Should I Try to Install an FM Modulator Myself?

[caedmon]

I will be buying a 4gen 40gig iPod at the end of this month and I want to find a long-term in-car solution. My stock radio does not have a line-in and I do not want to install a new head unit. I've browsed these forums and it appears that the FM Modulator is the way for me to go.

For those of you who have installed an FMM yourselves, is this installation something I could do myself given that I am a complete novice at car radio installation? The lowest quote (from a reputable dealer) I can get is $150. Considering I'll already be out $400 for the iPod, I'd rather not spend so much. Any advice is welcome. Thanks in advance!!

[animalchin]

do it yourself!

its not that hard to do, and you can ask us any questions. it will be a good first project...

[walkabt]

When you say install an FM modulator do you mean connect an FM modulator to your FM antenna input or just use a wireless one like the itrip?

I assume wireless since I havent' seen any in-line FM modulators for the Ipod, but if you are going to do an in-line, see if you can get an adaptor that you can connect into your stereo from PIE (logamelectronics.com sells the kits for most cars) that will give you an RCA line in - they have kits for most headunits and factory radios. You would be pulling out the stereo just to get to the antenna input anyway, so why wire the thing up right with the best connection available. FM modulators are inferior to the tape deck connection and the direct connect is the best way in.

On my both of my cars the kit I bought replaces my CD changer which I never use anyway now that I have the ipod. The only downside is that you have to know how to disconnect your dash. Depending on the car you can easily or not-so-easily find this information on the net.

If you mean wireless FM modulator, do it yourself, it is a no-brainer and the part should be your only cost.

[caedmon]

Thanks for the replies. I am referring to a wired FM modulator which most places have quoted me between $50-100 to install and about $40-50 for the part itself. From reading all the posts regarding problems with iTrip and other wireless FM broadcasters, I will not be going that route as I live in a major metropolitan area.

I am also concerned about how well a direct connection would work since my in dash stock HU is a 6-disc changer. If possible, I'd like to still be able to use my changer as I will not always have my iPod in my car. Also, do you know any other sites that sell these kits? logamelectronics.com appears to be down...

[walkabt]

Sorry, that was:
http://www.logjamelectronics.com

Missed a "j"

Don't look at the Ipod specific stuff, look for the "Car/Audio Video" then Auxiliary inputs.

[MikeM]

A few words of advice before beginning any car stereo work- disconnect at least the black wire from your car battery for safety reasons. Note that this may wipe the memory of any power seat and mirror locations, etc.

[caedmon]

Bad news for me. The site specifically states that the PIE adapter will not work with my HU (factory 6-disc changer in dash). Looks like FM modulation is the only way to go for me (since I don't want to remove my factory stereo). Thanks for all the tips thus far. Anyone know of any good car stereo installation sites for beginners? (I know I can use google but thought I'd check if anyone here had any sites they had used previously).

Thanks again.

[jasonr114]

What is the quality of a wired FM modulator?

I know how it works, and can easily install one, i am concerned the quality may be crappy. If done correctly will i get clear stereo sound from my ipod?

I am unhappy w/ my iTrip.