FM Transmitter/Modulator - Alternatives?

[Jonnieb2009]

Not sure if anyone has had a similar issue.
I recently installed an fm modulator (in-line 9v battery method) to enable me to play mp3s/ipod through the radio (pre 2007 volvos) without the hassle of changing cd's.
The problem I am having is the music fades and gets louder as you are driving along - not sure if this is down to the cheap modulator or not. wondered if anyone had a similar problem or have used a modulator that works reasonably well and could recommend.

Also looking around I thought the Dension Gateway 500 would be a solution that enables you to still use the controls on the steering wheel but apparently not available for Premium sound radio on S40's - has anyone tried?

Also has anyone tried the Griffin Itrip with autoscan and charge facility as an alternative or could recommend another alternative that gives reasonable sound ??

[Guru]

Hi Jonnie,

Really can't comment on the fluctuating volume level, however I have a feeling it has something to do with Volvo signal amplifier and not the modulator. I could be wrong.
Edit> Perhaps you could try fiddling with the radio settings in the control menu by switching TP, PTY, EON, news and alarms to "off" then perhaps that will limit interference and solve the problem, just a thought.

For a Dension to work, you'll need to have the high performance audio system with a 6-CD changer. The yanks with solo-CD players have had 6-CD changer software from Volvo written in to their systems to trick the Dension in to thinking it was dealing with a CD-changer, I didn't follow up so i have no idea whether this method was successful.

Many good reviews /and some bad ones too/ have been reported by people using the PARROT MKi9200 hands free set in these Volvos, worth a research.

It's a never ending struggle! shame on Volvo for introducing cars in 2004 without at least an AUX connection.

[Nunfa1]

From the research I've done I shall go down the route of an IOplay. It is similar to the Parrot in that it just connects to the speakers and bypasses the car stereo completely but it does have it's own amplifier and sound quality is apparently very good. Cheaper than a Parrot too if you fancy fitting it yourself.
I plan to get one in May so will report back then.

[Jonnieb2009]

Thanks for the help gents, I do have the 6 cd changer in linked to the premium sound system - whats the difference with the high performance and premium sound system?
Will try some trail and error experimentation at the weekend.

Thanks again

[Jonnieb2009]

Nunfa
Just looking at the IO play - this appears to be a great little package. How does it connect though with the radio. There is a installation diagram which shows an iso? cable going out of the amplifier to the back of the radio

Could be tempted if its compatable with the s40 radio

Jon

[mikealder]

Jon, click on my blog link and in one or two of the entries I have detailed how to install the iO-Play to my Ph1 V70, I accept its a different car but it should give you some idea as to whats involved - As to what I think of the iO-Play, its the best gadget I have fitted to any of my cars for the past few years - cracking product and worth every penny - Mike

[Nunfa1]

Jonnie, I asked an ebay seller of the IOplay about this:

Dear rick355s,

Hello, could you possibly tell me if this will fit
my car, I've emailed iO play but had no response.
It is a 2005 Volvo S40, as far as I'm aware you
are unable to plug anything into the stereo head
unit itself. According to the Parrot web site
their units are plugged into the amp located in
the boot.
thanks & regards

and his reply:

Hi,

the item required would be sot-045 and you may need a amp bypass lead also, this code would be pc9-404.

Regards


Hope this helps.

[Jonnieb2009]

Nunfa

Sounds good to me. Would you install it yourself or get say Halford to install?

What are they selling for and do you have the sellers ebay name?

there is a post by Mikealder - might be useful

I like the concept in so much that you can bluetooth music and also use your phone as handsfree, a 2-in-1 combo.

Regards

[mikealder]

Halfords are currently offering a free install of this device but I doubt that will cover the cost of any additional addaptor cables you will need, see Here
The cheapest I can locate on e-bay is This One which is less than half the price Halfords want for the same device!

Fitting is a doddle IF you can find the correct audio addaptor cables needed to match your car, and at £64 its about what I paid for my iO-Play around 12 months ago - Mike

[Nunfa1]

Jonnie,
the seller was rick355s don't know the name of his shop, sorry. I like the idea of it doing both the phone and music, it's exactly what I'm after. The clincher for me was the fact that it comes with its own amp so sound quality should be good, confirmed by Mike. I plan on trying to install it myself, hopefully there will be people on here to advice with removing trim etc.