"RediRad", allows you to use XM/Serius or iPod in factory stereo...

Normy · 01-11-2010, 03:38 PM

Here's something interesting. This part connects inside the dashboard, and allows you to hook up an XM/Sirius receiver or an iPod to the factory stereo head.

Apparently, this is not a "rebroadcaster". You hook the lead from the device to the antenna lead of your vintage stereo, and the XM/Sirius or iPod gets hooked to another lead [glove compartment, cassette box, etc.]. Get 12 volts to the unit, and suddenly your original head is sending modern tunes through your speakers.

Has anyone here tried one, or seen [heard] a car with one of these? I currently have an iPod in my cassette box, and via a "data bus", I can select tunes on the iPod with the head unit in the dash. The problem is that the system is extremely slow, and I've had to organize my iTunes by making a playlist out of every single album! This is cumbersome and slow, and I can barely tolerate it. My other has XM in her Acura, and this network has GREAT music! I'm thinking of moving from iPod-based Pioneer head unit to the original Blaupunkt Monterey [I have it].

RediRad Classic Car AM radio adapter- MP3/Satellite Radio to AM band

N!

dtxscott · 01-11-2010, 04:26 PM

This is what is commonly referred to as an "FM Modulator".

Back in the day, we used to install CD changers through modulators. Tune the radio to a certain frequency and push play, then CD through your non-CD radio. The convenience is good but audio quality lacks as the source is now bandwidth limited through the FM tuner.

If you are OK with the way your tuner sounds, then this solution will be acceptable to you. If you expect digital quality audio, then you will be disappointed.

VINMAN · 01-11-2010, 05:03 PM

I have this setup here in my company car. Actually it is last years model. It works pretty decent. Im happy with it.

Not the same sound quality as in my other vehicles( my truck has an Alpine sat. ready unit and I have a docking unit in my 944) but it does the job.

Normy · 01-12-2010, 04:03 AM

Well, here's the thing. The 928 model was blessed with what is known as an "even-firing" V8 engine. My particular car has a Borla exhaust system, a Lois Ott X-pipe, and no catalytic converters. The real music from this ride is from the exhaust pipes- at 6000 rpm this thing will raise the hairs on the back of your neck from 1/2 mile away. Since I'm in south Florida, I prefer to drive with the AC off and the windows down.

Thus, I can barely hear my stereo anyway.

As to sound quality, the iPod does a nice job playing through the stock [made in Tunisia?] speakers, but it is just a pest to use. At the same time, I don't want to spend time and money on something that is going to sound like an old AM radio either. How good or bad does something like this sound? I want to convert to XM radio, and the notion of the stock [very flat face, matches the center console perfectly] radio appeals to me.

Thanx!

N

VINMAN · 01-12-2010, 06:10 AM

The sound is good. No better or worse than your normal, well tuned local FM station.

I love my Sirius. Especially considering the radio stations in the NY /NJ area blow.

Brillo · Brillo's Garage

Quote:

Originally Posted by Normy

Here's something interesting. This part connects inside the dashboard, and allows you to hook up an XM/Sirius receiver or an iPod to the factory stereo head.

Apparently, this is not a "rebroadcaster". You hook the lead from the device to the antenna lead of your vintage stereo, and the XM/Sirius or iPod gets hooked to another lead [glove compartment, cassette box, etc.]. Get 12 volts to the unit, and suddenly your original head is sending modern tunes through your speakers.

Has anyone here tried one, or seen [heard] a car with one of these? I currently have an iPod in my cassette box, and via a "data bus", I can select tunes on the iPod with the head unit in the dash. The problem is that the system is extremely slow, and I've had to organize my iTunes by making a playlist out of every single album! This is cumbersome and slow, and I can barely tolerate it. My other has XM in her Acura, and this network has GREAT music! I'm thinking of moving from iPod-based Pioneer head unit to the original Blaupunkt Monterey [I have it].

RediRad Classic Car AM radio adapter- MP3/Satellite Radio to AM band

N!

I have one I put in my 1960 Cadillac. I use it mainly with my Sirius Starmate satellite radio, but have also used it with an iPod. There is quite a bit of distortion. I think it's because of the old speakers, they are probably the originals. I am going to replace the speakers soon and I hope that will solve it. Otherwise, it was very easy to install and
works well.

I wanted to keep the original radio in the car, so this was the best route. Since it is using AM, the fidelity will probably not be as good as using an FM adapter of some sort for a radio that has FM. Also it will not be in stereo.

RediRad Guy · 01-15-2010, 05:53 PM

Thanks for posting this, Normy.

I am the inventor of the RediRad adapter and for guys whose pipes don't drown out the radio and who also want to preserve originality, the RediRad is a great alternative to $500+ conversions or unsightly, chinese-made aftermarket equipment among an otherwise stock collector car's interior.

Consider this demo video

Also, Brillo, please contact me about any distortion concerns; we have recently made some changes to the design to account for certain portable music players on the market. Our tech line is 262 646 3363, Monday - Friday, 8 - 5 central time.

Main thing, please keep in mind that we are car people, too, who want to provide excellent customer service and American-made products. Not the norm these days!!

~Matt