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Question about Car Stereo Aux Input with iPhone 3G

Hawkeye411

Hawkeye411

macrumors 68000
Original poster
Jun 6, 2007
1,833
12
Canada EH!!!
I am currently using the Griffin iTrip FM transmitter to listen to my iPhone 3G on my car stereo. I get strange interference when the phone connects to the cell towers (I am guessing that's what it's doing). Using AirPlane mode stops the interference. However I want to be able to receive calls.

If I install a new car stereo with an AUX jack input, will I still get the interference when I plug the headphone jack from the iPhone into the aux jack on the new stereo? I'm not concerned with charging the iPhone or controlling it using the car stereo. I just want to be able to listen to the music without the strange noises.

Cheers.
 
If I find anything specific to this on the internet, I will post the link. So far the information has been contradicting.
 
I think it depends on the stereo in the car more than anything and whether or not the phone is charging. In my 07 Altima I have absolutely no interference through the aux in port whether I am charging or not. But in my friends 4runner I get interference when I am charging.
 
OK thanks guys. I was going to buy a new stereo with an aux input but I was afraid that it wouldn't be a solution for the problem and I don't want to waste the money. If I can use the stereo without charging the phone, that's fine with me :)

My wife says that the only way to be sure is to go ahead and do it.

Anybody else out there that is able to use the aux input without the gsm noises?
 
The interference should be reduced the further you get from the stereo (you can check that with the itrip). If you can place the iPhone two feet from the radio you should be okay.

My wife has a Ford TaurusX with sync and she sets the iPhone just forward of the shifter below the radio. The iPhone is using the USB input and is getting charged. If the store has stereos on display that you can listen to you can hold your phone up to the stereo and have your wife call you. Should be able to tell pretty quickly if interference will be a problem.
 
The iTrip is much more sensitive to GSM interference, because it is using an FM Transmitter. I get the same interference with my iTrip, but not on my AUX input. Usually the cable allow you to keep the iPhone far enough away form the radio to avoid any Radio issues...
 
If your car has an aux in, then no you won't hear anything but music. And usually better than cd quality. Don't waste your time and money with Fm transmitters.
 

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I went to Future Shop and had a look at different systems. None of them produced the strange interference I was hearing when using the iTrip FM Transmitter.

I ended up purchasing a JVC KD-G340 for only $89.99. I purchased a stereo installation kit from Canadian Tire for $17.99 and the wiring harness for 8.99. So the total for everything came to $116.97 + tax.

I just finished installing everything into my '05 Civic and it sounds GREAT. I don't hear any interference. I have my iPhone 3G plugged into the AUX jack.

JVC has an iPod adapter that I cold have purchased for $25.00. However it will not charge my iPhone 3G. I am going to purchase a 12v car charger and a cradle later this week. This way I can charge my iPhone while I listen to it.

I will post some pictures when I have finished.

Thanks for everyones input/advice.

Cheers.
 
I had a Belkin charger for my iPod that I paid at most $20 for. I loved it - it charged my ipod, it had an RCA cable out to my aux in AND it had a volume control for the RCA, allowing me to raise the level over the volume I would have plugging the RCA into the headphone jack.
I'm really hoping Belkin will release this compatible with the 3g, but for now it does not allow charging on the 3g. I know there is a comparable adapter for $80 by Kensington but that's just nuts..
glad to hear everything worked out
sue
 
I need some advise. I bought an ipod and want to use the aux input in my car radio but the sound is very low. What do I do or how do I increase the sound?
 
Note to people who are have, or are planning to get, an aftermarket stereo with AUX-in:

People have reported a 'whirring' sound while they're playing music and charging their ipod at the same time. What you're hearing is the alternator through the car's firewall. This happens because the car isn't properly grounded and it will vary depending on the car's manufacturer (I know my Mazda has this problem).

What you need is a Ground Loop Isolator. Your car may or may not need it, but you can ask them to place one in for you as a precaution. The cost of them putting it in at the same time they're upgrading your stereo is alot cheaper than having them tear apart your dash at a later date to eliminate the GLI feedback.

For those of you who have cars with factory installed AUX-input and are having trouble with the ground loop interference, you can find a 3.5mm GLI adapter on the Crutchfield website for $20 (i think) and it will eliminate your buzzing problem.

For those of you who have factory AUX-ins and aren't having a single problem, you don't need to worry about a single thing :)
 
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