If you are looking to integrate your iPod into your car, you have several options. There are many iPod adapters that you can purchase that will give you direct iPod input. Some are more expensive than others and require more work. FM modulators and FM transmitters are both available that are inexpensive and require very little assembly in order to connect your iPod. If you are using an FM transmitter, which is the easiest way to connect your iPod, you can expect to pay less than $20. This is however the solution that produces the worst sound quality. The FM transmitter simply works by replacing your radio sound with that of your iPod. If you find an empty frequency on your FM radio then you should have no problem. However, when you travel to other areas that have more radio stations, you may have problems getting your iPod music to come through because of the static of actual radio stations trying to take over.
Even with the problems that they have, FM transmission is a very popular method of iPod car connections. You can use this type of connection in any car so long as it has an FM radio, which most do. It is also a convenient and portable solution that works perfectly for a rental car of if you typically use more than one vehicle and want to take your iPod along in more than one car. The lack of cables involved is another reason that this connection is so popular. Most people do not like the idea of messing with the wires and connections on the back of their car stereo or of having multiple cables jutting out from under the dash.
In order to use this connection method, you simply attach the FM transmitter to your earphone jack or the dock connector from your iPod. You can then browse through your FM frequencies to determine which one is available for use. Simply choose an empty frequency channel and then tune your car radio to the same frequency. There are docks available that connect to the car’s cigarette lighter, which power both the iPod and the dock. These can be a bit more expensive, typically running around $100 or so. Be sure that when you begin shopping for your FM transmitter that you choose a model that offers multiple frequencies. This will make it easier for you to find a vacant frequency on your radio.
About The Author As a mobile electronics professional, Nick Mack is an expert in Car iPod Adapters. For more articles by Nick Mack: iPod Adapter articles
