Showing posts with label adapters. Show all posts
Showing posts with label adapters. Show all posts

5/20/2012

Pyle FM Modulator For Mobile DVD's - PLMD2 Review

Pyle FM Modulator For Mobile DVD's - PLMD2
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I bought one of theses hoping to add the ability to listen to my mp3 player on my older clarion stereo, Well it does work but I have to crank up the volume on the mp3 player almost all of the way and also crank the stereo up very high and even after messing with various EQ settings the sound is horrible, Ear splitting highs and no lows at all.
I almost blew my out speakers and had a heart attack since I had forgotten the stereo was turned up almost all of the way when I switched the source to cd.
Nice.


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Pyle View audio adapterLeft and right stereo RCA female input jacks2 station selectable outputsOn/off switch to avoid any possible FM interference with other stations

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5/11/2012

Direct Audio Input From iPod Dock Connector to Honda 1998-2004 Radio w/CD Changer Input Review

Direct Audio Input From iPod Dock Connector to Honda 1998-2004 Radio w/CD Changer Input
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I bought this device a year ago and installed in my daughter's car. The IPOD plays through it but the tracks change randomly and the car stereo buttons do not operate the IPOD as described. Most of the time a song doesn't finish before the track changes randomly. This happens after 30 seconds of the song or 3 minutes of it, no pattern. Also, the device DOES NOT charge the IPOD while plugged in.
The product operates poorly but the sound is fine, as expected. The device was an easy install but poor operation leaves us using the stupid cassette tape adapter to the headphone port.
I did attempt contact with the seller to remedy this but gave up after a month of waiting. I should have followed through but it's my mistake for dropping the case.
Too Bad, So Sad.

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For select 1998-2004 Honda factory radios, this cable provides a direct audio input from any iPod with a dock connector, and it also charges the iPod while connected. By using the dock connector for audio output, the highest musical sound quality is achieved- much better than any FM transmitter or headphone adapter can provide. The iPod's click wheel controls are still used for song selection, play control, etc.Honda Applications: Accord - 1998-2002 Civic - 1999-2005 CRV - 1999-2004 Odyssey - 1999-2004 Pilot - 2003-2005 Prelude - 1999-2001 S2000 - 2000-2003

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4/15/2012

USA SPEC PA11-HON - iPod in-vehicle interface adapter Review

USA SPEC PA11-HON - iPod in-vehicle interface adapter
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I ordered this from Crutchfield (same price as here) after someone complained, according to their review, that the other leading Honda ipod interface (I forget the name) cut down on the volume.
I had some difficulty locating this particular model.... it's not the easiest to find. Also, if you go to a generic place (like Best Buy), they won't always know exactly what you need. Crutchfield has an online 'quiz' that asks you questions about your particular car, make, model, year, and what options you have installed, and then gives you a list of applicable options.
We have a factory radio with built in CD player, no cassette player, no CD changer, and no navigation system. If you DO have a changer, chances are you will have to unplug it in order to have a space to plug in the ipod adapter cable thingie in its place (the choice is yours - - 6 hours of music, or 16 days of music - - whichever you prefer)
I also like that it has two interface possibilities, depending on the simple flip of a dip switch. Default setting is 'playlist mode.' You set up playlists in iTunes, labeled HONDA1, HONDA2, respectively, up to 5, and control them with the corresponding '1-6' buttons on your radio/CD player. In essence then, your ipod mimics a CD changer, but with each playlist having an unlimited number of tracks (although the display stops counting at 99 - - a limitation of the CD technology, not the ipod's). This is perfect when travelling with persons with diverse tastes in music - - you can program something for everyone. There is no 'HONDA6' because the '6' button plays all tracks on the ipod.
Drawbacks to playlist mode, as far as I can tell, is that if you're addicted to the 'shuffle' feature of your ipod, you're out of luck (as far as I know - - haven't had a lot of time to play around with it just yet).
However, flip dip switch #2 to the off position, and you can directly access all of the ipod's features (according to the installation manual) - - volume, treble, bass, etc. etc. In this particular case, the ipod plays through DISC 5, trk 1 on your radio.
To recap then.... in playlist mode, the adapter completely takes over the controls on the ipod..... buttons don't work, etc. In direct mode, you can control and have access to all of the menu features and settings on your ipod.
Steering wheel controls also work on this model - - volume up or down, and hitting the button in between on the steering wheel will advance to the next track.
I had the installer install the actual interface module in the left side of the glovebox, so that I can have access to the dip switches. Also, the ipod can stay in there with it, out of site.... handy (but don't forget it in there on hot days).
Furthermore, the adapter also features a set of standard RCA audio plug-in jacks, if you want to plug in some other external source of music or video (like a portable DVD player). To use this setting, simply change dip switch number one from on to off.
BTW, I tried virtually ALL of the highly recommended FM transmitters for ipods - - and returned EVERY SINGLE ONE OF THEM. With this, I look forward to many happy hours of music in my Honda. Money well spent, I'm already convinced.
I'm giving it 4 stars because I just got it today..... I'll let you know later if I'd give it 5 stars.
(A bit later):
OK, I just absolutely adore it. 5 stars.
I like the direct setting even better. I confess, I'm addicted to the shuffle setting on my ipod, and I like the 'giant jukebox' aspect of the shuffle play.
Couple of extra notes:
This adapter also charges your ipod. No need for an external charger.
In both modes (direct and playlist - see above review for explanation), the music will start where you left off. In fact, in direct mode, it went back a few seconds and gently faded in when I restarted the car.... very nice.
Sound quality is very good. Your mileage may vary, as they say..... it depends on what you listen to and the quality (or bit rate) at which you import your songs into iTunes. I import my songs at a fairly high rate (224 kbps), because I don't care for Apple's default rate (128, if I remember correctly). Also, and is this is fairly obvious...... Blind Lemon Jefferson is going to sound differently than say, Bruce Springsteen. When listening to some Hank Williams Sr. earlier today, I could have wished for a bit more bass. Fortunately, in direct mode, I can change those settings to my hearts content.
This was installed in a Honda Odyssey 2000 minivan. The above complaint (about wanting a bit more bass) is also a general complaint against the Honda factory stereo system..... it's a pretty good system, but not great. (Sigh) I guess a speaker upgrade from Crutchfield is the next step......
Also, if you order from Crutchfield, they claim to have installation instructions for the do it yourselfer - - in this particular case, they didn't...... only info on how to remove the dash panel from around the stereo. I'm pretty handy, but opted to have someone else do it instead...... $30 bucks cash got it done nice and neatly..... be sure to shop around tho', as prices are likely to vary greatly.

Click Here to see more reviews about: USA SPEC PA11-HON - iPod in-vehicle interface adapter

The PA11HON Honda / Acura iPod interface provides direct connection for an iPod plus an optional audio source such as satellite radio, DVD, or video game system. Both the iPod and the additional audio source can be selected from the factory radioâ?TMs front panel. The interface adapter connects the iPod to your factory Honda or Acura radio as if it were a CD changer, allowing direct selection of iPod playlists through the radioâ?TMs preset (or disc) buttons and is compatible with iPod models featuring the dock connector, including the iPod nano and 5G iPod video. The PA11 series iPod interfaces have two operating modes available. Playlist Mode uses the controls on the factory radio to provide basic navigation functions including song up/down, playlist up/down, repeat, shuffle, scan, and FF/REW functions. Direct Mode uses the iPod's click wheel to navigate through the iPod's menus and select songs, artists, playlists, etc. and the radio buttons are used only for volume, bass and treble. Both modes still charge the iPod while connected, and stops one hour after the iPod is paused to prevent over-charging. Note: Display of artist and song title information, track search by artist, song title, album or genre are NOT supported. Only the Playlist and track numbers are displayed. Honda Applications: Accord - 1994-2002 Civic - 1994-2005 CRV - 1995-2004 Odyssey - 1995-2004 Pilot - 2003-2005 Prelude - 1995-2004 Acura Applications: Integra - 1992-2001 Legend - 1991-1997 Vigor - 1991-1997 See PA11HON2y for other 2003-2006 Honda vehicles.

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2/06/2012

XM Satellite Radio FM Direct Adapter For All XM Receivers Review

XM Satellite Radio FM Direct Adapter For All XM Receivers
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I bought this after frustrating attempts to get my XM receiver to work with my car. Right out of the box, the FM modulator was next to useless as I could not get a reliable dead channel for interruption free operation of my reciever. I didn't have a cassette player, so I couldn't use that method and the auxillary ports in my cars entertainment center, just had a high pitched squeal with only occured with the XM device hooked up into it.
I tried this device upon recommendation of a friend. After removing my stereo and attempting to install it, I found that the plugs do not fit a standard GM stereo (I have a 2005 Aztek). This prompted me to run to the local Best Buy and purchase some adapter plugs (they knew exactly what I was asking for) and that set me back another $25. Upon returning home and using the plugs, everything works fine. I've got my XM finally hooked up in the car and love it. Too bad they didn't include the adapters with the kit, otherwise I'd have given it a higher rating.

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AUDIOVOX XMFM1 XPRESS XM SATELLITE RADIO FM SWITCH BOXFOR USE WITH XPRESS XM SATELLITE RADIO; CONVERTS XPRESS RECEIVERS INTERNAL FM TRANSMITTER INTO A WIRED FM MODULATOR

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8/10/2011

Apple iPhone 4 FM Transmitter w/ Car Charger Review

Apple iPhone 4 FM Transmitter w/ Car Charger
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Very dissatisfied with this product. First of all it is a chore to even get your phone to stay in it. Instead of a dock it just plugs into the bottom of your phone and more often than not it slides off of the cheap platform. On top of that there is a very high pitched buzz that was so loud I could clearly hear it from about 30 feet away from my car. I was able to get the buzz to go away after messing with it for awhile only to have it come back often. And the remote is just a joke... or insult. Sure the price is low but I recommend burning the money that you would have paid for this total waste.

Click Here to see more reviews about: Apple iPhone 4 FM Transmitter w/ Car Charger

New Universal All-in-1 FM TransmitterUsing the iPhone, you can talk to anyone hands-free style through your car's speaker system If you want to listen to digital music simply place your iPod or MP3 player onto the holder, tune to any FM88.1 - 107.9 MHz station and enjoy crisp, clear audioFeatures:* Black design* Suitable for iPhone, all iPod, and MP3 on all cars* Supports iPhone hands-free communication through your car's speaker system* Flexible goose pip with rotation prevention design* Holder holds iPhone or iPod in place* iPhone and iPod connector* Type A USB socket for charging mobile phone, GPS, and other devices* Removable stoppers prevent device from being dropped* High quality silicon gel on the back and sides of holder to protect the device from being damaged* Remote control is convenient for you to play / stops the music, adjust volume, and skip to next / previous songs* FM Frequency 88.1 - 107.9 MHz* Input: DC 12V, vehicle power* USB output: 5V, 1A* Frequency: 20Hz - 16 KHz* Effective Distance: > 5m (16.40ft)NOTE: The remote does not work properly if not pointed directly to the unit.

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5/26/2011

Audiovox Sirius FMDA25 FM Direct Adapter (Black) Review

Audiovox Sirius FMDA25 FM Direct Adapter (Black)
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I must say I was pleasantly surprised by how well this product works.
I have an 07 Accord so it was a bit of a PITA figuring out how to get to the radio antenna in the dash. If you google around for your car and "remove radio" you will undoubtedly find directions for accessing it. That was the most difficult part and it only took me about 30 minutes from start to finish.
I recently got the Starmate 4 for my car. I had one of the old original Audiovox units from when Sirius was first starting up. It was huge, bulky, I had lost the mount for it, and it got VERY hot when in operation. Almost so hot that you couldn't touch it. Hence I decided to upgrade to a newer model. When I received and installed the Starmate I was surprised to see that the built-in FM modulator was horrible. And when I connected the FM antenna extender it came with, it made the sound WORSE. The static made it almost unlistenable through my radio. I googled around and found that the FCC had stepped in and regulated the amount of power the FM modulators were allowed to emit. So my Audiovox unit was better in that fashion since it was built before the FCC rules were established.
To fix the problem I got this Wired Relay Adapter. Basically you plug your car's antenna into it, then plug the wire into your radio. The other end routes through your dash and goes into your Sirius radio. The reception is 100% clear now. No more static. The downside is that you have to a) remember to turn off the Sirius radio if you want to listen to FM because it kills all of the stations, and b) regardless of whether it is on or off it kills AM reception. I don't often listen to AM and guess I don't have a need now (except for local TV stations).
All in all I am VERY happy with this product. It took a Starmate that sounded worse than an old Audiovox I had, and made it MUCH better in the end. 100% worth the $19.99 for this item if you have the know-how to get into your dash.

Click Here to see more reviews about: Audiovox Sirius FMDA25 FM Direct Adapter (Black)

Tired of relying on your FM transmitter to send your Sirius satellite radiosignal to your car stereo? Turn instead to this wired FM adapter, which provides a directconnection to produce a crisper overall sound. Unlike FM transmitters--which oftensuffer from static and interference, as with traditional FM stations--the FM adapter plugsdirectly into the rear of your factory or after-market stereo, thus requiring a bit ofinstallation expertise. But once connected, you can tune to your favorite Sirius channelsin seconds without searching for unused FM frequencies. More importantly, the signalwill be clean and uninterrupted, with no pops or fizzes as you drive from one part of thecity to another. The FM adapter, which works with all Sirius plug 'n' play and personalradios, includes plugs and wires for most installations, although antenna adapters may berequired for select car stereos. It's also backed by a one-year warranty.
What's in the Box Direct FM adapter, plugs and wires, user's manual.

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4/15/2011

Scosche FM-MOD02 Universal Audio Input FM Modulator for iPod, Satellite Radio or Portable Music Player Review

Scosche FM-MOD02 Universal Audio Input FM Modulator for iPod, Satellite Radio or Portable Music Player
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Works pretty much as advertised: far better than wireless FM, not as good as an auxiliary port.
Basically, if your car's head unit (radio/CD player) doesn't come with a built-in external auxiliary port, you have four options to connect your MP3 player: (1) FM wireless, (2) FM wired, (3) aux port (if available), or, (4) a new radio.
Option (1) is useless; as to option (2), the Scosche FM modulator is probably the cheapest one you can find. There are some better FM modulators (eg, with 8 programmable freqs), but they are quite a bit more expensive. Options (3) or (4), which are also more expensive, offer much better quality. If sound quality is important to you and you're willing to spend the extra cash, look into hooking up through the aux port (if your car has it) or replacing the HU (these days, fairly decent radio/CD/MP3 players are not very expensive).
If you go for this FM modulator, there are a few things you should be aware of.
First, the device consists of the modulator itself and a (very) cheap plastic switch housing, containing the switch which turns the device on and a 3.5 mm female jack for audio input. The housing connects to the modulator via a Molex connector (for the switch) and two RCA jacks (for the audio input). The wires connecting the switch housing to the modulator are insulated, but unsightly and you definitely do not want them exposed. (You connect the MP3 player via the provided 3.5 mm male-to-male cable.) If you listen to the radio, you will likely need access to the switch, because reception of AM and some FM stations can be severely degraded with the modulator on.
Second, mine came with absolutely no instructions or diagrams, and Scosche provides no support on their web site. If you want to do the installation yourself, you're on your own. It's not too difficult -- if you know what you're doing. Basically, you take out the head unit, splice the red wire into an available +12V line (eg, cig lighter), and the black wire into a good ground. Connect the modulator's antenna jacks in-between the antenna and the car radio (here, depending on your car, you might require an antenna jack adaptor). Find a good location for the switch housing, attach the modulator securely, connect the switch and the RCA jacks, choose one of the two FM freqs available, put everything back, and you're good to go.
Third, the switch housing is poorly designed and made out of very cheap plastic. Its back is open (picture it as a cube with one side missing), and the housing itself is too short relative to the depth of the switch and connectors. That severely limits the choice of location for mounting the switch housing, if you don't want to have exposed cables. The housing is mounted by means of a piece of double-sided adhesive tape (provided).
Overall, installation is not too difficult, and, if you can do it yourself, it's worth it. If you have to pay for the installation, consider first an aux port or a new radio/CD player, which provide better sound quality.
Some reviewers complain of humming and/or background noise. I'd be inclined to blame that on a bad installation -- if installed with a good solid ground, this shouldn't be a problem.
Another complaint is that sound volume is too low. In a sense, that's not really the modulator's fault -- it's a basic mismatch between the electrical characteristics of the modulator's audio input and an MP3 player's output; and that's because the latter is designed to drive headphones, not to provide a line-level audio signal, while the former expects a line-level signal. (Test the modulator with any device, such as CD or DVD player, which provides line-level output, and you'll find that the volume level is within normal limits.) You'll have the same problem (volume too low) with any device not designed specifically to handle a headphone signal as audio input.


Click Here to see more reviews about: Scosche FM-MOD02 Universal Audio Input FM Modulator for iPod, Satellite Radio or Portable Music Player

plug your source into the FM-MOD02's auxiliary input or RCA inputs, then tune your FM radio to the selected frequency. You can switch between two different modulation frequencies, 87.9 MHz or 88.3 MHz, for the best possible reception in your area.

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