the factory would be a radio transmittor.

I have had an Alpine IDA-X001 for a few years now, they don't make it anymore but it's the earlier version of the current Alpine iDA-X303. I love it because you can connect your iPod to it through a USB. This allows you to control the iPod on the head unit, charges it, and gives you the best quality possible.

Theres a few other Alpine units that do this, but I would make sure to get the ones that have a USB connection because it's a lot faster than the "Alpine iPod cable" and this means you can just connect flash drives to it as well.

I was able to install mine all myself so that didn't cost anything, and it's not hard to do. If you order it from Crutchfield they send you instructions on how to install specific to your car.

I know you said you weren't really looking to get a new head unit, unfortunately if you want a better way to connect your iPod, a new head unit might be the only way.

 

Thanks alot guys!! I dont want to mess up the stock look and it's not a dyer need to change it right now... but I'm so sick of burning cds everytime for a new song. I may decide to go with a double din after all. Any one have any good suggestions..?

 

The only way you can have a wired connection to your factory head unit is if it has an auxiliary port.

The only other option you have with the factory would be a radio transmittor.

I know you said you weren't really looking to get a new head unit, unfortunately if you want a better way to connect your iPod, a new head unit might be the only way.

Read my post, 8 bucks and an hours time and you can connect a ipod to any head unit that plays cds or has a cd changer control option. Whether the person is inclined to do it is another story......

Wouldn't use "only" so liberally unless its true lol.

Thanks alot guys!! I dont want to mess up the stock look and it's not a dyer need to change it right now... but I'm so sick of burning cds everytime for a new song. I may decide to go with a double din after all. Any one have any good suggestions..?

Sky is the limit with DD's. I would write down goals and a budget. What options and controls do you want etc... GPS? Touch? Bluetooth? DVD? I personally wouldn't bother with a double din unless it was the works. Because just about every basic option ever can be had in a cheaper single din.

 

Read my post, 8 bucks and an hours time and you can connect a ipod to any head unit that plays cds or has a cd changer control option. Whether the person is inclined to do it is another story......

Wouldn't use "only" so liberally unless its true lol.



Sky is the limit with DD's. I would write down goals and a budget. What options and controls do you want etc... GPS? Touch? Bluetooth? DVD? I personally wouldn't bother with a double din unless it was the works. Because just about every basic option ever can be had in a cheaper single din.

http://donn.dyndns.org/projects/carstereoinput/

That seems SUPER easy to do.. its only two solder points.. one for the left and one for the right audio... all that it takes it to know what type of chip you have and where the RIN (Right input) and LIN (Left input) is...


But it does not give you the control that you mentioned... *SIGH* ... I wish i knew about this mod before i bought the CDA-105... ohwell.. the cd player was getting too finicky anyways..

Oh and the original poster.. i COMPLETELY understand and agree about how you want to keep the stock unit.. i feel that it compliments the style of the Xterra and all the other head units look too fancy or techy and does not compliment the Xterra's dash very well

 

Yep you got it.

There is no control option, I was referring to if the head unit didn't play cds but had pin outs for a cd changer you can still do it. It would be so sweet to get it to be controlled, there are a couple write ups of people using the actual apple dock cord and soldering in all of it so you can not only control it from the radio but it will charge as well.

I can do the aux connection but I really want to learn how to do the ladder as its so much cooler lol.

 

wow, does it charge as it plays?

I can see how the second part would work... it would be a LOT of work... but its a simple concept.. all you need to do is solder the docking station buttons to the cd changer buttons...

but after it is all said and done... you should have just purchased a new head unit... its not saving any money... if your super concerned about how the headunit looks in the car... you could just as easily take apart the faceplate and color the buttons... or if u really wanna be ballsy.. theoretically you could change the color that the LEDs in the head unit emit... so that you can get a green color...

 

I did this mod on my 02, works awesome, I ran the 5pin din to RCA then have an RCA to minijack adapter for any mp3 unit.

http://www.higherground4x4.com/xterra_aux-in_4.htm

 

I had the same issue, wanted to hook my ipod up to my 2011 xterra s 4x4. I didnt want to go wireless cause i hate interference. So I went to a shop called Digital City and they had this thing from itrip that connects to the 8pin plug on the back of your stock stereo. Then theres and on and off switch that tunes you into a default station and you can have full function ability from your ipod through this one station with no interference. Dont know much more about it since i had them install it. Cost 100 bucks about a month ago. Im currently investing in a 7" navigation unit so if anyone is interested I can sell you this ipod adapter at a fraction of the cost.

 

IPod adpter that works with Rockford Fosgate

USA Spec iPod® Interface for Nissan
Connects your iPod to select 1999-up Nissan or Infiniti factory radios
works with Rockford Fosgate
Got it love it $150resent-big: