I've just fitted an FM Modulator to my car in order to use my MP3 player with the 2002 head unit. I have installed it in the boot (trunk). The power comes from the wire that supplies the aerial booster. The modulator plugs in line , between the existing aerial lead and the aerial.

The problem I have is, that when the modulator is powered up the radio reception is almost non-existant (the MP3 works great though!). The only way to get the radio reception to work is to disconnect the power to the modulator and then of course the MP3 doesn't work.

Does anyone have any experience of this type of modulator? Is it meant to cut the radio reception, perhaps to reduce interference from other broadcasts? Any suggestions for getting round this, other than fitting a power switch? Would it make any difference if it was installed near the head unit instead of near the aerial? Do I have a faulty unit?

Thanks in advance

 

I think the unit is working as expected. I am not sure what the problem is since there would be no reason to listen to MP3's and the radio at the same time. When these modulators are used with CD changers you have to shut them off for the radio to work. One thing to keep in mind with a modulator is that you cut the quality of the music quite a bit. The best you can get out of a modulator is FM radio quality performance. The difference between a modulator and a direct wired CD player can be huge.

 

Thanks George,

I've just got back from a local car hifi shop and they said the same thing. It seems I need to install a switch to shut off the modulator. I was hoping to avoid that, but now I will have to switch on MP3 player, change radio channel and switch on the modulator to listen to my jukebox. Just a bit long winded that's all.

I know the sound quality is not the best, but it was the most convenient way of connecting my MP3 player to the 2002 cd head unit (no aux input)

Neil

 

Now I understand your problem. I assumed the controller for the unit had an on off switch since all CD changer modulator units have one. I am surprised the unit you have does not have one. Sounds like you will have to wire a switch in somewhere. George