MP3 player -> Radio schematic needed

[padriver]

I would like to put a MP3 player into my car without exchanging the original radio itself. My plans are to put the player into the glovebox and attach it to the original radio.

Does anyone have the electrical schematics for a 1994 (or similar) Delco radio w/ cassette player? Or has anyone done something like this before? Any input would be greatly appreciated.

I'm thinking of extending the radio with a Line In connector. Maybe breaking out the tape player signal after the preamplifier and use a relay to switch between tape player signal and Line In (-> MP3 player) signal...

[tman]

Buy a tape adapter.

[padriver]

Originally Posted by tman2093

Buy a tape adapter.

No, that's not an option.

[PAman]

Buy a tape adapter... or an aftermarket head unit with the capability.
You'd need schematics that the radio mfr probably has forgotten about by now, and you're looking at soldering onto circuit board traces and such, if they're not sandwiched in a multi-layer board, and inaccessible. Good idea, but impractical.

[tman]

PAman- I had an idea. the car antenna connects to the radio in an outlet similar in size to an RCA Video/Audio Jack. Could a Y-Adapter and switch be used to branch the antenna and a line in for an mp3 player?

I'll post a picture of my idea.

[tman]

Ah, the joy of MS Paint.

[tomeeg]

I bought a Muro MP3 player that has a FM broadcaster in it. I leave it on the seat so I can control it. It works fairly well with some occasional static. You need to find a good FM channel to use. The only drawback is it uses the headphone wire for an antenna so its a little messy.

[tman]

I've had bad luck with FM transmitters, they're not CD quality playback.