Install an FM Modulator with me.

[jaxed]

I picked up an FM modulator so that I can listen to my iPod with my "stock" head unit and not have the crappy distortion of a crummy FM transmitter (read: iTrip).

Here is the unit I purchased: Audiovox FM Modulator. I think I am going to pull power from the cig lighter, and also wire my super secret project into that as well. I plan on drilling into the empty roof-light switch plate and installing the switch for the modulator as well as an audio jack there. When done, it should look professional - ha ha ha.

I am going to document the procedures and provide pictures of the whole thing, cause I have nothing better to do. Keep your eyes peeled.

[jaxed]

Ok, here we go - first picture is the "before"... nothing to see here, really:



Starting to take off the bezels and what-not so I can get to the hvac/stereo unit:



hvac/stereo unit is loose! Note I took the switch blank from the lower left of the unit so I could install the switch for the modulator there. I guess I won't be installing the factory roof lights!



Here's a shot of the Audiovox FM Modulator: $49.99 at Car Toys. I could have probably saved money by finding something online, but BAH...



Here I got everything apart but all hooked up to make sure it's all gonna work. Seems to.



I stuck the modulator behind the hvac unit wiring - it fit snugly and so I didn't screw it into anything... I hope this doesn't come back to bite me!



Unit is going back in.. Note the switch which turns on the modulator - I drilled a hole for it. Also the audio cable comes out of the storage below the stereo - that is where the controls for the night rider light live so I figure it would work there. My original plan was to have an audio jack right above the switch for the modulator but there was not enough real estate for that.



All in and done and working.



This took me about 1 hour to do, no problems along the way. I did end up pulling power from the back of the cigarette lighter for the modulator.

[cliffhanger]

looks good! like the switch

[Atomic Baja]

Hi Jaxed,

I like your "Kitt" car! I was just wondering what the thing is right below your stereo? Is it storage? I'm thinking that if I replace my double-din head unit with a single, that might be the way to go to fill in the gap...

Thanks,
Brian

[jaxed]

Hi Jaxed,

I like your "Kitt" car! I was just wondering what the thing is right below your stereo? Is it storage? I'm thinking that if I replace my double-din head unit with a single, that might be the way to go to fill in the gap...

Thanks,
Brian

Yup, just a door. I've since filled it with the kitt light controls, but its just a storage area.

[Packa]

Jax -- what do you think of the sound of the FM modulator?

[Atomic Baja]

Jax -- what do you think of the sound of the FM modulator?

I'm not Jax, but I did put on in this last weekend. It sounds like a good, strong FM station. Don't even bother with the wireless FM transmitters; they sound horrible. You can usually find an FM modulator (wired) at your local car stereo installation shop if Best Buy doesn't have one. I paid $43 for mine.

[jaxed]

I find the sound from the FM modulator to be good enough for me. Not CD quality, but clear. No static and distortion like an FM transmitter.