Adding an iPod Controller

[Sadler]

I needed a way to keep my iPod charged, so I followed the posts on CSR on how to buy a suitable cable and be able to charge the iPod and get the audio from the iPod to my head unit’s aux-input.

I was ready to buy the $40 cable off eBay, when I discovered that a nifty iPod Remote control and display unit that also charges the iPod had dropped to only $70 from the $150 I paid when I put one in my car a year ago. The text on the display is much bigger and much easier to read in bright sunlight than the iPod’s, so I decided to give it a try on the boat. It’s not marinized, but for $71, I figured I didn’t have much to loose. It’s called a Drive and Play made by Harmon Kardon. Best price I found was $70.46 from Total Electronics listed on Amazon.com. I just checked, and the price since 2/21/2007 has gone up to $79.88.You can probably find it cheaper.

The unit works much like the iPod with a twist wheel and four buttons. The display can be set to light up in use, or stay on or off all the time. Best of all, it shows the playlists, albums, artists, etc. just like the iPod and scrolls very fast and easy.

The control is mounted separately from the display, making it easy to arrange things to suit the room you have on your dash. Mine went in very easy and is a huge improvement. I’m not quite done. I still have to put in a holder for the iPod, which I’ll mount up under the dash on the right to keep it dry. In the photos, on the right you can see the cable running to the iPod which is resting in the drink holder next to the driver.

One thing I worry about is the display getting drenched by a wave. It’s up under the windshield, but there’s still that chance. I cover it when in rough seas or rain. Overall, a great addition. Photos here:

http://picasaweb.google.com/Sadlerlv/InstallingAnIPodControllerIntoA290DA

Sadler

 

[2003380]

You inspired me to do some research and I purchashed a wireless remote with a lcd screen: iJet Two-Way LCD Remote for iPod


take a look http://www.abtech2.com/twowayRemote.htm

 

[Sadler]

That is very cool and avoids the wiring I had to do. I assume you buy a separate docking station to keep the iPod charged?

 

[wish2fish]

sadler,
how do you control the song, volume, etc.

 

[Sadler]

The Drive and Play is like a blown up iPod screen. You use the Drive and Play controller to select the song/playlist/artist/album/etc on the screen just like the iPod, only on a screen that allows much bigger font, better contrast, and more lines of display than the iPod. The controller works just like the iPod--twist to advance, select with one of four buttons. Volume is controlled from your head unit. In my case, Sea Ray built in a head unit remote on the dash that controls volume, on/off, and pause--all of these still work as originally intended. So, from the driver's postion, you can control everything. Did this answer your question Wish? Here's the website for the Drive and Play showing how it works:

http://www.harmankardon.com/drive-1/default_dp1.aspx

Sadler

 

[Turtlesboat]

I just use my itrip fm transmitter on my ipod and tune it to the station. wireless, and I can carry the ipod around the boat. Infact others can tune in to the same station on their stereo and we've got a goovin' get together. :thumbsup:

 

[thunderbird1]

TurtleTone: How do you rate the quality of the FM broadcast?

 

[Turtlesboat]

There is definately limited frequency response through fm transmision but not enough IMO to not use it. It sounds about as good as FM radio. Using it while under way and you probably won't hear the difference, especially in the horrible system that's on my 280. I'm a bit of an audio snob but under these conditions it doesn't bother me.

 

[wish2fish]

okay, where did you put that control knob?

 

[2003380]

On the ijet, the part that connects to the ipod is a pass thru that enables the charging on the ipod.

The reason I researched was the fact that I didn't want to have a permanant mount for the display. The new drive and play 2, coming out at the end of this month has a wireless "wheel" controller

 

[wish2fish]

On the ijet, the part that connects to the ipod is a pass thru that enables the charging on the ipod.

The reason I researched was the fact that I didn't want to have a permanant mount for the display. The new drive and play 2, coming out at the end of this month has a wireless "wheel" controller

thats good to know! A lot of these bottom mount transmitters don't allow for charging.

 

[JeffM]

thats good to know! A lot of these bottom mount transmitters don't allow for charging.

The new Nano iTrip does allow charging, it also provides volume control of the transmitted signal. IMO, it works much better than the previous version. Haven't tried it on the boat, but it works pretty well in the car. The range is rather limited, but should be plenty to keep the iPod at the helm or in the cockpit.

Jeff

 

[Sadler]

okay, where did you put that control knob?

Not sure if this is asking me, but if so, look in the photo I posted at the top of this thread. It's to the right of the radio, below the steering wheel.

I'll put in a plug for the drive and play, especially the new one coming out: the screen displays I'm guessing four or five lines of text, vs. one or two on some other displays. That's one reason I opted for the D and P since I find it easier to scroll through albums and long playlists when the display shows more. I think the D and P 2 will display even more than the 1.

One more thing: the D and P has a secondary input so you can run a sat. radio or other device into it. When we anchor out and watch movies aboard, we use a laptop and run the sound into the boat's sound system via the d and p. The sound from the tiny speakers on the laptop are no comparison. Now, if I could figure out how to get dolby surround sound on the boat.... :smt043

Sadler