iPod Aux installation for the CDR23. With Pics.

[Alfieboy]

The very excellent folks at Becker Autosound in Saddle Brook, New Jersey, have devised a relatively low-cost work around for the CDR23 Factory CD & Radio to be able to accept input from the iPod or other similar MP3 device.

Essentially, they make use of FM port on the rear of the stereo when the iPod or other device is used, cutting out the FM when you plug into the Aux jack and cutting back to the FM when you take the Aux out. You need a jack to jack cable, Becker supplied this, as the input works through the headphone output jack of the iPod and into the Aux jack. With the guys at Becker Autosound's help, I was able to get a really tight implementation with no loose hanging wires, through making use of one of my dummy switches on the dashboard.

I have a CDR23 in my 2003 Carrera4 Cabriolet, but I understand that they can also facilitate this via the CDR220 and 4602 models, albeit a slightly different method of connecting to the unit as the CDR23 uses fiber optics. I bought the stereo removal keys from Becker also, cheap as chips but useful for the future.

To get the console cover off was easy, put your fingers at the top and pull it gently towards you and it will come off fairly easily (don't force it, it'll come). You have to disconnect the PSM connector and the connector for the wiper control, to get sufficient access to the dummy switches The dummy switches come out easier than they go in, where to put them back in place you need to snap the top in first or it'll never sit straight (we played with this several times before we got it right). It was easy to thread the new cable Becker Autosound attached to the back of my CDR23 stereo unit, but I wanted a really nice-looking implementation, so we removed one of the dummy switches and drilled a hole in it to accomomdate the Aux jack input. We chose to do it on the right side of the swtich, so that it mimicked the placement of the lights on such switches and therefore would be least disruptive aesthetically. The switch is curved, both front and back, so a little shaving had to be done to the back of the switch to get the Aux jack to be level in its new housing, but it really wasn't a big deal. As the switches fit from under the cover, you can do the fiddly part of attaching the Aux Jack input and screwing it in place before putting the switch back and replacing the console cover - remember the switch is sanpped back in place top first, so it sits straight. We think we got a really tight integration that has enabled me to keep the authentic factory stereo in the car.

Attached are the pics of the finished result. Fortunately, I live and work close to the Becker Autosound facility, but you should feel free to reach out to the guys at Becker Autosound too, very knowledgeable and extremely helpful - http://www.beckerautosound.com/

Hope this helps someone. Let me know if you have any questions or want to see more pics.

Cheers,

Alf

Edited November 6, 2010 by Alfieboy

[Upnorth]

Did you modify the CDR23 yourself? If so what did you do.

[Alfieboy]

I didn't, I had Becker Autsound do it for me as they are very close to where I live in work in New Jersey, USA. I would recommend you pinging them an email or giving them a call, as they remarked to me that it is unusual for them to see a customer directly as most of their clients are handled by mail order and they ship instructions with the cabling and connectors.

[RossClifford]

Alf, what's the sound quality like? Are you pleased with it?

[Wausau 911]

Becker says they must do this mod after sending it in. $100 plus shipping 3-5 day turnaround - not a bad price actually.

[RossClifford]

I just had mine done by them, it works great. for me paying $500 for the Denison for an Ipod connection wasnt worth it. I think this is good value and really easy to do. they returned my unit in a week.