Q: Power take-off and ground connections for iPod unit

[filcee]

I think I know the answer to the power take-off part of this question, but I definitely need some help finding a useful ground connection.

I have a Pioneer DEH-P77MP head unit (Pic here) and I want to add an iPod unit to it.  Pioneer helpfully make the CD-IB100 for just this purpose.

I need to identify a power take-off for this unit.  The manual mentions a yellow power lead to be connected to a permanent supply, regardless of ignition switch position (or words to that effect), on Page 11 of the CD-IB100 manual found here.  

The same page of the manual also shows a black ground lead to be connected to the body of the car.

Page 5 of the DEH-P77MP head unit manual shows an ISO format multi connector, including a yellow power lead (Nos. 14 & 15 in the diagram) that appears to have a flylead attached to it.  I'm assuming that this little flylead can be used for the power take-off (yellow lead) to the iPod unit.  Am I right?

If not, where should I be looking to take power from?

The (black) ground lead - No. 19 in the picture - in the head unit  manual goes straight into the ISO connector, so unless I break into that (and I'd rather not), I need to find somewhere else behind the dash or head unit from which I can get a good ground.  Where do you suggest?  

Clearly, this needs to be a pretty solid job, as I don't fancy frying my iPod or my head unit.  If you've fitted one of these Pioneer iPod units, then I wouldn't say no to a few pointers.

Thanks.

[aaronjb]

You can use the yellow fly-lead as the power feed no problemo, IIRC yellow is permenant-live & red is switched, usually (Vauxhalls were backward, which was interesting  s:lol: :lol: s:lol:  )

For the ground, just use any screw/bolt that goes into the chassis directly or indirectly with a flying lead & round or U head crimp connector.

Job done  s;) s;)

[filcee]

Just to update this.

I (finally) got hold of the Pioneer iPod adapter (iceclearout on eBay, under 40 quid including postage) and fitted it this morning.

The adapter's power leads are 'unfinished', in that they terminate in pre-stripped wiring.  I soldered a bullet connector to the yellow (positive from battery), and plugged this into the flylead on the ISO connector.  For the negative (ground), I soldered an eye connector on to the end of the lead.  Using a multi-meter between the fly lead and body work, I found a good ground on the bracket that holds the head unit in place.  I fitted the eye connector to the bracket using one of the mouting screws for the head unit.

The remaining leads were colour-coded, so it's as easy as plugging the blue end into the blue socket on the head unit, and the black end into the black socket on the CD-IB100.  The white flylead goes to the iPod (clearly!) as it has the iPod dock connector on the end.  The iPod lead I have routed behind the trim and dashboard, ending up in the glovebox.  The unit itself fits neatly behind the ashtray/cig. lighter, and comes with some velcro strips that work well on the carpet to hold it in place.
 
Plug in iPod, switch on, works! (Hurrah!)

The navigation is a bit -er- interesting (or crap, depending on what you are used to).  This is not helped by my head unit being compatible, but not included in the instructions (it's a DEH-P77MP).  Never mind.  It sounds good, and now I won't have to burn CDs when I get fed up of the music in the car.

I also found some double sided velcro 'tape' in halfrauds this morning.  Excellent for tidying up wiring, and it also sticks to the carpet it you fit it that way round.  Very handy.