Has anyone found a FM modulator for iPOD that works with the Forester with its rear window antenna?
I tried from the front seat and can't get a decent signal.
I am hoping there is some high power one out there otherwise I need to replace the factory receiver with one that has plug.
The FM modulators don't work well in cars. Modulator is inside, antenna is outside and the earth / ground for the antenna is the chassis and bodywork.
Try one that plugs inline with the antenna plug on the rear of the radio. Otherwise, you'll have to get a whole new headunit with at least rca in, preferably an ipod connection.
Just installing a new headdeck won't fix the problem - it needs to have the right connections. If you choose to go out and buy one, tell the salesperson you need one that can connect to an ipod.
-mark
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There isn't any with that
That I am aware of there aren't any that are "high powered"
I suspect your best bet is either one that might plug into the AUX (if your car stereo has one) or comes in via a fake cassette tape (dito) Have you checked the iPod lounge? They do list most accessories
They work fine in our other cars, with front mounted antennas, just won't push the signal back to the Forester antenna.
Strangely, if you stand outside of the car, it works for maybe 20 feet, but INSIDE the car, forget it.
The groundplane for the antenna is the entire chassis/bodywork of the car; pretty much anything metal that is grounded to the battery negative is part of the gnd loop. Basically, any signals inside that ground loop have to be quite strong to escape and reach the external aerial.
FWIW, Ralph - There are dozens here in Oz, eg Pioneer.
Pioneer Headunit:
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Neat device, but you are aware it's NOT what he was looking for?
It's not an FM modulator, but rather an adapter that interfaces into a Pioneer (and only works with Pioneer units)
A simple solution - at least one that I've found effective - is to buy a portable CD player adapter from your local auto parts or Tandy type outlet (the adapter looks like an audio cassette and plugs into your Ipod where the head phones fit). I've also seen them for sale on Ebay for around AU$5. I'm a non smoker and find that my Ipod fits securely in the ashtray of my Forester.
"I am hoping there is some high power one out there otherwise I need to replace the factory receiver with one that has plug."
This would be the 'replace' angle.
-mark
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