Car Hookup

Originally posted by graystrickland
I've tried an FM modulator, but as everyone knows, the sound is pretty lousy and I keep having to frequency jump as I drive.

My car stereo head unit has a built in dash cassette player and an in-trunk cd changer. I've looked at the cables on http://www.PIE.Net, but they seem to work only if you have a cd changer input on your head unit which is not being used. Since I have a cd-changer already, that doesn't seem to be an option.

I know that I can use a casette thingy cabled to the ipod. Not very attractive.

Are there any other options that I'm overlooking?

Yeah, unplug your CD Changer and get the PIE adapter. You don't need a cd changer with the iPod in your car. Well at least not in my opinion, do you still have a single CD Player? Regardless I think the trade off of not having a cd changer is way worth it.

Try this... http://www.logjamelectronics.com/soundsds1.html

I have a P.I.E. adapter. Unfortunately, I have no clue how to open my dashboard to install it. I have a 2003 Civic. Any advice would be appreciated.

Originally posted by paulio
Read all your notes. Still need help...Cassette option and FM modulator don't interest me. Have BMW 740 w/DSP - which screws things up a little from what i've read. Ideal situation is to have cd changer operate and ipod , but can live with having to disconnect the cd changer - don't really need unless someone brings one along for the ride. Can I get a hook up that will allow me to operate the Ipod from my Ipod stand/car charger? I see the P.I.E. adapter is an option but the DSP issue arises. Thanks!

Not sure what you mean by DSP, but Logjam sells a cable which will let you keep your existing cd changer and add up to three more inputs. You'll end up with a new switch under or in your dash somewhere (can be hidden) to select among cd, iPod, etc. Does that help?

Originally posted by OldSkool
Why doesn't the FM Modulator interest you? If you can't use an Aux In adapter then the Modulator is your best option for the best sound.

When I first got my iRock, I was only mildly annoyed with its sound quality. Now, after a year, I positively despise the stupid thing. FM Modulators blow. And actually, the CD-Changer interface adapter is his best option for sound. No ideas on the DSP issue though.

Originally posted by tonicboy
When I first got my iRock, I was only mildly annoyed with its sound quality. Now, after a year, I positively despise the stupid thing. FM Modulators blow. And actually, the CD-Changer interface adapter is his best option for sound. No ideas on the DSP issue though.

the iRock, iTrip etc. are FM Transmitters...an FM Modulator is different. A Modulator is basically hard wired in to your antenna or stereo. You can do a search here and you will find out about the difference. As far as sound quality goes a Modulator is way better then cassette or FM transmitter. If this guy wants to leave his CD Changer the way it is then the FM Modulator is a great choice and the sound is very good.

Edit to answer the above post - FM Modulator will not effect your reception, you can get one with a switch that can be turned on and off so that your FM reception is stock when you aren't using the iPod. If you can't use an Aux In which it sounds like you can't then this is a great option.

I failed to appreciate that FM Transmitter is not the same thing as an FM Modulator. I thought they were the same.

I bought an IRock FM transmitter thinking that out here in Oklahoma, I wouldn't encounter the frequency jamming complaints posted by users in the big cities. Even way out in cow country, you still have to frequency jump an aweful lot. It sounds ok for about 20 minutes, then sucks for 20 minutes. Maybe the iTrip, which can transmit on any frequency from about 87.7 up to 107.7 (unlike the Irock which has ony 4 choices, all low) can do better, but I couldn't find it for sale anywhere locally and didnt' have the patience to order one by mail.