How To: install a radio transmitter for MP3 players

Bungle · 6th October 2006, 16:53

The trouble with the fm broadcasting adaptors is that the antenna for the radio is in the rear screen, some distance from the front where you might want your MP3/i-pod or whatever. With the reception not being great, this can cause problems.

Here is my solution, as discussed on the 'electrical' board.

1. Get yourself an FM transmitter. (Belkin do a good one, although BG's didn't work) Cost around £30 from most electrical shops.

2. Get an extension of at least 1.8m. 3.5mm jack at one end, female equivelant at other.

3. Plug the 12v adaptor into boot socket and run it between the seats
power.JPG

4. Plug the power and extension into transmitter and hide it under centre headrest.
restdown.JPG
restup.JPG

5. Run extension cable between bench and back and along the floor to the ront seats. It can be hidden under mats. Black would be better, but it is the only one they had.
extension.JPG

6. Plug extension into your MP3 player and put it somewhere you can reach.
walkman.JPG

The transmitter is now so close to the rear window, reception is 100% and less likely to get interference. Make sure you have the frequencies set to a nice clear station, and you should be fine.

This setup could be improved a lot, but it is very simple, easy to setup or remove, and is very effective.

Sorry about the poor photos, they're off my mobile!

Update! From the very near futer, these will become legal to own and use, so I only have to wait a little while before I can turn this on and see if it actually works

Honda100 · 8th October 2006, 16:20

A good solution.
I will have to see if I can get an extension lead for my iPod as my transmitter links to the universal socket on the bottom, so an extension lead like yours is no use.

generationgav · 8th October 2006, 17:02

Is the audio quality really better at the back of the car than the front? I know it's nearer the aerial, but didn't think it would affect too much.
Also if you want to hide the wires even more then you could follow Deemon's subwoofer guide; [HOW TO] Install a subwoofer and amp
Although that may be too much for some/most.

Bungle · 8th October 2006, 20:34

I know this kind of setup will not work for i-Pods, as the unit is actually fixed to the player. Not having an i-Pod, I can't comment on how the radio setup actually works.

Yes, it is much better like this. I found that interference kept sneaking in, and that reception changed with small movements of the transmitter while in the front of the car. The signal is much stronger now, less background noise and have not yet heard any interference. I really am happy with this solution. Also, the radio has not tried to seek for a better signal, which it did once or twice before.

I originally set out to have the transmitter on the back seat to reduce the distance to the rear screen, this partially hidden setup was only an afterthought. With a longer lead, more time and patience, and bravery, I am sure a much tidier and more permanent solution can be found without too much trouble.
I like this setup as it can easily be completely removed or installed in less than 2 minutes, and anybody can do it with zero knowledge of wiring and running wires through the car.

Thanks for the feedback

generationgav · 8th October 2006, 21:34

Just out of interest; I juse noticed...where IS your transmitter?
I've got my GPS reciever velcroed to just under the power socket so I'd probably do the same thing; still happy with my mp3 cd's at the moment though....still nice work!

Bungle · 9th October 2006, 07:45

The transmitter is under the rear centre headrest. You can see the audio lead and the power cable running to to it.

MP3 CDs are good, but I just like having my entire collection at hand, set to random so I have no idea what might be on next.

Cheers, GG!

Honda100 · 16th January 2007, 16:41

I tried this technique with my Kensington FM transmitter and it certainly improved reception and clarity. As I have an iPod and the Kensington plugs into the base of it I had to leave it in the boot which is not good as I can't see what is playing or change anything whilst driving. So I am going to purchase a transmitter which plugs into my Belkin charger, which has a 3.5 mm outlet but utilities the universal socket so it is a clearer sound.

AubreyS · 16th January 2007, 16:50

These FM transmitter's can be found a lot cheaper on Ebay at usually less than £10. I have bought three from there and all excellent. Just do a search for, FM modulator.

The best type to go for is one that covers the whole of the FM broadcast band rather than one that just covers a few channels.

Honda100 · 16th January 2007, 19:31

Thanks for the tip. I did just that a few hours ago. Just waiting for the postman now.!

Neilhop · 5th February 2007, 20:05

Great idea - I've wired up my iPOD via my TomTom910 to a FM transmitter in the cigarette lighter socket in the boot. Much better than in the front of the car.

I used a 5m headphone extender cable from Maplin and ran it under the plastic around the bottom of the doors, along the right hand side of the rear seats and across the boot through the underfloor compartment.

Still not as good as a sirect connection - When is someone going to start making an Aux in for the headunit?

Neilhop · 5th February 2007, 20:06

Oh yes - what frequency are you using. 87.9 seems to work OK in South Wales.

Harrop598 · 26th May 2007, 22:15

Does anyone have a recommendation for an FM transmitter for a 30gb ipod? I've got the Cygnett Groove Trip and it's useless. It only partially works on one frequency and the sound quality is worse tham AM!! I tried putting it in the back after reading the tips above but it made no difference.

Any help would be gratefully received as I'm going to crash one of these days changing the CD!

spile · 27th May 2007, 15:04

Quote:

Any help would be gratefully received as I'm going to crash one of these days changing the CD!

But with MP3 CDs you have hours of listening pleasure!

Greedy · 12th July 2007, 15:47

Threads a bit old so don't know if you still need a recomendation but I use the Belkin. Also I place it and the MP on a non slip mat on the dash in my Accord and the reception is V good.

Chere001 · 23rd July 2007, 08:37

I also use the Belkin FM transmitter and haven't had problems with it. My problem is that I don't like attaching my SatNav to the windscreen and on this car there is no smooth surface to put a suction circle. Any ideas or tips on where to put a SatNav so I can see it but the thieves can't??!!

l-noel · 23rd July 2007, 09:02

I use Brodit Proclip from Sweden on the central air vent. Very easy to mount and very discrete too. I buy it at gpsforless.com

There is another german product wich is maybe nicer (could have it in leather) you will found the info in this site but I don't know where...

FWH · 23rd July 2007, 17:17

Quote:

Originally Posted by l-noel

I use Brodit Proclip from Sweden on the central air vent. Very easy to mount and very discrete too. I buy it at gpsforless.com

There is another german product wich is maybe nicer (could have it in leather) you will found the info in this site but I don't know where...

No, no the Swedish stuff is better!

Brodit do actually have a VERY impressive range IMHO (awaits comment from TT).

I have considered a vent mount myself (for phone), does it affect airflow at all?

And did you mean : http://www.gps4less.co.uk ??

l-noel · 24th July 2007, 07:57

Quote:

Originally Posted by FWH

No, no the Swedish stuff is better!

Brodit do actually have a VERY impressive range IMHO (awaits comment from TT).

I have considered a vent mount myself (for phone), does it affect airflow at all?

And did you mean : http://www.gps4less.co.uk ??

I did not feel a real change in the airflow... It's just a wire problem with the CD player slot just below, so I've mounted mine on the far left side.

and the site is this one http://www.gpsforless.co.uk

zippyijk · 14th August 2007, 15:51

Cool idea bungle, suits me down to the ground as I've a lease car....can't really be drilling holes/adding part in

Unfortunately I just went out to my car to find out there's no power socket in the back

Guess they don't think us 4dr owners good enough to have one.

Anyone any ideas...pretty please!!

Greedy · 14th August 2007, 16:28

Quote:

Originally Posted by zippyijk

Cool idea bungle, suits me down to the ground as I've a lease car....can't really be drilling holes/adding part in

Unfortunately I just went out to my car to find out there's no power socket in the back

Guess they don't think us 4dr owners good enough to have one.

Anyone any ideas...pretty please!!

Do you have a power socket in the storage box between the front seats, if so then apply this to that else apply to the socket under the radio. Access the back of the power socket either by popping it out or from behind the Dash board Lower Cover which is the panel under the steering wheel. Piggy back a feed on to the cables that supply the socket and run it to the rear - you should be able to tease it under the centre consol and then follow the route you are planning for the MP3 player feed to the transmitter. You would then need to adapt the 'adaptor' for your transmitter to connect it to the power feed - remember to include an inline fuse rated to suit your transmitter. At least that's how I would do it. To be honest I woudl still do it that way if I had a rear power feed as it's all too easy to get it knocked by stuff in the boot and they are not the most secure connection in the world at the best of times. very annoying when they disconnect on a motorway and you can't stop to sort it. (M25 excluded where you ar probably already stopped). Good luck.

6th October 2006, 16:53	#1 (permalink)
Bungle Rocketship door handle Join Date: 3rd July 2006 Location: SE London/Kent Posts: 1,217 Thanks: 0 Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts	How To: install a radio transmitter for MP3 players The trouble with the fm broadcasting adaptors is that the antenna for the radio is in the rear screen, some distance from the front where you might want your MP3/i-pod or whatever. With the reception not being great, this can cause problems. Here is my solution, as discussed on the 'electrical' board. 1. Get yourself an FM transmitter. (Belkin do a good one, although BG's didn't work) Cost around £30 from most electrical shops. 2. Get an extension of at least 1.8m. 3.5mm jack at one end, female equivelant at other. 3. Plug the 12v adaptor into boot socket and run it between the seats power.JPG 4. Plug the power and extension into transmitter and hide it under centre headrest. restdown.JPG restup.JPG 5. Run extension cable between bench and back and along the floor to the ront seats. It can be hidden under mats. Black would be better, but it is the only one they had. extension.JPG 6. Plug extension into your MP3 player and put it somewhere you can reach. walkman.JPG The transmitter is now so close to the rear window, reception is 100% and less likely to get interference. Make sure you have the frequencies set to a nice clear station, and you should be fine. This setup could be improved a lot, but it is very simple, easy to setup or remove, and is very effective. Sorry about the poor photos, they're off my mobile! Update! From the very near futer, these will become legal to own and use, so I only have to wait a little while before I can turn this on and see if it actually works Last edited by Bungle; 6th October 2006 at 17:19. Reason: changed it round a bit and added the update

Thread Tools
Show Printable Version Email this Page
Display Modes
Linear Mode Switch to Hybrid Mode Switch to Threaded Mode

Similar Threads for: How To: install a radio transmitter for MP3 players
Thread	Thread Starter	Forum	Replies	Last Post
AUX in New FM Transmitter	basegreen	Ipods, MP3 Players and ICE	16	8th July 2007 23:03
AUX in FM Transmitter Frequencies?	tonyt	Ipods, MP3 Players and ICE	1	27th May 2007 18:08
My install Kensignton RDS FM transmitter	Dinalli	Ipods, MP3 Players and ICE	1	24th May 2007 12:46
AUX in A good alternative for non-i-Pod MP3 players?	Bungle	Ipods, MP3 Players and ICE	8	6th October 2006 17:07
Video Aftermarket DVD players	Newboy	Electronics	7	21st September 2006 13:02


This thread is about: How To: install a radio transmitter for MP3 players, it's in How To at the Honda Civic forum Civinfo; The trouble with the fm broadcasting adaptors is that the antenna for the radio is in the rear screen, some distance from the front where ...

8th October 2006, 16:20	#2 (permalink)
Honda100 Supporter Triangular Exhaust Join Date: 31st May 2006 Location: Stockport Posts: 237 Thanks: 0 Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts	A good solution. I will have to see if I can get an extension lead for my iPod as my transmitter links to the universal socket on the bottom, so an extension lead like yours is no use.

8th October 2006, 17:02	#3 (permalink)
generationgav Supporter Magic Rear Seat Join Date: 29th May 2006 Location: Manchester, UK Posts: 803 Thanks: 0 Thanked 1 Time in 1 Post	Is the audio quality really better at the back of the car than the front? I know it's nearer the aerial, but didn't think it would affect too much. Also if you want to hide the wires even more then you could follow Deemon's subwoofer guide; [HOW TO] Install a subwoofer and amp Although that may be too much for some/most.

8th October 2006, 20:34	#4 (permalink)
Bungle Rocketship door handle Join Date: 3rd July 2006 Location: SE London/Kent Posts: 1,217 Thanks: 0 Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts	I know this kind of setup will not work for i-Pods, as the unit is actually fixed to the player. Not having an i-Pod, I can't comment on how the radio setup actually works. Yes, it is much better like this. I found that interference kept sneaking in, and that reception changed with small movements of the transmitter while in the front of the car. The signal is much stronger now, less background noise and have not yet heard any interference. I really am happy with this solution. Also, the radio has not tried to seek for a better signal, which it did once or twice before. I originally set out to have the transmitter on the back seat to reduce the distance to the rear screen, this partially hidden setup was only an afterthought. With a longer lead, more time and patience, and bravery, I am sure a much tidier and more permanent solution can be found without too much trouble. I like this setup as it can easily be completely removed or installed in less than 2 minutes, and anybody can do it with zero knowledge of wiring and running wires through the car. Thanks for the feedback

8th October 2006, 21:34	#5 (permalink)
generationgav Supporter Magic Rear Seat Join Date: 29th May 2006 Location: Manchester, UK Posts: 803 Thanks: 0 Thanked 1 Time in 1 Post	Just out of interest; I juse noticed...where IS your transmitter? I've got my GPS reciever velcroed to just under the power socket so I'd probably do the same thing; still happy with my mp3 cd's at the moment though....still nice work!

9th October 2006, 07:45	#6 (permalink)
Bungle Rocketship door handle Join Date: 3rd July 2006 Location: SE London/Kent Posts: 1,217 Thanks: 0 Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts	The transmitter is under the rear centre headrest. You can see the audio lead and the power cable running to to it. MP3 CDs are good, but I just like having my entire collection at hand, set to random so I have no idea what might be on next. Cheers, GG!

16th January 2007, 16:41	#7 (permalink)
Honda100 Supporter Triangular Exhaust Join Date: 31st May 2006 Location: Stockport Posts: 237 Thanks: 0 Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts	I tried this technique with my Kensington FM transmitter and it certainly improved reception and clarity. As I have an iPod and the Kensington plugs into the base of it I had to leave it in the boot which is not good as I can't see what is playing or change anything whilst driving. So I am going to purchase a transmitter which plugs into my Belkin charger, which has a 3.5 mm outlet but utilities the universal socket so it is a clearer sound.

16th January 2007, 16:50	#8 (permalink)
AubreyS Triangular Exhaust Join Date: 12th August 2006 Location: Essex Posts: 319 Thanks: 0 Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts	These FM transmitter's can be found a lot cheaper on Ebay at usually less than £10. I have bought three from there and all excellent. Just do a search for, FM modulator. The best type to go for is one that covers the whole of the FM broadcast band rather than one that just covers a few channels.

16th January 2007, 19:31	#9 (permalink)
Honda100 Supporter Triangular Exhaust Join Date: 31st May 2006 Location: Stockport Posts: 237 Thanks: 0 Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts	Thanks for the tip. I did just that a few hours ago. Just waiting for the postman now.!

5th February 2007, 20:05	#10 (permalink)
Neilhop Valve Cap Join Date: 17th December 2006 Posts: 14 Thanks: 0 Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts	Great idea - I've wired up my iPOD via my TomTom910 to a FM transmitter in the cigarette lighter socket in the boot. Much better than in the front of the car. I used a 5m headphone extender cable from Maplin and ran it under the plastic around the bottom of the doors, along the right hand side of the rear seats and across the boot through the underfloor compartment. Still not as good as a sirect connection - When is someone going to start making an Aux in for the headunit?

5th February 2007, 20:06	#11 (permalink)
Neilhop Valve Cap Join Date: 17th December 2006 Posts: 14 Thanks: 0 Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts	Oh yes - what frequency are you using. 87.9 seems to work OK in South Wales.

26th May 2007, 22:15	#12 (permalink)
Harrop598 Valve Cap Join Date: 22nd January 2007 Posts: 5 Thanks: 0 Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts	Does anyone have a recommendation for an FM transmitter for a 30gb ipod? I've got the Cygnett Groove Trip and it's useless. It only partially works on one frequency and the sound quality is worse tham AM!! I tried putting it in the back after reading the tips above but it made no difference. Any help would be gratefully received as I'm going to crash one of these days changing the CD!

12th July 2007, 15:47	#14 (permalink)
Greedy Triangular Exhaust Join Date: 29th June 2007 Location: Swindon Posts: 210 Thanks: 0 Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts	Threads a bit old so don't know if you still need a recomendation but I use the Belkin. Also I place it and the MP on a non slip mat on the dash in my Accord and the reception is V good.

23rd July 2007, 08:37	#15 (permalink)
Chere001 Valve Cap Join Date: 25th June 2007 Posts: 4 Thanks: 0 Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts	I also use the Belkin FM transmitter and haven't had problems with it. My problem is that I don't like attaching my SatNav to the windscreen and on this car there is no smooth surface to put a suction circle. Any ideas or tips on where to put a SatNav so I can see it but the thieves can't??!!

23rd July 2007, 09:02	#16 (permalink)
l-noel Wine and cooking ! Rocketship door handle Join Date: 5th December 2006 Location: Roanne-France Posts: 1,226 Thanks: 3 Thanked 7 Times in 3 Posts	I use Brodit Proclip from Sweden on the central air vent. Very easy to mount and very discrete too. I buy it at gpsforless.com There is another german product wich is maybe nicer (could have it in leather) you will found the info in this site but I don't know where...

14th August 2007, 15:51	#19 (permalink)
zippyijk JDM all the way! Valve Cap Join Date: 17th May 2007 Location: Dublin, Ireland Posts: 37 Thanks: 0 Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts	Cool idea bungle, suits me down to the ground as I've a lease car....can't really be drilling holes/adding part in Unfortunately I just went out to my car to find out there's no power socket in the back Guess they don't think us 4dr owners good enough to have one. Anyone any ideas...pretty please!!