iSimple IS77 Universal iPod and iPhone Audio Input Cable for FM Radios

• The IS77 is designed to provide the connecting link between your audio source and your FM radio.
• Compatible with any Factory or Aftermarket FM Radio.Provides connection for an iPod dock for audio and charging.
• Using the supplied accessories, you can connect virtually any audio source into any FM equipped radio.
• (iS76)Provides universal 3.5mm input for virtually any audio device such as Zune, MP3 etc.
• Two connection options: Provides connection for iPod or a universal 3.5mm input for any audio device
• Supports battery charging for the iPod or iPhone
• Adjustable gain for optimal level matching
• Interrupts incoming antenna signal when in use for best sound performance
• Optional installation for video playback available

This unit lets me connect my iPod to my factory stereo that does not have an available AUX input. It comes with a cable to connect AND CHARGE your iPod as well as another cable to connect a standard 3.5mm plug. However, you can only connect one cable or the other to the single set of RCA connectors on the unit itself. Choosing one or the other will probably be fine for most people. But I wanted the option of using BOTH the iPod connector and the universal 3.5mm port. I overcame this by connecting two short RCA Y-cables (splitters) between the FM transmitter box and each of the cables that go to the iPod connector and the 3.5mm port. The Y-cables are inexpensive and easy to simply plug in. By doing this, I can take advantage of the capability of the iPod connector to charge my iPod (a huge plus for me) and also allow people with non-iPod devices (basically, anything with a heaphone jack) to connect to my factory stereo.

My only gripe is that since the sound is being transmitted via an FM modulator, even though it's hard-wired there is still a small amount of sound degradation even if you're connecting via the iPod connector. I quickly got used to it though. I liken it to listening to satellite radio versus a CD. The difference is about the same using this FM modulator.

I bought this at Best Buy for $90. I wish I had bought it from Amazon at the $55 price I see available now. If you're using this w/an iPod or any other device, please note that you control the music through the iPod itself or whatever other device you're connecting, not the stereo you're connecting it to. Personally I prefer controlling the music through the iPod itself since the controls are so intuitive and visual.

Installation of the wiring was pretty straight forward. I connected the power lead to the cigarette lighter.

Also, if you're installing this yourself, I recommend using it for a little while before you permanently mount the power switch and AUX port just in case you change your mind about the mounting location.

I would buy this again and also recommend it to other people. However, if your factory stereo has an unused AUX port on the back of it, I would recommend getting one of iSimple's other products that connect directly to the AUX port on the back of your stereo instead. (Mine is filled by the factory 6-CD changer.) You may lose the flexibility that I have since you'll have to choose between the iPod connector OR a 3.5mm port, but your audio signal shouldn't degrade since you're connecting through an unused AUX connector on the back of your stereo instead of going through an FM channel. I haven't actually compared the sound of the two, I'm just theorizing. You'll also get to control your iPod through the factory stereo which could be a plus for some people.

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I bought this because I have an 04 Dodge Ram with a factory in-dash 6 disk changer. I wanted to keep the factory stereo because it works well and it has steering wheel controls. If I bought an aftermarket deck to have an aux in, I would have to spend an additional $200 to have the steering wheel controls wired in with it. After checking with a local audio store, they told me that this auxiliary input was a good model. They sold it for $100 and I found it here on Amazon for about $50. I bought it so that I could use my Droid to stream pandora music through my stereo.

This kit feels like a quality unit. The cables and connectors feel firm and tight and the modulator feels solid as well. It comes with all the wires necessary to have an in-dash aux, or an I-pod connector that will charge the Ipod (or Iphone) I bought 2 RCA "Y"s so that I could plug BOTH cables in. I have the Ipod connector in my glove box (in case a passenger is with me and has an i-pod) and I installed the in-dash aux as well. I spliced the power for the modulator in with my cigarette lighter because it is switched with the ignition. All the wiring is fairly self-explanatory and it took me about 1 hour from start to finish.

After putting it all together and trying it out, it works very well! I can be listening to the radio and then flip on the power switch for the modulator. I hit "seek" down and it scans until it gets to the frequency that the modulator is set on. It really out-powers any other radio stations around that frequency. The sound quality from my droid is very good. There is no hiss at high volume when nothing is playing, and it cranks up plenty loud when music is playing. There doesn't seem to be any loss of power from this unit. When I want to listen to the radio, I just flip the switch off, and it's back to normal!

I will post in a few months about the reliability of the unit, but so far it seems to be great! I have posted some pictures of the install up in the images. It is a tan dash and the power switch and input are in the lower right corner

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Let me start out by saying the right way for true, high quality iPod integration is with an aftermarket radio. But, for those on a budget that want to listen to and charge their iPod, iPhone and yes, even their ipad2 (that's what I personally use it for) on a factory radio that doesn't have a possibility for an aux input, this is the way to go. Installation wasn't that difficult. The hardest thing was figuring out where to tap in to a 12v power supply. The other quirky thing about the install was drilling the hole in my dash for the switch. The instructions said it was a 9/16 hole which ended up being too small. You may want to drill a couple of test holes to figure out the size before modding you dash. Sound quality was ok. Very clear without any interference but not as crisp as a strong fm station. The highs don't really pop nor does the low end thump, but it was exceptable considering the alternatives. I was shocked that it actually docked and charged my ipad2 without any problems. Overall, I'd recommend it for those who want to keep their factory radio yet use their iproduct.

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This is a nice kit because of all the installation choices. I just installed it in my 1998 Civic with both the iPod dock connector in my center console and the 3.5mm female jack in a hole I drilled in my dashboard column. If you really need both options active all the time, get 2 of these: RiteAV RCA Splitter Male to Female. I'll use the iPod dock 99% of the time so I'm good connecting it that way only, and reaching under the dash to switch the connectors if I ever need the 3.5mm jack. The rest of the installation was easy as long as you can access some kind of accessory power that is switched on when the ignition or the stereo is on. I used the 12V cigarette lighter. Just gently splice the kit's power wires into those +12V and GND wires, and you're good. Then attach to your stereo's antenna connector. Then just stuff all the wires somewhere in the dash.

The iPod dock connector also charges your device, except for iPads -you'll see that "Not Charging" message.

The audio is decent. Levels are just a little lower than my factory installed CD player. And at high volume you'll hear a faint scratchy hum during silent periods. Also, the hi-frequency range is lower, so increasing the treble will help. Certainly not CD quality, but not bad for an FM modulator kit and for the price, and a good option for older cars and factory stereos. I'm very happy with it.

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Good product, minimal quality loss. Ipod charging is a big plus. I helped my brother install a competitors product in his truck. He paid half what I did, and had similar sound quality, but no Ipod connects. Good product if no other Ipod connection options are available.