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Docks line-out

Does anyone know how to take apart a 40GB iPod dock without breaking it and still leaving the dock connector accessible. I have my iPod in a case and I really hate taking it out all of the time to put it in the dock. I would like to do this so I have the option to use the line out. The only other alternative I can think of that would fix this is to have a dock connector cable that goes straight to a lineout, but so far I havn't seen anything remotely close to that. If anyone has any suggestions your help would be greatly appreciated.

Thanx
[559 byte] By [thrEt] at [2007-11-9 17:43:34]
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# 1 Re: Docks line-out
How about a Sik Imp?

www.sik.com

Even if you choose to CUT off the Car Plug, it'll still be a lot more elegant than taking the dock apart.
azdude at 2007-11-15 16:05:07 >
# 2 Re: Docks line-out
If you're handy, see:

http://home.pacbell.net/vsim/

I made a custom cable for my truck install using Bing's pin-outs and tips. Charges and provides the dock quality direct line out signals. Single cable sure looks clean! Be aware that it is a 5 out of 5 in difficulty.
tanakasan at 2007-11-15 16:06:07 >
# 3 Re: Docks line-out
I agree with azdude, the Sik Imp is a very versatile cable. I use it in multiple configurations. None of which require me to remove my iPod from my iSkin exo2.

The Imp actually consists of 2 pieces. One is a short cable with the dock connector on one end and and then splits to a line-out and firewire on the other. The other cable included in the package is the car lighter charger than can be connected to the firewire for car power/charging.

Add any generic 6-pin firewire cable and you can use it with your iPod's AC plug to provide standard AC power/charging.

Simply remove the AC plug to allow for firewire connection to your PC for syncing/charging.
pmoto at 2007-11-15 16:07:16 >
# 4 Re: Docks line-out
So does the Imp come with the car plug? And does anyone have any better pictures of it or know where I can find some (other than the website). I think this might be exactly what I am looking for.
thrEt at 2007-11-15 16:08:11 >
# 5 Re: Docks line-out
Yes, the Imp comes with 2 cables. One is 6-pin firewire on one end and cigarette lighter adapter on the other end. The other cable has a dock connector on one end and then splits to both firewire and line-out on the other.
pmoto at 2007-11-15 16:09:10 >
# 6 Re: Docks line-out
I just noticed my attempt at creating a link didn't work. Also found a better image.

Will try to insert the image into this post.
pmoto at 2007-11-15 16:10:20 >
# 7 Re: Docks line-out
Also, is the line-out on this cable as good or the same as the dock's line-out
thrEt at 2007-11-15 16:11:14 >
# 8 Re: Docks line-out
Someone else may have more definitive information, but both provide line level output. Therefore, I doubt there would be much difference between the two.

I don't use my dock much since I tend to keep my iPod in my iSkin and therefore it will not fit in the dock.

When connecting to my home stereo, I connect the imp's line-out to a mini-stereo/RCA cable attached to my stereo. When in my car I use the imp's line-out to connect to my FM tramsmitter.

As I mentioned in an earlier post, for power/charging at home I connect the imp's firewire cable to a generic 6-pin firewire cable with iPod's AC plug adapter. I remove the AC plug adapter and plug the firewire cable into my firewire port on my computer for syncing and/or charging. Of course the provided imp cigarette lighter cable is used to power/charge my iPod when in my car.
pmoto at 2007-11-15 16:12:17 >
# 9 Re: Docks line-out
thanx for your replies pmoto. I think you have helped me find what I have been looking for, for a long time
thrEt at 2007-11-15 16:13:14 >
# 10 Re: Docks line-out
Just one question, if you get this SIL connector do you still need to get a docking station? The product description on the SILstore web site says "* reguires iPod with dock connector or iPod mini" ... does that just refer to the opening at the bottom of the ipod ... or do you need a $39 ipod docking station? SIL appears to be a substitute for it, but I want to make sure I don't need both.
pkathy at 2007-11-15 16:14:15 >
# 11 Re: Docks line-out
The SiK Imp does not require the dock, just an iPod with a dock connector (i.e. the opening at the bottom of the iPod). You are correct that it basically is a substitute for the dock.

However, you will need a 6-pin firewire cable to use the Imp with your computer or your iPod's AC adapter plug. Any generic 6-pin firewire cable should work.
pmoto at 2007-11-15 16:15:25 >
# 12 Re: Docks line-out
Does the Imp's firewire port move data? Or is it just for power? Pmoto, when you connect your iPod to your computer via the Imp does it allow you to interface with iTunes, et all?
Bombadil at 2007-11-15 16:16:24 >
# 13 Re: Docks line-out
When you use the Imp with any basic 6-pin firewire cable it works exactly the same as the firewire/dock cable that ships with the iPod (i.e. you can sync with iTunes, charge via the firewire port, or use the AC adapter plug for direct AC power/charging).
pmoto at 2007-11-15 16:17:20 >
# 14 Re: Docks line-out
I think that makes the Imp a pretty good value then... you're getting a pocket dock in the deal. Thanks for the info.
Bombadil at 2007-11-15 16:18:26 >
# 15 Re: Docks line-out
The key is you also need the 6-pin firewire cable if you want to use the Imp as a dock substitute/pocket dock (this firewire cable is not included with the Imp). You should be able to find one of these cables for less than $5 (I think I paid $1.95 for mine).

As an example here is a photo of how I use it to connect to my home stereo with AC power.
pmoto at 2007-11-15 16:19:29 >
# 16 Re: Docks line-out
If your still looking to take the dock apart you should be able to push on the dock connector with you thumbs while pulling up on the white plastic with your fingers. That should pop the dock cover off exposing what you need.
Blue_Dawg at 2007-11-15 16:20:22 >
# 17 Re: Docks line-out
Ok, so I just got the SIK adaptor and it seems to play on my home stereo better (not knock your socks off, but better) so where so I buy a 6 plug adaptor to adaptor to charge it while I am playing it at home? pmoto mentioned buying one for $2 ... where ... radio shack? best buy? circuit city? apple directly?... any suggestions would be appreciated.

thanks
pkathy at 2007-11-15 16:21:31 >
# 18 Re: Docks line-out
Most all computer or electronics stores should sell the 6-pin to 6-pin firewire cable (also called an IEEE 1394 cable).

Just make sure you get the 6-pin to 6-pin variety because it is also sold in a 4-pin configuration as well as a 4-pin to 6-pin converter cable.

I bought a generic one on ebay.

Here's an example (http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&category=51054&item=3465158413)
pmoto at 2007-11-15 16:22:25 >
# 19 Re: Docks line-out
thanks I went with the recommendation to go to eBay ... I checked online at compusa, radioshack and bestbuy and they all wanted 20-30 for the same thing. I appreciate your help. Have a good day. :)
pkathy at 2007-11-15 16:23:25 >
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