Airstream music with iPod

[jerrypeterma]

My friend plays his Ipod through a plug into the 12v plug in his truck. I was beginning to think about upgrading the music in our 72 Overlander and was wondering if you could plug the ipod into the 12v plug in the AS

[toddster]

12VDC is 12VDC. That said, chances are your friend has an adapter that plugs into his 12VDC outlet providing power to the player, but to hear it on the car's stereo he either has a cassette adapter, line-in or FM transmitter (this is usually part of a plug in 12V adapter/transmitter). I can't imagine he would have IPOD interface (available on most aftermarket car stereos) since this would eliminate the need for use of the 12VDC outlet.

[overlander63]

We have this:

Griffin iTrip Auto FM Transmitter and Auto Charger for iPod.

It plugs into the cigarette lighter 12 volt power plug of the trailer, charges the iPod, and transmits the iPods music via FM broadcast.
No extra wiring or hookups needed.

[SilverAvion]

i replaced the very old sony tape deck in my trailer with a new one which came with an iPod connection.

works great!

[CanoeStream]

Originally Posted by overlander63

Griffin iTrip Auto FM Transmitter and Auto Charger for iPod.

These are so much nicer than the FM transmitters of 2-3 years ago. These new ones find the clearest open frequency on the radio and you don't have to search -- especially annoying around busy cities.

For best fidelity go with a jack plug-in on the stereo. But make sure your iPod keeps its own interface intact. About the only way to do this is to take your iPod to the store and demonstrate directly that it works the way you want.

In spite of it being what Airstream has been installing in new coaches for a number of years, I cannot recommend a Sony for iPod users. Be careful -- stores like BestBuy will tell you they are iPod ready. Sony decided they didn't want to help a competitor, so they made their car stereos with a proprietary system that requires an extra piece of equipment between the iPod and stereo. And the Sony steals all control away from what you're used to with the iPod. Honestly, Sony created the most kludge-y darned interface that makes it very difficult to do anything more than play your music by the album ... in alphabetical order by album title ... and scrolling is very tedious. You can't have playlists. You can't play a shuffle. See http://www.airforums.com/forums/f450...kup-18239.html and http://www.airforums.com/forums/f450...rce-34267.html if you have a chance.

Let us know if you find something that works particularly well!

[cameront120]

My pioneer stereo has an ipod interface and works beautifully. I recommend it.

[toddster]

Blaupunkt stereos allow the interface control to remain with the iPod as well. The only problem is that their standard menu tree (audio, display, etc. settings) is not at all intuitive.

JVC also has iPod integration that allows you to either control your iPod from the head unit or the iPod itself.
iPod®

[overlander63]

Originally Posted by toddster

Blaupunkt stereos allow the interface control to remain with the iPod as well. The only problem is that their standard menu tree (audio, display, etc. settings) is not at all intuitive.

JVC also has iPod integration that allows you to either control your iPod from the head unit or the iPod itself.
iPod®

Is this the stereo that has a built-in USB connection? The stereo in our Sovereign is very tired, so we're looking at newer-and-better alternatives.

[jerrypeterma]

these are all good posts with great info.
you have given me a lot to think about,
Thanks

[mello mike]

Originally Posted by jpeterman

My friend plays his Ipod through a plug into the 12v plug in his truck. I was beginning to think about upgrading the music in our 72 Overlander and was wondering if you could plug the ipod into the 12v plug in the AS

Jerry,
My experience is this. Like Overlander63, I have an ITRIP transmitter for my IPOD that plugs into a 12v power point, but it doesn't work too well with analog radios like you find in old Airstreams like my '72 (too much frequency drift). They do, however, work great with digital radios, like I have in my Excursion and Beetle.

My intention is to upgrade my Airstream with a new radio equipped with an MP3 auxillary audio input in the front of the radio. Much better fidelity and clarity.

[shermybaby]

When you are looking at new stereo units with the USB adapter be sure to check the iPod compatability. I have been looking at a lot of stereo gear lately for my own upgrqde and have stumbled into a few units that support USB flash memory sticks and not the iPods.

Good Luck

[overlander63]

Originally Posted by shermybaby

When you are looking at new stereo units with the USB adapter be sure to check the iPod compatability. I have been looking at a lot of stereo gear lately for my own upgrqde and have stumbled into a few units that support USB flash memory sticks and not the iPods.

Good Luck

Yes, it needs to say "iPod Ready" or "iPod Compatible". We have a home stereo with a USB flash port as well as an iPod dock.

[CanoeStream]

Originally Posted by overlander63

Yes, it needs to say "iPod Ready"....

In Sony's case this truly doesn't mean iPod ready. Trust, but verify.

[silverleeper]

If you still have a stereo with shafts(posts) there are places that still sell them with direct Ipod connections and built in amps. I put one in the Burb and it sounds good. Vintage Auto Radio. Search around prices will vary.

[jenner 515]

And here I thought this would be everyone's favorite Airstream Playlists...

[jerrypeterma]

let me know what you do. I'm not that informed on the newest things in music, so I'm studying and listening.
Thanks
Jerry

PS I was on the USS Hancock CVA 19 for 4 years 68-72

[mello mike]

Originally Posted by jpeterman

PS I was on the USS Hancock CVA 19 for 4 years 68-72

Cool! It's good to see other squids here on the Forums! I retired in 2004 after 24 years.

[toastie]

I use regular RCA cables to hook up my Ipod, you will need AV Connection Cable for your IPod....... Apple iPod photo AV Cable