I had an idea yesterday when I discovered that my stereo's got a rear aux input that I want to have my iPhone docked so I can use it hands free and run music through the stereo etc. Found a lead on fleabay last night that allows me to use the 30 pin connector for charge and audio out, so bought one of them, and I'll be routing it up behind the dash and to the back of the stereo.

So first things first, I'm after an active dock, so I can plug the connector into it meaning I can just sit the phone on it and it'll charge / output through the stereo. I also ready know where the lead is going as I routed a standard aux through yesterday before discovering that other lead.

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/320935618366?ssPageName=STRK:MEWAX:IT&_trksid=p3984.m1423.l2649

I've seen that one, just wondering if anyone can think of any better options? I'll be getting a cage mount for it so it'll sit next to the radio itself.

Secondly, I'm after some power for it, I don't particularly want to use the cig lighter socket as I want no wires exposed and such, where would it be best to take a feed from / what would I need to do it?

Any help would be greatly appreciated

Ok - as far as it goes with these leads you will still have to control the selection of your music etc through the iPod. In the long run it maybe cheap to just upgrade your stereo to one designed to work with the iPod from a proper connector on the back. I use to recommend the Alpine units as there interface for iPod control is very close the iPods own menus.

Check out Brodit for active mounts, try make good ones.

I'm not sure how you are planning on powering it when you have a lead plugged in for audio?

Cheers for the input guys

With regards to controlling it from the phone, that's not a problem, I use Siri as it's got used to me shouting and swearing at it, it actually knows that I want now :p And with the dock being next to the stereo, it's still at finger tip control. To be realistic, I don't really fancy changing the stereo, it came with a new JVC unit in which is more than decent enough, but it's not too flash or anything so fingers crossed no one's going to want to nick it.

With regards to powering it Tim, I've got myself a lead which is 30 pin connector into the bottom of the handset which then splits into two different leads, one is a 3.5mm stereo jack which goes into the rear of the stereo, or indeed any aux port you desire, and the other is a USB lead for power, which I'll probably just route down to the cig lighter, and look at hard wiring it at a later date.

+1 for brodit

Be wary with docks. I've tried this several times and over a bump the phone tends to jiggle out...

This is what i have and its completely safe and secure. Can swivel and rotate too for wide screen satnav etc.

Phone Holder:

http://www.google.co.uk/products/catalog?q=brodit+iphone+4&hl=en&um=1&ie=UTF-8&cid=6763481881275316949&sa=X&ei=cWBpUJzTDKmw0AWrsICgBg&ved=0CGgQ8wIwAw#

Brodit Clip:

http://www.google.co.uk/products/catalog?hl=en&q=skoda+fabia+brodit&bav=on.2,or.r_gc.r_pw.&biw=1843&bih=934&wrapid=tlif134908318378810&um=1&ie=UTF-8&cid=10417237435193142241&sa=X&ei=T2BpUKq_PIbN0QX6qoCYAg&ved=0CEwQ8wIwAQ#

Cheers guys, both noted