FM Transmitter User Feedback

Groux · 11-24-2006, 05:52 AM

I'm looking to purchase the Zuneâ¢ Car Pack with FM Transmitter soon and was wondering if anyone had any feedback on it? In the past I've used the Griffin iTrips with my iPods and had hit and miss success with them depending on what generation iPod and iTrip I was using so I'd like to hear about the FM Transmitter before I went and shelled out 80 bucks for one, if you have one or have seen on in action please let me know what you think! Any and all help is greatly appreciated.

UnderCover · 11-24-2006, 07:55 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Groux

I'm looking to purchase the Zuneâ¢ Car Pack with FM Transmitter soon and was wondering if anyone had any feedback on it? In the past I've used the Griffin iTrips with my iPods and had hit and miss success with them depending on what generation iPod and iTrip I was using so I'd like to hear about the FM Transmitter before I went and shelled out 80 bucks for one, if you have one or have seen on in action please let me know what you think! Any and all help is greatly appreciated.

Not sure it has officially been released yet... but it looks pricey. Hopefully it will be worth the money.

**tacoma** · 11-24-2006, 10:31 PM

FM transmitters are ASS. I wouldn't spend $10 on one.

It's FAR better to directly connect via the headphone jack.

On my car I had to get an adapter. I used this. http://www.sylfex.com/products/AuxMod/

But there are plenty of iPod adapters that will work, you just need an audio-in on your stereo.

thefinalprophecy · 11-25-2006, 11:22 AM

FM transmitters are all horrible. And they'll charge you up the ass for one too. If your stereo has AUX inputs then use that. mine doesn't, so I stick to CDs in my car lol

cjcamilla · 11-25-2006, 12:26 PM

I havew never used an FM Transmitter, but looking at this thread, I don't think I should get one.

thefinalprophecy · 11-25-2006, 02:19 PM

well it would decrease the quality of your music to that of an FM radio lol. and also tons of static, keep having to change channels, and loss of signal when you go near powerlines, etc. i've tried several of them when I worked at Best Buy, and I would just return them when they sucked ass. Even the $80 Monster brand transmitter was a piece of ****. All the employees that sold mp3 players, etc reccomended the DLO one that plugs into your cigarette lighter and is basically a transmitter/dock/charger in one unit, but I never tried it.

qball · 11-26-2006, 06:07 PM

Well, I have to say that I am less than thrilled with my zune car pack.Â�*Â�*Picked it up this weekend and am probably going to try and return it this week.Â�*Â�*My main trouble with it and probably all other fm transmitters is finding a clear space in the fm sprectrum.Â�*Â�*Maybe its justs my old car radio but every notch has some station broadcasting on it, but when I do finally find an open one and use the zune it actually works really good.Â�*Â�* But the main reason I got it was to be able to play music on long trips and its just to much of a hassle every 20 miles having to retune the thing because I'm now in range of some other station.

I suppose it you were mainly going to be using it locally and there aren't a ton of stations around, it would be good purchase, but for me at least I guess it was a nice try till I can get my radio upgraded to something with a aux in.

Hope this helps in your decision

greg3d · 11-27-2006, 01:56 PM

Does anyone have any experience with Belkin's car charger/DM transmitter?Â�*Â�*It looks uber-cool, not yet available, but definately I would consider getting if it worked well.

Belkin FM Transmitter

Any iPod owners have experience with it?

Groux · 11-27-2006, 02:53 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by greg3d

Does anyone have any experience with Belkin's car charger/DM transmitter?Â�*Â�*It looks uber-cool, not yet available, but definately I would consider getting if it worked well.

Belkin FM Transmitter

Any iPod owners have experience with it?

I had a belkin FM transmitter for my third generation iPod and had mixed results from it... Griffin was a much better technology. I'll be honest and say that belkin one for the Zune looks dead sexy though. I'll probably end up getting an FM transmitter if for no other reason then my Xbox 360 has me hating cables now... wireless controllers, wireless headsets, wireless Zune in your car, HOORAY!

bccarlso · 11-27-2006, 06:35 PM

Back in the old days before CD plaers were in cars i had a tape that plugged into my portable cd player. I wonder if that would work with this.

djbudy · 11-29-2006, 03:47 PM

I have the Zune car kit, but I didn't buy it for the car, I use it at work for my jam box and my stereo headphones. This thing probably has close around 20' of range, which isn't too bad, and the autoseek function is okay, it also allows you to manually tune in any channel you want throughout the full frequency spectrum(87.1-107.9).

In a car would definitely be hit or miss though, due to the strength of the transmitter. If you have easy access to it, I'd suggest unplugging the car's antenna from the radio, as this should alleviate any channel bleed from actual radio stations(the Zune's close proximity to the car radio should overcome the lack of antenna).

I will say it works great for the way I use it though.

medalian1 · 12-27-2006, 06:49 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by djbudy

If you have easy access to it, I'd suggest unplugging the car's antenna from the radio, as this should alleviate any channel bleed from actual radio stations(the Zune's close proximity to the car radio should overcome the lack of antenna).

I have an fm transmitter for my xm radio and removing my antenna did notta for helping the reception. My buddy has his hardwired into his radio and it works way better, so I'm wondering how this is doable w/ the zune ... hmm ???

JeremyMiller · 12-27-2006, 01:43 PM

I've found some of them to work great. My EX got my old IPOD and My belking Itrip back about a year or two ago (CURSES!) and it works wonderful in her car, sounds clear and whatever...

I've also from experience learned that the ones that plug into your lighter plug have better reception because the charger wire is used like an antenna.

It really depends on where you live and your radio.

ceez · 12-28-2006, 05:21 PM

groux, do not bother with the FM transmitter

I wasted 80 bucks on one and it does not work. I tried it on my car, a 2k mustang and on a 2k6 trailblazer, forget it, trying to get a station is just frustrating.

The fm transmitter seeks the stations in sequence, ie: 90.1 90.2 90.3 90.4 etc... the cars jump from odd number to odd number, ie: 90.1 90.3 90.5 90.7 etc... Unless your car can do the single sequence you might get lucky.

it seems like all the dials in the radio have some sort of station playing, or the 'neighboring' stations trickle in a little bit so it's extremely difficult to find a 'dead' station.

i bought it in NY on a trip there because I couldnt find any in miami Fl. I trashed the box in NY and now I am stuck with a stupid FM transmitter....at least a got the car charger....for 80 bucks!!!! >

[ ARGH!

LowLife · 12-31-2006, 11:53 PM

sooo uhm what is the final verdict on something good to use?...cause really the reason I got a Zune is to listen to it in my car...I already dont have an antenna hooked up so maybe it would work better?

UnderCover · 01-01-2007, 12:07 AM

Here is my review....

Monster - CarPlay 300

Hooked it up. Set the channel. Matched my car stereos channel....NOTHING! I turned up both my car stereo and Zune volume and I got a really sloppy/bassy sound. I finally got it to the point where I could hear the song without static, but it sounded worse than a cassette.

I then went and bought the blaupunkt auxillary input adapter for 9.95 and couldn't be happier.

Wmc90 · 01-01-2007, 12:15 AM

All FM Transmitters are complete rubbish and are not worth 5 bucks.

They all produce static (at varying degrees) and the quality of the audio is always subpar

If you can, go for a straight AUX 3.5mm cable straight to the stereo.
If you cant do that, go for a cassette adapter, quality isnt always the best (this is dependent on the actual player as well) but it is FAR better than an FM Transmitter.

And if you cant do those two, then just give up and wait until you can (you can pick up some supercheap stereos with a 3.5mm jack on eBay).
There are websites dedicated to getting AUX to factory stereos as well.

Just stay the hell away from FM Transmitters they should have never been created.

UnderCover · 01-01-2007, 12:27 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Wmc90

Just stay the hell away from FM Transmitters they should have never been created.

I don't necessarily agree with that.... the problem is they should have been created more powerful. The FCC limits the signal strength, which is why there is usually terrible sound quality. If they weren't so afraid giving us a little bit of leeway, FM transmitter's may be more useful than they are now.

Wmc90 · 01-01-2007, 12:42 AM

Yes, the issue is signal strength but the FCC won't allow a change. Plus, the whole idea of an FM Transmitter for your MP3 player in the car is far too complicated for such a possibly simple solution.

LowLife · 01-02-2007, 08:14 AM

Ok..I checked the back of my cd player and it has two plugs red and white im not sure if these are Aux plugs or what like this http://home.speedfactory.net/tcashin/ipodsony.htm only thing is my player doesnt have an Aux function..annnnd is this the cable you speak of? http://www.outletpc.com/c6287.html any info would be a great help so I dont go and buy something I dont need :P

11-24-2006, 05:52 AM	#1 (permalink)
Groux Experienced Zuner Join Date: Nov 2006 Posts: 138 Reputation: 10	FM Transmitter User Feedback I'm looking to purchase the Zuneâ¢ Car Pack with FM Transmitter soon and was wondering if anyone had any feedback on it? In the past I've used the Griffin iTrips with my iPods and had hit and miss success with them depending on what generation iPod and iTrip I was using so I'd like to hear about the FM Transmitter before I went and shelled out 80 bucks for one, if you have one or have seen on in action please let me know what you think! Any and all help is greatly appreciated. __________________ To view links or images in signatures your post count must be 0 or greater. You currently have 0 posts. : To view links or images in signatures your post count must be 0 or greater. You currently have 0 posts. To view links or images in signatures your post count must be 0 or greater. You currently have 0 posts.

11-24-2006, 10:31 PM	#3 (permalink)
tacoma Premium Member Squirt Join Date: Nov 2006 Posts: 22 Reputation: 10	RE: FM Transmitter User Feedback FM transmitters are ASS. I wouldn't spend $10 on one. It's FAR better to directly connect via the headphone jack. On my car I had to get an adapter. I used this. http://www.sylfex.com/products/AuxMod/ But there are plenty of iPod adapters that will work, you just need an audio-in on your stereo.

11-25-2006, 11:22 AM	#4 (permalink)
thefinalprophecy Experienced Zuner Join Date: Nov 2006 Posts: 159 Reputation: 10	RE: FM Transmitter User Feedback FM transmitters are all horrible. And they'll charge you up the ass for one too. If your stereo has AUX inputs then use that. mine doesn't, so I stick to CDs in my car lol __________________ To view links or images in signatures your post count must be 0 or greater. You currently have 0 posts.

11-25-2006, 12:26 PM	#5 (permalink)
cjcamilla Zuner Join Date: Nov 2006 Location: Long Island Posts: 59 Reputation: 14	RE: FM Transmitter User Feedback I havew never used an FM Transmitter, but looking at this thread, I don't think I should get one. __________________ To view links or images in signatures your post count must be 0 or greater. You currently have 0 posts. Proud to be an OG Zuner!

11-25-2006, 02:19 PM	#6 (permalink)
thefinalprophecy Experienced Zuner Join Date: Nov 2006 Posts: 159 Reputation: 10	RE: FM Transmitter User Feedback well it would decrease the quality of your music to that of an FM radio lol. and also tons of static, keep having to change channels, and loss of signal when you go near powerlines, etc. i've tried several of them when I worked at Best Buy, and I would just return them when they sucked ass. Even the $80 Monster brand transmitter was a piece of ***. All the employees that sold mp3 players, etc reccomended the DLO one that plugs into your cigarette lighter and is basically a transmitter/dock/charger in one unit, but I never tried it. __________________ To view links or images in signatures your post count must be 0 or greater. You currently have 0 posts.*

11-26-2006, 06:07 PM	#7 (permalink)
qball Zewbie Join Date: Nov 2006 Posts: 3 Reputation: 10	RE: FM Transmitter User Feedback Well, I have to say that I am less than thrilled with my zune car pack.Â�Â�Picked it up this weekend and am probably going to try and return it this week.Â�Â�My main trouble with it and probably all other fm transmitters is finding a clear space in the fm sprectrum.Â�Â�Maybe its justs my old car radio but every notch has some station broadcasting on it, but when I do finally find an open one and use the zune it actually works really good.Â�Â� But the main reason I got it was to be able to play music on long trips and its just to much of a hassle every 20 miles having to retune the thing because I'm now in range of some other station. I suppose it you were mainly going to be using it locally and there aren't a ton of stations around, it would be good purchase, but for me at least I guess it was a nice try till I can get my radio upgraded to something with a aux in. Hope this helps in your decision

11-27-2006, 01:56 PM	#8 (permalink)
greg3d Experienced Zuner Join Date: Nov 2006 Posts: 161 Reputation: 10	RE: FM Transmitter User Feedback Does anyone have any experience with Belkin's car charger/DM transmitter?Â�Â�It looks uber-cool, not yet available, but definately I would consider getting if it worked well. Belkin FM Transmitter Any iPod owners have experience with it? __________________ ~I used to have a handle on life, but it broke~

11-27-2006, 06:35 PM	#10 (permalink)
bccarlso Squirt Join Date: Dec 2006 Posts: 20 Reputation: 10	RE: FM Transmitter User Feedback Back in the old days before CD plaers were in cars i had a tape that plugged into my portable cd player. I wonder if that would work with this.

11-29-2006, 03:47 PM	#11 (permalink)
djbudy Squirt Join Date: Nov 2006 Posts: 24 Reputation: 10	RE: FM Transmitter User Feedback I have the Zune car kit, but I didn't buy it for the car, I use it at work for my jam box and my stereo headphones. This thing probably has close around 20' of range, which isn't too bad, and the autoseek function is okay, it also allows you to manually tune in any channel you want throughout the full frequency spectrum(87.1-107.9). In a car would definitely be hit or miss though, due to the strength of the transmitter. If you have easy access to it, I'd suggest unplugging the car's antenna from the radio, as this should alleviate any channel bleed from actual radio stations(the Zune's close proximity to the car radio should overcome the lack of antenna). I will say it works great for the way I use it though.

12-27-2006, 01:43 PM	#13 (permalink)
JeremyMiller Zuner Join Date: Dec 2006 Posts: 92 Reputation: 10	Re: FM Transmitter User Feedback I've found some of them to work great. My EX got my old IPOD and My belking Itrip back about a year or two ago (CURSES!) and it works wonderful in her car, sounds clear and whatever... I've also from experience learned that the ones that plug into your lighter plug have better reception because the charger wire is used like an antenna. It really depends on where you live and your radio.

12-28-2006, 05:21 PM	#14 (permalink)
ceez Zewbie Join Date: Dec 2006 Posts: 3 Reputation: 10	Re: FM Transmitter User Feedback groux, do not bother with the FM transmitter I wasted 80 bucks on one and it does not work. I tried it on my car, a 2k mustang and on a 2k6 trailblazer, forget it, trying to get a station is just frustrating. The fm transmitter seeks the stations in sequence, ie: 90.1 90.2 90.3 90.4 etc... the cars jump from odd number to odd number, ie: 90.1 90.3 90.5 90.7 etc... Unless your car can do the single sequence you might get lucky. it seems like all the dials in the radio have some sort of station playing, or the 'neighboring' stations trickle in a little bit so it's extremely difficult to find a 'dead' station. i bought it in NY on a trip there because I couldnt find any in miami Fl. I trashed the box in NY and now I am stuck with a stupid FM transmitter....at least a got the car charger....for 80 bucks!!!! >[ ARGH! __________________ this zune can be so powerful, MS knows it but they are just holding back!

12-31-2006, 11:53 PM	#15 (permalink)
LowLife Squirt Join Date: Dec 2006 Posts: 17 Reputation: 10	Re: FM Transmitter User Feedback sooo uhm what is the final verdict on something good to use?...cause really the reason I got a Zune is to listen to it in my car...I already dont have an antenna hooked up so maybe it would work better?

01-01-2007, 12:07 AM	#16 (permalink)
UnderCover Experienced Zuner Join Date: Nov 2006 Posts: 129 Reputation: 14	Re: FM Transmitter User Feedback Here is my review.... Monster - CarPlay 300 Hooked it up. Set the channel. Matched my car stereos channel....NOTHING! I turned up both my car stereo and Zune volume and I got a really sloppy/bassy sound. I finally got it to the point where I could hear the song without static, but it sounded worse than a cassette. I then went and bought the blaupunkt auxillary input adapter for 9.95 and couldn't be happier. __________________ To view links or images in signatures your post count must be 0 or greater. You currently have 0 posts. <br /><br /> To view links or images in signatures your post count must be 0 or greater. You currently have 0 posts.

01-01-2007, 12:15 AM	#17 (permalink)
Wmc90 Experienced Zuner Join Date: Nov 2006 Posts: 131 Reputation: 20	Re: FM Transmitter User Feedback All FM Transmitters are complete rubbish and are not worth 5 bucks. They all produce static (at varying degrees) and the quality of the audio is always subpar If you can, go for a straight AUX 3.5mm cable straight to the stereo. If you cant do that, go for a cassette adapter, quality isnt always the best (this is dependent on the actual player as well) but it is FAR better than an FM Transmitter. And if you cant do those two, then just give up and wait until you can (you can pick up some supercheap stereos with a 3.5mm jack on eBay). There are websites dedicated to getting AUX to factory stereos as well. Just stay the hell away from FM Transmitters they should have never been created. __________________ Black Zune 30Gb - Charcoal N95 w/4Gb microSD (waitin' on those 8G SDHCs!) Shure E4C [OTG] - Sennheiser HD595 [@Home] - LittleDot Micro+ Amp To view links or images in signatures your post count must be 0 or greater. You currently have 0 posts.

01-01-2007, 12:42 AM	#19 (permalink)
Wmc90 Experienced Zuner Join Date: Nov 2006 Posts: 131 Reputation: 20	Re: FM Transmitter User Feedback Yes, the issue is signal strength but the FCC won't allow a change. Plus, the whole idea of an FM Transmitter for your MP3 player in the car is far too complicated for such a possibly simple solution. __________________ Black Zune 30Gb - Charcoal N95 w/4Gb microSD (waitin' on those 8G SDHCs!) Shure E4C [OTG] - Sennheiser HD595 [@Home] - LittleDot Micro+ Amp To view links or images in signatures your post count must be 0 or greater. You currently have 0 posts.

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01-02-2007, 08:14 AM	#20 (permalink)
LowLife Squirt Join Date: Dec 2006 Posts: 17 Reputation: 10	Re: FM Transmitter User Feedback Ok..I checked the back of my cd player and it has two plugs red and white im not sure if these are Aux plugs or what like this http://home.speedfactory.net/tcashin/ipodsony.htm only thing is my player doesnt have an Aux function..annnnd is this the cable you speak of? http://www.outletpc.com/c6287.html any info would be a great help so I dont go and buy something I dont need :P

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