Thread: In Car MP3 on a budget.

Originally Posted by Kragen Ironfist

Hi all wonder if you can help me. I would like to be able to play MP3's in my car but unfortunately money is not in the greatest supply so I'm wondering what advice you can give me to get started.

. . . .

my budget is quite low and I cannot afford to pay more than I did for the above kit (£200 / $360 US)

any suggestions?

Perhaps an iPod (or other audio player) and an FM transmitter?

MBA

is possible but would have to check with UK laws on radio transmitting devices

Originally Posted by Kragen Ironfist

is possible but would have to check with UK laws on radio transmitting devices

Well, if Dixon's (or whoever you shop with over there) sells it, it's probably legal. These are very low-power devices. They plug into the headphone jack of the audio player and then transmit on an FM frequency so your car's head unit can pick it up. I don't think they transmit more than a few meters. Some are configured to transmit on only a few specific frequencies, while others I believe are configurable to transmit on any open frequency you select. I htink they are easily over-powered by real FM transmissions, so if you drive to another area where your chosen frequency is actually being used, you have to re-adjust your little adapter.

I'm also not sure if the sound is that great.

MBA


PS: I just looked at Dixon's web site, and they don't seem to carry it. I also did a quick check of Amazon UK, and didn't come up with the Belkin product I had in mind. Heck, maybe such things are illegal in the UK!

just found this - regards FM laws in UK

iPod 3 in 1 Car Kit - FM Transmitter, Charger & Holder


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------


Fantastic new product for your iPod! Listen to your music whilst in the car without having to wire in a car kit. This brilliant iPod Car Kit simply plugs into your cars cigarette lighter socket to power your iPod. On the side of the kit you select the FM frequency you which to transmit on and tune in with your car stereo.

The cussioned grip allows the kit to hold all iPod models and also supports them whilst they are in a silicone or leather case.

Note: This is the new model which also supports the iPod Nano.

Product Compatibility Models

Apple iPod
iPod mini
3G
4G
Photo
Special Edition U2
NEW!! Video iPod
NEW!! iPod Nano

Disclaimer

Please note that UK law states that this type of transmitter cannot be legally used in the UK, although it is legal to own one. we assume no responsibility with what you do with this product once purchased

so unfortunately FM transmitters are out of the question for me

hmmm - been floating around in google and just foundthis
reduced from £270 ( $482 US) to £150 ( $268 US)

Also noticed they sell this - unfortunately I'd also have to buy an iPod to go with it which makes it too pricy

other than that is there a way I could plug something into my existing head unit via the CD changer cable?

Originally Posted by Kragen Ironfist

hmmm - been floating around in google and just foundthis
reduced from £270 ( $482 US) to £150 ( $268 US)

Also noticed they sell this - unfortunately I'd also have to buy an iPod to go with it which makes it too pricy

other than that is there a way I could plug something into my existing head unit via the CD changer cable?

Not cheaply, sorry.

Adapters run in the 100US range, plus you need a device to connect. THen, you need to be able to control the thing.

The easiest thing is to get a cheap MP3 player, and get a tape adapter (if your stereo has a cassette player), or use the MP3 player with a long extension wire leading to the aforementioned adapter.

There are many sources for aux in devices, try logjam electronics, peripheral industries electronics as well as others.

Goodluck,
Michael

thanks for your help guys - but I think I may have found the solution to my troubles. Have you ever heard of a manucfacture called Yakumo?

How do you prefer to listen to your favourite music in the car?

With the Yakumo Hypersound Car you will achieve musical freedom at a new level!

The CD slot not only allows you to play music CDs but also your MP3 or WMA music files.

The USB port lets you connect a USB stick and you will have even more possibilities when using the USB extension cord: then you can access the files on your PDA, notebook or MP3 player.

And of course you can enjoy your favourite music collection from the SD card. This not only gives you quick access to your custom play lists from CD and USB but also offers you broad compatibility with many portable MP3 players, handheld devices and mobile phones.

And if all of this is not enough for you, just tune in to the radio...

The Yakumo Hypersound Car offers you all the comfort of a common car radio, such as a removable front panel with carrying box, remote control, ESP (Electronic Shock Protection), 30 preset memories, CD intro scan, E1 support and Dolby Digital sound quality.

Package contents: Yakumo Hypersound Car / Remote control / Batteries /Manual / Cable / Carrying box for control panel

SPECIFICATIONS

Playable formats
Audio CD,CD-R (MP3),CD-RW (MP3),MP3,WMA

Interfaces
USB | SD | MMC

Radio tuner
Traffic Information
FM frequency band 87.5 - 108 MHz
FM sensibility 26 dbµ
FM transmission frequency 55 Hz - 10 KHz
AM frequency band 520 - 1720 KHz
AM sensibility 35 dbµ
AM transmission frequency 55 Hz - 10 KHz
Antenna impedance 50 Ohm
Amplifi er 4 × 45 W (max.)
30 preset channels

Audio
D/A converter
Sampling frequency CD: 20 Hz - 22 KHz
Frequency range: 44.1 KHz
Signal-to-Noise ratio = 65 dB
Dynamic range > 80 dB

Playback
Title/chapter fast forward | Direct title selection by number
Pause | Repeat | Stop | Title search | Mute
A - B repeat | Random playback

Other features
ID Tag3 support
Remote control
Slot for USB stick or SD card for MP3 playback
RDS
CD intro scan (approx. 10 secs)
ESP -- Electronic Shock Protection

Power supply
12 V

Net weight/gross weight
2.8 kg/3.1 kg

Dimensions
DIN format (178 × 50 × 175 mm) | Dimensions of packaging: 295 × 225 × 100 mm

Operating temperature
- 20 ° C to + 70 ° C

Languages Manual:
D, GB, F, E, I, NL, PL

Package contents
Yakumo Hypersound Car
Remote control
Battery
User manual
Cable
Box for control panel

all that for £75 ( $134 US) whadya think?

plus one of the guys I work with will buy my old head unit for £50 ($89 US) making my total outlay only £25 ($45 US) thast I can afford!

Originally Posted by Kragen Ironfist

thanks for your help guys - but I think I may have found the solution to my troubles. Have you ever heard of a manucfacture called Yakumo?

all that for £75 ( $134 US) whadya think?

Looks interesting, but I have never heard of it before.

Michael