Wired FM Modulator That Doesn't Obliterate Radio Signal

**ukchris** · 06-06-2005, 07:52 AM

Has anyone found an FM Modulator that can be left on even when listening to another station? All the ones I've used seem to pump out so much juice that the radio is useless when the modulator is turned on.

I'd like to be able to leave it on and just select that preset when I want it as the input source.

Chris.

**dodgetimes2** · 06-06-2005, 09:25 AM

Good luck! Every FM Modulator I've ever seen does this to eliminate interference from air waves that might be at or near the same frequency. For example, you might choose 88.7 because there is no radio station in your area that broadcasts on that frequency, but you might drive 10-20 miles away and there is a station on that frequency which would then interfere with the FM Modulator that is "broadcasting" on the same frequency.

**krustydawg** · 06-06-2005, 05:12 PM

I just ran my 12v in to switch on center console to turn it on and off. Works real well

krustydawg

**ukchris** · 06-06-2005, 05:15 PM

Sounds like about the only solution, just one more step that's all. It'd be nice if the modulator could detect the input signal and power up.

How about RDS, that'd be nice to integrate into a modulator, the radio could jump to the channel automatically then!

Chris.

**miztahsparklez** · 06-07-2005, 07:37 AM

soundstream fm modulators work...

**shotgunefx** · 06-07-2005, 08:07 AM

I had a kenwood one (don't know the model offhand, but I know it's discontinued) that didn't seem to cause any problems.

**evandude** · 06-07-2005, 08:28 AM

It will probably be a matter of cost. it's much more challenging to make a radio transmitter that transmits in a very tight frequency band, and has extremely low energy at close frequencies... so I would expect that to find one that doesn't interfere so much you'll need to spend more $$

I think your best bet is definitely to switch it on and off, as people are suggesting.

**SnyperBob** · 08-31-2005, 01:42 AM

Originally Posted by ukchris

It'd be nice if the modulator could detect the input signal and power up.

The Belkin wireless attempts to do this.....but it's kind of a bad thing. If there's a pause in music, or you pause your carputer, the Belkin shuts off, and then you have the station your head unit is on blasting.

I think the best bet is to use a switch. I don't know many people with carputers that listen to their radio that much, unless the machine is not in their car. It's not that bad to flip a switch for when you want to use it. This is how we set up one of our installs.

**cornelius76** · 09-18-2005, 10:14 PM

I just bought a cheapy mp3 changer on ebay with an fm modulator, I didn't think it was normal for the radio to konk out when the modulator is on. I am not getting any sound, everything works, the radio cuts out when plugged in, the cd plays but I get no sound, any ideas?

**ukchris** · 09-19-2005, 10:51 AM

The modulator normally disconnects the antenna or sends out a signal that is so strong it obliterates it. If you want to listen to the radio you'll want to ensure the FM Modulator is switched off, I would assume the device would power it off when you turn the changer off.