Radio Audio Jacks for my IPOD???

[CA97TA]

I saw a lot of posts about radio stuff on this board so I thought I'd ask this question? Does anybody know if the stock radio for a 97 TA would have external audio jacks on the back of it. Maybe for a CD changer hook up or something. I have a 20 Gig IPOD and I want to be able to plug it directly into my car stereo. Asuming there is some type of external input I was going to run an audio cable into my center arm rest cuby hole and plug in my IPOD there. It would be a sweet set up 6000+ mp3s to choose from. Please help.... any ideas or suggestions on how I could hook this up would be greatly appreciated. The stereo looks like the best one you could have got with the car. Factory CD 10 channel equalizer etc.

[Jeff_in_Atl]

I don't know if it does or not. I have an Archos MP3-MPG player http://www.archos.com/products/prw_500375.html and I bought an FM modulator http://www.audiovox.com/webapp/wcs/s...4681&langId=-1 .

[CA97TA]

Hey thanks for the reply. I actually have an archos not an IPOD but figured people would understand better if I just said IPOD. I tried using one of those modulators but was pretty disapointed. The gains way to low and I keep having to change frequencies as stations come in and out. Sound quality is poor. I always plug my archos directly into the my home stereo and I love it just wondered if I could do the same thing with my car??? It would really be sweet.

[Torque]

Glad to hear you don't have an I-Pod. I know they are cool, but people understood how they do business behind the scenes, they would never do business with apple. They are the most unethical dysfunctional organization I have ever done business with and it is amazing how many people they screw over. They do business with me and they still manage to screw my company over. Been trying to convince my mgmt. to pull out..... it's not worth it!

Sorry, don't mean to preach, just don't like people or organizations that mis-treat people.

[CA97TA]

I'm a linux guy... but that's for another forum... Anyone have any idea about the external jacks?

[MadMaro]

There are no usuable audio jacks in GM's factory radios. I've done mobile electronics for five years professionally. On very few of them there is an auxillary converter which gives poor sound and is expensive ($75-100). Go to a Circuit City and buy an FM modulator for around $30-40. It plugs in through your FM antenna and you'll actually turn to a radio station to pick up your I-POD, but it will be better than FM sound. The modulator will give you a pair of RCA inputs, just get an RCA to mini-plug cable and you're good to go. Install is easy, just hook up power, accessory, ground, and interrupt the antenna. It takes me about 10 minutes to do the install. E-mail me if you have any questions.

[CA97TA]

Hey MadMaro thanks for the info. I was unaware they have modulators that are direct plug in. I'll look into it. I have a modulator as stated above but it's wireless and broadcasts to a few settable frequencies. Because of FCC interference rules it's pretty weak and always gets stomped on by any noise on that frequency. Other stations are constanly coming in and out while your driving and you have to constantly try to find an open frequency. Especially here in CA where 40 miles on the freeway is considered close. Have you ever tried a directly connected one personally? Thanks for the info

[MadMaro]

I have installed several of the modulators. They are mainly used for either satellite radio or mobile video. It's virtually the only way to input audio into a factory radio. They are usually adjustable from 88.7-89.3. Because they are a direct plug-in into your antenna they are much more immune to outside interference.
Audiovox makes a decent one, I think it's the ADV FM100 or something like that. Like I said, just go into a Circuit City near you and they'll hook you up! I worked for a CC for 5 years as the installation manager. Let me know if you have any probs.