Reddit reviews iSimple IS31 Antenna Bypass FM Modulator for Factory or Aftermarket Car Radios
We found 70 Reddit comments about iSimple IS31 Antenna Bypass FM Modulator for Factory or Aftermarket Car Radios. Here are the top ones, ranked by their Reddit score.
Universal aux audio input for all FM radiosSimply flip the switch.Selectable operating frequencies 87.9 MHz and 88.3 MHzEnjoy the clear, clean audio, Car radio aux input has a sleek, compact designAntenna bypass FM modulator, Play almost any portable device directly through your radioAudio connections and docking cables sold separatelyUniversal aux audio input for all FM radios
Bought this for my car and worked great until I upgraded the stock radio. You might need a antenna adapter though.
Totally not answering your question, but if you're sick of using an FM transmitter, but don't want to swap your radio, you can use an FM bypass/injector/modulator. Basically, it's a box that sits between your car's antenna and the radio, then overrides the signal for a specific station.
Your radio keeps working normally, but when you tune to a specific station, it'll be your phone. Since it's not actually transmitting, you don't have to fight with local radio signals.
Here's one on Amazon for $26 with decent reviews: https://www.amazon.com/iSimple-IS31-Antenna-Modulator-Aftermarket/dp/B002U5XPBE
They make hard wired fm transmitters that are for people like yourself. Goes in line with the antenna and you plug it into your phone (or bluetooth). Like this It physically cuts out the antenna and directly connects your phone with a flip of a switch. You just need two Volvo antenna adapters.
If the radio doesn't have an "AUX" mode, then this really isn't possible to do. Given your car is a 2000, it's highly unlikely an AUX port was even an option.Two solid alternatives:
Hope this helps!
Posting from mobile is difficult. Anyway. $25 and 2 hours of work later I have an aux jack with no exposed wires other than the cable itself hardwired into the radio without any crazy soldering necessary. Even has an on off switch to make things super easy. http://i.imgur.com/kHSWDAJ.jpg
This is the device I used. http://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B002U5XPBE/ref=mp_s_a_1_1?qid=1413954167&sr=8-1&pi=SY200_QL40
You can get one of those in-line FM modulator-type devices. You plug it in between your antenna and stock radio and then it has an aux input on it and a switch between playing music from radio or the aux input.
Edit: Here's a decent looking one on Amazon: FM MODULATOR
Although it's a pretty generic switch, I'm pretty sure it's this. I have the exact same switch as OP in my car. This was the model I got: http://www.amazon.com/iSimple-IS31-Antenna-Modulator-Aftermarket/dp/B002U5XPBE/
You can test if this is the case by either pulling out the radio system, checking around for an AUX, or turning the radio on then turning on the switch to see if the radio cuts out or quality significantly deteriorates.
If this is the case, you can find the exact station for the AUX input by either looking on the box behind the system, or plugging your phone into the AUX, turning the switch on, then tune through all the stations.
The FM transmitter works pretty well, but if you want something more permanent/powerful, you could try something like this, which plugs directly into your car radio's antenna jack.
You may want to consider an FM modulator rather than a transmitter.
It's a bit more complicated to install, and it costs a few bucks more, but well worth it. The difference in sound quality between a transmitter and a modulator is very noticeable.
I wouldn't do the cassette thing... I'd get a $25 iSimple IS31 direct wired Antenna Bypass FM Modulator.
I don't have any experience going through someone else, as I'm more of the DIY kind of person. However, there are DIY options that don't involve cutting wires if that's your concern. This one, intercepts your antenna wire and is Plug-N-Play: http://www.amazon.com/iSimple-IS31-Antenna-Modulator-Aftermarket/dp/B002U5XPBE#
If your car has a spot for a cd changer on the back of the radio, this is a AUX to CD changer adapter that is also Plug-N-Play. Just plugs right into the back of the stock radio. http://m.ebay.com/itm/161184160443?cmd=VIDESC&gxo=true
OK I totally forgot about these. It hooks into your fm antennae input. Pretty easy if you can do basic mods like drilling a hole for the switch. .. I suggest running it to your aux switch slots that most trucks have. Take pics of the interior if i don't make sense
http://www.amazon.com/iSimple-IS31-Antenna-Modulator-Aftermarket/dp/B002U5XPBE/ref=sr_1_1?s=car&ie=UTF8&qid=1449797521&sr=8-1&keywords=Fm+bypass+aux
Put one of these on my Chrysler, and I'm 70 yo
I used to own a 98 Civic EX with one of these. The audio quality was significantly better than an FM transmitter and I think it cost me $70 total (including professional installation) at a local car stereo place.
If you don't want to replace your radio, but really want an aux cord - this is the best choice. It plugs into your antenna and won't get bleed through unless you're under the station.
My truck is a 2004.i got one of these for it. Works great.
iSimple IS31 Antenna Bypass FM Modulator for Factory or Aftermarket Car Radios https://www.amazon.com/dp/B002U5XPBE/ref=cm_sw_r_other_awd_71FAwb3SGXGJA
/u/Doug-demuro you need an fm transmitter that connects between your head unit and antenna plug and is powered. You can plug into he transmitted via aux or use a Bluetooth adapter. I get 0 interference.
I use this one and have 0 complaints other than the slightly more tedious initial install. https://www.amazon.com/dp/B002U5XPBE/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_yfPuzb0M9NP1A
A little quick research shows these things.
Speakers...
That "thing under the passenger seat" is the factory JBL amplifier. There are kits now that will either bypass that factory amp or interface with it, depending on what you want. If you bypass it, your factory subwoofer goes away. Again, Crutchfield research.
Shout out to Real Time Audio & Accessories for their work. They're a touch north of Gwinnett, but close enough and not far off of I-985 at Spout Springs.
​
Have fun with it and good luck.
​
avoid transmitters.
Get a modulator
I had one very similar to this in my SVT Focus, worked awesome. It puts in line with your radio's antenna and uses a modulator frequency that will interrupt radio signal (for the one linked 87.9 or 88.3), and will play audio from a AUX or 3.5MM audio cable.
The sound quality is identical to a perfectly clear FM channel, and will never give you anything different, FM transmitters are the devil, they constantly change in signal quality just because of how low power their broadcast is.
There are aux inputs that you physically plug between the radio and the FM antenna. Like this:
https://www.amazon.com/iSimple-IS31-Antenna-Modulator-Aftermarket/dp/B002U5XPBE
Something like this might work better if you intend on keeping the factory radio.
What you mean is an FM modulator... like this: http://www.amazon.com/iSimple-IS31-Antenna-Modulator-Aftermarket/dp/B002U5XPBE
I had one, and they sound like shit, but you can add an AUX to a radio system that didn't previously have one.
Sounds like you used a cheap inductor-based LOC and you're getting some EMI. But honestly I can't even blame the LOC so much as tell you FM transmitters suck ass in general. I'd at least move to a HARDWIRED FM modulator. Works with any head unit that has FM radio. 12V switched and ground, plug in the antenna connections, flip the switch, done. Bye bye transmitter garbage.
Wired FM modulator. Works with any car and you won't get the drop in quality you would get with a wireless transmitter.
Switching to a wired RF modulator would take care of that. It's the same idea, except instead of trying to drown out the antenna signal with a weak broadcast of its own, the modulator is connected directly to the antenna port of the stereo.
You'll have to connect it to the antenna input of your car stereo, which is a little more work than using one of the crappy wireless transmitters... but it's not rocket science either. The hard part is almost always getting to the back of the stereo.
https://www.amazon.com/iSimple-IS31-Antenna-Modulator-Aftermarket/dp/B002U5XPBE
I have one of these and I adore it. It can be attached to any car stereo with an fm antenna port, and can provide you with an rca-in. There are a few models that allow Bluetooth too, but they climb up in cost. :)
There is a system that I've seen that intercepts the antenna plug into the stock radio, and connects via an aux cord or Bluetooth to a phone. When the radio is set to a given frequency it channels into the adapter and streams your music as though it was broadcast like any other radio station. It offers a higher quality sound and is generally more reliable than a traditional fm transmitter, and requires no real alteration.
Here is one on Amazon:
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B002U5XPBE/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_awdb_5TspybXTJD4VB
One of these:
iSimple IS31 Antenna Bypass FM Modulator for Factory or Aftermarket Car Radios https://www.amazon.com/dp/B002U5XPBE/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_i_k2YVCb4TM22NZ
Basically it goes inline with your antenna wire, and then plugs into the stereo jack on your phone (as an interrupt). I haven't touched my radio in YEARS.
Tune to the station the device is set at (around 87.3 or something) and you're set.
It DOES (hardly) interfere with signal, but it's minimal and goes back when you turn it off. I have the power to mine go on when I turn my stereo on.
Pairs well with one of these, which allows you to rid of the wire all together by using bluetooth.
There are cheaper ones, but this is the one I've got.
Bluetooth Car Adapter with 2 Built-in Mics, 15 Hours Hands-Free Talking Bluetooth Receiver https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07CPL947B/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_i_G4YVCb82Q0PTN
As a bonus, while you've got your dash disassembled, this works well too. Get rid of your cigarette lighter, and replace it with a permanent USB Quick Charge jack. This one is silver, but they have others.
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07MNDDTP6/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_i_PhZVCbD77DPB3
There are two ways to do FM transmitters. The over-the-air ones just transmit on FM over an open spot on the dial and you pick it up but these are very susceptible to noise and issues. On the other hand, there are FM modulators and plug in between the radio and the antenna and give you a switch and an aux in port. When flipped, the radio then receives a signal (sent as FM into the antenna port) from the aux in port. They're pretty cheap and avoid some of the interference issues. Here's an example.
http://www.amazon.com/iSimple-IS31-Antenna-Modulator-Aftermarket/dp/B002U5XPBE
Alternatively, you'd add a line-in. In my case the radio didn't have one but I bought something that plugs into an open spot for a CD changer on the back of the radio and gives me an aux-in. It cost the same as the fm modulator and I wasn't using the cd-changer input anyway so I went that direction.
Additionally you could do what I did and keep your stock radio, the catch is you'll be installing an "antenna bypass"
You could even go one step further, and have it even be bluetooth
this style is the best if you are going FM route: https://www.amazon.com/iSimple-IS31-Antenna-Modulator-Aftermarket/dp/B002U5XPBE/ref=sr_1_3?ie=UTF8&qid=1538630528&sr=8-3&keywords=fm+aux+input&dpID=4118aiHATML&preST=_SY300_QL70_&dpSrc=srch
the unit is physically wired to the antenna instead of broadcasting to your antenna.
FM transmitters will reduce sound quality. Bluetooth will reduce sound quality. You have both, so they're both reducing the quality of the sound.
Radio stations have huge towers to produce a strong signal, which you're picking up with the antenna of your car. The transmitter you're using produces a very weak signal, which is fine to produce a small "station" for your car, but isn't strong enough to transmit the bass and treble of audio.
So, there isn't any way to increase the quality of an FM transmitter (that I know of). Which leaves you two options.
This is what I purchased. I've had it in my car for about 3 years and it's worked flawlessly the entire time.
This one has bluetooth, but is a lot more expensive.
Good luck!
You can tap directly into the FM antenna to provide a new input. From there you could do wired Aux, or go Bluetooth.
Here's an example (no experience with this specific item): https://www.amazon.com/iSimple-IS31-Antenna-Modulator-Aftermarket/dp/B002U5XPBE
You are always going to need more stuff. Go pick out a radio at http://www.crutchfield.com/ and see what they tell you needs to go with it. You can probably find similar parts on amazon too.
FM transmitter is really hard to recommend. You can try an FM modulator though. http://www.amazon.com/iSimple-IS31-Antenna-Modulator-Aftermarket/dp/B002U5XPBE/ref=sr_1_1?s=electronics&ie=UTF8&qid=1411171865&sr=1-1&keywords=fm+modulator Basically the same thing, except it pipes the FM signal directly inline to the antenna, instead of going over the air. Not sure what your OEM antenna connection is, this may also require additional parts.
I just checked crutchfield. You need the standard wiring harness, antenna adapter and trim ring. If you want to cut your factory harness (not recommended) you can get away with out the harness, but always a pain.
Connect it up with solder or waterproof crimp caps.
I've had a handful of FM transmitters -- all wired, but that shouldn't make a difference -- and I've had mixed results.
The last one I bought, though, worked great -- I just can't remember which one it was, and I gave it to my sister.
So, you'll likely run into the same issues you've already dealt with with FM transmitters.
Another option is an antenna bypass: http://www.amazon.com/iSimple-IS31-Antenna-Modulator-Aftermarket/dp/B002U5XPBE
Any one who can install a car stereo should be able to hook that up.
Might be easier to just get an amplifier that has speaker-level inputs. The speaker wires from the head unit go to the amp, then run the amp outputs to the speakers you want. Usually the speaker level inputs on the amp have gain adjustments and some other switches.
For the mp3 player, I'd put an FM modulator between the antenna and the head unit. Like THIS. You select the radio frequency you want to 'inject' the aux signal at and tune to that station to hear it. I think some of these units even integrate bluetooth.
Also, check out /r/carav for possibly better info.
Idk, but back in the day when I had this kind of setup I had great luck with inline antenna bypass unit, the sound was near perfect. However, that might be more work than you're looking to invest into this.
I have an 01' but Im pretty sure that this, or something similar, will work and it looks pretty stock, you also need an RCA to 3.5mm adaptor, I got this one
this thing basically bypasses your FM antenna and gives you an aux input, I put mine under the climate control and the input and switch are hidden behind the DIN pocket
it looks like the antenna size might be different in the 06(i cant really tell), but there are adaptors
The easiest thing may be one of these, or something similar:
iSimple IS31 Antenna Bypass FM Modulator for Factory or Aftermarket Car Radios https://www.amazon.com/dp/B002U5XPBE/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_osCxxb6Z9WQDT
Maybe they make a Bluetooth one too... If not you could always use one of those stand alone ones and just run it into this.
Try this http://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B002U5XPBE/ref=mp_s_a_1_2?qid=1453224342&sr=1-2&pi=SX200_QL40&dpPl=1&dpID=313AEqbEZJL&ref=plSrch
You connect your antenna to it and then it to the back of your head unit. This will not make your AUX button functional as it works off of a preset FM frequency. The On/Off switch is used to bypass the antenna and make your music clear af as if you used the AUX button. Don't know if this can be wired to the AUX input in your tray but you can always switch that input out for the new one.
Your other option is slightly more expensive and a bit more difficult but will get your AUX button working.http://www.crutchfield.com/p_541ISFD531/PAC-Auxiliary-Input-Adapter-for-Ford.html
https://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B002U5XPBE/ref=mp_s_a_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1520430513&sr=8-2&pi=AC_SX236_SY340_FMwebp_QL65&keywords=iSimple&dpPl=1&dpID=4118aiHATML&ref=plSrch
It's better than a transmitter because it connects directly to the antenna port on the stereo. Might want to remove the deck prior to purchase to see if it has an antenna port.
Try this if you want to keep the factory head unit. $25 and a bit easier to install.
That's why I love modulators:
http://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B002U5XPBE?cache=b6425110cff777384aa511bcfd2a8f13&pi=AC_SX110_SY165_QL70&qid=1415063127&sr=8-8#ref=mp_s_a_1_8
They get a power and ground, then you unplug the antenna, plug this in, and the antenna into this. Then you tune to a preset, channel, and plug into your new aux jack
You could use an in-line FM modulator which would give you an aux in jack, then use the Bluetooth receiver. All pretty easy to hide behind your dash too. Adds to the cost a little, but the end result could be really nice. You may need an adapter for your antenna wire depending on make and model. http://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B002U5XPBE/ref=mp_s_a_1_1?qid=1415558831&sr=8-1&pi=SY200_QL40
Can't offer any help on what you bought, but can recommend the approach I took to this....
FM Modulator
Pair that with a Bluetooth receiver and you can even have Bluetooth music at the flip of a switch. Have been using it for years, works excellent
Edit:
You'll probably also need this too... look into it... relatively easy install
iSimple IS31 Antenna Bypass FM Modulator for Factory or Aftermarket Car Radios https://www.amazon.com/dp/B002U5XPBE/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_i_edu7AbKYF6C96
Here go!
https://www.amazon.com/iSimple-IS31-Antenna-Modulator-Aftermarket/dp/B002U5XPBE
These work great. Goes between antenna and radio for the best quality possible.
https://www.amazon.com/iSimple-IS31-Antenna-Modulator-Aftermarket/dp/B002U5XPBE
Someone told me about this when I asked the same question about my suburban. Haven’t ordered it yet to try but I like the idea
(https://www.amazon.com.au/dp/B002U5XPBE/ref=cm_sw_r_fa_awdb_c_Q2FNCbSR43HPF)
It’s an fm transmitter that wires behind your unit into the antenna. I would assume the reception would be superior with this setup as opposed to a cigarette lighter one
I put this head unit in my accord recently and it's worked excellently. You can also get an antenna intercept like this and route it out the bottom of your dash and save some money. But I'd recommend getting another head unit if you're pulling the dash apart anyway.
Something like this might be right up your alley.
Inline FM Modulator
I installed a unit that plugs into the antenna input and overrides the default frequency. It isn't a typical FM modulator because it doesn't transmit to be picked up by the antenna. A switch on the dash turn it on and off so you can still use the FM radio.
I will try to find the make and model when I have a chance.
EDIT: I don't know the exact model I have (at least not without taking my dash apart), but it is similar to this product. Search for "Antenna override aux input" and you will find quite a few.
This is definitely your best bet if you're intent on keeping that deck. http://www.amazon.com/iSimple-IS31-Antenna-Modulator-Aftermarket/dp/B002U5XPBE
Saw this on Amazon. I'm no stereo expert but I'd be willing to give you a hand installing it.
Install an FM modulator
The difference is that the direct input bypasses your antenna and plays your music on a certain frequency. In an FM transmitter, the transmitters uses the antenna.
In my experience, the sound quality is very excellent.
I had the same problem but installed this in an afternoon. Works great.
http://www.amazon.com/iSimple-IS31-Antenna-Modulator-Aftermarket/dp/B002U5XPBE/ref=sr_1_1?s=electronics&ie=UTF8&qid=1415076192&sr=1-1
I've seen these online before but not sure on quality of signal but it piggy backs on your antenna input like a hard wired fm transmitter
http://www.amazon.com/iSimple-IS31-Antenna-Modulator-Aftermarket/dp/B002U5XPBE/ref=sr_1_2?s=automotive&ie=UTF8&qid=1415212467&sr=1-2&keywords=aux+input+adapter+for+car
One more thing. I have an older version of this modulator. https://www.amazon.com/iSimple-IS31-Antenna-Modulator-Aftermarket/dp/B002U5XPBE/ref=sr_1_2?s=electronics&ie=UTF8&qid=1500437530&sr=1-2&keywords=isimple+fm
You can see that the back of it has a gain adjuster. And the toggle switch is 87.9 and 88.3 fm. It works really well. I use the older ipod 30 pin connector instead of the aux because the previous owner had installed this for me. I then use a 30 pin to aux then an aux switcher to switch between the aux and bluetooth. I can give you a guide to do that later if you like
Yes, like this. They also have a Bluetooth one. iSimple IS31 Antenna Bypass FM Modulator for Factory or Aftermarket Car Radios https://www.amazon.com/dp/B002U5XPBE/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_i_ei.7CbB0AJ060
I recommend this:
https://www.amazon.com/iSimple-IS31-Antenna-Modulator-Aftermarket/dp/B002U5XPBE
It requires you splice into your radio’s power supply and drill a hole in your dash. The end result is really clean and it was exactly what I needed after being frustrated with fm transmitters.
I wired up an FM Modulator so I could get an AUX jack in my old 9-3. Since the head unit is so tightly tied to the car (and the SID and it's all fiber) it's hard to modify it. That was the best solution I could find to make it sorta useable.
My FM modulator was a bit different as it was just a standard small toggle switch, so I used one of the blank covers and drilled and dremeled it and mounted the toggle switch in there.
https://www.amazon.com/Kenwood-KMM-BT322-Player-Bluetooth-sirius/dp/B07CNWRC65
https://www.amazon.com/ACOUSTIK-CP-650-Bluetooth-Receiver-Touchscreen/dp/B0792R4D4N/
$169 gets you the cheapest CarPlay I can find. $252 gets you into JVC and Pioneer brands.
2000 model year is before they did retained accessory power, OnStar and other stuff, so your wiring harness is dead simple and cheap:
https://www.amazon.com/Metra-70-1858-Radio-Wiring-Harness/dp/B0002BEX8W/ - $6.48 (never cut the factory harness. Always wire the aftermarket radio's harness to a connector that works with the factory.)
and the dash kit to fit either into the space - $15.39
https://www.amazon.com/Metra-99-4644-Multi-Kit-Shelf-Black/dp/B0007WTFAM/
Add about an hour in the driveway (30 to wire, 30 to install, going slow) and this problem goes away. It's pretty easy. Total:
The other way to solve this is with a hard-wired FM transmitter, that plugs the FM signal between your antenna and the radio. https://www.amazon.com/iSimple-IS31-Antenna-Modulator-Aftermarket/dp/B002U5XPBE/ - $26.95 and the same 30 minutes in the driveway installing, and you'd have aux-in back. They do make a bluetooth version of this, but some people say the bluetooth one doesn't sound very good, and adds pairing issues.
I've installed CarPlay about 10 times (I keep putting different ones in my car, I've had Kenwood, Alpine, Pioneer primarily. A Pioneer with wireless CarPlay is going in next.) There's no magic to it, and it does make the experience a lot better, for me.
I installed an FM antenna bypass module to my car's factory radio. You may need to buy additional adapters to make it fit your stereo's antenna. I was in a similar situation as you where my climate control system was a part of the stereo and this seemed to be the most cost effective option.
If your prius already has an aux input, then you just need a bluetooth receiver (bluetooth to 3.5mm) and a ground loop isolater if you are getting some feedback (as mentioned in a different comment).
If your prius doesn't have a built in aux port, you can install one via an "FM modulator", and from that you could use a bluetooth receiver and come in under $50. I think they also make some FM modulators with built in bluetooth nowadays. Basically this will work directly with your built in radio and allow you to use your normal steering wheel controls and everything for minimal cost.
If you feel like splurging, you can install a new stereo with apple carplay and android auto which is awesome (I have it in my 2005) but it is much more expensive and also more difficult to install properly.
It doesn't have one. You have 2 options. You can install a new head unit that has aux input and all that other jazz like bluetooth. Or you can install one of these which will add aux through the satellite radio input.
If you are handy with splicing wires I would just do the install yourself. If you have no idea how to splice wires or take a dash apart just look for a shop in your area that does car audio. If you end up finding a friend that knows how to do it, make sure they aren't just connecting wires with electrical tape and putting the radio back in your dash, that is bad news.
edit: Oh yeah and if you just want to cheap out you can get one of those FM transmitters. You just plug it in the cig lighters plug and it has a little transmitter on the wire with aux on the other end. You set the station on the transmitter and your radio to the station you choose (one with no signal/noise). The audio quality is not too great but its a cheap route and no install.
You can try a FM Modualtor such as the iSimple IS31
You can get an antenna bypass FM modulator, it plugs between your FM antenna and the antenna input. This is better than the FM transmitter method, especially if you live in an area with a saturated FM band.
Good example: https://www.amazon.com/iSimple-IS31-Antenna-Modulator-Aftermarket/dp/B002U5XPBE
I have a 2011 Xterra S 4x4 and the standard radio doesn't have an aux input. The optional radio with the 6 CD changer and satellite radio mode has an aux button on the radio and the aux input jack above the cigar lighter on the dash. Your input may be an aftermarket add like this FM modulator device
I think you want this. Hardwired to your car, you just connect power and ground and whatever antenna adapters you need for your specific vehicle. Get a red/white to 3.5 mm cable and you're golden. Turn it on and tune your radio to whatever frequency you select on the unit (I think there's only 2). I've installed a few for the exact purpose you state and they work pretty well.
http://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B002U5XPBE/ref=pd_aw_sims_1?pi=SS115&simLd=1#immersive-view_1415070678998
I would use something like this, if you want a nice clean look.
http://www.amazon.com/iSimple-IS31-Antenna-Modulator-Aftermarket/dp/B002U5XPBE