Thread: How do I rig an audio-in jack for my car?

the easiest way is to use an FM modulator-

intall it in the glove box with the rca inputs exposed, this way all you have to do is plug in your mp3 player and it will send a signal to the headunit

(you will need one modulator for each car, they are pretty cheap)

My website contains details of how I modified my head unit for a line in.


Rob

Thanks for the tips! How is the quality with an FM modulator? I've heard that a cassette adapter has quality issues. Is this better than that?

well both have their problems..

a) tape adapter - this sounded great when I used it with my Sony head...*BUT*...thanks to that tape adapter, it loosened a few belts and now it plays tapes slightly slower than it should..

b) FM Modulator - though I haven't tried this, I've heard that it does not sound as good and has static issues..

hope that helps

I have been using an FM modulator for over a year now and have no problems with it at all. There is no static at all (you are thinking of an FM transmitter). It sounds just as good as a radio station would if you were parked right next to the tower. Since it connects directly between the head unit and the antenna it gives the cleanest FM signal you can get. It sounds way better than tape adapters.

Very helpful! Making some educated guesses, now.... have I got this right?:

1. An FM modulator solution should work with any stereo at all (if it has a radio).

2. I just need to figure out where the connection for the antenna is, and insert the device that will provide my line-in jacks.

Now, getting even more ignorant...

1. How would I actually use it? Does the modulator let you pick a frequency and then you tune to that on the radio? Can you change frequencies if you drive to an area that uses it for a radio station?

2. Does the FM modulator need a power supply?

3. And is an FM modulator just something I can go grab at Radio Shack?

Thanks for all your help--I'll try to post a full FAQ for anyone else in my position--assuming I go ahead with this.

The FM modulator connects to the antenna right where it plugs into the head unit. Most of them can operate on two frequencys set by a switch on the box, and requires 12v, if I remember right I tapped into the head units power and ground. I just looked through Radio Shacks site and it doesn't seem like they offer them, I got mine off of eBay, you can also look around at automotive audio stores. I know Crutchfield.com has some, but they can be kinda pricey (but are some of the best).