Ipod / FM Modulator

[Dave B.]

After seeing my buddy's, Ipod, I'm coming around to the idea that I really need one. No more CDs to take up space and get scratched!

Here's the problem. My buddy hooks his Ipod up to an FM Modulator that plugs into the cigareete lighter. The Ipod signal transmits to an unused FM frequnency. Works great for him, but I tried the FM modulator in my lighter and it wasn't getting any power (and yes, the cigarette lighter works). Has anyone had any luck with this?

I could plug into the AUX jack on my head unit (I have an older Blaupunkt) but the jack is in the back and I'd have this wire coming out to plug the Ipod into.

Anyone had success with Ipods and FM Modulators?

Thanks,
Dave

88' 560sl
Hotlanta

[Strife]

I got one for my wife's PT cruiser (a good unit, but not a great one) and it works OK. The sound quality is not quite as good as direct connect, even though she has a top of the line Alpine stereo. With MP3's it probably doesn't matter as much.

I haven't tried it in my MB, but maybe the cigarette lighter socket isn't exactly the same as the US socket. The center prong doesn't go in far enough into the socket, maybe?

[Pete Geither]

I know the key has to be on in our cars to allow the lighter to work. As far as the modulator goes, I have a Sirius radio that I use in all my cars and it works just fine on 88.1 frequency. I tried to hook it up direct on one of my home units, but got a lot of electrical interference. So now I use the 88.1 at home too and it works great.

[softconsult]

My experience with Satellite Radio and FM Modulator was less than good.
I had Becker of North America do their new modification to my radio. A cable with female receptacle and mounting screw holes comes with the unit. This yields a very clean installation. I screwed it into the tunnel carpeting so that I can remove it with no trace. I realize that you have Blaupunkt, but I would bet you could get this cable from them. They are in Upper Saddle River, NJ. Service guy in the know is Tom Mitchell.
www.BeckerAutoSound.com

[Slatewear]

Dave,

I use my ipod in my 280sl every day. I have the "itrip" accessory. My lighter plug is for the battery charger. The itrip plugs in to the headphone jack on the pod. It is this unit which aligns with a specific frequency on my FM radio. Is this to what you're referring?

Back to the cigarette lighter. I've found that my lighter jack needs to be rotated a little in the outlet to find a spot where the light goes on. Then I know I'm charging.

[Walrus]

softconsult,

Would you mind giving a few more details on the cable you purchased/modifications made to your Becker. I have the original becker in my 1988 560SL and have been using the cassette adapter to send the signal from my XM to the Becker. I think the cable (similar to AUX IN) would sound even better, and not have to have the cables from the XM so visible...

I went to Becker's site, but did not see any link to the mod you mention.


Thanks...

[bwheitman]

I tried 3 different FM modulators in my 129 for my iPod. It was a bad experience. For some reason, bluetooth and things of the sort don't work well in my car. I wired the iPod directly into my head unit, this works if you have a 94-98 Alpine. If you want more info go to our website and click on "Audio" The harness adaption is there to get static free digital input from any audio source into your Mercedes Benz. Good Luck!
Brian