Securing an iPhone (applies to iPod, smartphones, etc.) Q and A

[techweenie]

Okay, the 'A' part of this is that I bought an iSimple IS77 and an antenna adapter and installed an interface to directly connect my iPhone to the antenna lead. This device has a power switch, which I put on the side of the console panel next to the radio. How it works is that by tuning to one of two pre-selected frequencies when you install it, the iSimple device does a frequency modulation of the signal from your phone. You tune to the channel, switch on the device and play your tunes. Simple, and I prefer the esthetics, if not the performance. of the Becker CDR24. I had my mechanic do the install since I was unsure of how to find a good power lead in the Boxster wiring. I had him run the iPhone connector out past the shifter under the console and up through the ashtray.

Which brings me to the 'Q' part of the post: I'm putting together a removable mount for my phone using the ashtray. At the front of the ashtray is a round, tapered hole that leads to an open area next to a white nylon block. I can't tell what it was originally. Maybe a light fixture? But there's no power to it. Nothing in the manual addresses this feature. Anyone?

(obviously, this setup applies to 997.1 as well)

Edited March 25, 2012 by techweenie

[logray]

... At the front of the ashtray is a round, tapered hole that leads to an open area next to a white nylon block. I can't tell what it was originally. Maybe a light fixture? But there's no power to it. Nothing in the manual addresses this feature.

The open area is probably just that, an open cavity that was not intended for any purpose other than having the trim covering above it.

The white "nylon" block could be part of the shift mechanism. I would stay away from that.

To do the job you are trying to do correctly, I would remove the center console. It is not terribly difficult to do and that way you get to see underneath clearly and won't damage any components by drilling/etc.

[techweenie]

I guess I wasn't clear. This is the tapered hole inside the ash tray.

I have fashioned a 'probe' that fits in it and supports the phone holder. I'm just curious what it was intended for originally.

[logray]

You mean the tapered hole for your cig butt? :)

[techweenie]

The hole is too small for a cigarette butt... That's what's weird about it.