I have my I-Pod hard wired to my stereo input but I'd like to be able to supply it with power as well. Whats ideas are floating around out there. I so one over at renntech by orient express - nice job but I am concerned about the possible feedback. Any way to totally avoid that problem. Here's a link to his write up.



http://www.renntech.org/forums/index.php?showtopic=5190

 

"Feedback"?

What do you mean?

 

Think he means audio distortion created by improper DC power cable routing?



Cheers,

R

 

That is ground loop inductance, sometimes known as alternator whine. Using the same power and ground as the radio, and using a ground loop isolator as I describe in my Rentech article will solve the vast majority of this issue. But almost all factory radios have some whine on their aux or CD analog input that is detectable at very high volume levels. The rest of the noises in the cabin at speed will drown it out.

 

I do not have the factory head unit anymore. I have a Nakamichi with RCA inputs. That takes care of hire wiring it like you describe. Great article by the way. Is there a way to power the ipod from the cigarette lighter cable?

 

my996,

You can power the iPod from the cigarette lighter (buy a simple cable) or either the switched or unswitched line for the cell phone. They all work and they all give me a lot of EMI on my iPod in a MOST equipped vehicle.

I'd try the cigarette lighter (as its the simplest) until you know if you have, and can eliminate, any EMI. In my case it was not a ground loop issue and it was not solved. I run on the iPod's battery.

 

I have the new nano and run on the battery as well. I bought the lighter-charger in case of "emergency", but I just bring it in every few days for a charge.

 

Thanks, I think the battery is the way to go. Less work too.

 

If you run your iPod on its battery, you will not have any ground loop issues.