Can I hard wire an IPOD connection to a Alpine CDE 7856

Should be straight forward. Just get you an aftermarket wiring adapter.

no i dont beleive these have aux inputs

OFTEN the CD's haven't been "finalized" by the computer which is needed for many of the players. If the program offers up the option to add further songs to the CD, it is NOT finalized.

You MIGHT also try using the "music" type CD's to record on... They are more expensive but Staples sells them.

You can check out at installer.com

Download user's guide and go to page # 20 for wiring diagram.

Once you get the time blinking it is buttons 5 (hour) and 6 (min) that adjust the time.
These are channel buttons on the far right: they are green and are on the bottom edge.

you can get your manual here http://vault.alpine-usa.com/products/documents/OM_CDE-7859.PDF

here is your manual http://vault.alpine-usa.com/products/documents/OM_CDE-7859.PDF

hold down display button until time is blinking, about 20 - 30 seconds. to change hour press 5 button, to change minutes press 6 button. get time set then press display button again.

Here is the entire owners manual, you can print it out too.
http://vault.alpine-usa.com/products/documents/OM_CDE-7856.PDF