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Scosche IPFMRDS

Play and charge your iPod® through any car stereo

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  • Scosche IPFMRDS

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  • Scosche IPFMRDS
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Item# 142IPFMRDS offer details

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Our take on the Scosche IPFMRDS

by Zak Billmeier

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.

See more info on this item

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?)

What’s in the box? | In-depth notes

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

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Reviews for the Scosche IPFMRDS

Average Customer Review:

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4 out of 5

Great Product but...

Written By Hunter, Greenwich, CT on Sunday, April 14, 2013
 
This product is a '5' except for the issue below. It has very good sound and does what it says. To be clear, here's exactly how it works: Normally you listen to the radio, but when you want to listen to your iPod you tune the radio to one of two frequencies the Scosche works on (I have one of them set to a preset). You then hear hiss until you plug your iPod in. Or if you plug your iPod in first, you lose the FM antenna and whatever station you were listening to turns to static until you tune to the Scosche's frequency. Press play on your iPod and listen to music. If your radio is RDS, you'll see the song and artist name.

I just got an iPhone 5: It DOES NOT support the 5. I bought a 30 pin to lightning connector adaptor and no go. So if you have an iPhone 5 you are out of luck.
Pros:
Easy to install, very good sound, works as advertised, fair price. The Alpine version is only $100, though.
Cons:
Not compatible with iPhone 5 & lightning adapter
1 out of 1 people found this helpful
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2 out of 5

Adequate, not for audiophiles

Written By CB, Connecticut on Thursday, March 07, 2013
Crutchfield Customer Review (What's this?)
 
Fairly easy to set up and install if you have the right antenna adapters for your radio. If your radio and antenna use motorola jacks, you don't need anything else. If you have a european car or some others, you will need adapters. I had to research the adapters I needed on my own and then call back. Crutchfield did supply them free of charge. Sound quality is fairly poor. The FM transmission tends to overmodulate from time to time. I would compare the sound quality to a distant FM signal over the air. It is nowhere near CD quality, not even close. If this is the only available option (it was for me), it's adequate. If you have any other choice (any kind of direct connection), do that instead.
Pros:
Small, easy to install.
Cons:
Poor sound quality, instructions are lacking.
1 out of 1 people found this helpful
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5 out of 5

Great Product

Written By Ron, Somerset, MA, Somerset, Massachusetts on Wednesday, August 01, 2012
Installed in a 2006 Subaru Outback
Crutchfield Customer Review (What's this?)
 
I bought this product after trying to use one of those that just transmits a low level FM signal for reception by my car radio. I didn't want to have to hard wire it to my auto auto radio antenna. That approach provided horrible performance. Signals from nearby FM stations were always causing interference to what I wanted to listen to on my iPodtouch. The Scosche IPFMRDS, while requiring a little more effort to install (it had to be hard wired), has provided exceptional, performance. I strongly recommend that you consider this product.
Pros:
Clear, enjoyable reception that is not subject to FM radio interference from nearby radio stations.
Cons:
Installation might be challenging to some but Cruchfield's instructions if followed closely/carefully should get most people through the task.
4 out of 4 people found this helpful
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2 out of 5

OK, but far from great.

Written By Isaiah, Austin, TX on Wednesday, June 06, 2012
Installed in a 2006 Porsche 911
Crutchfield Customer Review (What's this?)
 
Installation wasn't too bad. There were no instructions for my car here at Crutchfield, but there were plenty around online at other places. The only real challenge was the antenna connector. I did not realize that most newer european cars have a newer connector -- and the Crutchfield website didn't inform me either. After getting my dash taken apart I found this out. So, I put it all back together, waited a few days while the adapter was shipped, then finished the job. Although a bit of chore, and I had to do it twice, the install was pretty easy. My biggest disappointment is the audio quality. Perhaps my stereo is filtering the FM band? Or perhaps that's just as much bandwidth as an FM antenna connection can get? But the audio sounds muffled, stripped of highs and lows, and clearly clips and distorts at even moderate bass sections. Plenty loud, though -- loud crappy audio -- yeah!

Does it work? Yes. Was it easy to install? Yes. But it sure sounds terrible.

There are few other iPod options for my car. And the others are astronomically expensive. So for me it was this or nothing. If I had it to do over again, I'd simply go without. I like the sound of my engine more than this thing.
Pros:
Cheap. Functional.
Cons:
Like listening to your iPod through earmuffs. Will make your subwoofer sad and useless.
7 out of 8 people found this helpful
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5 out of 5

Scosche IPFMRDS

Written By Angel R, El Paso, TX on Sunday, April 29, 2012
Installed in a 2008 Mitsubishi Eclipse
Crutchfield Customer Review (What's this?)
 
Great item, I love the one purchased for my car and have installed one in every one of my kids cars. Easy installation, instructions are included and quality of sound if great.
Pros:
Great sound quality
Cons:
None
3 out of 3 people found this helpful
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4 out of 5

Scosche IPOD interface

Written By Waltair, Westfield Ma. on Saturday, April 14, 2012
Installed in a 2007 Volvo S40
Crutchfield Customer Review (What's this?)
 
My recent purchase of the Scosche IPFMRDS did not go as planned, there was just no way to install it in a 2007 Volvo. That said the product was great in all aspects, I would give it 5 stars if it somehow interfaced with a 07 volvo. Crutchfields customer service is second to none. On contacting customer service and with tech support guidance we decided the best thing was to return the item, no problem and they even emailed me a shipping lable. Where have you seen service like that recently. Crutchfield, products, service and pricing. buy with confidence.
5 out of 5 people found this helpful
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5 out of 5

Wonderful Component

Written By DavidP, Milford, IN on Saturday, January 28, 2012
Installed in a 2007 Pontiac G6
Crutchfield Customer Review (What's this?)
 
I am very satisfied with this product. It works well as advertised. When the iPod is on, the radio station blocks out. The radio station operates as normal without any noticeable difference from before when the iPod is off. The song info doesn't really show up very well on the radio display...the info switches back to clock before any significant info can be read. I think that is a problem with the car radio, though. I installed it on a 2007 Pontiac G6. The music from the iPod sounds great! When I first tried to install it, I didn't have the correct cable adapters to hook into the car's radio, but Crutchfield understood the problem and sent me the adapters at no charge. While talking with them, they also gave me good advice on where to splice in the power/ground/ignition wires into the existing radio.
Pros:
Works well. Don't have to replace the entire stereo to hook up your iPod. Sounds great! The connection to the iPod is very durable.
Cons:
only works with Apple products, not any general mp3
7 out of 7 people found this helpful
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4 out of 5

One small flaw and one medium one...

Written By Daniele C., Lewiston, ME on Wednesday, January 18, 2012
Crutchfield Customer Review (What's this?)
 
After spending some time researching online and then having a very friendly and helpful conversation with a Crutchfield customer service rep, I ordered this product. I had a local vendor install it for me, which he did in about 30 minutes with no difficulty.

The small flaw is that, depending on where I am in the state (or out of it), I sometimes have to tweak the radio station by one entry to get my iPod to play through the radio. So, instead of one station, I use 2, depending on the length and/or location of my car ride.

The medium flaw is that, while the item charges my iPhone (4S, Verizon), it doesn't do anything else with it-- doesn't play music, doesn't allow me to project phone conversations, nothing. It does, however, work with my 4th generation iPod Photo, the installer's Nano, and his coworker's iTouch. So the flaw is really with my iPhone, not the product. But if that's what you want the product for, it won't work.

All things considered, however, I'm still thrilled with this product. I had previously been using an FM transmitter that plugged into my AC outlet, which subsequently would blow a fuse when the housing got pulled out every time I needed to take out the FM transmitter to use the outlet to charge something else (a phone, a GPS). Since I own a 2004 Subaru Forester, this was my best option to have an MP3 port hooked directly into my stereo's sound system. Stupid Subaru stereo design.
7 out of 7 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
4 out of 4 people found this helpful
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5 out of 5

2005 Chevy Classic (Malibu)

Written By Scott M, Texas on Saturday, January 07, 2012
Installed in a 2005 Chevrolet Malibu (Classic)
Crutchfield Customer Review (What's this?)
 
Installed this on my 2005 Chevy Classic (Malibu). Works well. Spliced the red ("switch power") wire with an orange one from the ignition switch; such that the red gets 12V when the key is in the ON position. Works great so far! I love being able to have my iPhone charge and play music through the car speakers. If you get his product for a GM car, be sure and have a crutchfield rep. help you get the right antenna adapters.
2 out of 2 people found this helpful
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3 out of 5

Scosche IPFMRDS

Written By JohnD, Auburn Hills, MI on Tuesday, June 28, 2011
Crutchfield Customer Review (What's this?)
 
I purchased an IPFMRDS from Crutchfield for use with my IPOD NANO 5th Generation. Unfortunately it didn't work. I had Crutchfield send me another IPFMRDS thinking maybe I had a bad unit, it didn't work either. I am very confident that I have it connected properly and all of the settings on the IPFMRDS and the radio are correct. Crutchfield suggested I try another IPOD. One of my co-workers has an IPOD Touch which worked perfectly with the IPFMRDS. I then was able to try another IPOD NANO 5th Gen. and it also did NOT work.

If anyone has an idea how to get an IPOD NANO 5th Gen to work with this device I'd like to know. If I do get it working I'll update my review.
2 out of 2 people found this helpful
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5 out of 5

Perfect for classic cars

Written By BobbyR, Cincinnati, OH on Wednesday, May 25, 2011
Installed in a 1986 BMW 735I
Crutchfield Customer Review (What's this?)
 
I purchased this product about a year ago to install in my 1986 BMW 7 series with factory stereo. The instructions sent were a bit lacking, but once I called support, he somehow found wiring diagrams with wire colors that he not only emailed to me, but then stayed on the speaker phone to walk me through the splice to the power. It works perfectly and sounds better than the FM signal on my old radio. The signal remained very strong during a cross-country drive from Cincy to Denver and back. In fact, at one stop I turned off the iPod with the radio still on and suddenly a strong jazz station came through... point is, this totally cut out the radio station. I am buying another one now to install in my 1978 Jeep CJ-5 with factory stereo for another cross-country trip this summer.
6 out of 6 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?)
 
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.
4 out of 4 people found this helpful
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4 out of 5

Works well in the Forester

Written By BK, Michigan on Sunday, April 17, 2011
Crutchfield Customer Review (What's this?)
 
This product works well with my 2006 Forester that has a 6 CD changer. The
sound is good and it is easy to use inside the car. My only issue is that my iPhone
has a bumper case and the plug does not stay connected if the case is on. I'm
planning on using a dremel tool to widen the mouth of the bumper case so that this
does not continue to be an issue. Overall, I am satisfied with the purchase.
2 out of 2 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?)
 
It is great it works perfectly all the time !!!
1 out of 1 people found this helpful
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4 out of 5

Best option short of replacing the whole stereo

Written By surlyrider, Oradell, NJ on Tuesday, February 22, 2011
Crutchfield Customer Review (What's this?)
 
My wife's Miata has the OEM stereo, which lacks the ability to add an iPod jack. I
purchased this converter, and finally installed it Sunday.

I also found the instructions to be a bit lacking. There are two power supply wires, and
one ground. I worked hard to get to the stereo harness behind the stereo for over an
hour. I cut my hands nicely on the sharp edges of the Miata, and was a wire probing
madman.

I finally decided to just tap into two power lines that were controlled by the ignition
switch,and I was in business. The iPod came right on, and the sound quality was
acceptable. Total; installation time should be less than an hour, even if you stop to talk to
neighbors.
3 out of 4 people found this helpful
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4 out of 5

Works perfectly

Written By Floyd, Middletown, NJ on Monday, January 17, 2011
Crutchfield Customer Review (What's this?)
 
The device works exactly as expected.

The installation instructions did not explain what wires to connect to for power
so I had to call tech support. The installation instructions were also not
correct in one place (pictures didn't match my car) and tech support insisted
that I was wrong, but since he didn't have access to a "correct" car and he
didn't want to see pictures of what I was seeing, we just ended up agreeing to
disagree. But that didn't seem to affect the outcome of the installation, though
it was a little frustrating.
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?)
 
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).
3 out of 3 people found this helpful
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5 out of 5

Great quality

Written By Anonymous, Chicago, IL on Monday, April 05, 2010
Installed in a 2000 Mercedes-Benz E-Class
Crutchfield Customer Review (What's this?)
 
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.
9 out of 9 people found this helpful
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4 out of 5

Scosche IPFMRDS

Written By Mike, Concord, CA on Wednesday, February 24, 2010
Crutchfield Customer Review (What's this?)
 
This is a great unit. Easy to install and I would recommend this unit to anyone that is looking for an ipod adapter solution
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