Hardwired FM modulator & Direct Head unit controlled iPod interfaces

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iPod your car

Nowadays the iPod has become a big craze in terms of personal audio players. You can be most certain that anyone that owns one has their entire music collection stored in this ingenious device. Also a lot of people wish that their iPod can be played in their cars. Many iPod owners use wireless FM transmitters, headphones while they are driving or just resort to alternate music sources. Cheap and nasty iPod audio accessories can damage your audio investment – a good sign is the display becomes discolored and in some instances, the iPod can get a little too warm.

The good news is you can now ‘iPod your car’.

There are two options available which will allow you to enjoy your iPod in your car with the best sound quality possible. The first solution allows you to control the iPod off your car radio and the second solution is a hardwired FM modulator.

Option 1 – Direct Audio system control
Many car radios both original equipment and aftermarket have external media controllers (CD changer, MD changer, etc.) which can in place be an iPod controller.
You can control playlists, tracks and depending on the radio - view track text on the radio’s display. You can control the music from the radio as well as the iPod itself. Other iPod interfaces available on the other hand including genuine carmakers’ counterparts lock out your iPod’s controls so if you want to hear a particular track, you can’t just ‘scroll and click’. The iPod’s battery is always kept recharged when plugged in. The iPod is plugged in and concealed in the glovebox which reduces the chances of heat damage and theft.
Additionally when a different source is selected (CD, Radio) the iPod is paused and resumes automatically when the iPod source is selected.

P8020787 iPod
iPod controlled from the Lexus IS250 Audio system

This option is available for original equipment and aftermarket audio systems (Make & model dependent)

Option 2 – Hardwired FM modulator
If your car radio does not have an external media controller, then the iSimple IS-77 FM modulator is for you. The IS-77 is connected between the radio antenna and the radio itself which ensures no interference from overpowering radio stations and best possible sound quality is achieved from an FM modulator. A neat dock connector lead is the only connection that not only brings the sound to the radio, but also recharges the iPod and iPhone battery.
There is a difference between the iSimple IS-77 and the Wireless FM transmitters available everywhere.
- The IS-77 is daisy-chained between the Car radio antenna and the Radio itself which removes any radio station interferences. - The Readily available FM transmitter sends the signal wirelessly to your radio can be easily overpowered by radio stations due to the Car antenna not being interrupted.