Date:         Thu, 12 Feb 2004 22:42:07 -0800
Reply-To:     mortimer peaberry <cafeugly@PACBELL.NET>
Sender:       Vanagon Mailing List <vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com>
From:         mortimer peaberry <cafeugly@PACBELL.NET>
Subject:      audio source A's
Content-Type: text/plain; charset=US-ASCII; format=flowed

I have an ipod and I like to use it in both cars here's my experience;

I have used an IRock FM transmitter - but having only 4 choices in
frequency (88.1, 88.3, 88.5, 88.7) makes it hard to find a good place
in a radio saturated (bay) area. Also uses 2 AAA batteries for about 8
hours play time. This works good on the van dash b/c the proximity of
the antenna, not so good with the subaru (antenna in rear window) until
i placed it directly below the head unit.

The Van has a 5 yr. old Alpine head unit. I just replaced it with a new
alpine CD with AUX input for $120. It sounds good, not TOO flashy, but
is a little hard to read from the angle we see in the van (if I tilt my
head down to the right a little then it is much better), but the nice
volume KNOB makes up for it.

Alpine has a box coming out that will allow you to control the 'Pod
from the head unit (volume, play/pause next/last), it should be nice.
probably around $100 for the box and the head unit you need starts
around $200 (plus XM compatible). But the unit won't ship until summer.
I will probably do this for the subaru, though I really like the
Eclipse head unit that I have there now.

I have the belkin auto charger, which has an audio out in the cigarette
lighter plug - the belkin truecast is supposed to be powered for the
car charger (or by battery) and can be set to any frequency. would be
nice  - though the heavy plug keeps falling out of the vanagon
receptacle.

Monster Cable has a good looking charger Xmitter combo that looks like
it may stay in the receptacle (it is flat) but I have not seen it in
person yet. also it only has the 4 freq. choice.

as for the choice of frequency, I don't know if it would be a problem
in the rest of the country but when I drive from the coast to the SF
Bay area to the central valley, I find my self having to change
settings three times (in 2 hours) less hard then changing a CD, You
probably have to do that with any Xmitter  when changing regions.

Good Luck,
BTW my accessory count for the iPod is 6 and growing almost monthly
(headphones, case, car charger, Xmitter, remote, extra cables). Those
looking at iPods should beware (accessories seem to be $39 - $49) and
they are addicting

Hi, My name is Steve, and I am an iPod-a-holic. It has been 3 hours
since my last accessory binge.

steve volk
santa cruz
87 westy
01 suby
89 hawk gt
80 Flying Junior
75 El Toro