Adding an iPod™ to a Car Stereo System
Integrating an iPod™ into a car stereo system has become one of the most popular requests car audio installers get. The Apple iPod™ has become one of the most phenomenal electronic devices with a user base that is too big to ignore. There are now several ways to add an iPod™ to a car radio or car stereo system. Some are better than others and some are of course more expensive than others. We'll take a look at several of the units and methods available for adding an iPod™ to a car stereo system.
How to add an iPod™ to any car radio
The cheapest and easiest way to add an iPod™ to any car radio is through an FM transmitter or a cassette adapter (if you have a cassette player in your car). These are basically the same methods that were used to add a portable CD player to a car stereo system when CDs were first becoming popular.
The FM transmitter works like a small radio station, broadcasting the signal that is given to it (in this case by the iPod™) on an FM band. The range of the broadcast is very small but it's enough to get the signal into your radio antenna. The drawbacks to the FM transmitter are that sound quality will be only as good as the FM radio and you don't have any control over the iPod™ except through the front panel controls (which is dangerous while driving). Some models come with iPod™ charging systems that plug into your car's cigarette lighter which can be a nice feature on longer trips.
The cassette adapter works by converting the signal that is given by the iPod™ into a signal that can be read by the cassette head of a cassette player. The drawbacks to the cassette adapter are similar to that of the FM transmitter. In this case the sound quality will be only as good as the casette section of the stereo and you don't have any control over the iPod™ except through the front panel controls. And of course you have to have a cassette player in your car.
Another good option is the Harman Kardon Drive + Play or the newer Harman Kardon Drive + Play 2 adapter. Both units work with any FM car radio using an FM modulator rather than a transmitter. They can also be connected directly to an RCA input on a head unit or even an amplifier if you wanted to have an iPod™ only based stereo system. There is an external display screen and an iPod™-esque control wheel. All power adapters are included so this is an all inclusive unit. These units are a very good buy for what you get but I believe both are discontinued. (UPDATE: Harman appears to be liquidating all of the old stock of the original Drive+Play and you can pick them up for as little as $25). That is a seriously good deal and I've installed them for friends/family as a gift.
Alpine makes a similar unit, the ex-10, that includes a Bluetooth hands free car kit. Like the second Drive + Play the Alpine unit has a color screen.
How to add an iPod™ to certain factory car stereos
A better but more expensive way to add an iPod™ to some factory car stereo systems is to buy a specialized adapter. There are several models available and generally your car stereo will need to be able to control a CD changer and/or satellite radio. Adapters are available for most factory stereo systems that have CD changer controls built in. Others are specific to certain manufacturers and models of car stereo head units. The upside to these adapters is that they allow you to control your iPod™ with the radio or steering wheel controls and most also display the iPod™ information on the radio's display.
Here are a few units that are currently available with their retail prices. Actual street prices can be lower. Not all adapters are listed here and new models are always coming out. If there is a certain brand of head unit you are interested in contact the manufacturer and see what they offer.
How to add an iPod™ to aftermarket car stereos
Virtually every major aftermarket manufacturer now has an iPod™ interface device for their head units. This is true for new head units at least and some older head units also have adapters available. Rather than list every manufacturer that has an iPod™ adapter I'll just say visit the website of the manufacturer you are interested in to see what is needed for their head units. Some head units require external adapters, some require special interface cables and some allow the iPod™ to plug right into the front panel using a standard iPod™ cable. Weigh the costs versus the installation expense as well as the level of control the head unit gives you over the iPod™ while driving. You don't want to be taking your eyes off the road to scroll the iPod™ menu system.
 |
The Car Audio Help DVD catalog includes five different videos covering many areas of car audio installation and custom fabrication. Topics range from basic system installation (head units, CD changers, amplifiers, speakers, etc.) and mobile security (car alarms and remote start) to subwoofer box design and fiberglass fabrication. If you're interested in custom fabrication and car audio installation be sure to check out what we have to offer. |
Free Newsletter
Newsletter Archives
Videos
Car Stereo Installation
Car Alarm Installation
Advanced Enclosures
Fiberglass Fabrication
Fiberglass Fabrication II
Installer in a Box
