Helm ipod connection for 2008 210

[helenewbold]

I am sick of having to get up out of the driver's seat to select my music and have heard that the FM modulators aren't very good as far as clarity. I am curious to see what kind of set ups everyone is rocking to be able to have ipod contol at the helm. Is running a cable from the ports in the box over to the dash the only option? If so, what is the cleanest and most "factory-looking" way to go about it? I'm going to try to do it myself so any advice/pics would be greatly appreciated!

P.S. I know...just trade in for an 09...problem solved.

[INVNO1]

RE: Helm ipod connection for 2008 210

I unplugged my glove box "port" from the back of the radio, hooked up an RCA to mini stereo adapter to the back of the radio and ran a cord under the bow seating all the way around to the drivers seat. I stick my ipod in the storage pocket next to the drivers seat and grab it to change songs etc

[helenewbold]

RE: Helm ipod connection for 2008 210

INVN01

Where exactly does the wire come thru at the helm and do you also plug in at the 12 volt outlet for power?

[INVNO1]

RE: Helm ipod connection for 2008 210

It comes from behind the kick panel where the heater is. I had to use a stiff piece of wire to feed it through from under the bow seat in front of the driver
I did it that way to avoid having to remove the kick panel to feed the wire. It's nothing fancy, believe me. I just ran the wire out the side of the kick panel up under the right side of the dash and zip tied it to the steering cable. It hangs down right by the storage pocket where I keep my Ipod. I use the 12v outlet on the helm for power. I looked at the wire draped over the dash for 2 years before I got around to doing it . lol

[BSBell]

RE: Helm ipod connection for 2008 210

Longer cable?

[bowvan]

I just started using this bluetooth set up. Works really good. There is zero distortion, but it lowers the sound output a bit. You can make up the difference on the Clarion decks by switching the aux input sensitivity to high. The only limitation is your ipod's battery.

http://us.kensington.com/html/14484.html
and
http://www.sonystyle.com/webapp/wcs/...52921665274447

[bowvan]

This is another option. It's supposed to work better than bluetooth. It only works with the newest ipod's though.

http://www.audioengineusa.com/aw2_home.php

[helenewbold]

Thanks for the help everyone!

[scheersound]

I installed the Harmon Kardon drive play

[230konrad]

A clean and inexpensive solution that keeps the ipod (now the iphone) charged and at your control.

iPod Hookup on my 08 230 - Total Driver Control
http://www.planetnautique.com/index....amp;highlight=

Cheers!
:razz:

[bowvan]

I had been using something similar to the extrememac cable for the last few seasons, only I used it at full length, so that I could pass the ipod off to other people in the boat. As a result, my ipod's dock is wore out and doesn't keep a sound connection anymore. I've been thinking of buying a new ipod, but I didn't want the same thing to happen. The best i could come up with is the two solutions above. Of all the control interfaces out there, none of them can match the ease of use that the ipod itself offers. The direct connect with a cable produces the best sound, but you are still on a leash.

I actually have both of the devices I posted above. I bought the audioengine before I realized that it wouldn't work with my 5th gen ipod. If the sound quality of these can come close to the direct connection, it's a no brainer for me. The only limitation is your ipod's battery.

[helenewbold]

bowvan-

What do you plug into the ports on the receiver to pick-up the bluetooth transmission and how do you adjust the aux input sensitivity? Probably a stupid question, but I am truly tech-challenged.

Thanks!

[bowvan]

The bluetooth device has a 3.5mm mini jack that you just need to convert to rca. Im assuming your boat has rca jacks for aux input. Search for " 3.5mm 1/8 stereo female mini jack to 2 male RCA adapter " on e-bay, they're under $5.

On the cmd5 head unit, press menu, then scroll through using the arrow keys on the left until yo get to input sensitivity. Use the volume knob to select high.

[helenewbold]

Sweet!

Thanks again, bowvan.