Finally got an Mp3 player and want to remove the CD player. Tips please.

[whtmtn2000]

Gang,
I finally got an Mp3 player (Creative Zen MicroPhoto). I remember reading back a long while ago the different ways you all hooked them into the bike to make them user friendly.
I've been searching and really can't zero in on the info I'm looking for so I ask humbly for your info.
WHAT THE BEST WAY TO GET THIS UNIT TO PLAY THRU MY SYSTEM? FM Modulator? Cassette Adapter? I seem to remember something about a Dennison Ice Link direct attachment thru the CD Plug?
Your help would be greatly appreciated.
Mark

[Lumpy]

Mark, I have the Creative Zen also. I picked up one of the cassette adapters. This is easy and it sounds good to. Not fancy or high tech, but it works.

[Bob204bc]

I use a cassette adapter as well. I transfer the jack between the XM radio and the MP3 player. I have found the performance of the stereo is a bit better through a cassette adapter than an FM modulator. Fortunately, those of us with the older LT's have that option. I'm not sure what else I would do with the cassette player.

I pulled out the cd stacker long ago to gain space in the right saddlebag. It was the best decision I ever made.

The only annoyance with my Zen Micro MP3 is the controls require finger touch and will not operate with a gloved finger. I have to use fingerless gloves or cut the index finger off of my left glove to operate it while in motion.

[wcarter]

The Dension IceLink is no more. The replacement is the "Dice" but as far as I know both of those products work only with the iPod. I have an IceLink and used it to run my iPod Nano; I liked freeing up the storage space in my saddlebag but since I purchased a Garmin Zumo I have not used it. Instead, I just save my tunes to the SD memory card and pop it in the Zumo. One last gadget to keep up with.

There was another product that plugged into the existing CD changer wiring but I forget what it was called. Try some searching, maybe? Been a while since I've seen it mentioned.

The other day there was a post about a hardwired FM modulator with an on-off switch. It had jacks and cables that appear to let you plug in anything with a headphone jack. I don't think it would recharge your device though (that was one of the benefits of the IceLink), except of course the IceLink also tended to run your battery down as an added bonus!

[whtmtn2000]

Thanks Guys,
I did some reading on PCMag and CNET about getting music from an MP3 player to vehicles existing speakers. The majority like a cassette adapter. I went and picked one up at the Rat Shack and wha-laa. Works fine and the whole set up sits in the oddments box. Use DJ mode on the player and I'll never run out of tunes.
Really don't have any other use for the cassette player anyhow and can now free up space in the right saddle bag.
Again,,,,THANKS!!!

[maxthrottle]

Hmm. I have the same need. Got an Ipod, and wondering how to run it through the speakers. Having not seen the device, how does one connect a cassette adapter to the CD player and then through the Ipod? I must be missing something here. I've got a single CD in the front and the CD changer in the rear case..Thx.

[jkersh1]

...how does one connect a cassette adapter to the CD player and then through the Ipod? I must be missing something here. I've got a single CD in the front and the CD changer in the rear case..Thx.

Up until 2003 or so the radio unit had a cassette built in rather than the single CD. My 2002 cassette radio has been replaced with the CD version (twice).

As a result, I use the FM modulator to play the iPod. Works OK but I've noticed that placement of the iPod+FM is a big factor in the quality of the playback. E.g. if I place it in the top of my tankbag, the volume varies with the distance my hand is from the throttle, closer is softer. (?)

[Lumpy]

Hey Bob, cassettes are still available at most truck stops or roadside novelty stores. Spotted some just the other day at a T&A: Buck Owens Greatest Hits, the Minnie Pearl Collection, Air Supply, Red Sovine, Cledus Maggard, Merle Haggard, Dick Curless, Andy Griffith Gospel Collection (just to name a few). Pure gold I say. :dance:

[Reid]

The Dennison Icelink is still available through Ebay.

[haypiece]

I am purchasing a used 2002 and had the same queries. Can I have a comm system installed at the dealer that will have an aux input? This is probably the most expensive option.

[maxthrottle]

Well, I just had a Autocom Duo installed by Mortons after they convinced me that I could run my IPOD through the speakers. Turns out I can't. I can only run the IPOD through the Autocom into a set of helmet headphones. So Now I'm debating whether to leave the Autocom in or have them remove them. It looks like a decent, alebeit pricey, intercom system. Just not what I wanted. I don't think the guys in parts are real sharp on what their stuff does. Anway, Since I have the CD I was wondering how an inline FM modultor works with an IPOD or if a system by http://www.mp3yourcar.com these guys willl work. They appear to have an IPOD connection that works with the factory CD player, and also recharges the IPOD. Anyone tried this yet. Any feed back on the in-line modulator.

[realtor-rob]

OK, I bought the DICE unit to hook up my IPod video to the k12lt and pulling the cd changer out was the easy part.

Still trying to figure out how to get text displayed on the radio.

Anyone out there having success with this?

[FlashToo]

Gang,
I finally got an Mp3 player (Creative Zen MicroPhoto). I remember reading back a long while ago the different ways you all hooked them into the bike to make them user friendly.
I've been searching and really can't zero in on the info I'm looking for so I ask humbly for your info.
WHAT THE BEST WAY TO GET THIS UNIT TO PLAY THRU MY SYSTEM? FM Modulator? Cassette Adapter? I seem to remember something about a Dennison Ice Link direct attachment thru the CD Plug?
Your help would be greatly appreciated.
Mark

I also have the Zen Microphoto. On my 2003, the comm system has a jack for an MP3 player, so I plug the MP3 player directly into the comm panel in the oddments box.

I bought a remote control unit for the Zen from Creative. It plugs into the top of the player, then into the MP3 jack on the comm system and provides some basic glove-friendly controls for the player -- pause, play, skip forward, skip back, volume up, volume down, mode, and lock.

When I ride, the player goes in the tank bag, the remote control fastens on to the front of the bag so that the player isn't exposed to the elements, and the remote plugs into the MP3 jack on the comm system.

I'm assuming that you have no MP3 jack on your comm unit, so I would recommend the cassette adapter above the FM modulator. I have used both of them extensively and IMO cassette adapters work far better than the FM modulators do. I would think that the cassette adapter plug would also work with the Creative Zen remote (I strongly advise you look into buying one of these -- it makes the difference between night and day in enjoying your player, especially when you wear gloves. Skipping an unwanted song, or raising or lowering the volume is pretty easy with the remote.)

[UKTzero]

Well, I just had a Autocom Duo installed by Mortons after they convinced me that I could run my IPOD through the speakers. Turns out I can't. I can only run the IPOD through the Autocom into a set of helmet headphones. So Now I'm debating whether to leave the Autocom in or have them remove them. It looks like a decent, alebeit pricey, intercom system. Just not what I wanted. I don't think the guys in parts are real sharp on what their stuff does. Anway, Since I have the CD I was wondering how an inline FM modultor works with an IPOD or if a system by http://www.mp3yourcar.com these guys willl work. They appear to have an IPOD connection that works with the factory CD player, and also recharges the IPOD. Anyone tried this yet. Any feed back on the in-line modulator.


WOW ... this one from http://www.mp3yourcar.com looks amazing! ... and they even have an adapter listed for the K1200LT, which is even more amazing

I really like the looks of this one, and it doesn't look like you even need an Ipod to use it - it has an aux. jack that you can hook the headphone cable from any source into, so if you have a Zune or a Zen it can be hooked right up there alone, or with an Ipod at the same time

at $300 it's a lot of money, more than the Ipod costs even! ... but might be the best and most professional way to install this type of system for the time being

from my experience, FM modulators work, but don't have nearly as good sound quality as a tape adapter, which in turn isn't quite as good as using a regular CD with the music coming directly from the deck ... it's all a trade-off





I'm in the same boat as a lot of you ... my 2000 cassette deck was replaced with a facctory CD deck, so I can't use a tape adapter ... I've considered buying an older tape deck and putting it in there just for this reason

my radio, CD and CD changer all work great, but the radio reception is just horrible ... as another person mentioned, it all has to do with where my arms are - if I'm leaning down to reset the MPG gauge, the stations come in great, but in almost any regular riding position, they suck and either go away, or are full of static ... anyone else with a reception problem, or any ideas on how to cure it? ... with such a huge antenna I was surprised to find this out about my new bike

I can deal with non-MP3 regular radio, especially with the CD changer being there, but when the AM/FM doesn't even tune in 90% of the time it gets irritating