iPods / MP3 players in-car

  • mikeg's Avatar
    Anyone got favourite ways to hook these up? I'm using a cheap FM transmitter, although I think they may still be illegal over here? What alternatives are there if you've only got a CD player (IE a cassette adapter is no use)?
  • 8 Replies

  • Deehell's Avatar
    Did you manage to get the FM transmitter to work? I had one but in London, where there seem to be some kind of legal or illegal radio stations on literally every frequency, it never sounded that great. I had a cassette adaptor too but the sound through it was pretty dreadful..... I think the incar entertainment specialists can usually wire you in to the radio if it doesn't have a socket on the front...
  • mikeg's Avatar
    Yeah, just a cheap £18 job from Amazon marketplace, operates just below Radio 2. I've used it in London without too much interference, doesn't seem to be the same problem with pirate radio stations in Manchester!
  • nikolai_evans's Avatar
    I used to use the very first transmitter of its kind, the iTrip, but now use one that has a display and tuning buttons on it. The models that are properly powered off a cigarette lighter socket tend to give out a stronger signal.

    I think I also heard somewhere that they're going to be legalised. Afterall, they may as well be seeing as everyone has them.

    I agree the quality isnt great but unless your car stereo has a line-in socket I think it's still the only option. Lots of new cars now offer ipod connections, but replacing your car is a pretty extreme solution!

    107.4 is the best frequency I've found so far that gives me good coverage across the country. I rarely need to retune with that one.
  • Jonny Fortnight's Avatar
    I use the Monster iCarplay FM transmitter, which plugs into the lighter socket and charges the iPod while it transmits.

    I've found the quality of the signal varies depending on what car and stereo you have.
    Has anyone else found this with their systems?

    The difference in sound quality when used in a 5 y/o Alfa 156 with a cd player and a 12 y/o golf with a cassette radio was amazing. The golf was much much clearer.
  • hyundai kev's Avatar
    Ebay mp3

    I purchased one off ebay sometime ago came from Hong Kong or china but no presets could select stations from around 80 - 106 and it was cheap about £9. I have heard the while they are illegal at moment they become legal next month! If you can afford it you can now buy the radio with a usb socket so does away with the transmitter at £50+. hope this helps
  • mikeg's Avatar
    The option which I used to use, which was a CD player that also handled MP3 CDs was a good one, but my new car has a moulded dash, which I think would make it a much more expensive option to have fitted, and the manufacturer didn't offer one. :confused:
  • Mike Gray's Avatar
    iTrip now seems to be legal with mainstream retailers selling it...
  • Deehell's Avatar
    Isn't it one of those catch 22 things that you're allowed to sell it, but it's illegal to use it? Who the h*** thought up that kind of law?