Focus audio system

Fuzzy_2

Hi

I have a 54 plate Focus with the std factory fit audio system 6000 cd. I would like a permanent wired in fitting for my iPod, at the moment use an FM transmitter, but I find I have to re-tune a couple of time en-route to work, plus sometimes sound quality suffers.

The FM transmitter I have charges the unit and acts as a sturdy holder for the unit, so what I'm looking for is a 3.5 jack connector to use in the iPod headphone socket. Now i've had a look around, and there are some products around, and one of these two seem to fit the bill

http://www.incarexpress.co.uk/view_product.php?partno=VFOX001
or
http://www.incarexpress.co.uk/view_product.php?partno=VFOX002

Now the question is how do I find out whether my 6000 system is a "quadlock" one, and if I get the right one how easy would it be to fit this myself? Here's a link to an image of the unit I have http://www.caraudioplus.co.uk/images/ford_6000cd.jpg

The reason I ask this is, I popped into my local Halfords, and was told that I needed a Dension Ice-Link FM iPod Car Connector. If I had a 3.5 jack I could connect any mp3 player in not just an iPod, so I wanted the flexibility that would offer.

Conor_3

That's not the quadlock one - the quadlock one is the newer square shaped ones with the flat rectangle buttons and a large volume knob in the middle.

molerat

Another option would be a gateway 100 http://www.dension.com/GW100.php which will charge the ipod, provide an aux in and full control of the ipod through the head unit and steering controls if fitted plus you can retain the multichanger if fitted. This will of course be considerably more expensive but is a very good system and a doddle to fit to a focus.

Fuzzy_2

Thank you both. So when you say a doddle molerat, how much of a "doddle" is it?

Conor - I had heard that some of the later models of the one I have are quadlocked, but would be good to know before embarking on purchasing something. If it's as easy as getting the unit out and looking at the connectors to tell it's something I could do.

molerat

The units just plug together and because there is such a huge space behind the head unit there is no problem hiding the extra cabling and boxes. Your car will not have quadlock connectors as with that radio it is the old shape focus and that uses standard ford connectors.

goldspanners

i had a similar problem,i had the old 6000 ford stereo in my focus,i noticed on ebay at the time they were fetching around £60-£80,i found a new jvc head unit with aux input in the face of the stereo for £50,got steering adaptor and wiring harness and facia plate for around £30,removed the 6000 system sold it on ebay and fitted the jvc unit,3.5 mm socket so i can plug in ipod or any other mp3 player and even my phone with the use of a nokia headphone adaptor.

Conor_3

Fuzzy wrote: »

Thank you both. So when you say a doddle molerat, how much of a "doddle" is it?

Conor - I had heard that some of the later models of the one I have are quadlocked, but would be good to know before embarking on purchasing something. If it's as easy as getting the unit out and looking at the connectors to tell it's something I could do.

It is. If it's the quad one, there's a little handle you have to lift on the plug to release it. There's plenty of wiring adapters for the quad to standard ISO so it's not a problem - just a case of getting the right one. As you can see from the pictures in the links you've posted, they're quite different so you're not going to get them mixed up - the quad is a fair old size.

anewman

What about replacing the head unit for one with ipod capabilities, or even better one that can work with a portable hard disk that you can leave hidden in the car filled with MP3's so you can leave the ipod in your bag/pocket. If the sound quality of what you have already isn't great, that would benefit too.

Could even get something like http://www.caraudiodirect.co.uk/kenwood-kvt729dvd-p-5740.html?cadid=06b4d535eaabb97462402afef9f8517d

Fuzzy_2

Thanks for all your help. I took the unit out and it's not quadlocked, but that's what the man from "Halfrauds" said it was, feel like going in and complaining as was blatantly lied to, but haven't got the time to do so. I expect he thought a female wouldn't know any better. Well I do (plus help from the MSEers) , and have fitted car stereos several times before!

So have ordered the Connect 2 fitting, which allows me to listen to my ipod, plus we can use it for the kids mp3 players too. Yeah I know - mad listening to their music in the car, but they do have some music I like! I'll let you know how it goes once I have received it and fitted it!

Fuzzy_2

Hi

Just to update you; received the VFOX001 Connect 2 fitting today, took all of 2 mins to fit, longest bit was wiggling the 6000 unit out; and sound quality vastly improved. So no thanks to Halfrauds, I got it sorted! Thanks for all your help.
F

chi2000

I'm about to order the same adapter for my 02 plate focus but have a couple of questions.

Where have you ended up feeding the wire though? To the glove box, pull out tray of other place? And also where do you put your ipod? Just trying to get an idea of how to set it up if I buy one.

Also where did you buy it from in the end? incarexpress.co.uk?