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When it comes to playing your iPod through your car speakers, you often run into common problems. Typically, there is no docking station installed on your stereo that will accept your iPod or MP3 player. Fortunately, you have a few options for solving this problem, and each has its own limitations. Solutions include FM transmitters, cassette adapters, wired FM modulators, stereos with inline ports or RCA ports. Some will sound much better, while others will have static and choppy sound. The intention of this author is to discuss the advantages and limitations of all of these possible options.
Your easiest and cheapest choice is to use an FM transmitter. There are two types of FM transmitters: wired and wireless. Basically, a wired one connects to your car, while a wireless one uses the radio frequency to play through the car stereo. The basic function of these devices is that you plug in the jack of your iPod and pick up a signal from your car’s radio stations. The assigned frequency is very low and will only work for stations between 88.1 FM – 107.9FM. No other station will pick up sound from the FM transmitter.
It is possible to increase the number of available stations, but FCC radio rules and regulations do not allow this. The FCC will not allow FM transmitters to broadcast more than 18.75 nanowatts, ensuring that they will not perform well. Essentially, you are creating your own low power radio station. Unfortunately, you are competing with the big radio stations that produce over 6,000 watts of music. It may cause the MP3 player and the radio station to mix into a distorted mess. One of the most popular types of FM transmitters is the Belkin TuneCast II.
It is powerful, versatile and can clearly pick up many radio frequencies. FM transmitters, while providing clear and listenable sound, may not approach this standard hailed by music purists. As such, it may not be the ideal fit for audiophiles. FM radio stations will never sound the same as a CD or your MP3 player. Fortunately, they cost around $ 30 each, making them a popular choice.
When shopping for your FM transmitter, you want to see if it runs on battery power or if it plugs into your car’s cigarette adapter. Both work well, but plugging it into your car’s cigarette lighter adapter allows your iPod to charge while listening to music. Cigarette lighter adapters sometimes come with a holder. A cradle is a good way to hold your MP3 player and charge it simultaneously. Accessory Genie manufactures a Flex Pod FM Transmitter that features a cradle with a flexible neck allowing for more customization.
The new transmitters have PSL technology; The positive station provides great sound and reduces drift when traveling from city to city. Most, if not all, newer versions have LCD screens showing which station you need to tune into. Others like the Road Master Corp include a remote control for ultimate ease and control.
Another option is to purchase an audio cassette adapter for your iPod. Basically there is a cord that plugs into the headphone jack on your MP3 player and leads to a cassette tape. You insert the cassette into your car’s cassette player (if it has one) and off you go. The downside is that few cars have more cassette players. The sound quality is much better than that of a wired FM transmitter as there is no interference from other radio stations. Sony cassette adapters are also pretty inexpensive, costing just $ 10 from Philips or some other big brand.
A wired FM modulator eliminates the passage of congested radio waves while playing music from your iPod. They intercept radio waves from your antenna and radio. It only requires minimal installation, replacing a wire on the back of your car stereo antenna. Then you can run the wire through the headphone jack of your MP3 player. It’s much simpler than it looks and takes around 5 minutes to install.
The modulator is versatile, operating on any FM frequency. It is best to choose a station near the start or end of the FM station’s frequency range. Crutchfield offers a wide selection of wired FM modulators. There is much less noise and no interference from radio stations using the FM modulator. They’re inexpensive, and usually cost around $ 15 for a decent model from Crutchfield or other electronics stores.
The simplest and easiest to install would be the car stereo with an inline port included. Most of the newer car models have this feature. It is a small socket which is on your car stereo. Simply insert the wire into the headphone jack on the iPod and the other end of the wire goes into the line-in jack on the stereo. Set your stereo to Auxiliary and you are ready to hear quality MP3 sound. If your car doesn’t have the input port, you can purchase a new stereo with this jack for $ 100. Buying a new radio just for the line-in socket is a waste and not the optimal solution for people on a budget.
Newer car radios, mainly those equipped with a CD player, have an RCA port on the rear. You can run a wire through the headphone jack of the MP3 player directly into the RCA port. You can buy an RCA plug to headphone cord for a few dollars at any electronics store. These cables come in different sizes and lengths, depending on your car stereo and its distance from you.
Ask your local electronics store what size and length is suitable for your car stereo. To install it you need to remove your radio and locate the red and white inputs on the back. Plug the wires into the RCA port and your car will play perfect sounding music through your iPod or MP3 player. All you have to do now is set your radio to “CD” or “Auxiliary” and go.
Remember that there are many options for your iPod or MP3 player and knowing your budget and the features of your car stereo can help you make an informed decision. You also need to make sure your MP3 player is compatible with your product, newer iPhone 3Gs are not compatible with older models of FM transmitters. There may be more than one optimal choice, which is why it’s up to you to go to your electronics store and make sure you get what you need.
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Source by Brandon M. Leibowitz
