DIY line in CD player
 

So the CD player in my car doesnt have a line in, and I would like to add one. I am sure it can be done without purchasing a kit from someone. Any ideas?

So you want to open it up... and hack its mainboard?

If it doesn't have Inputs... it won't happen. Just use an FM transmitter.

There used to be a line in kit that you plugged in between your antenna cable and the head unit...but I can't find it now.

Actually couldn't find it last time I look a year or so ago for myself....but they were nice, because it was a hardline instead of a transmitter. I think it also amplified FM signal.

Just go buy a new stereo. There are $25 units out there with aux inputs.

Is it a factory unit, or an aftermarket one?

A couple of folks have documented hacking the factory HU to add a line in. For the aftermarket units, there are just too damn many of them for there to be a writeup. Buy a cheap FM transmitter and hate it, or buy a cheap HU that comes with a line in (or better yet, a USB or SD-card slot.)

Its called a direct adapter. The only ones on ebay are for satallite radio. Crutchfield has one but I would like to get a cheaper one if I can find one.


Aftermarket, I found a writeup that gives a general outline of what to do, but the IC I need to solder on has very small leads and I have a very cheap soldering iron, so I dont think Im going to risk it, atleast not yet.

Here: http://www.crutchfield.com/p_142FMMO...02.html?tp=121

But for $50, you can get a new HU that has a line-in, or even a USB jack. (I'm assuming that the goal here is to play MP3s or similar over the car's speakers.)