FM Transmitter vs. FM Modulator

**Uzi4U** · 02-14-2004, 09:11 PM

Following the sage wisdom of those you have gone before me, I am starting my carputer project with a laptop running WinAmp, a power inverter, and a X10 RF remote. My question is which is "better", FM transmitter or FM modulator? I know neither is ideal, but its just a starting point.

Has anybody hooked up a stock '01 Ford F-150 FM/CD player head unit? Without pulling the head unit out, I was curious as to what type of inputs are available.

Thanks

**Shadow** · 02-15-2004, 08:53 AM

It's not that hard to pull your head unit. You just need DIN removal tools.

You can more than likely get a Soundgate adapter that will allow you to get an RCA input on the back of your Ford radio. Expect to pay around $70.

**Uzi4U** · 02-16-2004, 06:28 PM

Thanks Shadow, I'll try to get the head unit pulled this weekend.

**zPilott** · 02-18-2005, 02:15 PM

There are plenty of threads if you search around, but, in my experience, the modulator is a lot better. I know other people are happy with the transmitters though too...

**sfay93** · 02-18-2005, 02:22 PM

Get one of these: http://www.logjamelectronics.com/piefrdwaux.html It can be implemented later with your carputer when you get fully into it and will give you your best sound if you want to use your factory head unit.

**MatrixPC** · 02-18-2005, 04:05 PM

If the adapter that other suggest doesn't work/available to you, go with modulator instead of transmitter.
Modulator, you have to hook it to the antenna. When enable, it will cut off aerial signal and broadcast the signal to the wire. Thus less interference.
Transmitter, the device broadcast the signal over the airwave. If you come to an area that use the same frequency you set for the device, there will be interference.

**fallnangel** · 02-18-2005, 09:10 PM

Originally Posted by sfay93

Get one of these: http://www.logjamelectronics.com/piefrdwaux.html It can be implemented later with your carputer when you get fully into it and will give you your best sound if you want to use your factory head unit.

nice willl work for my car with out the modulator.hopefully casue of my cd changer.but are theses gonna give cd quality?? or at least better quality then a modulaltor???

sorry to thread jack.

**sfay93** · 02-18-2005, 09:20 PM

I am not 100% sure if that one will allow the use of the cd changer as well. Here is the link to all of their Ford adapters. You will need to read their specs to see which one will work for you. If you still don't know, give them a call.
http://www.logjamelectronics.com/auxford.html