FM modulator questions.
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From: Azzano Decimo, Italy
FM modulator questions.
This question is for the pros who install mobile video systems on a daily basis or anybody who knows the answer.
I have been looking at video systems for my 03 Expy, I found a package that has the monitor, DVD player with TV tuner, wireless headphones, and all mounting hardware and wires. The DVD player does not say that it has a FM modulator so it can be heard through my O.E.M head unite. The DVD does say that has "stereo audio output".
My questiona are;
Is there a adapter that will turn the stereo audio output into a FM modulator so I can be able to hear it through my factory unit?
Or is there any way that I will be able to hear the DVD audio through the Expy's speakers?
Should I look for a DVD player that has a FM modulator already built into the player?
Any inputs will be very helpfull.
AF Mezkin
I have been looking at video systems for my 03 Expy, I found a package that has the monitor, DVD player with TV tuner, wireless headphones, and all mounting hardware and wires. The DVD player does not say that it has a FM modulator so it can be heard through my O.E.M head unite. The DVD does say that has "stereo audio output".
My questiona are;
Is there a adapter that will turn the stereo audio output into a FM modulator so I can be able to hear it through my factory unit?
Or is there any way that I will be able to hear the DVD audio through the Expy's speakers?
Should I look for a DVD player that has a FM modulator already built into the player?
Any inputs will be very helpfull.
AF Mezkin
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Is this a in dash DVD player? As in does it have an internal amplifier to run your speakers? And yet they do make stand alone FM modulators that will modulate any audio signal you run into it. You can find one at a car audio shop.
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From: Azzano Decimo, Italy
Here are the features that are discribed with the DVD player;
Plays DVD/VCD/CD/MP3/CD-R/CD-RW
Excellent anti-vibration mechanisms & electronic shock protection
Wireless remote
Stereo audio output
Front A/V input
Aux A/V input
Last position memory
Horizontal and vertical mounting
Multi-Color VFD (Vacuum Fluorescent Display)
Built TV Tuner
It is a stand alone unite that can be mounted anywhere. I'm not sure if it has an internal amplifier. I think the audio output are RCA plugs.
Thanks for the modulator info.
Plays DVD/VCD/CD/MP3/CD-R/CD-RW
Excellent anti-vibration mechanisms & electronic shock protection
Wireless remote
Stereo audio output
Front A/V input
Aux A/V input
Last position memory
Horizontal and vertical mounting
Multi-Color VFD (Vacuum Fluorescent Display)
Built TV Tuner
It is a stand alone unite that can be mounted anywhere. I'm not sure if it has an internal amplifier. I think the audio output are RCA plugs.
Thanks for the modulator info.
Postmaster
Joined: Jan 2005
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From: Peoria, IL
Your best bet would be to get a PIE auxilliary input adapter. FM modulators often do not work all that well, you will get static, and radio stations will overpower them. If you could tell us more about what stereo you have in your vehicle, we can probably figure out which PIE adapter would work for you.
Postmaster
Joined: Jan 2005
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From: Peoria, IL
Should be this one here.
http://www.pie.net/store/index.cfm?a...ails&ItemID=11
Looks like it will run $70-$80 depending on where you buy it. I know that is a lot more than what a FM modulator would run, but it will sound much better.
http://www.pie.net/store/index.cfm?a...ails&ItemID=11
Looks like it will run $70-$80 depending on where you buy it. I know that is a lot more than what a FM modulator would run, but it will sound much better.
Last edited by Beerstalker; Mar 3, 2007 at 06:45 PM.
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From: Azzano Decimo, Italy
Beerstalker,
Thanks for the info I think that is the way I'm going to go with.
I have one question concerning the pie adapter, how does it work, does my radio require it to have a AUX button? I didn't see a AUX button on the radio only a button that has "mute/ phone synbol" on it. The site said that was the part that would work with my year model.
Thanks again,
Af Mezkin
Thanks for the info I think that is the way I'm going to go with.
I have one question concerning the pie adapter, how does it work, does my radio require it to have a AUX button? I didn't see a AUX button on the radio only a button that has "mute/ phone synbol" on it. The site said that was the part that would work with my year model.
Thanks again,
Af Mezkin
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Originally Posted by Beerstalker
FM modulators often do not work all that well, you will get static, and radio stations will overpower them.
I installed a $20 FM mod in my '96 Explorer, and while the sound quality is sub-CD, it still sounds pretty good to me (but I'm pushing 50 and my hearing ain't what it used to be lol). Installation was a pain, though. My Ex has the factory JBL sound system, so the antenna cable plugs into the amplifier, not the head unit. The amp is located forward of the right rear wheel well, and all that plastic trim has to come off. But it's worth it. All I wanted was an aux input for my iPod.
Good luck and have fun... but please don't watch movies while you're driving!
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What Kevis said is true however the quality of any FM introduced signal is limited. It will never be CD quality. It will never be any better then the normal quality you will get from listening to any FM radio station. If that stock headunit has an aux input I would use that. I didn’t suggest using it because I am not familiar with the radio in the Expedition for I have not installed a new headunit in one yet and thus I was not sure if it has an aux input or not.
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Originally Posted by kevin74656
FM mods work fine - it's the RF modulators that have problems with static and interference from radio stations. Interestingly, they cost about the same. I paid about $20 for an RF mod, and just like Beerstalker said, it sounded lousy. The upside is that there's no installation required, just plug it into your iPod (or whatever), tune your radio to the appropriate frequency and you're done. FM mods are connected in series with the vehicle antenna, and need 12 volt power.
I installed a $20 FM mod in my '96 Explorer, and while the sound quality is sub-CD, it still sounds pretty good to me (but I'm pushing 50 and my hearing ain't what it used to be lol). Installation was a pain, though. My Ex has the factory JBL sound system, so the antenna cable plugs into the amplifier, not the head unit. The amp is located forward of the right rear wheel well, and all that plastic trim has to come off. But it's worth it. All I wanted was an aux input for my iPod.
Good luck and have fun... but please don't watch movies while you're driving!
I installed a $20 FM mod in my '96 Explorer, and while the sound quality is sub-CD, it still sounds pretty good to me (but I'm pushing 50 and my hearing ain't what it used to be lol). Installation was a pain, though. My Ex has the factory JBL sound system, so the antenna cable plugs into the amplifier, not the head unit. The amp is located forward of the right rear wheel well, and all that plastic trim has to come off. But it's worth it. All I wanted was an aux input for my iPod.
Good luck and have fun... but please don't watch movies while you're driving!
And interference is caused by adjacent channels and or a weak transmitter. The cheap transmitters are notorious for poor signal - but its the transmitter - not the method of connection thats the culprit. It can usually be solved by choosing an alternate broadcast channel with no adjacent channels and/or finding an alternate/closer location for the transmitter (in the case of wireless). And interferance will be a problem with any transmitter when traveling - so no matter what type of modulator you choose make sure it has several channels to choose from - and that its easily accessible in order to change them if you run into a station broadcasting over your preset channel.
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Actually I have found that the FM modulators that plug directly into the antenna work much better then the ones that don’t. For one, most of these types of modulators cut out all input from the antenna when on, and for two plug in directly (that has its obvious advantages). But the main thing is that it cuts all input when on so it makes it much more difficult to get interference from other stations.
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Originally Posted by SPL Tech
Actually I have found that the FM modulators that plug directly into the antenna work much better then the ones that don’t. For one, most of these types of modulators cut out all input from the antenna when on, and for two plug in directly (that has its obvious advantages). But the main thing is that it cuts all input when on so it makes it much more difficult to get interference from other stations.
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Originally Posted by cln2po
I agree - I have had the same experience - but they are not cutting out anything. They dont have that capability - its just the quality of the transmitter and the station selection that makes the diff.
Well the ones we use seem to cut all stations out. When the modulator is on, you cant get a single radio station anywhere across the frequency band of the radio (other then the modulated signal). When its off, all the radio stations come in clear as day.
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Originally Posted by SPL Tech
Well the ones we use seem to cut all stations out. When the modulator is on, you cant get a single radio station anywhere across the frequency band of the radio (other then the modulated signal). When its off, all the radio stations come in clear as day.
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