Wired FM Modulator

[warhen]

I was wondering if anyone else has gone down the same road I'm about to try with my Versa stereo:The Versa S (not SL) stero has no auxiliary jack and therefore there is no immediate way to play music from ipods, mp3 players, etc.While there are a few options on how to work around this, I'm thinking about hooking in a wired FM modulator. This allows you to pick up your portable device output over the FM radio. This is not to be confused with a wireLESS FM modulator which involves much greater harmonic sacrifices.I've read from some sources that installing a wired FM modulator involves almost as much work as installing a new stereo. Another source said that they installed in 15 minutes. I thought before I went ahead and potentially made a mess, I'd better ask if anyone else has successfully done this.The FM Modulator I'm looking at is:

http://www.circuitcity.com/ssm...il.do

and the install schematic is:

http://www.audiovox.com/manuals/owners/1286818.pdf

though any general advice would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks.

[xmaryteresax]

First off - YAY FOR QUINCY PEOPLE! that's my hometown - grew up there and moved away 6 years ago. Miss it muchly.

Secondly - if you do find out that you can do that - let us know! I have XM and would LOVE to hardwire it instead of the wireless. it's a pain in the butt.

[arco]

Well, in my opinion, the factory radio that came with the Versa S was *so* lousy that replacing it was an easy decision for me. I thought of getting a wired modulator for my portable XM radio, but since I'd have to get inside the dash anyway, I figured I'd just put that money toward a better radio (with an aux jack).

I had a wired modulator in my old Honda, and the aux jack setup in my Versa provides comparable sound quality. It's not perfect, but it is far better than having to listen to boring old commercial radio.

If you even get a relatively cheap radio for your V (like a low-end Pioneer or Sony), you'll realize just how crappy the factory one was.

I bought a no-frills Sony single CD player with a front aux jack, and hooked my Roady XT up to it. Works beautifully! (Oh, and to anyone who is thinking of doing the same thing, don't scrimp on the aux cable! I discovered that paying a little extra for a nice cable with gold connectors really improved the sound quality.)

[gfxguy]

Did you replace the stereo yourself? If so, how difficult was it?

I'm still in the market, and with the bulk of the features I want, the S is still cheaper than an SL. So I was going to ask if either had an aux input, now I know... I'd rather get an S and upgrade the stereo, though, but I also hate paying for things I can do myself.

[arco]

It's very easy.

Just make sure you follow the instructions posted on this forum. There are only a few really tricky parts (lifting the dash cover takes some effort... and definitely DON'T unplug the airbag indicator light!).

You'll just need a wiring harness and antenna adapter for the Versa, and possibly a mounting kit for your new stereo.

I think I spent less than $200, including stereo, parts, and cables for hooking up my XM.

[gfxguy]

Cool, thanks.