Ok. So I posted here a month or more ago trying to figure out a way to hook up my Ipod to the vette...many confusing replies later and about $80 I did it! This was all I needed...

A wired FM modulator from Circuit City.. ($49.99)
http://circuitcity.com/ccd/productDetail.do?oid=80974

GM antennae adapters from Fry's.. ($19.99)
http://shop4.outpost.com/product/354...H:MAIN_RSLT_PG

And a left/right RCA adapter to headphone jack to plug in the ipod. (you can get one at Radio Shack for about $7.99)

Pretty simple installation, everything goes right behind the factory system, then I rigged up the on/off switch for the FM modulator in my ashtray and the wire comes out the ashtray area also to plug into the ipod. This way I can set the ipod in the cupholder and stuff the wire away when not being used.

At first it didn't sound great and I fixed it realizing the ipod has to be just under full blast volume for the correct output, then you control the volume through the car stereo. You do have to use the ipod for music selection and controls however. But it sounds pretty damn good and was a lot less expensive and complicated than some of the other systems I saw. (I don't have the disk changer in my trunk which seemed to be a problem..)

This is not like a regular FM transmitter that goes in and out depending one where you are since it's hardwired. You can choose from two preset stations on the Audiovox modulator and..there ya go!
Anyway, just wanted to share that with you all.


(thank you pentavolvo for your help!)

 

Have you compared the sound to a wired connection? FM transmitters sound flat and crappy.

 

Umm..no, but I've compared it to just playing a CD from my stereo and it's not far off. Sounds good..and I'm pretty picky about my music.

 

This is the exact reason that I'll only use options that hook up to the iPod's dock connector. I don't want to have to monkey with balancing two volume controls in order to get it to sound decent. The output from the dock connector is a line-level output instead of an amplified output, so you only need to adjust a single volume control (and you don't risk blasting your eardrums out when you switch back to the earbuds).

 

Ok, well..just thought this would be helpful for other like me who didn't have the $200+ to pour into it.

 

I'd have to dig up the receipt, but if memory serves the Peripheral Electronics adapter that I bought was $170.

At least wired FM modulators are better than the broadcast ones. Because you're plugging directly into the antenna lead to the HU you can usually stomp all over any competing signal that's coming from the antenna. If you get a powered modulator so much the better.

 

this is a switched and powered modulator. Used a 12v source and hid the switch. Works great for little investment.

 

mine runs through my valor flip screen head unit ,and ipod is in the console out of the way , and i control it through the touch screen

 

I put a similar setup in my wife's minivan and might end up doing the same to the C5 I just bought. To use the iPod Dock connector and charge at the same I purchased this setup from Sik: Imp This gives you a line out and still lets you charge the iPod battery. You can use just the audio part if you want (without the charger). This option can be purchased on it's own, too. Din

I used a wired FM modulator as well. This works MUCH better than the over-the-air FM gadgets. I got mine at Target.com. It's on sale for $22 right now. FM Modulator

The sound is not CD quality. Considering the cars we're driving (tire and road noise issues), does it really matter if the audio over 15KHz is gone? To me it's the best solution if a true audio line-in is not available.

My 1999 Coupe does have the CD changer in the trunk. Is there a simple way to hook the line out of the iPod into the wiring harness of the changer? I'm willing to remove the CD changer, if necessary.


ruf455 - Enjoy the tunes!

 

The aux box is cheaper and does not use an FM mod. Plug and play install with not need to pull the radio.

 

Well Ruf, glad you like it. I hope you enjoy it.

Now, after you go through downtown Austin and realize that you can't pick up your iPod FM transmitter and after you take a couple of trips and find out that you have to flip channels all over the place when you get to a new city so you can find an open channel to listen to it, you'll be here asking about iPod-to-Car.

Let us know when you need help with it. We'll be here!

 

I found the device you mentioned on Crutchfield's site. It is indeed $170.
Peripheral iPod Adapter

It sounds like a nice solution. I'll have to work on my wife for this... She's not real eager to let me put more $$$ into the "toy" I just got a few weeks back. At least I was able to buy a nice car cover for the Vette!

 

What is an "aux box"? Please post a link.

 

 

My lexus is250 has an auxillary plug in on it and you also have to turn the volume up on the MP3 player. So it wouldn't be a big deal to do it in the vette either.

 

I've got an 07 Acadia...Same thing...The IPOD has to be almost full volume then the car radio has to be high as well...

 

I've seen the GM kit at Best Buy quite often for $100, and the adapter can be found at Crutchfield for another $20-25. It's a bit more than the FM solution, but generally sounds better.

 

I followed the link you provided. That's the item I've got (I bought mine from a local brick-and-mortar store). It includes a dash mount too (I spent another $70 or so on a ProClip mount), so that's a pretty decent price. Install (if you've got the CD changer) takes all of about 15 minutes.

 

We skimped on the display and and remote capabilities satisfied with manipulating the ipod it self. The only capability this set up lacks is charging the Ipod.

I will definately be getting the first I-pod Dock connector you linked there. The unit we are using specifically asks for a line out audio source, and this will give it to us thus avoiding jacking with volume levels (and it will charge to boot). I can and will set this up again the same way. I can see this set up going directly in to my factory unit of our '04 GTO with in the next few weeks.

Keep in mind, this is one set up we devleloped taylored to our needs and our budget given the following:

1. Our head unit is NOT compatable with other adapters out there (We reasearched this to the -nth degree). ... other wise, some of the other kits that Crutchfield and Best Buy carry would have worked just fine.

2. We did not want to install redundant I-pod controlls when the I-pod is at hands reach.

3. We had no desire to upgrade the deck or speakers to make a "hard wire" plug in possible. It is hard wired well enough...straight into the attenea. We are'nt audiophiles if you can't tell already

So, unless someone has come out with a peripheral set up that works with the Vette head unit with out CD changer capabilities, this is the way to go on a budget to pump in your I-tunes into your factory deck. MacVette99, thanks for the last link to making our cobbled together set up just right

 

http://www.logjamelectronics.com/piegm10aux.html