RediRad - AUX input for Craig Radio

[DavidProehl]

Has anyone tried a RediRad (http://www.rediscoveradio.com/NewVers_ZenCart/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=1&products_id=6&zenid=94616752aad40cb94952256ef5c871c0) or a device like it on your Craig? The idea is that it plugs into your FM antenna input on the back of the radio, supposedly allowing clear audio. It is still an FM signal rather than true AUX input, but doesn't require modifications to the radio at all.

I'm (very) slowly upgrading my stereo system and this seems like it might be a good alternative to shipping my radio somewhere to have it modified. I'm sure it isn't as clear as a true AUX mod, but curious if this setup works as well as they claim.

23143

[DavidProehl]

Looks like there are a couple products like this, here is one (http://www.amazon.com/Scosche-FM-MOD02-Universal-Modulator-Satellite/dp/B001QBG614) that is about 1/3 the price at $34:

23147

[DMCMW Dave]

The DMC labeled version is not available any more but there are zillion others out there. http://store.delorean.com/p-10466-dmc-mp3-fm-transmitter.aspx

It just plugs into the cigar lighter, connects to your phone/ipod other mp3 player etc. and broadcast the signal on FM. Not quite as elegant as a wire-in, but typically very inexpensive.

google "fm modulator"

[DavidProehl]

Yes, I am using one of the wireless ones now, but have a lot of static at times. I'm hoping that something wired in like this would be clearer.

[sdg3205]

Yes, I am using one of the wireless ones now, but have a lot of static at times. I'm hoping that something wired in like this would be clearer.

Since you'd be unplugging the antenna, I'd guess there would be less static. As long as there are competing local signals of varying strength, there might still be some interference. My recollection is having to adjust signal bandwidth constantly to find the clearest station.

But hey, give it a try! for $30?!

[ALEXAKOS]

I'd rather install this somewhere (http://www.ebay.com/itm/DC-5V-3W-MP3-decoder-player-AUX-FM-radio-Stereo-amplifier-Bluetooth-Audio-Module-/261332985840?pt=Other_MP3_Players&var=&hash=item3cd8a8e7f0) hidden.

http://i.ebayimg.com/t/DC-5V-3W-MP3-decoder-player-AUX-FM-radio-Stereo-amplifier-Bluetooth-Audio-Module-/00/s/NzUwWDE1MDA=/z/10wAAOxy4t1SiiMX/$_57.JPG
A fellow member has done a GREAT job hiding it in the ashtray...if you're not smoking! :smoke1:

[DavidProehl]

Since you'd be unplugging the antenna, I'd guess there would be less static. As long as there are competing local signals of varying strength, there might still be some interference. My recollection is having to adjust signal bandwidth constantly to find the clearest station.

But hey, give it a try! for $30?!

I would expect nearly no static right? No antenna and a solid wired signal coming from the audio source (MP3 player). I think I'll be giving this unit a try, like you said, for $30 I can afford for it to be garbage and it may be a big win.



I'd rather install this somewhere (http://www.ebay.com/itm/DC-5V-3W-MP3-decoder-player-AUX-FM-radio-Stereo-amplifier-Bluetooth-Audio-Module-/261332985840?pt=Other_MP3_Players&var=&hash=item3cd8a8e7f0) hidden.
A fellow member has done a GREAT job hiding it in the ashtray...if you're not smoking! :smoke1:

That is cool! Looks like it connects over a wireless FM signal or wired directly to an amp? I'd prefer to do a wired connection to the Craig, but I can see how it would be nice to have the Bluetooth audio connection.

[ALEXAKOS]

Plus a sd memory card!!! Much handier in loading music.

David is right! I would avoid any FM linking. The noise may be difficult to avoid.


Sent from a mobile device. Please excuse typos etc

[rdarlington]

I would expect nearly no static right? No antenna and a solid wired signal coming from the audio source (MP3 player).


There should be no static at all. Even the tiniest RF signal injected directly into the antenna line is going to be far more powerful than any signal hitting the antenna of the car. You have no 1/(r^2) losses in signal to deal with. If they designed the thing right they should be switching the main car antenna out of the circuit entirely while it's on, otherwise you'd be broadcasting your signal (even if it's very very tiny).

-Bob

[jwrayth]

I installed a wired FM Modulator into 4494. I had used a Wireless modulator when I initially picked up the car, but my rear-mounted antenna meant I could never seem to find a good place to seat the module and get a constant signal. Then the radio antenna snapped off on the M25 and started bashing against the stainless, so I had to sever it entirely.

The wired modulator works great, with very little/no static most of the time. Not as clear as a direct AUX port would be, but if you aren't up to the task of modifying your head-unit (or replacing) then the wired modulator is a great solution. I had wanted to remove the CD changer the previous owner installed anyway, so I had the centre console out and fitted the modulator as I removed the CD-Changer. All in all about 30 minutes of work.

Fire me a PM if you have further questions :)

[DavidProehl]

Fire me a PM if you have further questions :)

Thanks for the offer! I may have to take you up on that! Any suggestions on brands? I'm finding a few, but now leaning toward iSimple (http://www.isimplesolutions.com/product.aspx?zpid=533), they seem to be the most popular on Amazon.

[Notifier]

I have the Scosche one pictured in post #2 in a GMC Canyon hooked up to my Sirius/XM unit and it works. I do get some engine noise from it but that may just be the vehicle - because I had it in a Ford Ranger once and didn't have any engine noise. I did install an inline noise filter on the +12v and it did help but didn't eliminate it completely. I also ended up removing the antenna from the outside of the vehicle because it only allows two stations to be selected (somewhere around the 88mhz range) and they were both rather strong signals in my area. I never listen to regular radio anyway so it was not a problem for me. I believe it was an "inexpensive" one, if I had to buy another I would probably shop around first to see if I could find one a little better quality. Or at least one that had more than two frequencies to choose from. But in a pinch would buy it again.

I would definitely stay away from the wireless type. If you are in an area with a lot of stations, you will be fighting for a clear frequency to use. And if you do find one, everyone else and their mother will be using the same frequency. I used one for two days and threw it in the trash after hearing everyone's music except my own! The fun thing was I got to hear what the guy next to me was listening to! But their transmitting power is limited and open to too much interference.

[RediRad_Matt]

Has anyone tried a RediRad (http://www.rediscoveradio.com/NewVers_ZenCart/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=1&products_id=6&zenid=94616752aad40cb94952256ef5c871c0) or a device like it on your Craig? The idea is that it plugs into your FM antenna input on the back of the radio, supposedly allowing clear audio. It is still an FM signal rather than true AUX input, but doesn't require modifications to the radio at all.

I'm (very) slowly upgrading my stereo system and this seems like it might be a good alternative to shipping my radio somewhere to have it modified. I'm sure it isn't as clear as a true AUX mod, but curious if this setup works as well as they claim.

23143

Hello, David & the group:

Although I am a Pontiac collector, I "lurk" around a lot of car forums and saw your post. I am the inventor of the RediRad and if I may, I would like to chime in on the options on the market. For AM-FM radios, there are several 'modulators' on the market and you guys have captured the popular ones out there.

As captured above, the 'wireless' modulators are just a waste of money and the aggravation you will feel from poor performance (sound quality) will be apparent almost immediately. On to 'direct-connected' modulators...

While the RediRad-FM @ $99 is on the high-end of the price spectrum, there is much more value vs. the cheap alternatives. First off, the RediRad-FM is American-made at a small business and we take customer SATISFACTION seriously. Second, and UNlike the Scoche FM modulator, RediRads have automatic detection from your external source; there is no external on-off switch (therefore no holes to drill) which means neither the casual observer (nor car show judge) can tell that you have an AUX-input on a stock audio system. Third, unlike a radio 'conversion', vehicle originality (and therefore value) is maximized when you use the RediRad-FM because it does not invade the car or its radio. If you sell the car, you can keep your RediRad-FM for the next one. Fourth, the RediRad-FM has a no-hassle, money-back guarantee: Try it for a couple of months. If you decide it's not your cup of tea, send it back. I could go on but the probably the best reason to consider a RediRad-FM is that you can call and talk with me (the inventor, who is both a rabid car-guy and a radio/antenna engineer) if you have technical questions.

I suppose a potential down-side to the RediRad is that the stereo input cable is 3.5mm (1/8") and a few devices out there (some smart phones, for example) use the 2.5mm connector so you would need a 2.5 to 3.5 adapter (runs around $10 on Amazon). The Rediad is also not USB-direct capable. The reason is that very few portable devices have a USB plug but nearly all portable devices have a headphone jack.

Anyway, thanks for letting me introduce both myself and the RediRad-FM from Brew City Engineering.

If you have questions, feel free to post them here or call me. My office hours are 8 - 4 central time.

Respectfully,
~Matt Planning
262 646 3363

[Mark D]

When I first got my DeLorean I was using a wireless FM transmitter with my iPod and was pretty discouraged with how bad the sound quality was. I always seemed to get static that would come and go. The RediRad sounds like a much better alternative. I like auto sensing feature so you don't have to try and hide a switch somewhere. I'll be adding this to my christmas list for this year :thumbup2:

[RediRad_Matt]

Hey folks, this is Matt, inventor of the RediRad.

I am bringing this old thread back up because I want to thank everyone's patronage over the years.

In the time since this thread was originally posted, we at RediRad have sincerely listened to our customers, and have made product improvements while keeping it American-made and not raising the retail price. More about us at http://redirad.com ... thanks again for supporting an American small business.

Any RediRad questions, feel free to ask me. Either reply here or contact me thru the RediRad site.

All the best to you!

[mrpeterman]

Giving this thread a bump.
Installed Matt's RediRad into 1596 because I wanted Aux in but also leave the stock Craig unchanged.

Installation was a breeze (though I had the interior apart at the time for cleaning) and the music quality from my iphone sounded great with Pioneer TS-A4103 rears + Kenwood KFC835C fronts. Installing a stealth female to female connection in the ashtray to keep the car looking stock.

A little pricier then other similar solutions, but I feel build quality and made in USA makes up for it. A+

[DavidProehl]

After I added my FM modulator I connected it directly to a bluetooth car adapter, specifically this Himbox one (https://www.amazon.com/iClever-Bluetooth-Hands-free-Reduction-Multi-Point/dp/B01M6WUHFR?th=1). I wired power to the FM modulator & bluetooth adapter to a switch installed in one of my dummy switch spots next to the window switch. Now, when I want to listen to music via bluetooth I just flip the dummy switch and my phone starts playing. The bluetooth unit has a magnet on it that sticks under the steering column, out of the way and invisible but still accessible for advancing tracks forward and back by a button press.

I love it! Stock radio with no wiring modifications but still have bluetooth audio and hands free calling!

One caveat - I initially had a high pitched noise with this setup for nearly a year until I realized I needed a ground loop isolator between the FM modulator and my bluetooth receiver. Thankfully they are only $10 and work great (https://www.amazon.com/Mpow-Ground-Isolator-Stereo-System/dp/B019393MV2). No more noise!

[RediRad_Matt]

Giving this thread a bump.
Installed Matt's RediRad into 1596 because I wanted Aux in but also leave the stock Craig unchanged.

Installation was a breeze (though I had the interior apart at the time for cleaning) and the music quality from my iphone sounded great with Pioneer TS-A4103 rears + Kenwood KFC835C fronts. Installing a stealth female to female connection in the ashtray to keep the car looking stock.

A little pricier then other similar solutions, but I feel build quality and made in USA makes up for it. A+

Thank you for the user feedback, mrpeterman!

All the best to the DMC faithful. J.D. was still learning the ropes when he was overseeing the cars I build and DRIVE.

[Boxbot]

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