making an iTrip better

[parkerbiehn]

I have found myself, over the last few weeks, using my iTrip a lot. However, sitting in the front seat, i usually get a lot of feedback. This may be the station, but I don't know. So, this thread is all about helping make the iTrip better with less feedback. I've heard about taping a piece of copper to the top, and I've heard about "hacking" it. The hacking seems iffy, but if you have used it and find it lugit, i might try it.

[absentiabanish]

I found the easiest way was to download more fm freq. from Griffins web site. I downloaded 87.7 for my wifes mini and it works as well as I think this product could.

[FlaminMoe]

I've noticed that where you place it in your car can make a big difference. For example, I get the best signal when I put it on top of my dashboard, whereas if I put it in the well below the radio, I get interference, particularly when I've got the windscreen wipers on.

[simon hutchings]

In my last car it made a difference how the iPod was angled against the radio. If the radio and iPod were in the same plane then all was OK, but having the iPod at an angle to the radio, ie so that I could look at it full face, sometimes gave me interference.

I now have an Accord with the ariel in the rear screen and I have noticed that the iTrip is much more succeptable to interference than in my last car, which had a bee sting ariel on the roof.

Finally Dension appear to have come up with an ice>link for USA 2005 Accords, but nothing so far for UK Accords and I am not sure if the head units are compatible, even though they look the same.

[dharmabum420]

I wasn't willing to crack mine open, so I just taped a length of copper to the top. It improved things a great deal.

[simon hutchings]

Can you be a bit more specific about the copper?
Can I assume that it was a thin sheet the length of the iTrip and wrapped around either side?
Thanks

[dharmabum420]

No, just a piece of regular copper wire, a few feet long... first I stripped a piece of speaker wire and twisted the little threads together, then I just taped it to the top of the iTrip, running along the seam at the top.

When I discovered that worked, I bought a coil of thin-gauge copper wire 25 feet long for 2 bucks. I put the coil on the rear shelf of the car (I have an in-window aerial) and ran the wire down beside the seat, under the carpet and up next to the centre console. Then I taped it to the top of the iTrip right where I put my iPod. I could NEVER use the iPod in the front seat before, the interference and static was awful, now I have it next to me in the front seat and don't get any interference or static at all. I just leave the iTrip in the car, or pull it off the wire if I need to take it someplace.

It's not pretty or slick, and it might not work as well as cracking it open (I haven't tried it), but it definitely worked. You can experiment with different lengths of wire and stuff to see what works for you. It's not permanent like "hacking" it, if I need the iTrip to be slipped in a pocket or something I just pull the wire off.

[simon hutchings]

dharmabum420
Thanks for the quick and detailed response.
As you can read in my previous post, I also have an in-window aerial and have noticed an increase in static.
I am certainly going to try the copper wire idea.
If I use a long length from the rear of the car I might add some kind of catch to it so that I can detach the iPod along with the iTrip, which I do every time I leave the car at the moment, from the wire.
Thanks again
Simon

[Raymundo]

You all should try a FM Modulator instead. (Im assuming you have no aux inputs available just as I haven't). Modulator is much much better, no retuning, no static, no interference. The best deal! BTW I sell mine if you want it!! Just kiddin, i'm very happy with it. Wish I had an aux input though...

[simon hutchings]

Yes a modulator is on my shopping list. I have a CD changer input, and am still waiting for a proper ice>link to be produced, but if it does not come soon then that is certainly the next thing to consider.
I did try the copper wire today, but it was not a fair test as the route I drove was open country where there is little interfernence. My next trip into town will be a good test.

[empty]

This might help:

http://forums.ipodlounge.com/showthread.php?s=&threadid=52404

[simon hutchings]

Thanks for the link.
As it is I have always used a car charger with the iTrip in the car, so am doing what is suggested already. Thanks anyway.