iphone/ipod in car

[dotcom173]

I used to always use the 3.5 mm jack and my aux input to play my ipod in my car. however, after a few months my 3.5mm cables would break, or at least i assume, because it wouldnt be able to make a good connection with the ipod. in order to get the complete sound, id have to wiggle it and keep pressure on certain spots, but i got tired of that. i went through about 2 or 3 cables, then got an fm transmitter. apparently the one i had was one of the better ones (Newer Technology Roadtrip) because it tuned down to 87.9.

Anyways, that one kind of broke too, the antenna/cable pulled out of the dock connector plug and exposed copper wires and stopped working well

Any suggestions on a durable, well-made 3.5mm cable? if you recommend a different method that i can get by the weekend (roadtrip up to college), that would work too.

Thanks

EDIT: This might only have to be temporary too. I'm thinking about getting a new headunit because i have a feeling my current one has a bad laser for reading cd's....and its ugly

 

[TheStu]

Well, in my car, I have already gone through 1 cable, but that one lasted me for about a year or more. I have had my new cable ($9 kit at walmart, also included an iPhone headphone adapter, and a couple others that I can't remember) for a few months and it is doing alright.

Before that, I used a Griffin iTrip on my Mini and it worked great right up until i dropped it (while attached to the iPod of course) and that broke its connector, but it worked great while it lasted.

 

[Nizbot]

I wouldn't recommend another FM transmitter, especially for long (or even short) road trips. The audio quality is greatly diminished being transmitted that way. I'd stick with stereo cable. It sounds like you could have just been using cheap cables. Or there's an issue with the head unit. I bet upgrading the deck would greatly improve the reliability of your cables, and thus your sound quality

 

[dotcom173]

ya, those are my main options right now. im looking at a couple fairly cheap alpine head units with ipod functionality, or just another cable. i started with a $1 cable from Fry's, then got a grossly overpriced $12 cable from CompUSA, and it definitely wasnt worth the 12 bucks. so this time i will probably try a nicer cable, and if im still not happy, ill just get a new head unit

 

[Kmax82]

It also depends on where you live. I have a Monster FM transmitter and while it works, it is not very good in my area... too much interference. However when I go on vacation to GA/NC area, it works very well. So if you are in a big city, I would definitely stay away from the FM transmitter.

 

[LtPage1]

FM transmitters are all crap. If you've had a good experience with one, you live in the boonies.
I've never had a problem with a 3.5mm cable- just go get a $5 one from Radioshack. I've got several lying around that I've used for years.

 

[alevasseur14]

Back when I had my truck, I ran a cable from the AUX jacks through the glovebox. When I wanted to use my iPod, I either just threw on a playlist and left everything in the glovebox or put it in a dock that I mounted to the dash with velcro. That way I could use the charger if I needed to. Cable never failed me and according to the guy who bought the truck from me, is still in use today.

I guess the point of the story is if you're having problems with the cable going back, try to minimize movement and you should be OK. Good luck!