Radio transmitter for mp3 player

[Galahad]

Alright so I just got myself a Creative Zen, I want to be able to play it in my car so what's a good radio transmitter (I guess that's what it's called... the thing that lets you play through radio stations) to get?

 

[Halon451]

I wish I could suggest a good one, but I'm afraid these days they are all kind of crappy. Reason being is an FCC mandated regulation placed on such devices as recently as a couple of years ago, limiting broadcasting power in these devices to such a degree that the one I bought for my work van on my last job couldn't even hold a steady signal without static on a completely free channel. The exact same device I had bought for my wife in her car a little over a year prior to that worked perfectly. Come to find out, mine was manufactured under the newer FCC regulations. It was a waste of 80 bucks to put it simply.

Incidentally - both my iPod and my Sirius tuner are hard-wired into my car stereo system on my own car, and is the only way I will do it from now on. FM transmitters are for the birds...

 

[Galahad]

So how do I get it "hard wired"? (and still be able to take it out to the gym or whatever)

What are the alternatives?

 

[jonnythan]

You can only hardwire it if your car's receiver has an auxiliary input. If it doesn't, you're SOL and have to either replace it or use an FM transmitter.

I have yet to find an FM transmitter that doesn't suck, and I've used a dozen of them.

 

[Halon451]

So how do I get it "hard wired"? (and still be able to take it out to the gym or whatever)

What are the alternatives?

Most aftermarket car stereos come with an Aux input these days, which is basically a dual RCA (L/R) input, not unlike the standard inputs on your home stereo/receiver. Many of the new stock stereo systems they're putting in cars have an input jack (3.5mm) for iPods and other personal devices, etc. If you don't fit into either of these categories, then yes, you're probably SOL for now. And my iPod is fully portable too - it's run with dual RCA's to a single stereo 3.5mm plug which goes into the iPod. When I want to take it out of the car, I simply unholster it from it's location, pull the plug out and I'm gone.

 

[patnshan]

They all suck. Sorry, but they do. I have tried every one I can think of and every one sounds worse than AM radio. I thankfully have a vehicle with a jack and will always get one with it from now on to eliminate this unfortunate problem. If not, I'd buy a new head unit with a jack.

Pat

 

[NapaDRB]

If your car stereo has a tape deck you can purchase an adapter that looks like a cassette tape and has the needed cord and plug to attach to your player. I did this for my wife last year and it works pretty well. I don't know the brand or model of the unit i bought but I got it at Target.

 

[jonnythan]

Ahh, good idea. Those tape adapters are quite good.

 

[Djizasse]

Even if the car unit does not have aux inputs at the front, it may be possible to get an adapter that fits in the back of the unit. They normally use the cd box connection. Check ebay for this.

 

[fiosmeup]

I have my IPOD in the glove box and I never touch it except when I want to add more songs. Its controlled through the reciever and is automatically charged as I drive. I have the Pioneer DEHP5800. I tried all the other ways and there all are junk.
Dave