how do i use an mp3 player in car?

[rozia]

do i need special equipment, and is it expensive. thanks

[Mattk]

much more info needed but if the car is new e.g. only a few years it will be reasonably straight forward.

[Buenchico]

You simply need an FM transmitter.

You plug the lead from the transmitter into your MP3 player's headphone socket and press the buttons on the transmitter to choose a frequency which isn't used on your car radio. (In practice that means something either at the very top end of your car's VHF reception range, or at the very bottom of it). Then your car radio will simply see your MP3 player as an extra radio station at that frequency.

Such transmitters are widely available, including in most big supermarkets. However (unless your car hasn't got a cigar lighter socket) you should take care to choose one which plugs into the cigar lighter, rather than needing batteries to power it.

I've got one of these
http://asda.scene7.co...89244?hei=400&wid=400
but, annoyingly Asda no longer stock it (with their replacement product needing batteries):
http://direct.asda.co...mId=xtaqqlxt&istBid=t

Similarly, Tesco seem to have opted for a battery-powered model:
http://direct.tesco.c...&utm_content=209-0190

The best deal I can find on a transmitter powered from the cigar lighter (other than from suspect overseas sellers) is from Play.com:
http://www.play.com/M...t:3516493|prd:3516493

Chris

[vodkancoke]

I use this with my Ipod but I think you need to make sure you have an AUX connection in your stereo or somewhere in your car.

http://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/B00403TNHE

[Buenchico]

In case we've combined to confuse you, Rozia, I'll point out that Vodkancoke's answer applies if you've got an 'Aux' socket on your car radio (in which case you simply set the radio the receive 'Aux', rather than a particular waveband), whereas my answer applies if you've not got such a socket.

[Mattk]

It should also be pointed out that fm transmitters are not without issues particularly in cities and on long journeys through differing radio reception areas.

[Buenchico]

Fair enough, Mattk, but the problems often relate to people selecting a radio frequency which isn't used by broadcasters in their local area but is used somewhere along their route.

However UK broadcasters don't use the very bottom end (or the very top end) of the FM range available on most car radios (and with most FM transmitters). Selecting either the very lowest, or very highest, frequency available on both devices should solve the problem.

[Mattk]

I think I might give that Nokia one a go as I also wanted a cheap way of doing it but was always warned off of the transmitter route.

Would it only run from the lighter socket or would it most likely use batteries too? I ask as on long journeys our Sat Nav uses this socket.

[jomifl]

use a multi adaptor in you cigar lighter socket.

[Mattk]

jomifl, didn't know such a thing existed...always learning!

[bednobs]

i thought those fm transmitters were illegal to use?

[rozia]

http://www.play.com/M...t:3516493|prd:3516493

so this one goes into fag lighter, and one end goes to mp3 player and where does the other end go, i can see 2 leads thanks everyone, im so excited now

[rozia]

http://www.argos.co.u...3ESONY+MP3+PLAYER.htm

this is the one i have.

[Buenchico]

That model from Play.com has two leads. One of them is for the output from any suitable device (such as an MP3 player), while the other one is designed for simultaneously charging a Nokia mobile phone. (You could simply leave that not plugged in).

Also try searching Amazon for 'fm transmitter'. There are some apparent bargains there!
Amazon.co.uk User Recommendation

[blueboy89909]

no you just need a car stereo with a audio input , mine has one at the front and its like a small headphone socket connection and then yu get a double ended lead with headphone jacks on each end then connect one end to the mp3 then the other to the stereo, then oput the option on stereo to audio output then bobs your uncle