Rf Modulator Has Really Low Volume Output..help..

Costas1966 · July 24, 2007

Hey guys....after spending about three weeks researching the d**n things, I finally picked up a Scosche FMMOD01 RF Modulator so that I can play my Creative Zen M in my '07 Classic Sierra. I have the in-dash 6-cd changer (Bose) with the steering wheel controls.

Problem: After installing the modulator (had to cut the antenna cable and create direct connect splice due to incompatible connectors) I find that the sound is fairly clear from my mp3 player, BUT much lower volume than regular fm or cd.

My connections are good (ie no shorts), but I have to turn up my amp volume to 3/4 to get decent sound with the player at 50-75% of max volume (anything over that causes clipping and distortion).

Question: Is this a common problem with these modulators? The only other option is line in, but I have no inputs on the back. My buddy (service advisor) faxed me the service schematics for the unit, but I'm not sure where to splice into for my line inputs.

I have found a link to this harness from one of wingnut's posts, but is it the only other alternative? The d**n thing costs about $100 with shipping......http://www.jpcustoms.com/store/customer/product.php?productid=16391&cat=306&page=1

Your experienced suggestions are welcomed. Thanks.

Costas1966 · July 25, 2007

bump.....

Costas1966 · July 26, 2007

2nd bump......c'mon guys, there's GOT to be someone who can help me out here.....

lerbud · July 26, 2007

Get a PAC adapter. I had one of these on my truck to run the volume for my dvd player:

PAC AAIGM12

Costas1966 · July 27, 2007

Get a PAC adapter. I had one of these on my truck to run the volume for my dvd player:
PAC AAIGM12

Thanks for your reply.....the only problem is that my unitn HAS the XM radio built-in, and the 6-CD changer built in as well.....the info I found indicates that it won't work. At least that's how I'm reading it......

Costas1966 · July 29, 2007

Anyone else???

Wingnut · July 30, 2007

Sorry you're not getting much help...Most folks don't do much with the modulators these days.

I used one a few years back, and it was so horrible (soundwise), I ripped it out in less than a week.

lerbud · July 30, 2007

i am sure this will work. your xm should be behind the glove box. call pac and make sure. http://www.pac-audio.com/default.asp

ZR Rider · July 31, 2007

I use a USA Spec unit, the radio thinks it has a remote CD player as well as the indash 6.

I have plugged mine into the XM side as it has better bass then the cd changer side. Maybe look into that unit. And it will work with XM.

http://www.oemautosound.com/pm-239-11-chev...ce-pa11-gm.aspx

http://www.usaspec.com/ipod.html

Your right on the money with the RF... they lose sound quality and volume! Mine sounds crystal clear and has no hissing and higher volume.

Costas1966 · August 2, 2007

Thanks guys.....I'll look further into it!!!

Costas1966 · August 14, 2007

Just reporting back, guys.....I tried the scoche modulator, and I was impressed with the quality.....but the volume was very low, and when I maxed out my mp3 player volume, the sound was badly distorted. I ripped it out, and tried a Belkin Tunecast II FM Transmitter from Walmart for $30. Very good volume level, and very good quality sound......I would recommend it so far.....!!

I just thought I'd share some results, guys!

ZR Rider · August 15, 2007

That's the one I started off with, then went to the iTrip. They work fine as long as there are no local radio stations close to the one your lock on. The problem I had was around town it was fine, then go into the city and it would fade in and out.

What kind of MP3 player are you running? Maybe add a RCA input instead? You can get one of the 1/8 jack split to RCA and run it direct.

Costas1966 · August 16, 2007

ZR.....the thing I like about this unit is that you can change the frequency through the entire spectrum.....I haven't had any problems around town with it. I'm using a Creative Vision M unit.....the 1/8 jack plugs straight into it.