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2002 Prius head unit

Discussion in 'Newbie Forum' started by primuspaul, Mar 30, 2014.

  1. primuspaul

    primuspaul Member

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    Location:
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    Vehicle:
    2002 Prius
    Model:
    I
    I have a 2002 Prius and want the ability to play MP3s. Right now I have the standard head unit and a single CD deck installed. Unfortunately, changing a Prius head unit is much more complicated than doing so in the various other vehicles where I've done it, both because of having to disassemble the entire dashboard (risk of breaking a clip) and because of incompatibility with the in-dash LCD.

    My goal is to play MP3 files, somehow. It can be via AUX, USB flash drive, or SD card. The only two options I can think of is:

    1. Cassette adapter to MP3 player via 3.5mm - has hissing noise and bad quality (worse than FM radio).

    2. FM transmitter - have not tried yet, but I expect it would be unreliable due to alternating FM radio interference.

    Does someone know another way? Perhaps even via an FM transmitter, but using it in a way that maximizes quality and limits interference from radio station transmissions?
     
    #1 primuspaul, Mar 30, 2014
  2. WilDavis

    WilDavis Senior Member

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    Location:
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    Vehicle:
    2009 Prius
    Model:
    II
    Small FM transmitter tuned to an un-used frequency (usually in the lower regions of the FM band, away from any local high-powered commercial stations (those are normally at the high end of the band); if you have an external antenna on the car, either disconnect it or collapse it (if it's telescopic) (in order to try to reduce interference from local FM stations). I used a small FM transmitter in my old Toyota Corolla (the car only had a cassette/radio - no CD player (!!!)) and the FM worked pretty well, especially when the antenna was collapsed. The cassette adapter worked OK, but not as well as the FM transmitter. In my Prius (Gen II), there is an AUX adapter which seems to work very well. hope this helps and good luck! - Wil (BTW welcome to PriusChat - a very friendly source of valuable information, and chock-full of expertise which you should find extremely useful)
     
    #2 WilDavis, Mar 30, 2014
  3. WilDavis

    WilDavis Senior Member

    Joined:
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    Location:
    Top RH Corner of RH Coast on L side of The Pond
    Vehicle:
    2009 Prius
    Model:
    II
    Allow me to point out that even with the antenna collapsed, the signal from the small FM transmitter is very close to the radio and there is sufficient proximity of the transmitter to the receiver that the signal will get injected even if the antenna is very short or disconnected! (How do I know? My original degree is in Electronics (and check out the registration plate of ChuggyPig (my Prius)) ;)
     
    #3 WilDavis, Mar 30, 2014
  4. primuspaul

    primuspaul Member

    Joined:
    Mar 23, 2014
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    Location:
    NYC Area
    Vehicle:
    2002 Prius
    Model:
    I
    That's good to know. The tape is too low quality and it's nice to know that the FM option is better. I also had this option in mind:

    3in1 Way USB Port Car DC Cigarette Lighter Socket Power Adapter Charger Splitter - $5.00
    DC12V Car Cigarette Lighter Socket Auto Power Supply Cord 5.5mm Adapter Charger - $5.99
    Hi-Fi Audio Power Stereo Amplifier 12V Home Amp for Motorcycle Boat Car US Local - $13.40
    SanDisk Sansa Clip+ 4 GB MP3 Player (Black) - $34.95
    OEM Brand New GE 72624 50 ft TRUE 18 Gauge Speaker Wire Car Home Audio White - $5.99
    Dual LU43PB Indoor/Outdoor Speakers (Black) - $29.66

    Total: $94.99

    And of course I forgot to mention the 3.5mm cable to connect the Sansa to the Amplifier, but I have a few already and they are very cheap.
     
    #4 primuspaul, Mar 30, 2014
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