So, am loving the Mazda, drives like a dream and all the little gizmos inside are cool, tis ace having air-con that does something more than suck power and fuel.

The model I got has a 6-cd changer in the dash, but other radio options can feature a tape or mini-disc player, and on the radio there is a media button which would usually switch over to this. I assume its essentially a button to switch to Aux, and presume that on the back of the radio there is an empty connector for it.

I think therefore that it should be possible to get an ipod connector which would connect to that. Not having much luck, as Im totally new to all this kind of stuff, having never really wanted or needed to do any mods to my micra. Also the brief time Ive spent looking on the net suggest the contrary, and that the connector would need to be connected to the cd changer port?! Ive read this can cause conflict issues with the cd changer etc on certain makes and models.

Im going to do some more research later when Im not "working" but in the meantime I thought Id see if anyone has any experience, thoughts or suggestions till then?

I have been using an i-trip, but the signal seems to be a bit poor so to get any kind of decent volume I end up with quite a significant amount of radio hiss/interference in the background.

http://www.dealextreme.com/search.dx/search.fm%20transmitter#710

Thats what the i-trip is, which is what I was/am using, but gives and audible crackle for some reason. Could just have decided to give up the ghost, is pretty old.

The official cable can be quite expensive, and would probably work out cheaper to replace the headunit with one with standard inputs on the back.

Connects2 cable - £64.99
Xcarlink
http://www.xcarlink.co.uk/bmy_search.php?brand=Mazda

http://www.mazda3forums.co.uk/index.php?topic=4263.0


Dont go for an FM transmitter.

Aye, thats what Im looking for, just trying to make sure that I can connect it to the media port rather than mess about with the CD changer :/

Does your Mazda not have an aux input hidden somewhere? Mine has a 3.5mm input in the arm rest compartment right next to the 12v outlet. Use a great Kensington device that plugs into the dock connector and has a stereo able at the power end to plug into the aux. Very very neat.

Nope, as far as I know at least. Theres a suspicious looking square faceplate thing under the flip-cover for the arm-rest drink holder bit that looks like itd be where ipod/aux jack would be if they were installed as an extra.

Im kinda have mixed feelings about getting a thing to connect to the back of the radio. I want to get one, but part of me is thinking that even though its only meant to be a 20 min job, knowing me if something can go wrong it will go wrong, and I dont want to cock up the radio or dash. Also, the car is on finance/PCP, and Im probably going to trade it up to the current Mazda3 TS2 in 3 years when its time to foot the bill or trade the car back etc. So if I get one I dont want to be cutting holes etc, though if I can get it to be a professional looking job I guess it might actually be an investment? When I trade up Ill be looking to get one with the ipod connector as standard so no need to move it across etc.