Seen the threads regarding M-stations here.

The GF wants MP3 in car, but doesn't want a PC (laptop or inbuilt) and a proper screen, she wants to have either headunit controls, or a small sperate character display/control box.

Does the 1.4 Classic have the cd changer control, and has anyone found a reliable cable that tricks the headunit into thinking a changer is installed when it is just a line source for the M-Station?

the other option is an FM modulator plugged into the arial which won't do it justice.

I read the M-Station thread but I assume that, that is for an Octavia.

I have until December to sort out an MP3 solution for her Birthday and I want to make it a nice surprise. Don't fancy giving her my old MP3 CD walkman, and a cassette adaptor, even though she would probably be very happy with it.

Cheers

The adapters that trick the HU into thinking there is (still) a CD-changer attached are in the region of

Cheers Quinten. I'll need to dig out which model she has fitted.

problem I've seen is that she doesn't have a CD changer, just the radio cassette. CD changer was an option, but she really likes the idea of her thousand of MP3 Albums that she has collected.

Might consider an MP3 Multichanger, if I can find one that understands album folders.

If it's the standard Classic HU, it's won't support a changer. And even if the unit was the upgraded

CD changer compatible one, I think you'd only be able to put the Skoda changer in there.

Two questions that are rather essential though - what's your budget, and will your girlfriend have

access to a CD burner?

If the latter is true, your cheapest option is probably a head unit which can use MP3 CDs - Sony make

one (MP404?), whic h is about 140 quid now (+ wire adapter + fascia). This will read folders and I

think also displays ID3 tags.

I think most MP3 changer can read folders - I've got the Alpine 634 changer and this can handle folders

fine. That said, I've got a cheap head unit which is "old technology", so I see is essentially a CD with

300ish tracks on it (though the track number on the head unit is only 2 digits and loops).

The pack I bought was from MCS Direct - for

cheers Rob.

It has the Standard Classic Radio Cassette.

I do have a cassette to line adaptor (dummy cassette), and a Goodmans CD MP3 player.

but the goodmans ain't great.

I'm a signedup member of MP3car.com, so while cost is important, there isn't really any budget restriction.

If I could find parts that would work, I could locate the best prices with help of the MP3car european guys, and buy online. I did suggest getting a facia adaptor, but she doesn't want the car to look modified in anyway hance why I'm trying to get either a MP3/CD multichanger, or an M-Station to work.

Is the Skoda system in anyway related to VW monsoon system?

Because I did find this that might prove a usefull addon for someone wanting to go completly DIY.

Your best bet is probably to upgrade the head unit, despite your GF's wishes - the Sony MP40 is probably available now around the

Ooooh, good find!

Reading the FAQ it is good news (at least, it confirms what we already wanted to try) for Ian and me:

I've already got the CD Changer, but I want to add another audio input for my MP3 player. What do you suggest?

If you've already got the CD Changer, you don't need a VWCDPIC to trick the head unit into thinking a CD Changer is installed; there really is a CD Changer installed!

What you need to do is splice into the audio signal wires and install a double pole, double throw switch to let you select between the CD Changer's audio and your MP3 player's audio. Shouldn't cost you more than $5 and some time with a soldering iron.

Q.

The adapter on that site appears to be like the one mentioned by Q, only a lot cheaper!

Would be interesting to see if it would work, but you would need a new Skoda HU. I'm guessing it would be possible to put a

Skoda HU with changer controls into the Fabia Classic, but the

cost of buying this...well, it would be a waste of money compared with aftermarkets. (Skoda website lists the MS502 HU at

I'll do you a nice deal for my Symphony + CD-changer

+ the security code I presume Q? :p

Rob.

I'll make sure the dealer unlocks the unit before I parted with it

Ouch, those Skoda prices are so VW now aren't they.

Bloody hell.

That is more than I actually paid for both my previous Skodas (A Favorit and an Estelle 120). GF always hated them, but when looking to replace her Corsa looked at what was available at arround 3 years old, and the Furbie classic provided the most bang for buck.

I'm driving a Saab 900 turbo myself ATM, because I would have loved an vRS, but my budget was in the hundreds rather than thousands of pounds. I'm still loyal to the cause. i converted my once Skoda phobic younger brother. He picked up a 3 years old 180k Ex Taxi finance snatchback Octavia TDI for just over

Originally posted by MeatballTurbo in this post

picked up a 3 years old 180k Ex Taxi finance snatchback Octavia TDI for just over

I've been it in. Bloody fast. As quick as my Saab 900 16v Turbo petrol, although it is 17 years younger, but has 60k more on the clock (that was

I have the Sony CDX-MP40. It does an excellent job of playing MP3s from a CDR. It treats directories on the disc as separate 'albums' and plays the contents in alphabetical or numerical order. It will also control a (presumably conventional) CD changer or Minidisc player but I don't really see the need for either of these: if you can comfortably get 10 hours on one disc, why bother with a changer?

It cost