Wow.
I never thought I'd bring my knowledge of this subject to these forums...
I'm currently working on another project: a full-fledged computer in my Toyota Tacoma. I'm part of a forum that caters specifically to these sorts of installations.
If you're going to do an iPod-to-stereo type of connection, there are a couple alternatives:
- iRiver (and similar) are FM transmitters. Basically you tune your FM radio and receive a signal from the iPod (or other mp3 player). These are notoriously lousy. There are two types of Fm modulator: wired and unwired. The wired modulator plug in-line with the antenna. The sound quality is better, but it's still not the ideal solution.
- Casette adapters. Remember the ones that would allow your portable CD player to play in your car? They can be used for an MP3 player. This is currently what I use in my Toyota. The sound is as good as cassette can reproduce. There are also hacks that can be made to the cassette player to improve sound quality and hiding wires, but this is only if you'll never use the cassette player for anything else.
- Stereo with AUX inputs. A lot of aftermarket stereos have the capability to add an external audio source. They are typically used for DVD players or console games or mp3 players. This is going to offer the best sound quality. It's also pretty simple to hook up. If you find the right headunit, you can even rename the AUX input to iPod or MP3s or something else. Usinig some stealthy wiring, putting the charger device in the ashtray is a very viable option.
- Music Keg, aka Kenwood KHD-C710. It's basically a hard drive that holds MP3s and works like a CD changer to many Kenwood models.
If you're completely geeky, like me, you can just install a computer in your truck and go without any sort fo traditional headunit...
If anyone has any curiosity at all about doing the digital thang, I'd recommend two resources:
O\'Reilly\'s Car PC Hacks is an awesome volume that gives examples of what can be done using a computer in a vehicle. There's a section devoted to music players and outlines what some of you would like to accomplish.
mp3car.com is a website devoted to car PC enthusiasts (such as myself). There's a wealth of information in the forums if you have patience and the ability to filter out the B.S.
Oddly enough, our plan for our '54 is to make it the un-wired vehicle.
