Well, I finally got my iPod interface from Grom Audio (www.gromaudio.com) installed on my 2003 DII w/ the Alpine head unit. The entire process took about 20 minutes and mine is plugged in directly to the head unit port.

Pictures:

Here are the tools I used. They're for a Kenwood stereo and you can get them for about $5 shipped from eBay. Slide them into the slots on the DIN and tug... HARD. The unit is stuck in there.



Here's what the clips on the DIN look like. This is what you want to release.



Here's how the tool releases them.



Install the blue connector into the back of the head unit.



Route the wire for the iPod. I chose to put mine in the glove box. If you remove the ashtray and clock modules you can route it pretty easily from the glovebox up to the stereo.

This pic is looking into the slot where the clock would be. The iPod wire is the one in the back, bent in a slight "S" shape.




Here's the connector at the stereo.



Plug it into the interface so that it's all wired up and give her a quick test.

iPod (test).



Stereo (test).



Once it checks out ok, push the interface module under the metal support for the stereo. There should be plenty of room.



Re-reoute the stereo wires and slide the stereo back into the slot and enjoy!





So far, everything is working as advertised. The sound quality is 100x better than even the best FM transmitter and it charges the iPod as well. The Grom interface allows you to manually operate the ipod (disc 1) or up to 5 playlists (disc 2 - 6). It changes between playlists and songs instantaneously. The steering wheel controls work as well.

For ~75 shipped, I'd encourage you to check it out.

Hope this helps!

 

Very nice write up, there have been a lot of questions about this. I might just get one.

 

I am thinking that I am going to be selling a CD changer in the near future!

 

Uncle Tupelo. Good choice!

Thanks for the write-up- I learned something new today. I wonder if it would work for the OEM CD player in the S. I'll have to check it out. I have an aftermarket head unit in there now with an iPod interface, but would prefer the look of the OEM unit if the Grom interface could work.

 

Thanks. I knew there had been some questions about it.

I assume you could mount it underneath the seat, but the ipod wire is no where near long enough to reach the glove box.

The funny thing is, when it changed playlists instantly, it almost freaked me out. I guess i was expecting some sort of lag. It was a pleasant surprise.

Glad to see another UT fan on here!

[8D]

 

I don't see one available for Land Rovers, where did you order yours? Should it work in an '01 stock radio unit?

Thanx

 

Thanks for sharing that. Great step by step instructions and supporting photos. I've tried the FM transmitter and it sounded so bad I gave up on it. I'm excited that there's actually a viable MP3solution for the Rover. Great work!

 

I actually got mine through an eBay auction.

http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll...:IT&ih=008

I confirmed with them that it would fit, bought the auction, then sent them the specifics of my car (e.g. make, model, headunit). I even sent in a picture.

Now that you mention, I don't see anywhere to order one off their website. Maybe give them a call or shoot them an e-mail?

 

Here's some:

http://search.ebay.com/search/search...%3D1&fgtp=

Just make sure you confirm the auction before you buy it.

 

Hows the interface been working out for you so far? Is there a specific part# for the Discovery IIto refer to?