Of course the simple solution would be the best. To be honest I didn't even
think of this even though I've seen the tape adapters before. I was trying
to come up with a slick way to have a plug in the wall in the back of the
van, but this idea is just too easy and cheap not to try. For my
sophisticated ears it will be perfect! Thanks for the idea. It may not be
surround sound, but it will be excellent compared to the laptop speakers.
Thanks,

-Phil

-----Original Message-----
From: David Brodbeck
To: Walker, Phil
Cc: vanagon@GERRY.VANAGON.COM
Sent: 12/30/02 7:42 PM
Subject: Re: [VANAGON] Other Audio source into Stock Westy Radio

On Mon, 30 Dec 2002, Walker, Phil wrote:

> We use a laptop to watch movies in the back of our Westy. I'm looking
for a
> way to get another audio input into the stereo system without having
to buy
> another head unit (I like the stock one and want to be stealth).

Does your stock head unit have a tape deck?  If so, use a tape adapter.
There are also FM radio adapters; they work too, but I find them
annoying
on long trips because I keep having to switch frequencies to find one
that's clear.

The best 'stealth' setup I ever saw was on an old Chevy with a metal
dash.
The owner recessed the aftermarket head unit into the dash a little,
then
attached magnets to the back of the stock blank plate so he could stick
it
over the opening!

             _ _
  __ _ _   _| | |  | David M. Brodbeck (N8SRE)              Ypsilanti,
MI
 / _` | | | | | |
+-----------------------------------------------------
| (_| | |_| | | | @ cyberspace.org
 \__, |\__,_|_|_| "To the optimist, the glass is half full.  To the
 |___/             pessimist, the glass is half empty.  To the engineer,
                   the glass is twice as big as it needs to be."