Thread: Newbie with some install questions and where to get a cheap fm receiver?

Originally Posted by Shidoken

Hi,

Long time reader, short time poster? hehe. Anyway, I've been reading a lot of these posts out there and I was wondering what kind of fm reciever is good for a carpc. Currently, I'm trying to install an aopen pandora mp915-b in my 2001 vw passat. I was going to put that sucker in the armrest and have all the connections go out from there. I've seen that fm modulators go for around $20 but I don't know where to find them. Also, I've heard that wintv is a good option WITH tv stations but, they go for around $90 and I'm not sure where to fit those bricks.. I still need to get an external soundcard as well and I'm trying to see what I could buy. If I could save a bit of money around here, it would be best so that I can fix up my broken speakers in the back.

I went to this stereo shop around northridge too and they estimated that if I wanted to redo my stereo system /wo a sub it would cost me around $500-750. Basically they were gonna put infinity or boston accoustics in the front and some coxial speakers in the back with a hifonics amp. The installation would be free if I bought everything from there and also, if I gave them some scimatics of how to install the carputer then they would do that too. Would this be a good thing to do?

Basically, I'm not sure what to do with my monsoon amp. I know it has been discussed before and I know that there has to be a line power with 5v going into it to power it on but, since I only know basic soldering and limited electrical knowledge (I've hacked a ps2 controller to make an arcade joystick using online plans.)

Would it be better for me to just replace the broken speakers and the amp and have the guys install my stuff?

I was thinking that if there were enough guides or instructions online that, I could possibly do it myself.

So far tho, I've spent around $900+ on all the parts except for the soundcard and the fm tuner. If I could get it to around 1k I'd hit my mark. (maybe more for that speaker stuff.

Any comments/suggestions would be greatly appreciated.

Hate to say it, but if you have ACTUALLY read a bunch, you haven't let it soak in.

There are several things you mentioned that are troublesome.

First, STAY AWAY FROM FM MODULATORS.

There aren't any good FM receivers for a carputer, well, nothing spectacular, and cheap. So far, the HQCT is the closes, and it is about 150 bucks.

TV is also gonna be problematic. There are issues with antennas, and software support. I believe RR has some built in support for some TV cards, but rarely see anyone installing TV on thier carputers, and there is a reason why, it just aint that good.

If you are considering having someone else install the carputer and audio equipment for you, then this whole thing probably isn't for you. Just buy some premade carputer, and a commercial front end, and then have it installed. Truthfully, if a shop needs direction on how to install a carputer, they probably aren't that good of a shop. Carputers are connected to the car the same as any other car audio device, power, ground and accessory. The only addition are the video cable (they do install pimped out TV in cars, right) and perhaps a TS cable. If you want it cheap, you have to do it yourself, and even then, carputers are just NOT CHEAP. You seem to have bitten off more then you can chew.

No one here can decide what is better for you. You have to decide how much you can do yourself, and how much you can spend. There is certainly enough information here, at VW sites, and on for you to do this on your own. Wether you have the mental aquity (don't take it personally, you probably can do things that I can't, I lack the mental aquity for that stuff) to actually understand and do what is being asked of you is something you need to figure out. If you have been unable to locate the information so far, you really need to keep reading and searching for the answers.

Other then the fact that you want FM and TV, no one knows what else you wish to accomplish with your system. Once you determine that, search for the solutions.

Michael

Originally Posted by Wiredwrx

Hate to say it, but if you have ACTUALLY read a bunch, you haven't let it soak in.

Yep, I guess you're right. I mean, I got some of the stuff on the boards, other stuff it's like... HUH?!

First, STAY AWAY FROM FM MODULATORS.

Alright.

If you are considering having someone else install the carputer and audio equipment for you, then this whole thing probably isn't for you. Just buy some premade carputer, and a commercial front end, and then have it installed. Truthfully, if a shop needs direction on how to install a carputer, they probably aren't that good of a shop. Carputers are connected to the car the same as any other car audio device, power, ground and accessory. The only addition are the video cable (they do install pimped out TV in cars, right) and perhaps a TS cable. If you want it cheap, you have to do it yourself, and even then, carputers are just NOT CHEAP. You seem to have bitten off more then you can chew.

Well, I know computers to a degree and I have installed stuff for other things. Just not stuff for a car.

No one here can decide what is better for you. You have to decide how much you can do yourself, and how much you can spend. There is certainly enough information here, at VW sites, and on for you to do this on your own. Wether you have the mental aquity (don't take it personally, you probably can do things that I can't, I lack the mental aquity for that stuff) to actually understand and do what is being asked of you is something you need to figure out. If you have been unable to locate the information so far, you really need to keep reading and searching for the answers.

Kinda knew that already.


But anyway, I think what I really want is a basic stereo fm "thingy" that's good and has a resonable price range.. (Nothing like $100+!) As for the stereo, since I don't really wanna make my own pcb board and stuff, I'll get an amp and replace a speaker.

Still, one question remains, is HQCT the only way to go? Isn't there some other kind of usb dongle thing that's really good out there?

Originally Posted by Shidoken

Yep, I guess you're right. I mean, I got some of the stuff on the boards, other stuff it's like... HUH?!



Alright.



Well, I know computers to a degree and I have installed stuff for other things. Just not stuff for a car.



Kinda knew that already.


But anyway, I think what I really want is a basic stereo fm "thingy" that's good and has a resonable price range.. (Nothing like $100+!) As for the stereo, since I don't really wanna make my own pcb board and stuff, I'll get an amp and replace a speaker.

Still, one question remains, is HQCT the only way to go? Isn't there some other kind of usb dongle thing that's really good out there?

So far, the HCQT is the way to go. Not that it is perfect, but so far, it is the best option. The USB version have serious reception issues when in the car. DO a search on this forum for "shark" and "sharkradio" for some reviews, they are not that good. Some people, though, have had some luck with them, but not enough in MY OPINION to warrant a purchase.

If you want radio, spend 100 or so bucks on an in dash Head Unit, with aux in, or the ability to connect an aux in (there are many choices), and you will have good AM and FM, and be able to easily connect your carputer to it for sound. Even if you plan on having a touchscreen monitor, you can use the stereo hidden in your glove box or something (that is what I did)

As for the monsoon, I am not a big audio person, but I have no reason to think that the monsoon gear is bad. Why not just keep what you have, and then spend money on the stuff you need or want, and not take out something that works. The way to get the monsoon to work is not hard at all, and since you can solder, you should be able to build the interface quite easily. Just to help you out, here is the link.

FAQ: Connecting your soundcard to a Volkswagen Monsoon Amp

See how easy it is.

Also, actually installing a working computer in your car is very easy as well.

FAQ: Connecting your Car PC's Power and Speakers

Goodluck, and thanks for posting in the newbie section.

Michael