Anyone using a FM wireless interface to play their ipd in their SC430? I'd rather not have to go through rewiring like many of you had done to play their ipod in their SC 430. Do they work well?

http://www.radioshack.com/product/in...odsInSession=1

 

I've tried it on my carrera, the Fm interface was garbage. There's too much static and all the wires are just annoying. I eventually just changed out the stereo system and opted for one which was ipod ready.

 

I tried the Belkin FM transmitter once, but it was crap and I took it back. It didn't work well at all, but I live in a heavy metro area with a lot of radio stations. I got lots of hum and interference. I don't know if it might work better in a less populated area, or if a Radio Shack version might be better. You could always take it back if not happy with it.

Personally, if I wasn't wanting to go the VAIS route, I'd choose the cassette adapter over the FM route any day of the week. It's inexpensive and continues to give you full control over the iPod. The sound is adequate for most people. Buy an equally inexpensive iPod charger and you're good to go.

 

I use the simple kit which attaches to the antenna and has a signal boost. Worked good until a station dropped down to 88.3, now there is always some static. More bad news is when I switch it off the Honduran station blasts my ML. I thought it could not get worse then rap, man those folks love 3 chords

 

One of the biggest factors is where you live.

Here, in the Washington DC area, there literally is NO open frequency between 88.1 and 107.9...nothing. Everything's got something broadcasting or bleeding through on it. Even when you find a frequency that seems quiet, you drive 15 miles...and it's not quiet anymore!

If you live in Southeast Idaho, I'm sure they work great.

Also, if you can find one that has the ability to actually wire it into the antenna port (I had an antenna adapter for my Sirius receiver years ago)they are a lot better than the ones that just "through the air". But, if you're going to go through the trouble of pulling the stereo out to wire into the antenna jack, buy a Vais interface and hook that up!

 

Ive actually had good luck here in Houston. I bought a gooseneck Ipod charger/holder/fm transmitter that plugs into the cigarette lighter. It holds my ITouch nicely just over the hazard button. I can rest my hand on the shifter, and use my finger to tap on the screen. The link below is virtually the same model. I bought my Duracell model at Wal Mart in the car radio section for $25. I was there to buy some synthetic oil and saw this.

http://www.amazon.com/Belkin-TuneBas.../dp/B000EF1820

I was surprised at how good the audio quality was here in Houston. I wanted better quality on how to improve the signal. Turns out, removing your car FM will actually improve the reception by dropping interference. Turns out my FM antenna cable is busted. I lowered the antenna by hand, and sure enough the signal was great. Id say a 7 with 5 being a cassette and 10 being a CD. There is a light hiss in the background when the music is quiet. Good for rock, not as good for quieter music. If nothing else its a great device to hold and charge your Iphone or ITouch, even if you install the Vaistech AIC-100i iPod interface (www.vaistech.com) or use the cassette method. Im going to give this a try and hold off installing the new antenna. If I want FM, I will raise the antenna by hand. If I install the AIC I still have a great way to hold and charge my Ipod. Maybe I will install a switch to raise and lower the antenna.

I'll take a picture of how it looks installed. I stands up nice unless you take some tight corners and then it may move a bit. If you dont like it, take it back to Wally World.

 

I use the cassette method, no static, good enough for me until the warranty runs out in 3 years, and I want to mess with the wiring.
I think I spent $7.99

 

I just purchase a Aerielle FMT300-iP RDS-DigitalFMTrans for $20 & it works great, much better quality then the cassette. it works for ipod & iphone. Very minor statics that I can live with rather then spending $200 & all those wiring.