Solve the problem of MP3

With the advent of these fabulous MP3 players, like the Ipod and the Creative Zen, their use in cars creates some problems. It has only been recently that automakers began to cater to music lovers and install jacks in their radio’s. But not all do, and what can you do if you have one of these or older cars not so equipped?

The cassette solution
If your older car has a cassette player, you can get an adapter that looks like a cassette with a wire hanging out of it. You can get these at places like Walmart for 8 bucks. While very reliable, the downside is reduced dynamic range. Cassette players can’t reproduce the frequency response of cd’s or MP3’s but they do come close. It’s a cheap way to solve the problem. And cars generate enough noise that you may not even notice it.

FM transmitters
Another way to get your Ipod into the radio system is through an FM transmitter that generally just plugs into your power jack or cigarette lighter. A Belkin unit can be had at Amazon for 30 bucks. These devices broadcast a FM signal that can be pickup up by your radio, usually in the less used lower end of the FM range, like 88.1 MHz. These devices suffer somewhat by being low power, poor dynamic range, and if you live in a big city, the FM band is usually pretty crowded, leading to poor reception. But if you live in the right place, it is a reasonably inexpensive solution.

Replace the radio
This sounds expensive, but it doesn’t have to be. While more expensive than the above solutions, it may be desirable to have a radio with new features, like HD Radio, or being able to play music off a USB thumb drive. If a person is the least bit handy, Crutchfield can offer a solution. For most cars, they offer wiring harness connectors (radios over $130 the harness and box is free!) that mitigate the worst part of the job. And your car will always be better off if the wiring isn’t hacked up.

But all cars can’t benefit from this solution either. Your car will have to have a din or double din size radio. These are easy to spot as the radio will be rectangular in shape (2.5” x 7.5”) or for the double din (4.5” x 7.5”). Some manufacturers lately have been burying the radio, with a control unit on the dash, usually including the HVAC controls or other things. These radios are so integrated into the car, that replacing them with something different is almost impossible.

However, if you have the right size opening, you will have to get the old one out. This is a problem since most radios need some sort of special tool to get them out. A trip to your dealer may help, as they could pop it out for you, sometimes free. It doesn’t hurt to ask. Behind the radio you have the wiring and antenna hookup. And be sure to ask if the antenna needs an adapter also. Some Euro cars have strange fittings. There are also Crutchfield certified installers in our area if you would rather have it installed.

There is always some way to get a job done. Maybe one of these links can solve your problem.