how do you hook up an ipod to a car...

[tami]

i'm just curious. is there anything cheap and affordable that can do this?

thanks.

 

[SaltBoy]

Maybe one of those radio broadcasters can help? I've never been impressed with the one I tried, but I admit it was cheaply made.

 

[Led Zeppelin]

You sure it's an ipod, and not a regular mp3 player?

 

[keeleysam]

I'd go with the Griffin iTrip.

 

[nakedfrog]

Yes, I imagine the cheapest way to do with would be via FM modulator. Not the best solution, but it may be sufficient to meet your needs.

 

[spacelord]

I have tried 2 different FM broadcasters, and have not been happy with either one. I am picky about my sound and those don't do music any justice.
Both were supposed to be good ones, from various reviews and comments from people on Amazon.


BTW, I have an MP3 player.. I'm not rich enough to afford an iPod.

 

[tami]

Originally posted by: BostonRedSox
You sure it's an ipod, and not a regular mp3 player?

yes, it's a 3rd gen ipod and not such a tiny creative whatever the hell you have

 

[maximus maximus]

Originally posted by: tami

Originally posted by: BostonRedSox
You sure it's an ipod, and not a regular mp3 player?

yes, it's a 3rd gen ipod and not such a tiny creative whatever the hell you have

Usel belkin tunecast.

 

[GeneValgene]

here's an installation using the Soundgate SNHOND3 link

however, after reading reviews, i purchased this for my girlfriend...the quality is excellent, and i think for 75% of users out there, it's sufficient RoadTrip+

read this guy's review here

 

[tami]

sounds cool. thanks for the responses. i guess i'll try the FM thing, but it may be a bit sketchy. we shall see.

 

[Baked]

That's easy, you buy a new car w/ the iPod hook-up built-in.

 

[iamtrout]

u haf to get teh frog n tHee holE

 

[sixone]

Originally posted by: spacelord
I have tried 2 different FM broadcasters, and have not been happy with either one. I am picky about my sound and those don't do music any justice.
Both were supposed to be good ones, from various reviews and comments from people on Amazon.


BTW, I have an MP3 player.. I'm not rich enough to afford an iPod.

I bought a cheap one at Wal-mart, and it sounds great. Certain areas require some frequency adjustments, but no big deal.

 

[DaWhim]

fm transmitter.

 

[Ktulu]

fm transmitters are ok but not very reliable, if at all possible you may want to look for an aux input adapter.

what car do you have by the way?

 

[SearchMaster]

The SQ of even the best FM modulator is pretty poor relative to what you'd be used to. What kind of car do you have? What kind of stereo? IIRC you have a Mazda3 - there is a unit you can buy for ~$100 that will simulate an external source (i.e. if your car has an optional CD changer or MD/tape drive), so that you push that external source's button and it gets sound from any other source, such as your iPod. They are usually called Auxiliary Input Adapters (google it - here's an example for the Mazda3 at $79). I ordered from that company a similar unit for my Maxima, and it works very well, providing ease of use and very high quality sound. You have to be willing to pull the head unit out of your dash though, so consider your warranty, etc.

Now, I have a Mazda6, and there's only one company that makes adapters for it (and they are very backordered). Or I have the option of using the unit I linked for the Mazda3 and soldering some wires together.

 

[b0mbrman]

Originally posted by: Ktulu
fm transmitters are ok but not very reliable, if at all possible you may want to look for an aux input adapter.

what car do you have by the way?

Would have been my suggestion. Cheap, easy, fun. What's not to like?

 

[bootymac]

I used to use an FM transmittor. It was good on some cars, but horrible on others. Ended up selling mine

Try this: http://www.ipodincar.net/guides.php

 

[Ktulu]

Originally posted by: b0mbrman

Originally posted by: Ktulu
fm transmitters are ok but not very reliable, if at all possible you may want to look for an aux input adapter.

what car do you have by the way?

Would have been my suggestion. Cheap, easy, fun. What's not to like?

Yup, intalled one on my truck, had a hell of a time doing it.

 

[akubi]

depends on what car you have but if you can, install an aux-in port. it's a common DIY mod, you just need a drill and a steady hand.............

the FM thing only gives you radio quality sound

ah ok, so you have mazda3. then you definitely can do it.
my friend did it with his.

 

[iamtrout]

Originally posted by: akubi
depends on what car you have but if you can, install an aux-in port. it's a common DIY mod, you just need a drill and a steady hand.............

the FM thing only gives you radio quality sound

ah ok, so you have mazda3. then you definitely can do it.
my friend did it with his.

Links to the DIY mod? Can this be done on any head unit?

 

[b0mbrman]

Originally posted by: iamtrout

Originally posted by: akubi
depends on what car you have but if you can, install an aux-in port. it's a common DIY mod, you just need a drill and a steady hand.............

the FM thing only gives you radio quality sound

ah ok, so you have mazda3. then you definitely can do it.
my friend did it with his.

Links to the DIY mod? Can this be done on any head unit?

No.

Well actually, yes, because technically you can do anything with enough money or electic know-how.

For practical purposes, it would be easiest with a head unit that was Aux inputs.

 

[GeneValgene]

Originally posted by: iamtrout

Originally posted by: akubi
depends on what car you have but if you can, install an aux-in port. it's a common DIY mod, you just need a drill and a steady hand.............

the FM thing only gives you radio quality sound

ah ok, so you have mazda3. then you definitely can do it.
my friend did it with his.

Links to the DIY mod? Can this be done on any head unit?

here's one done on a 2004 accord link

 

[akubi]

go to mazda3forums.com and search for ipod..

http://www.mazda3forums.com/index.php?topic=17064.0
http://www.mazda3forums.com/index.php?topic=30038.0

etc..

 

[tami]

Originally posted by: SearchMaster
The SQ of even the best FM modulator is pretty poor relative to what you'd be used to. What kind of car do you have? What kind of stereo? IIRC you have a Mazda3 - there is a unit you can buy for ~$100 that will simulate an external source (i.e. if your car has an optional CD changer or MD/tape drive), so that you push that external source's button and it gets sound from any other source, such as your iPod. They are usually called Auxiliary Input Adapters (google it - here's an example for the Mazda3 at $79). I ordered from that company a similar unit for my Maxima, and it works very well, providing ease of use and very high quality sound. You have to be willing to pull the head unit out of your dash though, so consider your warranty, etc.

Now, I have a Mazda6, and there's only one company that makes adapters for it (and they are very backordered). Or I have the option of using the unit I linked for the Mazda3 and soldering some wires together.

that thing looks creepy. but i do have a mazda 3 (you're good, akubi) maybe i'll see how the FM transmitter turns out and consider this if that doesn't do too well.

the problem is that the mazda 3 is a lease so drilling isn't really an option. is there a way to circumvent that part of it?