Author: Ken Payne

Brandmotion's new iPod Direct Connect Adapter for Ford factory satellite-ready sound system gives you control of iPod digital music players on the factory radio console. Any audio you can play on your iPod is routed through the factory sound system so you can take your tunes with you on the road.

This article details the easy installation of this device and shows you how it works.

First, open the ash trasy and reach under the bottom edge of the center console. Pull out the console gently. It should easily pop out. Then disconnect all the connectors on the console and lay it to the side.
Next, remove the 4 bolts securing the radio in place and pull out the radio. Disconnect the two wiring connectors and the antenna and set the radio aside.
There are two different interfaces available. One for systems with the factory satellite radio option included, the other for systems without factory installed satellite radio. This truck uses aftermarket XM radio so we selected the interface for systems without factory installed satellite radio. Connect the iPod Direct Connect harness to the factory harness.
Next, connect the iPod Direct Connect harness to the factory radio.
Place the supplied velcro pad on the bottom of the radio, or other location you wish to mount the adapter box. Zip-ties are also included should you decide that securing them this way would work better for your application. Reattach the radio antenna and slide the radio back in. Do not bolt it in place yet.
Place the other side of the velcro pad on the iPod Direct Connect box. Plug the harness into the iPod Direct Connect box.
Plug the iPod cable into the Direct Connect box.
Route the iPod cable. For this article we routed it under the dash. It will be placed permanently in the glove box at a later date where we can velcro the iPod in place while traveling.
Plug in the iPod and turn the ignion key to the on position to test the unit. The iPod will show a BrandMotion logo if everything is connected properly.
Hit the radio Aux button to select the iPod. Then hit the Menu button on the radio to see the categories where you can search by album, artists, playlists or song. The radio seek buttons are used to move back or advance through the songs.
Once you've verified proper operation attache the Direct Connect interface under the radio with the velcro, secure the radio and push the dash panel back in place. You now have a radio that looks 100% stock yet plays music directly from your iPod.

Impressions

The iPod Direct Connect, like all BrandMotion products I've encountered to date, is easy to install, keeps OEM looks and functions without requiring a lot of thought. When you're driving the last thing you need is to be distracted by your radio. The Direct Connect makes dialing in your favorite music on your iPod as easy as locating a radio station or playing a song on a CD. Its integration with the iPod is nothing short of amazing. The iPod is an extremely easy and intuitive device... the iPod Direct Connection follows closely in its footsteps. I highly recommend it to anyone looking to carry their music with them.

Roush F-150 Project Truck Sources:

Current Product:
Brand Motion - iPod Direct Connect
(877) 276-6456
http://www.brandmotion.com/products/products-ipod-adapter.html


Previous Products:
Brand Motion - BlueConnect
(877) 276-6456
www.brandmotion.com/products/products-railport-blue.html

Retrax
www.rolltopcover.com

Troyer Performance
(540) 965-7123
www.troyerperformance.com

Royal Purple Synthetic Oil
www.royalpurple.com

Netswork Cargo Nets
www.cargonetswork.com

Jusnes Modified
www.jusnesmodified.com

Brand Motion - Megellan
(877) 276-6456
www.brandmotion.com/products/products-magellan.html

Stealth Auto
(888) 978-3258
www.steathauto.com

Volant Performance
(909) 476-7225 (US Sales)
www.volantperformance.com

Roush Performance
800-59-ROUSH
www.roushperformance.com
store.roushperformance.com

Gwinnett Place Ford
(770) 476-2090
Craig Hooten, Sales - (678) 499-2606
www.gwinnettplaceford.com

(Copyright 2008 Ford Truck Enthusiasts, Inc., All Rights Reserved. This article is used by Internet Brands, Inc. with permission.)