Playing an i-pod in the car

Dave C · **Playing an i-pod in the car -** 05-09-2007, 11:49 PM

Hi,
just after other peoples take on the best way of playing an i-pod (or other mp3 player) in a car.
So far I have done two things, both which have pros & cons.
(1) In my car I still have a tape deck, so I brought a pretty cheap tape adaptor (Sony CP-A9 Car adapter kit) from Amazon. This is okay and very simple to set up, but the sound quality is a bit suspect (plenty is hisses and crackles).
(2) My wife’s car does not have a tape deck, so I brought a Dension Ice Link FM Modulator (off e-bay), which was a bugger to install (had to get it done by someone else as I didn't have a clue how to get the paneling off in the car). This was obviously a more expensive option; but it worked really well and had the added bonus of charging the i-pod as well.
Unfortunately, the Ice link has now packed in (lasted ~one year) and I am looking for a replacement. What do other people use and is there anything which you would recommend trying??
Cheers,
Dave C

320kbps · 05-10-2007, 03:48 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Dave C

Hi,
just after other peoples take on the best way of playing an i-pod (or other mp3 player) in a car.
So far I have done two things, both which have pros & cons.
(1) In my car I still have a tape deck, so I brought a pretty cheap tape adaptor (Sony CP-A9 Car adapter kit) from Amazon. This is okay and very simple to set up, but the sound quality is a bit suspect (plenty is hisses and crackles).
(2) My wife’s car does not have a tape deck, so I brought a Dension Ice Link FM Modulator (off e-bay), which was a bugger to install (had to get it done by someone else as I didn't have a clue how to get the paneling off in the car). This was obviously a more expensive option; but it worked really well and had the added bonus of charging the i-pod as well.
Unfortunately, the Ice link has now packed in (lasted ~one year) and I am looking for a replacement. What do other people use and is there anything which you would recommend trying??
Cheers,
Dave C

Yeah I crossed over.I used to be a diehard WMA codec kinda guy.With a samsung 60 gig and Wma data cd's. Then Alpine came out with the IPOD full speed auto head unit.All the other manufactuers have a cable and box of some sort.But the Alpine unit just uses a cable from the head unit straight to your IPOD And access all your music through the head unit.I also found a sweet car mount cradle (dock) mounted out of sight in the center console that the cable mount's into so I just slip my Ipod in and out.And it charges it as well.So now Im a AAC 320kbps kinda guy.NO ITUNES just AAC format files ripped from all my cd's and from you know where. www.proclipusa.com www.alpine-usa.com I also like to ride my bicycle (beach curiser) on the board walk and have some crazy mounts for that. IPOD,Portable speakers,phone & drink holder all on the handle bars. www.custommounts.com Im just a gaget GEEK.

Focusedonsoudn · 05-10-2007, 01:57 PM

Im with 320kbps,

I like to keep my cars as clean and streamline as possible and always having my IPod in my cup holder with wires hanging out was not the answer.

I already owned an Alpine Head Unit so the obvious answer was to get the module that allowed me to control the Ipod through the radio. My ipod now sits safely inside my glove box (Out of sight I might add) and my car looks as good as ever

Here's a pic of my baby!

In my other car (Mercury Sable) I use an FM modulator but this car is only drivin in the winter months when there is snow on the ground. So for those special days I don't mind using this method!

Dave C · 05-10-2007, 04:42 PM

The option you both describe sounds good, but I was hoping to keep the stereo which came with the car (it is one of these built in CD / radio / satnav things) as it would look weird changing any of it, as it is all built into the paneling of the car. I am kind of resigned to getting some one to come back out and take of the paneling off and fit a new Dension Ice Link FM Modulator type thing, I was just wondering if anyone had any alternative accessory items?? Next time I get a new car, I will definitely be looking to get a stereo which is directly compatible with the i-pod (like the Alpine Head Unit).
Cheers,
Dave C

Focusedonsoudn · 05-10-2007, 04:47 PM

Dave C,

What kind of car is it? There are companies that make it possible to tap into the factory radios you may not be able to use the Radio to control the Ipod however you may be able to hide all the wires etc.

Dave C · 05-10-2007, 05:03 PM

It's a Nissan Almera Tino (these are the kind of cars you have to drive when you have got two kids). The set up I currently have was good (until it stopped working) as there are virtually no wires, and there is a nice adaptor on the dash board which you just slip the i-pod into. The only problem is that it makes you a bit of a target for car thieves who bust your window and look in the glove box for the i-pod (not that I would ever leave mine there). Fortunately, this has not happened yet, but it is just a matter of time,
Cheers,
Dave C

aom3 · 05-10-2007, 05:28 PM

I stand by this: http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/5-In-1-Automob...QQcmdZViewItem

Its a simple FM transmittor for your mp3 player, which allows you to play it on any radio

Dave C · 05-10-2007, 06:48 PM

Thanks, that looks like a nice & simple thing to try next, I will give one a go,
Cheers,
Dave C

James MSC · 06-14-2007, 05:10 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Dave C

It's a Nissan Almera Tino (these are the kind of cars you have to drive when you have got two kids). The set up I currently have was good (until it stopped working) as there are virtually no wires, and there is a nice adaptor on the dash board which you just slip the i-pod into. The only problem is that it makes you a bit of a target for car thieves who bust your window and look in the glove box for the i-pod (not that I would ever leave mine there). Fortunately, this has not happened yet, but it is just a matter of time,
Cheers,
Dave C

Almera Tino eh, I don't quite know how much they share, but I own a standard Almera and I find www.almeraownersclub.com/newforums/ to be quite a useful resource for questions.

My name on there is James, check it out if you have any other questions

My Almera:
http://www.flickr.com/photos/james-m...7594454467234/

PS: I pop into Halfords from time to time and they always seem to have this kit that claims you can fit an iPod with controls to your stock stereo set up. Also do you know if the stereo has an AUX in? A lot of modern stereos come with this now.

Dave C · 06-14-2007, 08:13 PM

Hi James,
Unfortunately there is no AUX in on the stereo (which is annoying). Next time I am near a biggish Halfords I think I will pop in and ask them what they have, although I wouldn't mind betting it is something like the Dension Ice Link FM Modulator which I currently have; it is a universal fitting I think, the only pain being you need to get to the back of the stereo to install it (i.e. taking the paneling off, something I am not going to try!!),
Cheers,
Dave