melted
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I changed out the 6 disk changer to accommodate the RB4 navigation radio, and as a result lost the cd changer capability. Oh the trade-offs we must bear!
I didn't want to use up any additional interior space for either the oem or aftermarket changers, so when I found this little automotive MP3 player the problem was mostly solved.
Mostly, I say. Since it uses an FM modulator to broadcast to the Jeep radio the sound quality is not quite as good as the cd player, but when added to the engine music from my CRD, who cares? And FM broadcast meant I didn't need to contort myself to tie into the KJ radio antenna.
The unit costs $50 and is shipped from Montreal. Mine arrived by USPS in Colorado in 4 days. Another $70 for a 1GB flash drive from Best Buy and I now have the equivalent of a 34 disk changer. My advice is not to use a 1GB flash drive, since it makes it too hard to find what you want to listen to (there are now 362 tracks on my 1GB drive) .
It also has an audio in and audio out jack which allows you to add another MP3 player, iPOD, old cassette player, or even a microphone if you are a closet DJ. I thought the microphone might be useful when conducting a trail trip. The leader could "broadcast" directions, warnings, points-of-interest etc. to other KJers nearby, however I learned that the broadcast range is only about 40 feet. Maybe some kind of antenna mod might work hmmmm.
It has some other limitations too. It only likes MP3 format, gets confused if any files other than MP3 are on the drive, has no LCD display, and plays everything in series. In this case series means it only plays tracks in the order in which you loaded them. You can skip forward and back, but you cannot select a track 232 places from where you are without pressing skip 232 times (hence the recommendation not to use a 1GB drive).
I want to permanently connect it to a 12v source, rather than use the accessory outlet, but am not sure if the drain from the FM modulator may be too ******* the battery. I was disappointed to discover that the front accessory outlet is not switched, even though the KJ manual implies only the rear outlet is always live. Does anyone know if there is a switched 12v source easily accessible?