Which FM Radio dock for iPhone in my car?

Question

Level 1

47 points

Which FM Radio dock for iPhone in my car?

I would like to use my iPhone through my car radio, which does not have an input jack..

I know the right way is to replace my radio for a more modern unit, but, humor me, is there an in car FM radio device that is compatible with iPhone?

thanks
Jonathan

ps, upgrading to FW 1.1.4 DID improve my phone reception.. wow!

Posted on Mar 4, 2008 6:13 PM

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Answer 1

mhornet18

Level 2

170 points

Mar 4, 2008 7:35 PM in response to jon_slider

Depending on what kind of car you have you can get one that plugs into the factory radio if it has the option of having a factory cd changer. That is what I did. It's made by peripheral. It's called iSimple and can be purchased at best buy for $100. Works great. I can control it with the radio controls and when a call comes in it plays the ringer over my speakers while pausing the music.

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Answer 2

Mar 5, 2008 7:06 AM in response to mhornet18

Take a look around iLounge.com They have reviews on such docks and more.

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Answer 3

jon_slider Author

Level 1

47 points

Mar 5, 2008 7:28 AM in response to mhornet18

you can get one that plugs into the factory radio

thanks for the info, but, I would have to buy a new radio first...

see, thats is why I posted:
"my car radio, which does not have an input jack."

My question is about those FM transmitter devices, not direct plug in to the radio..

thanks though, I guess I could buy a new radio just to have an input plug for my iPhone.. Im sure the sound quality is far superior to an FM transmitter..

here is an example of the type of unit Im looking at, which does not work with iPhone:
http://www.monstercable.com/productdisplay.asp?pin=3029

Is there an FM radio output device for iPhone to be heard thru the car speakers?

thanks
Jonathan

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Answer 4

jon_slider Author

Level 1

47 points

Mar 5, 2008 7:34 AM in response to travis kessler

Take a look around iLounge.com They have reviews on such docks and more.

thanks for the suggestion.. I went there and found a number of products for iPod, but none for iPhone

is there one in particular you are aware of?

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Answer 5

Mar 5, 2008 9:43 AM in response to jon_slider

Wal-Mart carries the Belkin TuneCast Auto FM Transmitter, which is apparently the first one to say "Works with iPhone" on the packaging. It's $69.99 and I will be picking one up this week...I'll report back with results.

If you get one first, let us know how it works. I've read good reviews on it from other threads here.

-SB

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Answer 6

mhornet18

Level 2

170 points

Mar 5, 2008 9:58 AM in response to jon_slider

jon_slider wrote:

you can get one that plugs into the factory radio

thanks for the info, but, I would have to buy a new radio first...

see, thats is why I posted:
"my car radio, which does not have an input jack."

My question is about those FM transmitter devices, not direct plug in to the radio..

thanks though, I guess I could buy a new radio just to have an input plug for my iPhone.. Im sure the sound quality is far superior to an FM transmitter..

here is an example of the type of unit Im looking at, which does not work with iPhone:
http://www.monstercable.com/productdisplay.asp?pin=3029

Is there an FM radio output device for iPhone to be heard thru the car speakers?

thanks
Jonathan

I don't think you understand what I said. It doesn't plug into an aux port on the radio. How do you know your radio doesn't have a plug in for a cd changer on the back? Have you looked? What kind of vehicle do you have? Maybe I can help you out.

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Answer 7

blakey

Level 1

0 points

Mar 5, 2008 1:32 PM in response to jon_slider

Griffin iTrip Auto with SmartScan ( http://www.griffintechnology.com/products/itrip/)

works with the iPhone, i use it in my car and we sell it in the AppleStore too

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Answer 8

Mar 5, 2008 1:44 PM in response to jon_slider

If by chance your car has a cassette player you will be much happier playing your iPhone ipod through a cassette adapter versus an FM transmitter. I had two different FM transmitters and they both produced a lot of static. I play my iPhone through a Monster Cassette adapter and the sound is nearly flawless. I actually have the phone in a car bracket attached to a flat spot on my Lexus console (which I got from pro-fit international--pro-fit-intl.com/) and I have it plugged into the cigarette lighter as well, so when I am driving on a long trip, this setup works perfectly.

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Answer 9

Mar 5, 2008 1:54 PM in response to jon_slider

I bought the Belkin car kit hoping it would work with the phone. I purchased it at costco. I am able to listen and work the ipod and charge but not use the phone. I had a warning right when I set it up. I'd love to find something where I can use all the functions as well. I find it hard to believe that something is not available. I dont have an fm input either and I am going to look into the cd player input next.

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Answer 10

Mar 5, 2008 2:31 PM in response to Laura Kelly

I would think any FM transmitter would require the phone to be in airplane mode to avoid interference, no??

-SB

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Answer 11

Mar 5, 2008 2:50 PM in response to Laura Kelly

As far as I can see looking around the web, the only one currently advertising an FM transmitter that works with the iPhone is the Belkin TuneCast found here. Griffin's website has a "coming soon" ad for the "iTrip AutoPilot". Meanwhile, if you have a cassette player in your car of any quality, consider a cassette adapter--the sound is better.

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Answer 12

mhornet18

Level 2

170 points

Mar 5, 2008 3:13 PM in response to jon_slider

http://www.peripheralelectronics.com/ProdsByCat.aspx

Check here and see if they make a unit for your vehicle. It charges the phone as well as plays through your factory car stereo if your vehicle can have a factory cd changer hooked up to it, which most can and most people don't know it. It works great with the phone and I have never heard any static or interference while using it. When a call comes it, the music pauses and my ringer plays over the stereo speakers. It works very nice. Something to look in to. Also, the best place to buy this is at Best Buy. Cheapest price compared to buying online. $100 vs $129 or more online.

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Answer 13

jon_slider Author

Level 1

47 points

Mar 6, 2008 6:49 AM in response to mhornet18

How do you know your radio doesn't have a plug in for a cd changer on the back?

🙂 Because I drive a 1986 Vanagon with a stock radio that is older than my 18 year old child.

Wal-Mart carries the Belkin TuneCast Auto FM Transmitter
Griffin iTrip Auto with SmartScan

THANK YOU! My question is answered! Twice!... great group!

I bought the Belkin car kit hoping it would work with the phone. I purchased it at costco. I am able to listen and work the ipod and charge but not use the phone.

OH!... that will not do.. if I am listening to music, I dont want to go into Airplane mode and disable my Phone completely.. thanks for the warning..

plays through your factory car stereo if your vehicle can have a factory cd changer hooked up to it, which most can and most people don't know it.

thanks.. I tried the link, very helpful btw, to provide a link, Thank You!... unfortunately, my 86 Vanagon is not on the list of supported vehicles..

If by chance your car has a cassette player you will be much happier playing your iPhone ipod through a cassette adapter versus an FM transmitter.

OK, I will try that, I do have a cassette player... will report back on my success

many thanks for the very helpful replies
Jonathan

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Answer 14

jon_slider Author

Level 1

47 points

Mar 6, 2008 6:52 AM in response to jon_slider

PS, I tried the iTrip, it required Airplane mode, and did not work to produce any sound at all from my iPhone..

IM heading towards the cassette adapter approach.. and btw, Im always open to a direct link to a cassette product you KNOW works.

thanks again
Jonathan

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Answer 15

foxmxer

Level 1

0 points

Mar 6, 2008 6:57 AM in response to jon_slider

"Because I drive a 1986 Vanagon with a stock radio that is older than my 18 year old child."

awesome! my wife and i bought an '84 vanagon last summer. we can't wait for warm weather to get back in it!

on topic ... i'm going to have to try that adapter for the CD changer in my explorer.

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