MoparMan
Enthusiast
Connecting an MP3 player to the stock \'00 Alpine...
...is it possible? ...what does it take?
...is it possible? ...what does it take?
Connecting an MP3 player to the stock '00 Alpine...
- Thread starter MoparMan
- Start date
Re: Connecting an MP3 player to the stock \'00 Alpine...
Check with your local Mopar dealer and see who they use for their custom auto stereo work.
I had the traveling stereo guy that services the GM dealerships in town hook me up on my Denali. Since it went through the Bose amp system he had to use some kind of interface kit that is made by an company in the aftermarket auto stereo industry.
Went the RF modulator route.....POS that really sucked.
The direct wired in sounds absofrickinlutely 1000 times better!
Check with your local Mopar dealer and see who they use for their custom auto stereo work.
I had the traveling stereo guy that services the GM dealerships in town hook me up on my Denali. Since it went through the Bose amp system he had to use some kind of interface kit that is made by an company in the aftermarket auto stereo industry.
Went the RF modulator route.....POS that really sucked.
The direct wired in sounds absofrickinlutely 1000 times better!
TCKTPLZ
Enthusiast
Re: Connecting an MP3 player to the stock \'00 Alpine...
This sounds interesting and I would love to know myself. I would assume that the stock Alpine in the '00 is the same as the one in '02s, right?
This sounds interesting and I would love to know myself. I would assume that the stock Alpine in the '00 is the same as the one in '02s, right?
WICKDXS
Viper Owner
Re: Connecting an MP3 player to the stock \'00 Alpine...
I just took mine out and don't remember any inputs to add another device, but will double check when I get home tonight.
I just took mine out and don't remember any inputs to add another device, but will double check when I get home tonight.
MoparMan
Enthusiast
Re: Connecting an MP3 player to the stock \'00 Alpine...
I have a CD changer in the hatch that was installed by the previous owner. They went the RF route as well and it sounds horrible. I'd love to be able to run the output of an MP3 player right into the Alpine without using an RF interface...
I have a CD changer in the hatch that was installed by the previous owner. They went the RF route as well and it sounds horrible. I'd love to be able to run the output of an MP3 player right into the Alpine without using an RF interface...
MoparMan
Enthusiast
Re: Connecting an MP3 player to the stock \'00 Alpine...
It seems that a possibility would be to send the signal from the MP3 player directly to the amp in the hatch. Is there a splitter box that would allow the amp to be driven by the stock head unit for the radio and by the MP3 player when the radio is off?
It seems that a possibility would be to send the signal from the MP3 player directly to the amp in the hatch. Is there a splitter box that would allow the amp to be driven by the stock head unit for the radio and by the MP3 player when the radio is off?
Batboy
Enthusiast
Re: Connecting an MP3 player to the stock \'00 Alpine...
From my experience factory stereos (even ones with amps) do not allow easy modification (usually hard wired). In other words, it is likely there is not a way to add a switch or input an MP3 without cutting wires. I'll caveat that with the fact that I haven't looked over my stereo in any great detail yet. If the amp does use standard RCA inputs you can simply add a passive switch to go between the two sources. Several problems with that is noise will be likely, you need to buy an 1/8th inch to RCA cable ($7 from radio shack) and you need to run the cable to the front so you can control the music. You'll also need to worry about batteries now. And where do you mount the switch where you can reach it? The best solution is a new head unit. They make wire harnesses so you don't have to cut any factory wires. And the MP3 option is included in many head units these days. Hope that helps.
From my experience factory stereos (even ones with amps) do not allow easy modification (usually hard wired). In other words, it is likely there is not a way to add a switch or input an MP3 without cutting wires. I'll caveat that with the fact that I haven't looked over my stereo in any great detail yet. If the amp does use standard RCA inputs you can simply add a passive switch to go between the two sources. Several problems with that is noise will be likely, you need to buy an 1/8th inch to RCA cable ($7 from radio shack) and you need to run the cable to the front so you can control the music. You'll also need to worry about batteries now. And where do you mount the switch where you can reach it? The best solution is a new head unit. They make wire harnesses so you don't have to cut any factory wires. And the MP3 option is included in many head units these days. Hope that helps.
pattymelt3605
Enthusiast
Re: Connecting an MP3 player to the stock \'00 Alpine...
I bought a Alpine CDA-9851 for $200, a KCA-420i Interface Adapter for iPod $60, and a DIN to RCA harness. The iPod goes in the glovebox and charges when I listen to it and I can select anything I want with the headunit such as genre, atrist, shuffle, etc. It is very nice since I have over 7k songs on my iPod.
Patrick
I bought a Alpine CDA-9851 for $200, a KCA-420i Interface Adapter for iPod $60, and a DIN to RCA harness. The iPod goes in the glovebox and charges when I listen to it and I can select anything I want with the headunit such as genre, atrist, shuffle, etc. It is very nice since I have over 7k songs on my iPod.
Patrick
WICKDXS
Viper Owner
Re: Connecting an MP3 player to the stock \'00 Alpine...
There is no aux. input on the back of the head unit. The connection between the head and amp use a standard 8 pin din cable available through an electronics parts store (not Radio Shack). There is a wiring diagram on the amp and head unit; it appears the system uses a common ground for the signal to the amp. If someone new their soldering iron a double pole double throw switch could be added to change the input to the amp from the factory head unit and a line level output from an auxiliary source.
There is no aux. input on the back of the head unit. The connection between the head and amp use a standard 8 pin din cable available through an electronics parts store (not Radio Shack). There is a wiring diagram on the amp and head unit; it appears the system uses a common ground for the signal to the amp. If someone new their soldering iron a double pole double throw switch could be added to change the input to the amp from the factory head unit and a line level output from an auxiliary source.
Bratatatat
Enthusiast
Re: Connecting an MP3 player to the stock \'00 Alpine...
Rather than mess with wiring, I went with an MP3 FM transmitter (w/cup holder) ... as follows:
Cup Holder with iRiver MP3 player and iRiver FM transmitter (I love it!)
[/QUOTE]
Rather than mess with wiring, I went with an MP3 FM transmitter (w/cup holder) ... as follows:
Cup Holder with iRiver MP3 player and iRiver FM transmitter (I love it!)
[/QUOTE]
Supercharged Vipermad
Enthusiast
Re: Connecting an MP3 player to the stock \'00 Alpine...
That will work....unless you go on a long trip. If this is new to you, you might find that as you move across the state, from city to city, the FM station you selected at home (becausse it wasn't being used), IS in use. Sometimes, this will force you to "re-tune" your FM transmitter. I leave my XM hooked up like that in the truck....but when I travel up the coast to Annapolis I use the cassette adapter. I have one of my presets set to a station up there, and go back to the FM thing.
Looks like a good setup!!
Rather than mess with wiring, I went with an MP3 FM transmitter (w/cup holder) ... as follows:
Cup Holder with iRiver MP3 player and iRiver FM transmitter (I love it!)
That will work....unless you go on a long trip. If this is new to you, you might find that as you move across the state, from city to city, the FM station you selected at home (becausse it wasn't being used), IS in use. Sometimes, this will force you to "re-tune" your FM transmitter. I leave my XM hooked up like that in the truck....but when I travel up the coast to Annapolis I use the cassette adapter. I have one of my presets set to a station up there, and go back to the FM thing.
Looks like a good setup!!
santo
Viper Owner
Re: Connecting an MP3 player to the stock \'00 Alpine...
Does that cup holder come with the MP3 Player or is it from Canadian Tire? Does it fit in the ashtray somehow?
My Viper is a daily driver and I need something to hold my Tim Horton's coffee in the morning
Santo
Does that cup holder come with the MP3 Player or is it from Canadian Tire? Does it fit in the ashtray somehow?
My Viper is a daily driver and I need something to hold my Tim Horton's coffee in the morning
Santo
Bratatatat
Enthusiast
Re: Connecting an MP3 player to the stock \'00 Alpine...
Yes ... Canadian Tire ... like you can buy these on-line. For example:
http://www.autobarn.net/airvedrho.html
Note: I didn't use the vent attachments. Simply use a piece of velcro and attach it to the underside of the open ashtray lid. Done. Goes on and off in seconds and it can fit in your cubby hole. There's about 1/4" of room between the cup holder and the brake when installed.
Cheers!
Yes ... Canadian Tire ... like you can buy these on-line. For example:
http://www.autobarn.net/airvedrho.html
Note: I didn't use the vent attachments. Simply use a piece of velcro and attach it to the underside of the open ashtray lid. Done. Goes on and off in seconds and it can fit in your cubby hole. There's about 1/4" of room between the cup holder and the brake when installed.
Cheers!
