How to get power to my mp3 player & other concerns

[Doktor X]

Hi everyone!

I've got a 2005 PT Cruiser, and I'm trying to install a MuzicVault MP3 player form Mptronix:
http://www.mptronix.com/index.htm

Right now, I have it under the passenger seat, not yet secured down or anything. I'm using the cigarette power adapter, FM transmitter, and controlling it with a Blaupunkt RC10 Thummer steering wheel remote and Garmin iQue 3600 GPS/PDA. I've been using it for a few days like this and now I'm trying to plan out how I'm going to properly install it. I'm hoping I can do it myself, but I haven't done anything like this before, so I was looking for a bit of advice before I get started.

I've figured out that I'm going to need an adapter if I'm going to connect the sound directly to the back of the factory stero, but the adaptors I've seen online usually say they are for 2002-2004 Cruisers... I thought I saw a chart saying that the 2005 has the same radio setup, but wanted to be sure before I order something.

Anyway, power is my point of confusion at the moment:

The power cable the comes with it is about 18 inches long, with 3 wires at the end: red (battery), yellow (ignition), and black (ground). The ignition wire is important for the system to be able to shut down properly, saving settings and play position. The instructions say that these connections can usually be found on the back of the radio, which is fine, but will I know them when I see them? I want to be sure I know what to look for before I take my dash apart. How do I connect them once I find them? How do I "split" them? Do I need anything extra, or do I just twist the wires together? And since the cable is only 18 inches, what do I do if it's not long enough? Is there any danger to myself or my car involved in messing with these wires? Are there any other good places to get the power other than the back of the radio?

And finally, does anyone have any suggestions for a discreet place to hide this thing? The thing is 2.25" x 8.25" x 14" and needs about 10" of clearance to remove the cartridge. With it under the seat, the Muzicvault logo is visible to anyone looking in the window unless I throw a jacket or towel over it... How do you guys hide your stuff when you park in a bad neighborhood? Aside from the remote on the steering wheel, and the PDA mount on the dashboard (I take the PDA with me when I leave the car) I want potential theives to see nothing of interest.

Thanks for any suggestions you can give! [^]

[purple04]

While I'm all for doing it yourself if you have the ability, the questions you are asking indicate that this may be a bit more than your abilities. Consider this; most electrical problems on used cars are due to aftermarket installations. If supplied with the proper wire colors and locations for the hook-up, will you have the proper tools and equipment to properly hook up the wiring so they provide long-term service without causing any problems? Many pro shops charge reasonable fees to install components. Just make sure they do quality work. A warranty gives peace of mind.

[Doktor X]

Thanks for your concern. I know I'm asking newbie questions, but we all have to start somewhere.

This may, in fact, be beyond my abilities, but I'd like to decide that for myself. If it sounds too difficult for me once I have the facts, I'll hire a pro.

In this case, I think it's more a lack of knowledge than ability. This is a project I'm interested in doing, and I'm willing to do the research to do it right. Maybe someone can recommend a book or a website with tips for beginners? I'm pretty good at reading and following directions.

I've been building my own computers for 15 years, and I still enjoy doing it. The satisfaction with completing a project on my own has always been more important to me than the warranty I'd get from buying one off of the shelf. This may be a bit different, but I enjoy the challenge of learning something new.

[Doktor X]

So, er... maybe somebody could tell me for sure if the 2005's factory radio setup is the same as the 2004 and earlier? And if there are other places to get power besides behind the radio... I know you guys have hooked up power to all kinds of stuff, so there's gotta be other places, unless you've got wires running all over the place.