Tap some voltage for charging iPod?

[beauchampy]

Im looking for a decent inexpensive solution for connecting my iPod to an 'update list' head unit.

I've seen these leads on eBay, but I'd like one that connects to the bottom of the iPod which carries the audio signal as well as charges the iPod.

Thing is, I'm really good with audio, making leads etc, but rubbish with cars. Basically I was wondering if there was somewhere in the dash (preferably on the headunit) which can provide some voltage I can tap to charge the iPod with..

I think the iPod needs 5v DC, which is what normal USB voltage is..

Any ideas?

Thanks in advance!

 

[fearless]

Car is generally 12v dc so some for of step down would be required. Cigarette lighter is favourable as a switched source of power to hardwire into.
I'm sure a electircs guru will be along any minute.........

 

[beauchampy]

Think it actually accepts anything from 5v to 18v, onlt thing at 12v it would need to run at a max of 1 amp. What ampage does the cigarette lighter run at?

 

[beauchampy]

Just realised what I wrote above doesn't make any sense, since amps are what the device would draw from the power source.

Would it be ok to connect the power directly to the cigarette lighter if it was fused?

 

[24Seven]

I think its a much higher fuse than a 1 amp for a cig lighter. Are you sure you can put 18v in to an ipod?

 

[agithegreat]

If not just do a PD divider.
Multiple of 7 ohms on the top (between 12v+ and ipod connection) and multiple of 5 ohms on the bottom (between ipod connection and gnd). Use resistors of at least 3 watt. Did it on an old charger i made for a portable sound system.