Question about iPod operating temps - PeachParts Mercedes-Benz Forum

jbhebert · #1 12-22-2004, 12:08 PM

I just ordered an Alpine KCA-420i iPod controller. I was planning on installing it with a hookup for the iPod in the trunk. However, after a week of sub-zero temps (F), I got a little worried. I checked Apple's website and found the following:

Environmental requirements
Operating temperature: 32° to 95° F (0° to 35° C)
Non operating temperature: -4° to 113° F (-20° to 45° C)

Now, I don't have a problem removing the iPod from the trunk on the cold days when it's not in use. My concern is that my trunk will never be at the same temperature as the cabin, no matter how long I run the heat, so that I won't be able to use it on the cold days. Should I abort my trunk mounting plans in favor of a cabin installation? My car is a '95 E300D, so it's already lacking in cubbies and other interior storage, which was my original reason for wanting to put the iPod in the trunk.

Any suggestions would be appreciated.

MTI · #2 12-22-2004, 01:06 PM

You might want to check with Apple, but I bet the operating temperature range has a lot to do with the built in battery not generating enough juice at low temps. I used to have the same problem with camera motordrive battery packs in low temps (yeah, we get low temps in Hawaii on the summits). Just curious, but why would you want to put the iPod in the trunk?

jbhebert · #3 12-22-2004, 08:31 PM

I wanted it out of the way and safe. On the 124 chassis cars with an airbag, you loose your glovebox, so there are less places to put things. If I were doing this in another car, I would mount it in the glovebox on the side. I don't want to put it in the armrest, and the center "glovebox" is too awkward. That would mean that it would have to mounted in clear sight, which I didn't like. Hence, the trunk.

Thanks for the suggestion.

dcfan40 · #4 12-24-2004, 08:38 AM

Check out this site for mounting your IPOD.

http://densionusa.com/merchant/merchant.mvc?Screen=CTGY&Store_Code=DU&Category_Code=PR

They have a mount for your 124 chassis. This should help out nad the price is very reasonable.

jbhebert · #5 12-24-2004, 09:38 AM

I have used their products in the past with good luck, but I really don't want to mount it up on the dash. I'm planning on using one of their clips wherever I end up mounting it, though.

phidauex · #6 12-24-2004, 11:13 AM

Operating temp ratings are usually for battery juice, like mentioned, and also the fluid bearings in the harddrive, remember you have a 5000rpm moving part inside that shiny white case, and you don't want any unneccessary wear in there, apples are almost as expensive to fix as mercedes.

If your trips aren't incredibly long, you could probably slip your ipod into a little sleeve, like a wool sock or something, before throwing it in the trunk. That would insulate it for a while, and would help hold in the internal heat created by the ipod, and should keep it at operating temps for quite a while. How long? You'd have to experiment!

Good luck,
Sam

popeye doyle · #7 12-24-2004, 12:18 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by phidauex

and you don't want any unneccessary wear in there, apples are almost as expensive to fix as mercedes.

Not anymore, but those drives are hard to find and if the pod is within warranty (and spring for the Applecare maybe, 2 more years of care @ $59), who cares. The batteries can be had from several Mac retailers for $30-40 as a DIY kit

Strap some of those dry chemical heating pads to it and rock on

neanderthal · #8 01-01-2005, 02:51 PM

why not use the drivers or passengers door pocket? you would still have access to the ipod, in the passenger compartment when you not only have access to it, but can control the temps, but it would be a stealth install.

jbhebert · #9 01-04-2005, 11:35 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by neanderthal

why not use the drivers or passengers door pocket? you would still have access to the ipod, in the passenger compartment when you not only have access to it, but can control the temps, but it would be a stealth install.

My fiance actually came up with this same idea. If I can get a bracket in there to hold the iPod securely, I might go this route. The only real issue is feeding the very thick controller cable into the door.

Thanks.