iPod transmitters

Porsche virgin · 08-04-2006, 05:01 AM

I want to use my iPod in my 911, but I only have a CD player and no aux jack.

Can anybody recommend a good transmitter (brand/model) that will allow me to play the iPod through the radio?

Thanks.

PV

deanp · 08-04-2006, 05:17 AM

I've had pretty good success with the Monster Cable set-up. You can preset 3 frequencies to use, charges when in use and the cable is plenty long. Still not as good as a direct aux jack, but much better than the earlier transmitters that plugged in the headphone jack.

Porsche virgin · 08-04-2006, 05:23 AM

Which one do you have? The two on the top row on the right look pretty much the same to me.

http://www.monstercable.com/MP3/iPod4rdGen.asp

Thanks!

deanp · 08-04-2006, 06:09 AM

I have the one in the middle - the iCarPlay. Kind of pricy, but is has worked pretty well. Before buying, I'd suggest scanning through your radio to make sure you have a few frequenies to pick from that aren't occupied by strong signal. If you have couple that get very limited, weak signals or straight static you will be all set.

Don Plumley · Don Plumley's Garage

I doubt it will work for you in the metro NY area. What kind of deck do you have? If it has an RCA input (like for a CD changer) you can get a $25 cable to attach: http://www.autosound2000.com/ipodadapters.htm

VaSteve · 08-04-2006, 06:54 AM

I have that one too. It works well where there not interferance. Unfortunately around DC where I live, there's a good bit of interferance. It's tough to skip stations because the radio I have doesn't seem to support manual tuning.

rattlsnak · rattlsnak's Garage

Belkin makes a great one. Simply plug it in to the bottom, and it auto detects it and youf jamming.. I have the monster one also, but i cant stand all the cables and cords you ave to use. -it does work good though. The belkin is great because you can use it anywhere there is a radio, not just in your car. I use it on my home stereo all the time.

Porsche virgin · 08-04-2006, 07:36 AM

Good info.

I'll have to check the lower FM band, since there are tons of small-time stations down there.

My deck is pretty crappy. I really should change it altogether. My speakers aren't even attached well--they randomly get louder and softer.

It's funny, if I was 16 again, I wouldn't think twice about yanking the whole thing out and starting over again. Now, I'd pay to get it done (probably by a 16 year old), but I don't want anybody butchering my electrical system!

Porsche virgin · 08-04-2006, 07:39 AM

rattlsnak, which one?

http://www.belkin.com/ipod/4G/

Drdogface · Drdogface's Garage

I have the one from CCrane Company. It works perfectly and has endless freq. available for use...just find one that's not in use and go for it. About $70. Also use it at home to broadcast (narrowcast?) from my itunes on the Mac to any radio in the house. Cool.

www.ccrane.com

LeeH · 09:41 AM

My wife uses the iCarplay. It works great between Phoenix and Tucson where there's no radio reception. In town it doesn't work so well.

Porsche virgin · 08-04-2006, 11:00 AM

I was just thinking about it: If I spend $70 on a transmitter, I might as well spend another $70 and just get a new radio with an aux in jack, huh?

rattlsnak · rattlsnak's Garage

oops,. my apologies,. its a kensington.

http://us.kensington.com/html/10119.html

its really small, and works great.

widgeon13 · 08-04-2006, 05:36 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by Porsche virgin
I was just thinking about it: If I spend $70 on a transmitter, I might as well spend another $70 and just get a new radio with an aux in jack, huh?

If you have a aux plug on the front of your head unit where can I get a cable to go from the ipod to the aux plug? The aux plug is the same size as the plug on top of ipod for the headphones. Do I need to make this connection wire myself or can I by it somewhere?

Don Plumley · Don Plumley's Garage

Quote:

Originally posted by widgeon13
If you have a aux plug on the front of your head unit where can I get a cable to go from the ipod to the aux plug? The aux plug is the same size as the plug on top of ipod for the headphones. Do I need to make this connection wire myself or can I by it somewhere?

You could use a standard 1/8" stereo cable between your iPod and an Aux in jack. But it is not as good as something that plugs into the docking connector. You get a line out signal that works better volume and clarity wise. Belkin makes something that provides power and line out - that would be the ticket. But even better is one of the devices from the link I posted earlier in this thread.

Kesmai · 08-05-2006, 04:45 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by deanp
I've had pretty good success with the Monster Cable set-up. You can preset 3 frequencies to use, charges when in use and the cable is plenty long. Still not as good as a direct aux jack, but much better than the earlier transmitters that plugged in the headphone jack.

I second this- Monster is great quality.