996 986 center console ipod adapter

[carreraaficionado]

i was actually hoping to get some feedback on my creation. i have designed and manufactured an ipod dock for porsches. currently it does not support the iPod nano 4G; iPod touch 2G; iPhone 3G. But that will soon change.

my goal showing it to you guys on renntech is to get your feedback on what i have made and maybe determine what a good asking price would be.

I have designed and built an iPod adapter that will fit in a 1999 through 2004 Porsche 911 (996), or in a 1997 through 2004 Boxster (986).

The Porsche adapter is an iPod docking station that allows simple "plug and play" intergration to your factory or aftermarket car stereo.

The adapter is pre-wired with an iPod connector that can allow the Ipod to play through your car stereo via a left and right RCA adapters.

The adapter also has red and black wires that are the power connections. This allows the operator to charge the iPod while it's connected to the dock.

Easy to install, simple instructions that a novice can follow. There's no cutting or drilling, Three small screws hold the adapter in place and screw into existing holes in the side of the center console under the leatherette panel. Instruction make installation of the panel a breeze, but because it can be used with the factory and aftermarket radios, wiring is left to the end user. Becker Radio Company makes RCA adapters that allow an aux input, or end user can run the RCA connections to the factory CD changer (if it isn't being used). As with anything, If it's beyond your scoop of knowledge please leave to a professional for installation.

Made of high quality .060 inch ABS plastic.

You are looking at the iPod adapter in the picture. The leatherette panel is not included nor is the center console.

Does not support the iPod nano 4G; iPod touch 2G; iPhone 3G

Questions or comments are welcomed.

thanks again,

carreraaficionado

[therock88]

First of all....Looks like you put a lot of work into this item, so kudos for that. If you are looking for feedback, I would honestly not want that in either of my Carrera's, Cayenne, or Boxster.

Looks very odd sticking out of the side of the console like that. Appears it would really get in the way of any passenger you might have.

Just my 2 cents since you asked for feedback. Good job on your effort, just personally don't think it looks practical.

Good luck to you..

[Gary H]

Agreed - Awesome amount of work and I love the way you've totally integrated the the side panel.

However, it does limit passenger space surely?

Would there have been a way of doing the same thing with the two lower storage trays (especially as the CD storage is now redundant?)

I would also slim it way down if you could - it seems to be way too big in terms of the surrounds for what it's actually supporting. And as final idea...maybe hinge it?

Just some ideas, but as has already been said, it looks brilliant. Thanks for sharing.

[carreraaficionado]

it does add about 5 inches of space to the right side of the center console. I am about 6 foot 1, 210lbs, and it didn't hinder my leg room. i orignially started out by designing an ipod adapter that replaced the upper and lower storage in the lower center console. it looked strange. it totally accomodated an ipod, charged it and played through the radio but then was a problem because then i didn't have a place to put my sunglasses, or anything else. I then moved the iPod to the right a little bit and tried adding to narrow but deep storage areas. Still looked a little strange. After some brain storming i thought of the current project that you see above. it originally was more narrow than it currently is but i found it had to be wider to accomodate 2 of the screws that were hard to get to because of the 3/4 inch depth created by the ipod pocket.

if you know of anybody that thinks that this project (with or with out changes) is something interesting, i would love more feedback.

[1schoir]

it does add about 5 inches of space to the right side of the center console. I am about 6 foot 1, 210lbs, and it didn't hinder my leg room. i orignially started out by designing an ipod adapter that replaced the upper and lower storage in the lower center console. it looked strange. it totally accomodated an ipod, charged it and played through the radio but then was a problem because then i didn't have a place to put my sunglasses, or anything else. I then moved the iPod to the right a little bit and tried adding to narrow but deep storage areas. Still looked a little strange. After some brain storming i thought of the current project that you see above. it originally was more narrow than it currently is but i found it had to be wider to accomodate 2 of the screws that were hard to get to because of the 3/4 inch depth created by the ipod pocket.

if you know of anybody that thinks that this project (with or with out changes) is something interesting, i would love more feedback.

I agree that it looks very professionally done, but also that it upsets the symmetry of the space.

Since you started out with a design that replaced the upper and lower storage in the lower center console, could you try the approach that would leave the iPod in middle, with two narrow, but tall compartments in a layout that would have one on either side of the iPod's housing?

Regards, Maurice.

[Orient Express]

Very nice. My comments are: It looks like the adapter would interfere with the opening of the glove box, and given that the original iPod form factor is pretty much obsolete, being able to accommodate the itouch and iPhone shape is critical in making this idea successful.

Another point to consider is that the subwoofer on 996 and 986 cabriolets is on that side of the upper console. Does your adapter work with that configuration?

[goldenwarrior1]

I also agree with the poor ergonomics of the design. Doesn’t flow with the interior and is in the way of the passenger. If you are looking for suggestions then I would suggest making something that fits in the lower console where the CD holder and cubby are currently located.

[carreraaficionado]

good points, here's my answers to what i have read so far.

my '99 carrera has no glove box so i never factored that into my design. thank you for pointing that out. if anyone can provide me with the distance from the left edge of the glove box to the center console, i may be able to make adjustments to that side.

i do agree that that it does take away the symmetry of the space but trying to find a location that can accomodate the ipod isn't a simple task in a 996/986. i have no problem going back to the drawing board, i just want to make sure when i do, i draw it right. the issue regarding putting the ipod in the space of the lower center console is loosing the storage cubby. i designed and built a mockup of one for that location and when i put it in the car, it just didn't look good to me. (if i can find it i'll take pics and show it to you). i went back and made another with storage pockets on the left and the ipod dock on the right. it looked better, but was way harder to make, and due to having to make seperate pockets and then attach them to the console that i make was going to be extremely difficult.

being able to accomodate the ipod touch and phone isn't difficult. the problem is only the wiring, not the design. the connectors i purchased in bulk are for ipods only (not the phones or touches). there is an adapter forsale at target/walmart that allows my connector to work with the phone and touch. no problem there...but cost.