Blitzsafe / iPod install explanation w/pictures... (very long/bandwidth intensive)

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01-04-2003, 08:06 PM

yeahboz

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Blitzsafe / iPod install explanation w/pictures... (very long/bandwidth intensive)

Hello all,
I have been monitoring these forums daily for close to two years, but this is my first actual post. I finally joined ranks of Audi ownership in October with a 2003 A4 Denim Blue 1.8TQMS, and I'm loving it...anyways...my point:

I've seen a lot of people requesting info/pictures of the Blitzsafe adapter for iPod(I know I had MANY questions that I couldn't easily find with a simple search), so I decided to make my first post informative and explain the steps I went through with pictures(if I can figure out how to post pictures). I hope this helps someone.

I purchased my adapter for about $90 from www.autotoys.com, stocked by them under the description AUDIAUXMP3SYMPHONYII AUDI 1998+ AUX INPUT ADAPTER (TYPE II). Currently located at this URL:
http://store.autotoys.com/cgi-bin/wfp53024.storefront/EN/Product/AUDIAUXMP3SYMPTHONYII

**UPDATE**
If you have a 2002-2003 A4, make sure you are very clear with www.autotoys.com about your model year, because the 2002 A4 requires a slightly different Blitzsafe adapter than the 2003. To avoid any problems with Autotoys, be very very explicit with your directions, they have been known to make mistakes.
**END UPDATE**

I also ordered the AUDI/VW stereo "keys" that are needed to pull the stereo out. You can probably jury-rig yourself some tools, but I recommend buying the actual tools; they worked like a charm in the removal without causing any kind of damage. I bought the four keys in a set from www.samtagsales.com for about $18. The product description is "T10057 Radio Tools VW-Audi". To order, you must send an email to Manager@SamstagSales.com and request the tool. Although they don't have actual "online" ordering capability, they provided fast service through email...

I currently have a Monster iCable running the connection between iPod and Stereo, but I may go up to a higher quality cable like the Monster Interlink® Portable 400 MkII Balanced Stereo RCA to 1/8 Mini.
http://www.monstercable.com/productPage.asp?pin=135

Below is a picture of the Radio Removal Tools, the Blitzsafe adapter, and the iCable that I used in the install:
<img src="http://pictureposter.audiworld.com/42157/01_tools.jpg">

FYI: I have the BOSE stereo.
The install:
To remove the radio, stick the removal tools until you hear them click into place in as such:
<img src="http://pictureposter.audiworld.com/42157/02_pullout.jpg">

The radio slides out effortlessly. Disconnect the antenna on the rear bottom right of the stereo. I only pulled the radio out enough to get at the rear, leaving the power plugged in so I didn't have to reset my radio with the code. I put a nice microfiber towel down for protection. If you choose to not unplug the power, you will probably need someone to hold the radio during the install.

To run the wire, I just used an untwisted coat hanger with tape on the end to protect the plastic and such:
<img src="http://pictureposter.audiworld.com/42157/03_runwire1_2.jpg">

Attached the 1/8th inch side of the iCable to the end of the coat hanger with tape and pulled it through:
<img src="http://pictureposter.audiworld.com/42157/04_runwire2.jpg">

I then removed the speaker connector from the back of the stereo and plugged it into the female part of the Blitzsafe adapter:
<img src="http://pictureposter.audiworld.com/42157/05_connect1.jpg">

I connected the male end (blue/green/yellow) of the Blitzsafe adapter into the stereo where I just removed the speaker connector:
<img src="http://pictureposter.audiworld.com/42157/06_radioconnect.jpg">

Next, I connected the Left/Right RCA connections on the iCable to the RCA connections on the Blitzsafe adapter. You can also see how I propped the stereo on my knee during the installation process:
<img src="http://pictureposter.audiworld.com/42157/07_connectrca_2.jpg">

Next step is important. I connected ground wire to the back of the stereo by removing a screw and attaching. I found if you don't ground it, you won't get output. I couldn't find any other ground in the console cavity, so I just used the radio:
<img src="http://pictureposter.audiworld.com/42157/08_connectground.jpg">

After that, you're pretty much ready to roll. You can test your connection before sliding the radio back into the console. Stuff all wires back in and slide the radio in until you hear four clicks verfifying a secure fit. You may find some resistance in the last inch of pushing the stereo back in, but I believe it is just padding used to secure the stereo, eliminating any possible rattles. Just give it a firm push until the stereo clicks back in. Now you're done, hook up your iPod, turn on the radio, press the CD button twice until you see the following screen and go to town:
<img src="http://pictureposter.audiworld.com/42157/09_final.jpg">

One small addendum to this story: After I installed it, I found that ONLY the rear speakers were working. The problem was a faulty Y-adapter in my blitzsafe adapter. The pins that are required for Front L/R speakers were non-existent. So I know this installation will work, but currently I am still waiting for Autotoys to send me the right adapter. I'll attach the picture I took of my faulty adapter with the missing pins; You may want to verify you have the correct number of pins before going through the pains of installing:
<img src="http://pictureposter.audiworld.com/42157/faultyblitzsafe_nolr_front.jpg">

Once I get the correct connection, I'm sure this install will work. I hope that my post helps someone. I know there were a few asking for help on this subject. I'm in Northern VA, so anyone in the area that is trying this, feel free to email me if you would like help, or maybe use of my removal tools...

-YEAH BOZ!