What are these new radio systems that have some kind of adapter things for ipods? can i get one for my car?

Question

I have a 98 malibu and i was looking to buy a new car radio and i stubbled upon these radios that you can get an adapter installed so you can use your ipod with it!? can anyone tell me what these are and if i need to buy a specific radio or what?

Answer 1

I know that Best Buy sells equipment that makes iPods car compatible, I would check at your local store. For something much cheaper, you can get an iTrip online from Apple or at an Apple store. It allows you to play your iPod through a radio station. They are about $45-50.

Answer 2

Yes, I have personally done this.

If you have an iPod, you can buy what is called an FM transmitter that will allow you to play songs from your iPod on your car stereo. And it doesn't matter what kind of stereo you have as long as it sounds good to you, because if the radio comes in lousy, then your iPod will.

Essentially the way it works is this:

1. You set your FM radio dial in your car to an empty frequency (which just means set it a frequency that doesn't have a radio station on it, just static).

2 Then you hook up your iPod to the transmitter and switch everything on.

3. You set the transmitter frequency to match your radio dial. For example, if you set your radio to 98.9 and there is no radio station there, you would then set the transmitter to 98.9.

4. Hit play and rock out!

The FM transmitter basically turns your iPod into a miniature radio station. If fact, any cars that are driving right next to you would be able to hear your tunes if they tuned in to your frequency. The range is only a few feet instead of miles and miles like a real radio station transmission station. If you actually have an honest-to-God iPod, you need a custom transmitter available through any local Apple store, or major electronics chain (Like Fry's). Radio shack probably wouldn't have one for iPods, but you never know, they might.

Cost is probably under $50, or close to that.

Answer 3

Which radio did you get? If you got an alpine that is "ipod ready" there is a cable you can buy that connects to the rear of the radio that allows you to connect your ipod and control it through the deck while it is safe in your glove box recharging. If you got a sony, pioneer, kenwood or jvc, there is a module best buy also sells that can be attached into the rear of the radio that will allow you to do the same thing as the alpine. Only difference, is the cost. If you check the web site or go to the store they can give you install prices. I think it is $25 to install ipod adapters/cables.

Answer 4

I bougth 3 in the last week, and I give up. I am going to drive off the road trying to get the Ipod transmitter to stay at one place so the radio can pick up the signal. Similar to using a walky talkie, when you have a cell phone that comes in much clearer. Good luck it works with all FM radios but dont expect it to sound great or even come in clear enough to want to listen to the radio.