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Scosche IPFMRDS

Play and charge your iPod® through any car stereo

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Item# 142IPFMRDS offer details

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Scosche

Our take on the Scosche IPFMRDS

Looking for a way to play your iPod in the car, plus keep it charged while you drive? The Scosche IPFMRDS iPod interface connects directly to your stereo's FM antenna, giving you great sound with minimal fuss. And your iPod stays charged as you drive, even newer 5-volt models.

The IPFMRDS interrupts the FM broadcast signal automatically whenever your iPod is connected, so no switch is needed. You connect your iPod using the included 30-pin connector and choose one of four FM frequencies to further protect against any interference. Use your iPod's click wheel to control your tunes and show song info on your compatible radio's display. Warranty: 1 year.

Please call an Advisor at 1-888-955-6000 to see if any antenna adapters or tools are needed to install this FM modulator. Or, enter your vehicle information, and we'll contact you before shipping your order if they're needed for installing this modulator in your vehicle.

Highlights:

  • wired FM modulator lets you play your iPod through any car stereo
  • Radio Data System (RDS) text feed sends song data to compatible displays
  • charges most iPods, including newer 5-volt models
  • four modulation frequencies
  • warranty: 1 year
  • Our 60-day money-back guarantee
 

Hands-on research from the Crutchfield Labs (what are the Labs?)

Product Research

Product Research
What's in the box?

  • iPod FM modulator
  • 20" Power/ground/antenna harness
  • 68" iPod cable with an iPod connector on one end and an 8-pin proprietary connector on other end
  • Instructions

Our Product Research Team

At Crutchfield, you'll get detailed, accurate information that's hard to find elsewhere. That's because we have our own in-house Product Research team — they open the box, verify contents, check the owner's manual, and record dimensions, features and specs. We stay on top of new products and technologies to help people make informed choices.

Features

Overview: The Scosche iPod FM Modulator (IPFMRDS) with RDS (Radio Data System) text feed allows you to connect your iPod directly to your vehicle's factory FM radio. The Scosche IPFMRDS provide iPod audio and text display for factory radios which are FM RDS compatible. The IPFMRDS will only provide iPod audio for factory FM radio's that do not offer RDS.

iPod Compatibility: The Scosche iPod FM Modulator with RDS text feed is compatible with the following iPod models (as of 3/20/2012):

iPod Model Generation Tested Version Media Type Control Type Display Type Charge
Audio Video Head Unit iPod/App Artist/Song Text Track Info
dock connector 3rd N/A N N N N N N N
clickwheel
color
4th N/A Y N N Y Y Y Y
mini 1st N/A Y N N Y Y Y Y
2nd N/A Y N N Y Y Y Y
video 5th 1.3 Y N N Y Y Y Y
classic 80GB 1.1.2 Y N N Y Y Y Y
120GB 2.0.1 Y N N Y Y Y Y
160GB 2.0.4 Y N N Y Y Y Y
nano 1st 1.3.1 Y N N Y Y Y Y
2nd 1.1.3 Y N N Y Y Y Y
3rd 1.1.3 Y N N Y Y Y Y
4th 1.0.4 Y N N Y Y Y Y
5th 1.0.2 Y N N Y Y Y Y
6th 1.1 PC Y N N Y Y Y Y
touch 1st 2.2.1 Y N N Y Y Y Y
2nd 4.2.1 Y N N Y Y Y Y
3rd 5.0.1 Y N N Y Y Y Y
4th 5.0.1 Y N N Y Y Y Y

Note: Apple iPod/iPhone software updates may change functionality results. If you download a newer software version, you may need to reset the head unit and your iPod/iPhone to regain functionality. If this doesn't work, you may need to revert to the older software version or wait until a newer software update is available.

No Control: The Scosche IPFMRDS provides no control over your iPod. Your iPod will still need to be controlled using the iPod's click-wheel or touch-screen.

iPod Text Display: Factory radios with RDS capability allow your connected iPod's currently playing song title and artist name to be displayed on radios LCD display.

Charging: The IPFMRDS interface automatically charges the battery of your iPod when connected.

FM Frequency Setting: The frequency selector switch (2 dip-switches) is located on the side of the interface and is used to set the optimal transmitting frequency. You can select from the following FM frequencies - 88.7, 93.3, 97.5, and 107.7.

Connections: The Scosche IPFMRDS features on round 8-pin proprietary port and one rectangular 12-pin proprietary port to connect the supplied iPod cable and power/ground/antenna harness. The power/ground/antenna harness consists of a 12-volt constant, 12-volt switch and 12-volt ground lead that will need to be hardwired to your vehicle's electrical system. This harness also includes a female motorola jack for connecting your factory antenna and a male motorola jack for connecting your factory radio. The iPod cable consists of a proprietary Apple iPod dock connector which plugs into your compatible iPod.

Note: Please check with the Crutchfield Vehicle Selector to see if antenna adapters are needed to install the IPFMRDS into your vehicle.

Mounting: The IPFMRDS features two integrated mounting flanges to secure the unit inside your vehicle.

 

Product Reviews

Review Summary

Average Customer Review:

22 people say:
(14)
(6)
(1)
(1)
(0)
 

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1-10 of 22 items >> Sort Results By: Date Reviewed | Rating | Helpfulness
 
5 out of 5

Great quality

Written By , Chicago, IL on Monday, April 05, 2010
Crutchfield Customer Review (What's this?)
Crutchfield Customer Review

The reviewer purchased this item from us, verified by the email address on the order.

 
I installed this on my 2000 MB E55, i have a navigation radio with the Bose sound. Replacing the radio would cost a lot more than i wanted to spend. I had found an adapter that used the fiber optics from the CD changer in the trunk to give you CD quality sound, however that adapter was $500.00. With this i get CD quality Sound and I only spent this much plus i had to get 2 adapters for the antenna. This was an easy install, I wired the power to the cigarette lighter. It has a switch so i don't have to worry about leaving the ipod connected and potentially drain my battery.

I am also very pleased with Crutchfield, great customer service, Hunter was very knowledgeable and was able to get me what I needed and with the 2 day Ground UPS, can't beat that.
6 out of 6 people found this helpful
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5 out of 5

Simple yet effective

Written By Ryan, Central Pennsylvania on Friday, February 05, 2010
Crutchfield Customer Review (What's this?)
Crutchfield Customer Review

The reviewer purchased this item from us, verified by the email address on the order.

 
Just installed this unit in our 2004 Cadillac SRX. I chose the wired FM modulator
because I figured it would be much easier to do everything up inside the dash instead of
running wires all over the car between the XM radio adapter as other iPod inputs do. I
was right- installation of this unit was very straightforward once you locate the proper
power feeds (this is a little more complicated on a Cadillac than on a standard car
stereo). Once everything was wired up and put back together, the unit works exactly as
described. The sound is very clear "CD quality" and the built-in charging is fantastic. I
am very pleased and am glad I chose this over the other options.
8 out of 8 people found this helpful
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5 out of 5

Scosche IPFMRDS

Written By Dave O, PA on Monday, April 11, 2011
Crutchfield Customer Review (What's this?)
Crutchfield Customer Review

The reviewer purchased this item from us, verified by the email address on the order.

 
It is great it works perfectly all the time !!!
1 out of 1 people found this helpful
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5 out of 5

Scosche IPFMRDS

Written By Dmitry, Mt Pocono, PA on Sunday, November 28, 2010
Crutchfield Customer Review (What's this?)
Crutchfield Customer Review

The reviewer purchased this item from us, verified by the email address on the order.

 
This is the only option to hook up iPod/iPhone to '05-'09 Subaru Legacy/Outback
with an auto climate control because there's no AUX input and no adapter to
install an aftermarket receiver.

The unit works great and broadcasts right over the radio station if it happens
to be on the same frequency (you can choose from the preset frequencies though).
Once the iPods is connected it automatically starts to play from the position
you left off so all you have to do is turn the radio on and plug in the iPod.

I see other reviewers complain about the audio quality but I find it sufficient
as it's about the same as or better than stereo FM radio station. Personally,
I'll take the convenience of using iPod instead of audio CDs over the sound quality.

The iPod connector is bulky so I have to take the case off my iPhone but I guess
it's made to be durable.

Your results may vary but i've been successfully using this FM adapter with
iPhone 3G and 4 listening to iPod app, Pandora app, and podcasts posted on the
web (via Safari app).
1 out of 1 people found this helpful
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5 out of 5

Works for Iphone

Written By John, Florida on Thursday, September 03, 2009
Crutchfield Customer Review (What's this?)
Crutchfield Customer Review

The reviewer purchased this item from us, verified by the email address on the order.

 
Got this for my wifes Expedition and Iphone. Total install time took about 15 minutes with Crutchfield support help. The Iphone wasn't listed as compatible, and when you plug it in, the Iphone actually says that this device isn't compatible, but if you just exit out of the message everything works fine. It will charge the Iphone and play stored music, Pandora, and phone calls through the car stereo speakers. Works great, and everything is hidden behind the dash.
13 out of 13 people found this helpful
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5 out of 5

Great iPod Adapter

Written By Jack, Atlanta on Sunday, July 26, 2009
Crutchfield Customer Review (What's this?)
Crutchfield Customer Review

The reviewer purchased this item from us, verified by the email address on the order.

 
This is a great option to add iPod to any car with FM radio.
I rated it a 5, but the bass is limited to the capability of the FM output - not the fault of this unit, but the limitation of the factory stereo - because no auxilliary input was available, which would have been my preferred choice.
My daughter wanted to play her iPod in her Mustang and wanted something better than the wireless FM transmitter. She has the factory MACH Radio and 6 CD In Dash Unit so a FM Modulator was the only option, since an auxilliary input was not available on her unit.
This is a great unit - she really loves it - works both with her iPod and iPhone!!! (I like it better than the dealer installed auxilliary iPod in my Jag.)
The RDS Text on the Radio Display and the iPod charging are great features that you don't get with other FM modulators that connect to the headphone jack. The cost is a little more than the other FM modulators, but it's nice if you have RDS and you don't have to worry with a charger.
The installation was simple and the Crutchfield vehicle specific install sheets were helpful. I tucked the unit up under the edge of the carpet next to the console using industrial strength velcro in case she needs to get to it to change the dip switches for the FM frequency when she goes to college in the fall. The cable to the iPod is plenty long and easily tucked up under the edge of the console.
180 out of 193 people found this helpful
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5 out of 5

Scosche IPFMRDS

Written By , RANBURNE AL on Monday, December 14, 2009
Crutchfield Customer Review (What's this?)
Crutchfield Customer Review

The reviewer purchased this item from us, verified by the email address on the order.

 
THIS WAS OUR ONLY CHOICE FOR OUR 03 EXPEDITION SINCE IT HAS THE 6CD
CHANGER IN DASH. QUICK AND EASY TO INSTALL JUST USED A FACTORY WIRING
DIAGRAM TO FIND THE RADIOS BATT. IGN. AND GROUND WIRES SPLICED THEM
RIGHT IN AND IT WENT TO WORKING. I COULD NOT BELIEVE THE SOUND QUALITY.
IT IS AS GOOD AS A CD. I AM GOING TO HAVE TO BUY ANOTHER ONE FOR MY
TRUCK NOW,
9 out of 10 people found this helpful
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5 out of 5

Works for me

Written By Jason, Monticello, MN on Friday, December 04, 2009
Crutchfield Customer Review (What's this?)
Crutchfield Customer Review

The reviewer purchased this item from us, verified by the email address on the order.

 
The device works well.

On the instalation, the only problem was to find a switched 12 volt feed. On my Trailblazer, the switched feed was not even 10 volts and would not work. But after you find it (or link the switced and the common feed wires together), it works as it says, plug in and play. Even with the problms I had initially hooking this up, A tech support person was there to assist and that was great being that you were never left hanging without a clue.
1 out of 2 people found this helpful
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5 out of 5

Sounds great!

Written By Colby, Arlington, VA on Tuesday, May 10, 2011
Crutchfield Customer Review (What's this?)
Crutchfield Customer Review

The reviewer purchased this item from us, verified by the email address on the order.

 
Bought this after bad experiences with a wireless FM modulator. Chevy Malibu didn't have the option for a hard-wired AUX cable for an ipod so I went with this. Other than the vehicle's ridiculous design for being able to access the radio, the installation was easy. The customer service tech helped me identify the ground and 12 volt wires. There was no ignition wire, but after checking with the rep it was determined that I could splice it with the 12 volt wire, too, as long as I unplugged the ipod after turning off the car so the battery wouldn't drain. Installation took about 2 hours, but this was mostly taking apart & putting back together the entire driver and passenger dashboards. Actual splicing and hooking up was pretty painless.

Sound is amazing, though. To me it even sounds better than the radio does. I heard it cut in and out a little bit in the city around taller buildings, but other than that no complaints. Great purchase.
2 out of 2 people found this helpful
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5 out of 5

Scosche IPFMRDS for 2007 Hyundai Sonata

Written By David, Huntersville, NC on Friday, January 13, 2012
 
I was tired of inferior sound quality coming from an FM wireless transmitter to listen to my i-Pod. I missed an auxilliary input by a year or two on the car model (2007 Hyundai Sonata). The Scosche IPFMRDS allowed a (relatively inexpensive) solution to provide near CD quality sound to the factory system.

Installation was pretty painless. Crutchfield's vehicle specific print-outs for radio removal instructions are fantastic. One nitpick is a phone call was needed to know which factory wires needed to be spliced; which I would have expected a wiring diagram to be included. Only 2 minutes of hold time to get an operator and a 1 minute talking. The most time consuming aspect of installation was getting the three factory wires exposed (being careful not to accidently cut)to splice. Total installation time for me was close to two hours.

It is a perk to have the device installed out of site yet accessable under the dash. I was able to feed the wire under the edge of the center console allowing the wire to be out of site as well. I can place the i-Pod in the center tray for easy access, or in the closed center console.

I only wish the factory radio was RDS to display artist/song-title information. It also takes a second or two switching between dedicated/overtaken radio station and releasing for local station listening.

Very pleased with performance and sound quality. I definitely recommend.
Pros:
Works Great. Sounds Great. Even Charges i-Pod.
Cons:
Volume at 90 - 95% Had to place a phone call to determine wires to splice
2 out of 2 people found this helpful
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1-10 of 22 items >>

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For a more in-depth review and enhanced detailed information on the Scosche IPFMRDS, please visit the Crutchfield website product page (/ISEO-rccbcspd/p_142IPFMRDS/Scosche-IPFMRDS.html ).

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