shawa

Hi,

FM transmitters for playing sources (e.g. walkmans, MP3 players, MD players, CD auto-changers) through car stereos via certain FM frequencies, used to be sold in the UK, but does anyone know where I can get one now?
I know they're sold in the U.S., but they're only shipped to Canada and the U.S. due to legal reasons.

Does anyone know if there's a reason why these devices are not commonly available in the U.K., i.e. do they interfere with police radios or something?
Cheers.

chiark

You *really* don't want one. The quality is limited by the quality of transmission (not great), and the quality of FM reception in your head unit.

Most, if not all, head units allow you to buy an optional auxiliary input. Use this.

If you've got an MY01+ and are using the standard OEM unit, the Kenwood CA-1CX (aux in adaptor) is what you need, and the good news is that it's cheap

Don't use an FM modulator unless you absolutely have to

Cheers,
Nick.

vindaloo

Shawa,

I've got a Scan CARDAP (which you can't get anymore). That runs off the cigar lighter and for £25, it works fine. There's a KIIRO product and an ARKON one available in the UK. The only review I've seen for the KIIRO one reckons it's cr*p. Have a search for "car fm transmitter uk" on GOOGLE.

If you want a permanent in-car set-up then I wouldn't recommend this approach. Also, most portable products aren't shielded for use in cars. My walkman played fine when perched (precariously) on the passenger seat. I got loads of electrical interference if I put it on the dash-top or in the glovebox though.

Vindaloo.

12LEE

1. They're illegal if they're non hard wired. They turn you into a radio station so you fall foul of some or other broadcasting act.

2. What's your head unit? You can achieve aux in on most.

shawa

Cheers for that bit of information. I did suspect that they might not be legal, but I saw the Scan one for sale a couple of years ago, so wasn't sure (it's no longer sold).

I have a bog standard manufacturer CD player/radio in my car, so based on what people have said above, I'll just have to turn my CDs into MP3s and burn them (I know it plays MP3 CDs).

Thanks to everyone who replied!

12LEE

Which manufacturer? We have aux adaptors for a reasonable range of OE stuff.

shawa

Ford. Unfortunately, there's no output/headphone socket on the unit.

12LEE

OK. If it's double DIN Ford with a CD changer port (4050, 6000, 6000, 6006 or 7000) we have an adaptor that plugs in the CD changer port (it replaces a changer if you already have one) and presents a pair of phonos. Basically it enables you to switch to CD changer mode on the head unit and route audio into the head unit. Info at www.connects2.co.uk. Ford's always in stock.

shawa

I think the stereo is the 6000 - it's a single CD player with radio. So how much would it cost to adapt and what would it involve - i.e. where would the source connect and would there be ports visible on the front of the stereo?

12LEE

We sell the adaptors for £49.99. They connect to the existing CD changer port on the rear of the Ford radio. You'll simply need to run an output cable from your portable device to the two phono sockets on the adaptor. You could fabricate a (e.g.) 3.5mm socket somewhere on the dash that's hardwired to the adaptor phonos.

If you want one, email as per profile or 0871 871 9747.

Cheers
Lee.