Help! empeg in opel astra temporary install

Posted by: dclesse

Help! empeg in opel astra temporary install - 28/02/2002 06:44

Hi, I just got a replacement car and I'll keep it for a couple of month. The stock audio system is CD head unit based. There's a free space for pluging the empeg.
So, does somebody know an EASY & temporary way to stick the empeg, using the existing audio system (without amp).
I already did this before but it was a tape player (cig. lighter plug + adaptator tape). But here it should be very difficult to plug a wire into a CD ;-). I don't think the stock CD HU has line in support; does somebody know? (Opel Astra 2001).
Tnx. David.
Posted by: dclesse

Re: Help! empeg in opel astra temporary install - 01/03/2002 02:00

NB: the cd HU is a CDR500 (Radio+CD)
Posted by: dclesse

Re: Help! empeg in opel astra temporary install - 01/03/2002 02:10

The CD changer interface cable could be a way to do that, like the phatnoise... Any idea???
Posted by: cyberco

Re: Help! empeg in opel astra temporary install - 01/03/2002 03:55

A nice and easy way could be to pick up a cheap FM modulator! - Should only cost a few pounds from a good audio place!

Then, connect it to the Empeg and in-line with your radio aerial!

Now, just tune-in one of your stations!

The quality will be good enough for a temporary installation and there is no messing around with the wires!

Just a thought,,,,,

:-)
Posted by: dclesse

Re: Help! empeg in opel astra temporary install - 01/03/2002 04:08

Yes, that's a great idea.
Does somebody know where I can find a such product (able to connect -via RCAs?- to the empeg) ???
...and, may I dream, an other interface via serial for rds tags collecting? (but this require a bit of prog)
Posted by: cyberco

Re: Help! empeg in opel astra temporary install - 01/03/2002 04:35

I got one some time ago for testing an old NEO player, I'll have a scan about on-line some of the UK based electronics/audio companies and see if I can find any for you...

If you want to look yourself, your looking for an FM-Modulator!

- Mark.
Posted by: dclesse

Re: Help! empeg in opel astra temporary install - 01/03/2002 05:59

2U know the emitting distance limit?
Posted by: dclesse

Re: Help! empeg in opel astra temporary install - 01/03/2002 07:20

ok I found this one, but seems expensive: $38,90 ! (+shipping =~$60)
http://www.partsexpress.com/pe/pshowdetl.cfm?DID=7&PartNumber=205-215
I found some also here in luxembourg, but they are only mono (but about $10).
Sb knows where to get a cheaper stereo one ?
Posted by: cyberco

Re: Help! empeg in opel astra temporary install - 01/03/2002 08:17

The FM Modulator actually plugs in-line with the radio aerial, i.e. the aerial plugs into it and it plugs into the radio - so it doesn't need any range at all!!!!!

Actually though, I had one working in one of my earlier cars and it was possible to tune-in to the same frequency on cars parked alongside!

Depends on how powerfull the transmitter is I think!
Posted by: cyberco

Re: Help! empeg in opel astra temporary install - 01/03/2002 08:23

I actually got mine from a NEO dealer, just checked their website and they are now $39.99, I'm sure I didn't pay that and I'm even more certain I've seen them much cheaper though!

http://www.mteweb.com/Merchant2/merchant.mv?Screen=PROD&Store_Code=MTE&Product_Code=FM&Category_Code=CMP
Posted by: dclesse

Re: Help! empeg in opel astra temporary install - 01/03/2002 08:26

yeah I know that, it what just to know if we can listen the incar empeg from house or somewhere else... I have read somewhere something like 100m for this kind of mod.
Posted by: cyberco

Re: Help! empeg in opel astra temporary install - 01/03/2002 09:01

I think you'll find that the quality significantly reduces with range, and the metal shell of a car doesn't help either!

Probably you'll only get a quality signal for a few meters, and an audiable signal in the 10's of meters, but nothing hundreds of meters away!

You could increase the power of the modulator and transmit through a proper aerial instead of just picking up leakage from the cable and this should do it!

Posted by: dclesse

Re: Help! empeg in opel astra temporary install - 04/03/2002 02:52

OK it's done!
total (local) cost: $80
(fm mod+some radio and wire adaptors)
Quite expensive but it works...
NB: I can receive the empeg on any radio when I'm inside the car... but not ouside.
sounds pretty good as well!
maybe I'll post some install pics to help owners with the same problem.
Posted by: cyberco

Re: Help! empeg in opel astra temporary install - 04/03/2002 02:57

Nice one, please to hear it works, shame about the cost but atleast you have a solution!