zinner

Hey Guys,

I picked up a Scosche FM-MOD01 at crutchfield so I could use my MP3 player in my SS/SC. I have the MP3 CD option but I have napster to go so I am stuck having to use my mp3 player.

It works pretty darn good. I have posted some install pictures below, but I put they modulator on/off switch and a 1/8 female jack into the black spacer where the heated seat switch would be.

Sound quality is OK, it's about as good as an FM station, but it doesn't fade in and out like wireless modulator. I think if my mp3 player had a line out and not a headphone driver it would sound better.

Tomtwtwtw

Nice! Looks very clean.

Don't suppose you could write up a basic how-to, or are there instructions with it? For 30 bucks I'm all over that. 4gb Ipod > 700mb CD

zinner

I used the IROC howto to remove the dash.

https://www.cobaltss.net/forums/how-guide-43/disassemble-dashboard-radio-related-panels-7236/

I took out the radio and plugged the modulator inline with the antenna, you need to buy two adapters to go from the GM to motorola antenna size, if you order it via Crutchfield and tell them your car is a cobalt they will tell you exactly what adapters you need. It came to like 55 bux shipped.

I took the included 1/8 inch to RCA adapter and hacked off the 1/8 end and took some solder and hooked it into a 1/8 stereo jack that I got at radio shack.

I mounted the whole unit right behind the climate controls with some double sided velcro.

The rocker switch was also included with the modulator, I took my dremel and cut out a slot, it's not perfect but fits good and it's held in there well.

I tapped the power from the power outlet right under the climate controls.

Tomtwtwtw

Awesome, thanks for the info. Fiddling with the dash is uncharted territory for me, but there's a first time for everything!

FRIARPOP

Nice job, looks awsome. Gives me some ideas's, thanks.

IROCZ0r

iTrader: (2)

Do you think this would void the warranty on the stereo/electronics? I love this idea, but my CD player just broke the other day.

zinner

technically I don't think it will screw anything up, but it's definetly an excuse they dealer could use to void the warrenty. The only way to keep the warrenty intact is to no mod anything.

tiny

thats a nice lookin install

pitobaby76

very nice am thinking bout trying it out. thanks for the heads up!

Sempher55

that is a very clean job. im pissed that chevy didnt even think about an ipod jack what the **** everyone else is doing it! im actually one of the few that likes the stock radio, but there isnt really anything to connect our ipods to un less fm.. which i dont wanna do. anyone else got any ideas on it?

cybcow

Yeah I have the Garmin fm transmitter but as well I like a hard wire connection as it is much clearer and more responsive. I know Ipod makes all kinds of hard wire kits and sells them at Best Buy and/or circuit city. Although I haven't seen one for the cobalt. I figure in the next year they should release one that will work for all cobalts. They are expensive too so I hope you know someone who works there, that or hopefully ebay will be a good friend.

Tomtwtwtw

Yay, I got mine and installed it today!



The only thing I did different - instead of mounting a female plug on the front like Zinner did, I just ran the wire from the included male 1/8 in plug back through the dash and into the glovebox, so I can just plug my Ipod in there and keep it out of sight.

Also found out when deciding where to tap the power, that the 10a wiper fuse is the line where our boost gauge is connected. I forgot to put that fuse back in after deciding against using it and didn't have and readings!

Thanks to Zinner for the idea and instuctions, and to IROC for the dash disassemble pix.

HackAbuse

Anyone want to give me their MP3 deck now, I'll trade

firesting

How's the sound quality? If I understand correctly, you plug in your mp3 player, you still have to tune it to an fm station and it still has to transmit a radio signal... In other words, not really "hard wired" no?? enlighten me plz!!

Tomtwtwtw

It sounds just like an FM station that's getting a strong signal. Basically, it's not as good as a CD, but because it is hard-wired (the antenna wire actually passes through the modulator) the signal never gets weak, or bounces off anything. I've used a wireless one before with a battery, and it sucked. It would fade in and out, and you had find some awkward sweet spot in the car to get a good signal. And that spot would change every time you got in the car.

firesting

nice... this is a definite buy for me, thanks guys

EDIT: Can anyone provide the specific part numbers for all the parts you need (since theres 3) so I can be sure of what I'm buying! Thanks everyone!!

Tomtwtwtw

Zinner posted a direct link to the part in his first post. From there, enter your make/model of car and it will add the antenna adaptors to your cart as well. That's it!

kgoward

So do you have to tune to a specific station or is it across all stations once you turn on the power to the modulator?

firesting

I'd assume you tune the modulator to a specific station... Best for me, I find, is 88.1FM

Tomtwtwtw

The modulator has a 2 station switch...I want to say it was a choice between 87.9 and 88.3, but don't hold me to that.

eclipsefloyd

Installed mine today...actually sounds better than I thought it would...probably not as good as a true hard wired set-up...but way better than a regular fm transmitter u plug into your ciggerette lighter socket...I have my nano's volume turned half ways up...and its eq set to rock mode with the sound check turned off...and the volume screw on the back of the module set to 3/4 all the way up...and the volume on the stereo deck is clean as far up as i want to take it...thanks for the find and pics Zinner!

REIGN SS

very nice, i might have to pic up one of these...hmmm now i have ideas running through my head, this could get ugly, then sweet. I think GM has a kit just like it if u look @ the accesories for the cobalt on GMpartsdirect.com.

REIGN SS

alright you guys twisted my arm into it, i just order it... total for:

FM-MOD01 - 29.99
OEM Male to MOTOROLA female ADPT - 9.99
MOTOROLA Male to OEM Female ADPT - 9.99

TOTAL: $49.97
+standard shipping= $56.96

JimmiLS05

bought a jensen unit at a local store that they had gotten from closeout. Didn't even have to ask and he got me all of the adapter I needed. Ran me $61

automobiliben

You wouldn't happen to have the Crutchfiel PN #'s for those parts?