FM Transmitter

[Superjakes]

Could I please get some opinions on using FM transmitters with portable MP3 players?

I have ordered an iTrip Universal Plus for use with my Nokia 5800, and am in two minds about it already after reading some mixed reviews. Has anybody used on of those before?

I hope this fits into the multimedia section, didn't really know where else to post it.

Thanks!

 

[ipodmusicman]

I've never been a fan of FM transmitters for portable mp3 players. Besides the quality of the audio that I want which is lacking due to the limitations of frequency of the FM band, it can be quite difficult to keep a stable frequency when travelling around a city with different frequencies being occupied by various radio stations that overpower the iTrip.

I am not sure if the iTrip specifically has improved to automatically find open frequencies when driving around, it is for me my last resort.

You would consider an FM transmitter under the following conditions:
- Your head unit does not have an Aux-in and/or USB port
- You don't want to spend R2,000 for an Dension Gateway 100/200, etc adaptor (iPod only though). I have this option on my Renault Megane (Icelink Plus).
- You cannot find an adaptor that connects to your head unit's CD changer interface for cleaner audio. I have this option in my Corsa bakkie to my JVC head unit and minijack to my iPod. Works great! I had to import the adaptor from the UK though.
- There is another option of a direct hardwire connection from a special FM tranmitter unit to the head units FM antenna, but not sure how good that is.

Maybe the iTrip works out fine for you, but if you want quality, you might want to try one of the options above.

 

[ajax]

With regards to finding an open frequency, you can get all the frequencies for SA on Sentech's site.

 

[spiderz]

hmmm, looks like between these stations:
98.6-99.2
100.2-100.8
103.2-104.1

Will test tonight with mine.

 

[ajax]

hmmm, looks like between these stations:
98.6-99.2
100.2-100.8
103.2-104.1

Will test tonight with mine.

Did you also consider the transmitters in the Pretoria area? Their signals may still be quite strong where you are.

 

[Grumpy Old Man]

I bought the I-trip for my ipod photo few years back, but did not have any joy with it. Forever trying to find a clear frequency in the Pretoria area. Seeing that the i-trip has been updated since then, I hope you have better luck than me. Gave up in the end and went the icelink plus route.

 

[poffle]

Howzeet,

My i-trip got jacked a few weeks ago and now i need a new one.
Which one would you guys recommend cause there's quite a few out there that i haven't seen before.

some random : http://www.kalahari.net/electronics/Griffin-iTrip-Universal/36404/34711787.aspx

Classic one, i had the model just before this: http://www.wantitall.co.za/PC-Hardware/Griffin-iTrip-LCD-Dock-Connector-for-iPod-Black__B000YJ4R6U

This is okay, but can only be used in car :/ it goes for R530 on kalahari but only R336 on want it all : http://www.wantitall.co.za/PC-Hardw...r-and-Auto-Charger-for-iPod-Black__B000BWACX2

I could post another 20. Any idea's on which one?

 

[Superjakes]

I've ordered this one - http://www.wantitall.co.za/Griffin-...itter-and-Charger-for-MP3-Players__B000JV9NL2

It goes for R419 on wantitall, but Hifi corp sells it for R600.

I ordered that one, since it has a cigarette lighter adapter instead of just a battery, and also a 3.5mm headphone jack instead of the apple proprietary pluggie.

 

[poffle]

Hmm, is quite nice. Still contemplating whether to go for one like that or the one that just clicks into the bottom of the ipod. less wires = plus. can be played outside a car = plus

 

[Pooky]

I have the newer model as well as the older barrel shaped one and I find that one works much better.