All About iPod Car Stereo Kits

An iPod car stereo kit lets you upgrade your car entertainment system to play the tracks off your mp3 player.

Vehicle Details

If the size of stereo that your vehicle can accept is not standard, make a note of the dimensions and keep these in hand when making your purchase. Look in the vehicle's manual to find the technical specifications to ensure the compatibility with the iPod. Modern cars are more likely to have the connections necessary to accommodate an mp3car stereo.

Accessory Types

There are a range of different iPod car kits on the market. They should all contain the components needed to enable you to play your iPod in the car, but they will vary with the other accessories. Decide whether you also need items such as an iPod charger, protective case or dashboard mount. Ensure all the accessories will be compatible with your vehicle.

Cost

The cost of iPod car kits varies according to the manufacturer and where you buy them. In order to get a good deal use price comparison websites to locate the retailers that offer the cheapest price, as figures will vary even with kits from the same manufacturer. Don't make the mistake of buying from a non-reputable retailer simply because they offer the cheapest option.

Power Source

Different iPod car kits make use of different power sources. Ensure your car can accommodate this. For example, some car kits may only be able to work when plugged into a cigarette lighter, so it will be useless if your car does not have one. The power source also determines the manner in which the kit works and whether this will suit your purposes. For example, connecting the car stereo and iPod via an auxiliary input plug will require you to find a frequency for the music to transmit on. You also need to consider the power source in respect of how it will work in practice, as using a cigarette lighter as the power source could hinder other parts of the vehicle.

Portability

Many iPod kits are portable, allowing you to remove them from your car when necessary, for convenience or security reasons. Other kits need to remain in place. Determine which type of kit will be best for the way you intend to use it. If you opt for a kit that has to remain in the vehicle, check whether it is covered under the terms of your insurance policy.

Adapters and Accessories for your iPod Car Stereo

There are many accessories to buy that can enable you to listen to your iPod in the car as well. Here are some of those options.

Micro Auto Charger

Although most adapters are chargers, this one is in a league of its own. The micro auto charger from Belkin, offers an extremely quick charge if you need it. It plugs into the power outlet and can get your iPod back and running if the battery goes out.

Cassette Adapter

For cars without mp3 inputs, you have a choice of using a cassette adapter. It literally is a cassette with a wire that plugs into the 3.5mm jack where your headphones go. The good thing about this adapter is that there is no static, since it isn't through a radio station.

Power Outlet Adapter

Another choice is to get the adapter that plugs right into your power outlet. It has a USB iPod connection, using your connector cord to charge your iPod. You can control your iPod from your stereo controls. The problem with these adapters is that they require a radio station, so you should choose one with no reception. Sometimes, you will hear static as you drive, since there are no stations that receive no outside reception at all.

How to Get Your iPod to Output to a Car Stereo

Since iPod smart connectors that allow you to view and control selections directly from the stereo are beyond novice wiring skills, the easiest alternatives are auxiliary jacks and FM transmitters:

• Attach an aux cable. The easiest way to connect an iPod and car stereo, is to use the "car aux in" socket. When this method is used, the only other additional piece of equipment required will be an auxiliary cable. They are relatively cheap and easy to obtain if none has been included with the products. One end of the cable attaches to the stereo while the other end is attached to iPod. The stereo needs to be set to AUX to enable the connection to work. If your stereo doesn't have an AUX input socket but has a different type, it will be necessary to use an adapter. This method avoids the interference that can be present when using a radio transmitter.
• Use a radio transmitter. If the iPod cannot be connected to the stereo because it doesn't have the necessary sockets, a radio transmitter can be used. These components are specifically designed for use with an iPod, enabling one end to be fitted to the music player and the other into the cigarette lighter or other power source. Decide on a frequency to transmit the music and set this on the iPod. Set the stereo to the same frequency, which should enable you to hear the iPod play. Any transmitter you buy will come with full operating instructions, which you should follow carefully to ensure the connection works properly.