FM Modulator Questions/ Advice [Archive]

spitznerk

02-17-2005, 03:13 PM

I am looking at putting a wired FM Modulator into my car to feed into my Kenwood KDC-MP8017. I have searched the forums and found a couple recommendations.

Any help with:

1) What is the easiest way to power a wired FM modulator?
2) Does anyone have any experience with this unit http://www.crutchfield.com/S-vCuRYvNlkdR/cgi-bin/ProdView.asp?g=42500&id=review&i=142FMMOD01

3) Any general tips for a wired FM modulator install? (my ride is a 95 monte carlo)

Thanks all!

mde83

02-22-2005, 10:59 AM

As for powering the Modulator (Red Wire), you can

1. Tap into the head unit's switched lead (usually a red wire on most aftermarket decks
2. Tap into the cigarette lighter's power wire
3. Wire it directly to the fuse box (accessory, acc1, acc2, etc)

Regardless of which you choose, you will also have to run the black wire from the Modulator to a chassis ground. I used the ground from my car's stereo harness (it is a chassis ground - important). Then plug the antenna input to the car's antenna and plug the antenna output to the back of your head unit.

What I did was to first, hard wire a cigarette ligther socket to my car behind the dash. I tapped into the car's stereo harness and used the switched power lead for the hot wire (+) and the ground wire (make sure it is a chassis ground) for the ground. Then I plugged in the Belkin Auto kit to that socket behind the dash. Finally I bought an RCA to stereo lead adpater (wire) and plugged the RCA's into the modulator and the stereo lead to the line out from the Belkin Auto Kit.

Next I hooked up the iPod and adjusted the line out volume on the Belkin (Make sure your iPod volume is approximately 70% and your Belink is about 30% or less otherwise you get a but of distortion. Have a CD handy and compare the CD volume to the volume of the iPod setup to get it right.

Lastly, I tucked everything behind the dash. I ran the dock connector for the ipod from the Belkin up through my A/C vent (had to remove the trim piece and disassemble to vent to get the connector through). Then I placed the switch (to turn the FM Modulator on/off) on the undersire of my coin tray so that it could not be seen. Works like a charm. I have a vent clip for my ipod so you cannot see any wires at all except the dock connector. When I iPod is out of the car, I just push the dock connector wire back into the vent (it will not go all the way through and get lost behind the dash) so you cannot tell there is anything there but an empty cell phone holder.

As for the Modulator you are looking at, as long as it has a built in GLI (ground loop isolator) you should be fine. I see that unit also has an on/off switch already which is great. I used the Audiovox FMM-100 which works great as well.

The whole installation took about 45 minutes. I think Best Buy gets $60 to do the install and it takes them about 30 minutes.