Can anybody here rate the belkin tunebase ipod fm transmitter. I would love to be able to listen to my ipod in my 4runner but I don't think paying $300 for an integration system is worth it. I didn't pay that much for the actual ipod. I have a 2004 4runner limited with navigation. Thanx.
ipod
- Thread starter jgarcia
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chiplee
New member
the vais SL2Vi is worth $350 dude. You won't like any of the fm modulated dealios. You'll be constantly changing radio stations as you travel to get it to stay clear and when people drive by you using the same frequency you'll hear their music. it sucks for long term use. The SL2Vi gives you video on your nav screen from a video ipod and if you ground the parking brake wire it'll work on while moving. just my $.02
have to edit this because it will not give you video while moving if you ground the parking brake wire. you also have to install a speed pulse generator that you can either make, or buy at this link http://www.pinemountainfirearms.com/pmf/tundramods/NavSpeedPulse.aspx
have to edit this because it will not give you video while moving if you ground the parking brake wire. you also have to install a speed pulse generator that you can either make, or buy at this link http://www.pinemountainfirearms.com/pmf/tundramods/NavSpeedPulse.aspx
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SeaKayak
New member
I give a thumbs up to the Dice Electronics iPod controller. It plugs right into the CD changer plug on the back of the head unit and interfaces well with the iPod. It does not do video, however. I bought mine for under $150 from a retailer on eBay.
After I bought mine, I found that Dice has an upgraded model that includes an HD radio receiver for less than $50 more. I'm kicking myself for not going with that option.
After I bought mine, I found that Dice has an upgraded model that includes an HD radio receiver for less than $50 more. I'm kicking myself for not going with that option.
shootmymime
New member
do you have a tape player? (i dont know what head unit u are talking about but the tape works good
4rnr4me
New member
Yes, the tape ones work the best besides integration, but if he has NAVI, im sure he doesnt have a tape deck...
fm transmitters can work well in some areas and be problematic in others, and yea u may find yourself fiddling with the station over and over...
so at LEAST get an auxiliary cable and plug it into the back of your HU if u can, maybe not full integration but as auxiliary??? if you can...
fm transmitters can work well in some areas and be problematic in others, and yea u may find yourself fiddling with the station over and over...
so at LEAST get an auxiliary cable and plug it into the back of your HU if u can, maybe not full integration but as auxiliary??? if you can...
4by4th
New member
I have a 2004 with cassette which is what I've been using. Been thinking about getting something to plug directly into the back. Here are two I'm considering. You'll need to search their websites for exact fit and/or call them.
http://www.crutchfield.com/S-mIoHTjNSOMN/App/Product/Item/Main.aspx?I=581PA11TOY
http://www.installer.com/item/display_item.php?it=toy03-aux
I'm really looking for something to plug my Treo into since I use that more than an ipod on the road, primarily because it automatically pauses the music when a call comes in or when I make one, and then resumes where it left off after the call. I'm leaning more toward the one from Crutchfield since it sounds like the steering wheel controls will control the ipod so the other drivers in the family can plug their ipods in.
http://www.crutchfield.com/S-mIoHTjNSOMN/App/Product/Item/Main.aspx?I=581PA11TOY
http://www.installer.com/item/display_item.php?it=toy03-aux
I'm really looking for something to plug my Treo into since I use that more than an ipod on the road, primarily because it automatically pauses the music when a call comes in or when I make one, and then resumes where it left off after the call. I'm leaning more toward the one from Crutchfield since it sounds like the steering wheel controls will control the ipod so the other drivers in the family can plug their ipods in.
RonMAIDEN
Super Moderator
I did the $35 setup using a Belkin charger with a small amp built in to bump up the iPod's output and it has it's own volume control for that to match the HU's volume output.
I had a standard RCA cable plugged into the back of my Alpine and then that cable plugs into the Belkin charger than the charger plugs into the bottom of the iPod and works great.
I would avoid the FM and tape garbage since the sound quality is subpar.
I'd like to do the integration which is about an $70 upgrade for my Alpine but I'm happy with my Belkin setup for now.
Or for less than $400 you can get this Alpine which is just for the iPod and doesn't even have a CD player.
http://www.alpine-usa.com/US-en/products/product.php?model=iDA-X001
I had a standard RCA cable plugged into the back of my Alpine and then that cable plugs into the Belkin charger than the charger plugs into the bottom of the iPod and works great.
I would avoid the FM and tape garbage since the sound quality is subpar.
I'd like to do the integration which is about an $70 upgrade for my Alpine but I'm happy with my Belkin setup for now.
Or for less than $400 you can get this Alpine which is just for the iPod and doesn't even have a CD player.
http://www.alpine-usa.com/US-en/products/product.php?model=iDA-X001
SW 4Runner
New member
I am leaning towards the Crutchfield adapter, but I dont know what is involved in removing the head unit. I have a JBL single disc factory stereo. Can anyone point me to a photo walk thru of removing the panels to get to the back of the unit?
Iolaus
Member
I did a lot of research before deciding on the Kensington Universal Transmitter (I have a Zune) for my S-10, and the general consensus seemed to be that none of the transmitters will be anywhere close to a direct plug-in's quality. However, if you're set on a transmitter because of cost, the Kensington line seemed to have the strongest reviews.jgarcia said:
Having the Aux input in my '07 4R is nice.
SW 4Runner said:
Hey SW I just ordered the new dice silverline kit. Should be coming next week. If you wait, I'll post my findings. As for removing the head unit, go here http://www.castulucci.com/projects/carpc/oemnaviaccess/
4by4th
New member
Apparently I can't have the ipod plugged in when I'm listening to the Treo while it's charging. That's when the noise from the Treo occurs. Not a big deal since I'll never want both plugged in or playing at the same time anyway.
There was a bulb burned out in the temperature control cluster. Strangest little bulb I've ever seen. The stealer had one in stock for $5.50. For future reference all that needs to be removed to pull that cluster off is the single screw that is accessed by opening the little storage compartment door below the cluster.
The link in the post above with photos showing how to access the back of the radio is right on, corresponding with the instructions/photos that came from Crutchfield. If you don't have a 10mm socket wrench, go buy one. I can't imagine doing it with a box end wrench. Otherwise it's not that hard if you do it in the order shown. The cord that came with the USA Spec Interface was exactly the right length to put the unit in the console. I installed mine in the front of the console compartment with the ipod and aux cords up. The cords don't get pinched coming out of the top front of the compartment either. The hardest part of the entire installation was figuring out the best location for the unit. If you put it in the console, you'll need to make a hole inside large enough for the plug on the end of the cord. I used a 3/8" drill bit followed by a round grinding stone in the drill, which worked perfectly.
It sounded fantastic on the drive to and from the stealer today.
There was a bulb burned out in the temperature control cluster. Strangest little bulb I've ever seen. The stealer had one in stock for $5.50. For future reference all that needs to be removed to pull that cluster off is the single screw that is accessed by opening the little storage compartment door below the cluster.
The link in the post above with photos showing how to access the back of the radio is right on, corresponding with the instructions/photos that came from Crutchfield. If you don't have a 10mm socket wrench, go buy one. I can't imagine doing it with a box end wrench. Otherwise it's not that hard if you do it in the order shown. The cord that came with the USA Spec Interface was exactly the right length to put the unit in the console. I installed mine in the front of the console compartment with the ipod and aux cords up. The cords don't get pinched coming out of the top front of the compartment either. The hardest part of the entire installation was figuring out the best location for the unit. If you put it in the console, you'll need to make a hole inside large enough for the plug on the end of the cord. I used a 3/8" drill bit followed by a round grinding stone in the drill, which worked perfectly.
It sounded fantastic on the drive to and from the stealer today.
ALt4r
New member
All fm transmitters are going to have a little static or distortion. Sometimes you have to crank up the volume to hear your music and then change stations when someone else gets near you, it's really annoying. Fm transmitters are still a work in progress as the FCC regulations only allow them to be so powerful.
Cassette is good if you have the space, and its much more clear and really cheap (if you have a car adapter for the power already); integrated looks nice too.
Cassette is good if you have the space, and its much more clear and really cheap (if you have a car adapter for the power already); integrated looks nice too.
SW 4Runner
New member
I went to Worst Buy this weekend to look for a direct-connect iPod solution. They had the iSimple by Peripheral Electronics. They get mixed reviews, but I figured I would save the receipt and see how it goes. Installed with no problems, I can control my iPod from the steering wheel controls, and the sound is great! No cd track names or playlist names on the stereo, but I never really wanted that anyway.
Greg
Greg
OdinWiski
New member
jgarcia said:
It's very true that no FM transmitter based iPod solution is as good as a direct plug-in solution.
I do have a belkin tunebase that I used in one of my previous vehicles. It certainly has its drawbacks: discernable interference, usable frequencies are not stable sometimes, especially in busy metro areas (in rural/remote areas when you travel long distance where fewer frequencies are being used it's way better), volume output is not the same as your radio stations, etc.
What I've found is that mine works pretty well surprisingly, especially considering Phoenix metro area has loads of radio stations and therefore a lot of the frequencies are being used. Only once in a while, I might have to change to a different frequency. Mine is the latest model and has the autoscan function. I'd read that it didn't work very well compared to manual scanning. But mine seems to work very well with that function actually. As far as the interference, if you ground the unit (any part of it) with a wire to your vehicle, it's minimized to almost undetectable!! I haven't been able to solve the volume output issue, but hey, just turn the radio volume dial up!! as long as there's no interference, pumping up the volume works!
I still plug the belkin in my Runner and it works well for me. Hope this helps if you're really set on getting a FM based unit.