Using an iPOD or other MP3 Player

Have you looked at Dension?

Maybe the folks at http://dension.com/ can help. Not having an iPod or an MP3 player at all, I don't know and can't tell. But an Apple associate suggested these folks for in-car MP3 solutions... do not know if he meant it does or doesn't work with iPod, though.

peace,
Linda 8)

 

I tried the new XM Roady FM Modulator in my parents car in NJ since their new Accord has no cassette player. It sends out 88 or 107 on .1 .3 .5 or .7 frequencies. It is small, easy to change frequencies via switch, lives right in the cigarette power adapter and it did a mighty fine job there, but I have yet to try it in southern Cal. Line in would be the best, but I have yet to see that for the Prius.

They go for $30 at Best Buy, CC or on the web from XM Fan Store, a very reliable site:
http://shop.store.yahoo.com/xmfanstore/der...rowifmmosa.html

Good luck,

Seth

 

I would think the best sound quality would come from a modulator that actually plugs in the antenna input, between the antenna and the head unit, like this:

http://www.mp3kit.com/Products/PLL-1_FM/PL..._modulator.html

I'm not sure what kind of antenna plug the Prius has so I can't verify this would work, but I betcha you would get better quality using it than portable transmitters, and probably better than cassette adapters.

 

FM transmitters suck. I've tried several with other cars.

In my 2001 Prius I use a cassette adapter with iPod. (A Sony one. Some noname brand ones I tried sucked too.)

Now if I could get a direct stereo jack for the audio system that'd be awesome. Hopefully Coastetech or someone can figure it out.

 

Dension's Ice-Link

Allows you to control your iPod from the steering wheel controls!

http://icelink.densionusa.com/

peace,
Linda 8)

 

Re: Dension's Ice-Link

Sounds interesting, but how well does it work in a Prius?

[Broken External Image]:http://www.ice-link.com/images/applicationpic.jpg

[Broken External Image]:http://icelink.densionusa.com/images/ICE-Link_iPod-classic.jpg

General features
Radio/steering wheel control of iPod
iPod music plays through CD changer port
Damage-free cradle mounting options

Brief Overview

Integration: ICE-Link takes the place of your CD Changer and it operates like one.
iPod will be started when CD changer is selected on your head unit, and will be paused when other source is selected.
Track control from radio (and steering wheel controls if present): provided.

 

Good sleuthing work, Danny. Maybe if enough interested parties write, they will figure something out for '04 Prius.

Or maybe Coastal Dave will!!


8)

 

Who? Coastal Dave or Dension USA?

 

I've emailed Dension about the 2004 Prius, too, and bugged them at Macworld, so hopefully there is a lot of pressure on them to make this happen I want to use my iPod in my Prius!

 

I got a FM transmitter this week from CCrane:
http://www.ccrane.com/fm-transmitter.asp
It works pretty well in my Prius, I live in the SF bay area and found a frequency that's ok. It's important I think to get a transmitter that you can freely select any frequency, not just a few pre-set ones, so you can find a good frequency. It's got a extendable antenna, but I don't extend it and just leave it in the little drawer under the front cup-holders and it works fine. It's a little pricey at $80 but it works and I'll use it every day.
I've used it with a Sony Clie, a Memorex MP3/CD player, and a Radio Yourway
http://www.pogoproducts.com/radio_yourway.html
BTW, the Radio Yourway is a nifty device-- at work, I record the Dr. Edell show on the Radio Yourway using the timer, then on my way home I play it back in the car, and skip the commercials.

I was hoping I could have fun with the transmitter on the beach or camping by jamming obnoxious radios, but it's not powerful enough to drown out radio stations even if placed right next to a radio. Works on an unused frequency though.

 

[Bump]

Noticed that the Dension iPod car adapter is now compatible with the '04 Prius (though not compatible with the Prius Classic. Wasn't it initially the other way around?)

I looked around their FAQ site, but couldn't find out if the product would work with other MP3 players besides the iPod. (I know it wouldn't allow you to select tracks from the wheel -- but just using it as an audio AUX-IN.)

They're currently out of stock, though, and have a wait list. (Well, we're used to that around here! :roll: )

 

Hmmm... iPod 3G 15 GB here. I wonder how hard it would be install this Denison thing. I don't have NAV by the way. I have the JBL system though.