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[Spike]

I need DAB/MP3 in my 2001 2.2 DTi Estate, the available FM radio stations are driving me mad 

I'm looking at keeping the existing 4CD/Cassette head unit and adding an aux input via a modulator inserted in to the aerial lead.

Question: Is there an inline connector anywhere between the proprietary 90 degree plug that goes into the back of the head unit cage and the aerial on the roof? Had a look at the head unit yesterday but couldn't see anything before the aerial disappeared behind the glove box. I'd rather not have to cut and re-terminate the lead unless I really have to.

Also what options do I have for easy to get to +12V supplies in the dash to power the modulator and any DAB/MP3 player I decide to use.

Cheers

Spike

[TheBoy]

Driver kick panel

[Dave DND]

Strongly advise against the useage of an inline modulator when you are using an internal or boosted aerial for FM reception as the signals tend to be so weak that the insertion of a modulator can often knock out the FM radio completely.

Go for a high quality FM Modulator such as one of these  http://www.dndservices.co.uk/am-88t.html  instead - its what we use in the Car Audio Trade

 

[zirk]

Strongly advise against the useage of an inline modulator when you are using an internal or boosted aerial for FM reception as the signals tend to be so weak that the insertion of a modulator can often knock out the FM radio completely.

Go for a high quality FM Modulator such as one of these  http://www.dndservices.co.uk/am-88t.html  instead - its what we use in the Car Audio Trade

 

You should try driving in London Dave, just about every 50khz step is full of something (mainly Pirates) they even try and squeeze them in between Channels without understanding how a modern radio works. 

[Magwheels]

I have a Kinetic Digitizer in my saloon connected into the FM lead and it works just great. I did try it the lazy way by not cutting into the aerial lead but it kept getting interference from the FM range. The box cuts the FM signals when connected into the aerial lead so now it works just great. It doesn't sound any better than FM but now I have the stations I like, Planet rock, Arrow, Absolute 70 & 80's etc without changing the head unit. the two I nailed it down to when doing the research was the Kinetic and the DABMotion, both very similar.

[Spike]

Thanks for all the advice.

I've found the "treasure trove" of wires and connectors behind the drivers kick panel. I wouldn't have thought of looking there without being told; so thanks for the tip from 'TheBoy'.

The modulator I'm using is actually the in-line version recommended by 'Dave DND'. I'll give it a go, if it overloads the existing signals I'll swap it for a transmitting one. I've now got some 'Fakra' to DIN connectors so I can insert the modulator I have without cutting the aerial feed and put things back to how they were should I need to.

Any tips on any wires that are suitable switched +12V supplies behind the kick panel? Is there a 0V anywhere or should I just use the chassis?

Cheers

Spike

[Magwheels]

I took a feed from the back of the fuse box that is the feed for the mirrors and some other things (red wire, fuse 13 I think, but check), this keeps the feed live after the ignition is switched off and until the key is removed. Used chassis as earth.

I did mine ages ago so hard to remember the details.