Showing posts with label itrip. Show all posts
Showing posts with label itrip. Show all posts

9/01/2012

Griffin Black iTrip FM Transmitter for iPod Review

Griffin Black iTrip FM Transmitter for iPod
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This will not work with video iPod. The video iPod does not have the power source next to the audio out like all the other iPods. The video iPod only has the audio out (headphone jack).


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This black version of the popular iTrip FM transmitter for third-generation iPods can play your music through any FM radio: in your car, at work, at a party; wherever the mood strikes you--as long as there's a radio handy. The iTrip gives you the cleanest possible signal, too, since you can tune for the best performance by choosing any radio station on the dial. What's more, the iTrip needs no batteries--it draws its tiny, nearly unmeasurable current directly from the iPod, and it can rotate out of the way so you can charge the iPod while the iTrip is still in use.There's not even a power switch--you just plug it in and go. It shuts off automatically after 60 seconds of silence, just like the iPod. If the iTrip is already connected to the iPod, it will turn itself on after it detects a few seconds of audio. With iTrip, you have over 100 stations to choose from, which you select directly from the iPod. An installed playlist from the supplied CD-ROM called iTrip Stations contains every available station. You can keep them all in your iPod or just keep the ones used regularly--you manage them just like songs. How does it sound? All the iTrip does is create a miniature FM radio station on top of your iPod, so it has the potential to sound as good as the best FM radio stations. The iTrip does not have the physical space to accommodate the iPod remote control (it lacks the required female iPod headphone connector to provide a signal pass-through), and the iTrip occupies the iPod's headphone jack, so it's one or the other at any given time. Be advised that some car windshields impair FM radio transmission, which could prevent you from using the iTrip with your car radio. Some windows have a metallic film that substantially blocks the FM signal traveling from within your car to your external antenna. You can usually tell which windshields have the film by looking carefully--if you see an unusual bronze or reddish tint, you might have the metal film; if you see a very fine grid pattern you might have woven metal wires. Check with your dealer to be sure. What's in the Box The iTrip transmitter and the iTrip CD-ROM.

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8/27/2012

Griffin NA22041 iTrip Auto Pilot FM Transmitter with App Integration for iPod and iPhone Review

Griffin NA22041 iTrip Auto Pilot FM Transmitter with App Integration for iPod and iPhone
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This review refers to the 4046-TRPAUTOC model # just released the end of May 2008. This particular model does, in fact, support the iPhone.
OK, let's start out with the good news. Finally there is an FM transmitter on the market that supports the iPhone without triggering the Airplane Mode prompt. It uses the dock connector and will output audio from the unit even with videos. This gets it an extra star.
That's it. That's the good news. Everything else about it is garbage.
Frequency range - This unit will not tune to any stations below 88.1. This leaves out prime territory on most American vehicles' radios below this point were no real U.S. radio stations broadcast.
SmartScan - Supposedly this will scan the radio signals in your area and find the 3 frequencies with the least interference from terrestrial radio. Put simply, it doesn't work. The device will find a new set of 3 stations every time I run the scan mode, sitting in the same place geographically. Nine out of ten times the supposedly radio-free frequencies it finds are actually full-blown radio stations, and they're pretty strong ones. It has yet to find a frequency that is weak enough for the built-in FM transmitter to overpower. This despite the fact that there are a few genuinely free frequencies in this area.
SmartSound - Supposed to improve sound quality. Seems to turn the volume up a hair (kind of like the old "loudness" setting on some CD players of a decade or two ago). Yay! Louder static!
Radio Data System (RDS) - Supposed to broadcast the track and artist name along side the music to radios equipped with such capabilities. Doesn't work. Generally sends gibberish even when the audio signal can get through.
FM Transmitter - The weakest part of the whole package. If this part worked, the rest would be forgivable. It doesn't. It can't even overpower dead/empty frequencies consistently. This is the weakest iPod-style FM transmitter I have ever used. This is unacceptable, and I'm not even sure how this got out of the development lab. You'd figure it should be able to do what it was designed to do, but I guess not.
Bear in mind, I live in a city of less than 100k and there aren't that many powerful stations in this area. I was hoping to be able to retire my old iPod and use my iPhone exclusively. Unfortunately, this unit is not capable of performing as advertised. This is the third piece of Griffin Technology that has failed. I will never invest in their brand again.
Update 6/15/08:
I've tried this unit a few more times after seeing several "B" level reviews, and after discovering an "Easter Egg" hidden feature of the transmitter. Though I wouldn't say this makes me want to give it any more stars (I'm sticking with 1/5), it may make some difference to someone. More importantly, it may help those of us who were foolish enough to purchase this unit.
You can make this unit tune to 87.9 FM to broadcast. This is a "hidden" feature (a.k.a. Easter Egg) of the device. If you go into the settings menu under "Mode" you have the option to do Stereo/Mono on the right and to enable/disable "SmartSound" on the left. In the middle there is simply the logo for "Griffin" displayed on the screen. Normally it's at the bottom of the screen (bottom center). If you press and hold the center button under it for about 10 seconds, it will jump to the top-center position. This will open the transmitter up to transmit on frequencies less than 88.1 FM.
Why is this important? Legally, radio stations in the U.S. are restricted from broadcasting lower than 88.1 or so (there are exceptions), so it's almost always a fairly open frequency anywhere you go in the U.S. (not necessarily true in other countries). Most car radios can tune that low as well (for use in other countries).
I found that using that trick, the unit seems to be in a stronger broadcast mode. I'm not sure if it is a power boost or if it's just due to less interference from terrestrial radio. Either way, it's a huge improvement over the out-of-the-box settings but still barely average for an FM transmitter in my early testing so far. The AutoScan still doesn't work (in a semi-rural area with only a few moderately strong radio signals). The RDS doesn't work consistently. Still a huge disappointment vs. my Kensington.

Click Here to see more reviews about: Griffin NA22041 iTrip Auto Pilot FM Transmitter with App Integration for iPod and iPhone

Straightforward and reliable, the RoadTrip from Griffin allows you to enjoy your library of music through your vehicle's sound system. Cord-based controls mean you can tuck your iPod out of sight (in the glove box or under a seat) and retain total playback control. If your stereo is RDS-enabled, the RoadTrip displays song and artist information.


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8/21/2012

XtremeMac Airplay Boost FM Transmitter for iPod nano 2G (Black) Review

XtremeMac Airplay Boost FM Transmitter for iPod nano 2G (Black)
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I had tried several other FM transmitters for my iPod Nano 2G but all failed to pass muster. Be it ease of use, excessive static or simply poor construction they all suffered from deficiencies that rendered them unusable. With the AirPlay Boost however I have been very satisfied with its performance. The default frequency (87.9 MHz) was fine for my area (Tampa, a big but sprawling metropolitan area). My primary use will be in my car and for that scenario it worked well. There was static discernible but I would go so far as to say that it was less than most radio stations. The telescoping antenna was a little flimsier than expected but not so much so that I am concerned about its durability. I am glad it is telescoping as my iPod would not fit in its protective case otherwise. The inclusion of a pass through charging connector at the bottom of the transmitter is a nice feature. The case design of the transmitter blends well with the case of the iPod Nano 2G. I would recommend this product to others.

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Airplay Boost streams your music over any FM frequency. By tuning AirPlay Boost and an FM stereo to the same open frequency, you get an instant, wireless connection.

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8/17/2012

Kensington LiquidFM Transmitter for iPod Review

Kensington LiquidFM Transmitter for iPod
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Avoid this product at all costs. We have now tried this thing on two different iPods (Mini and Nano) and it works horribly for both. We have also tried this in two different cars. The problem? The signal is very faint no matter what FM channel you try. In order to get it to work, you have to stretch out the cable and hold it over your head. When it does work, the sound volume is so low that the music is unlistenable. Even adjusting the volume on the iPod has no effect. I have tried multiple FM stations and have had no luck. These are the same stations that work fine for a Sirius radio I have that broadcasts over FM. Stay away from this product at all costs. It simply just doesn't work. We will be returning the product.

Click Here to see more reviews about: Kensington LiquidFM Transmitter for iPod

Enjoy your iPod music collection on the go with LiquidFM for iPod.

LiquidFM connects to the cigarette lighter/power outlet in your car and charges your iPod while you listen. It works with all iPod models with a click wheel and a dock connector.
The device has three station presets for instant tuning, and ClearFM technology to deliver superior sound. You can tune to any station, from 88.1 to 107.9, so you can always avoid station interference. The convenient on/off switch means you can turn it off without unplugging it, so it's always ready to go.
LiquidFM is backed by the Kensington 2-Year warranty.
What's in the Box LiquidFM for iPod FM Transmitter

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8/10/2012

DLO TransPod All-in-One Car Solution for iPod White Review

DLO TransPod All-in-One Car Solution for iPod White
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This is not my first attempt at finding an FM transmitter, but so far it's the best solution I've found.
My first try was with an iTrip and a Belkin car charger for my 4G iPod. I also needed a Belkin TuneDock to hold everything. Because the iTrip looked cool and was very portable I tended to overlook its very poor sound and frequent signal drift. The fact that you can not just tune the iTrip on the fly made this more and more of an issue. If you lost a station, you had to stop whatever was playing and go select another iTrip station by playing it on the iPod. Not convenient. Then the iTrip and charge both stopped working - so I started shopping.
Next, I tried a Soundfeeder. This has a manual tuning knob so at least I could tune around signal drift. But this was a hassle and it ran on AA batteries and the signal really degraded as the battery wore out. So, I went for the "All-in-one" solution...
The Transpod just works! I have had absolutely ZERO signal drift. This is on the same station and the same commute I did hundreds of times with the iTrip and Soundfeeder, and they faded or had dead spots a few times per trip. So, I am a big fan of the signal. The dock with its built in charging and tuning buttons is a very big plus. No used cupholders from the TuneDock and the adjustable arms allowed me to place the dock as out of the way as needed. I haven't had to tune to a new station (have I mentioned how great that is), but if I did, the buttons are right there. Now, I have had the iPod bump out of the dock and cause the sound in the left speakers to die before I pushed it back down, but I can live with that. Also, the adjustable arms are not exactly "sexy". It's a bit clunky, but I was after FUNCTION and I just wanted to stop having to adjust things while driving instead of listening. I don't have any issue with the quality of the material.
PROS: Signal strength; All-in-one transmitter, charger, holder minimizes hassle; ease of tuning; adjustable arm for positioning
CON: Not very attractive with all the arms snaking up your console. Not "ugly", just sort of "low-tech".
That CON was not enough for me to lower the 5-star ranking.

Click Here to see more reviews about: DLO TransPod All-in-One Car Solution for iPod White

Do away with the clutter of CDs, cassettes, and jewel cases while on the road with the TransPod FM transmitter and charger, which plays your favorite iPod tunes through your car's stereo speakers. The TransPod powers itself via your car's cigarette lighter and broadcasts the iPod signal to any empty FM frequency on your dial--from 88.1 to 107.9 MHz. Should the reception at one frequency come in poorly, merely change frequencies by pressing the side button. And while you're busy listening to music, the TransPod is also charging your iPod at the same time, ensuring that it won't run out of juice in the middle of a long drive. The TransPod installs in any type of vehicle, and its adjustable mounting arm lets you position the iPod anywhere across the dash for easy access and control. The device also offers a line-out function so you can plug it directly into the car stereo via an optional cassette adapter or auxiliary plug. Compatible with the 3G, 4G, iPod mini, and iPod+HP with dock connector, the TransPod is the ultimate all-in-one car solution for music fans.
What's in the Box TransPod, cigarette lighter adapter, iPod mini insert, user's manual.

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8/08/2012

Kensington LiquidFM™ Deluxe for iPod FM Transmitter K33424US Review

Kensington LiquidFMâ„¢ Deluxe for iPod FM Transmitter K33424US
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My experience is pretty much what other reviewers have listed.
The rapid seek function only finds stations that are already broadcasting loud and clear music.
Even when you can find a station manually that you can hear the ipod through (a very rare event), it is so quiet that you have to crank up the volume, making the static significantly louder than the music. It sounds terrible.
I don't see how anyone could give this 5 stars unless they are receiving a completely different product. The performance is so dismal that simple difference-of-opinion cannot explain it.

Click Here to see more reviews about: Kensington LiquidFM™ Deluxe for iPod FM Transmitter K33424US

Your car should be this loaded. LiquidFM Deluxe for iPod charges your iPod while it plays, and displays title and artist name on RDS-enabled car stereos. The device features three station presets, and superior sound through ClearFM technology.

Tune into any FM setting, from 88.1-107.9, to enjoy your music interference-free. Quickseek technology does it for you, finding the clearest station in seconds.
LiquidFM Deluxe fits all iPod models with dock connectors. It's powered by the cigarette lighter/power outlet in your car, and also boasts a convenient on/off switch, so you can turn it off without unplugging it.
With RDS-enabled stereos (offered in many models by leading automakers) you'll be able to view the artist and song names while you listen.
LiquidFM Deluxe is backed by is backed by the Kensington 2-Year warranty.
What's in the Box LiquidFM Deluxe for iPod FM Transmitter

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8/05/2012

XtremeMac IPU-IFM-10 InCharge FM Wireless Transmitter for iPod - Black Review

XtremeMac IPU-IFM-10 InCharge FM Wireless Transmitter for iPod - Black
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Review from iLounge. This is the review I used to qualify this purchase. I had written a manual review prior to this but it seems Amazon 'lost' my review. So, I'm reviewing it again the lazy way. I hope you find it informative. I was originally considering the Monster or the Belkin brand prior to this purchase. Now, I'm glad I went with this purchase instead.
Surprises -- particularly good ones -- are very rare in FM transmitters these days, as the Federal Communications Commission's crackdown on overpowered radio broadcasting devices has compelled many companies to broadcast just within the U.S. government's legal limitations. Over the past year, we've become familiar enough with those limitations that it seems obvious when a device is unhappily struggling to match them or blowing right past the marks, hoping not to get caught. Though we might be wrong, XtremeMac's combination FM transmitter and car charger InCharge FM ($70) seems to be in the latter category: two sample units we tested outperformed recent FCC compliant transmitters we've tested by a fair margin.
Like the earlier InCharge Auto, InCharge FM appears to have been designed to physically match the iPhone, using chrome and black plastic in an attractive, minimalist combination for each of its key parts. First, there's a car charging bulb with a subtle blue light to indicate that it's receiving power, and second, there's a cabled FM transmitter that connects to an iPod with a Dock Connector plug at one end, and a case-compatible USB plug for charging at the other. InCharge FM doesn't run off of the iPod's battery, and so depends on the cabled transmitter to be connected to the charging bulb, or a USB-enabled computer or wall charger, for power.
This latter point deserves a little extra attention. Virtually every one of the "in-car" FM transmitters we've tested over the past few years is "only in-car," with the manufacturer assuming--probably correctly--that you're only interested in hearing your iPod's audio through a radio when you're driving. Because you can pull the car charger off and connect InCharge FM to any powered USB port or wall charger, this one can be used indoors too, which will be a bonus for people who want to charge and hear their iPods through home radios without using a dock or wires. Our one and only issue with XtremeMac's connectors was a slightly loose right lock on our second review unit's Dock Connector, which didn't interfere with the unit's performance.
XtremeMac's transmitter looks like a pill-shaped miniature iPhone, with buttons on its face and sides, plus a blue LED screen where the iPhone's touchscreen would be. A play/pause/next track button for iPod touch and a stereo/mono toggle switch are accessible on one side of the transmitter, while the other side has two preset buttons, and the face has manual tuning buttons for the transmitter. The screen's only for numbers, and keeps at least the bright blue decimal dot on display whenever power's running through the transmitter, as well as matching digits whenever an iPod or iPhone is connected. The currently shipping version of InCharge FM is only iPod-compatible, bringing up the iPhone's nag screen, but a nagless version is planned for near future release as well. Nag aside, both of the review units we tested worked extremely well with the iPhone.
In fact, the units worked extremely well with anything we connected. XtremeMac says that the InCharge FMs use a licensed FM transmission technology called Quintic PureFM that promises "a consistently clean signal and excellent dynamic range," and though the units we tested weren't immune to the subtle static levels that persist in all FM transmitters, they did in fact sound great--especially when tuned to everclear station 87.9FM. We preferred the dynamic sound of the InCharge FM to what we heard from Belkin's TuneCast Auto, as well as Griffin's most recent iTrip Auto--on good or bad stations, XtremeMac's transmitter sounded clearer.
To quantify this a bit more, on an empty FM station such as 87.9FM, InCharge FM sounded almost completely clear, which wasn't a shock, but it also had the ability to basically flood out an existing station that was weak to moderate on the dial, and didn't suffer as much from the transmitter's location in our test vehicle as the others. We were also able to get a clear signal from five feet away from the antenna indoors. While these are positive performance characteristics that any end user would appreciate, they're also hints that the transmitter is like a track runner on steroids, capable of outperforming its rivals but also leaving us wondering how long it would remain in competition.
Overall, we can't help but be impressed by the overall performance and value the current version of InCharge FM brings to the table. Bucking past XtremeMac pricing trends, it sells for $10 less than its key competitors, but still manages to outperform them on sound, and look great in the process. Its ability to work indoors, using a USB charger or computer for power, also adds value for some users. From a features standpoint, all it's conspicuously missing is Belkin's ClearScan or Griffin's SmartScan auto-tuning feature, and then, its inclusion of near-universally-empty 87.9FM on the dial all but eliminates the need for tuning.

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4/04/2012

Griffin 4045-TRPAUTOS iTrip Auto FM Transmitter with SmartScan for iPod (0.5 Amps Rating) Review

Griffin 4045-TRPAUTOS iTrip Auto FM Transmitter with SmartScan for iPod (0.5 Amps Rating)
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On my quest to find a FM Transmitter, I bought a different itrip from Griffin, but it did not charge my ipod nano 4th Gen. So I called Grifin and they told me that in order to charge my ipod nano 4th Gen that it needs to be an itrip with Smart Scan technology. So i returned it and bought this one, and i'm very happy with it.
1. This unit charges our ipod nano 4th Gen no problem. The ring of light on the cigarette lighter plug lights up red when initially connected denoting power to FM transmitter, then amber once the ipod is connected (charging), and then it turns green when the ipod is fully charged.
2. I have a sealed radio in my car so therefore don't have an audio input unfortunatley (2005 Volvo s40 2.4i) and so FM Transmitters are a way of life for me. Your not going to get the perfect sound quality from these like you would with a direct input, so check to see if you got an aux input in your car first and then just buy a charger and a double male head phone wire. I have a Sirius Radio has an FM Transmitter so i'm use to dealing with changing frequencys every so often. I live in NJ and am in NYC and Long Island a lot. My car can tune to 87.9 which I use for the sirius radio almost everywhere, but sometimes while in NY I use 93.3 (pretty high on the frequency list, but for some reason it's clear).
3. Check to make sure your car can go into 87.9 range first, these channels are hardly ever used by radio stations, then switch this grifin itrip autoscan to international frequencies just press function, then press AND HOLD mode for roughly ten secons until a new menu appears. It'll give you US, EU, and JP choices above each of the three buttons on the itrip. I picked JP (for japan) which enables all the normal US frequencies plus the lower range, lower then my car can go, my car only goes to 87.3 or something. A funny thing is that when i tune my car and itrip to 87.9 i get static, but if i keep the itrip at 87.9 and tune my car to 87.8 it comes in perfectly clear. It doesn't do that in my wife's car, 87.9 is 87.9. Just set one of your car radio presets to that and your good to go!
4. I took someone else recomendation to adjust the ipods equalizer to "Acoustic" and that definetly sounds better.
5. Long story short, I like this product, I got it for a heck of a lot cheaper then any FM transmitter at the apple store. One downfall which people do mention is that it is a tad bit hard to read the display of the itrip when you got a glare, but you can set your own presets on the itrip. Autoscan function is stupid, but apparently this is the model that'll charge the ipod nano 4th gen. Scan the radio yourself for static/ or free channels and then tune the itrip to those.


Click Here to see more reviews about: Griffin 4045-TRPAUTOS iTrip Auto FM Transmitter with SmartScan for iPod (0.5 Amps Rating)

The Griffin iTrip Auto FM Transmitter with SmartScan wirelessly sends music from your iPod to your car radio so you can listen on your car stereo speakers. It combines Griffin's renowned FM transmitter technology with an integrated charger. Designed specifically for use in the car, the SmartScan function makes it easier than ever to find the perfect frequency. SmartScan scans the radio dial for the three best frequencies and saves them to the preset buttons. The high-contrast display is easy to read in any light, and the three-stage light ring changes color to indicate charging status. Compatible with iPod (4G, 5G), iPod nano (1G, 2G, 3G), iPod classic, and iPod touch.

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3/24/2012

Griffin iTrip Auto FM Transmitter and Auto Charger for iPod (Black) Review

Griffin iTrip Auto FM Transmitter and Auto Charger for iPod (Black)
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Griffin has made a ton of these little FM transmitters for various generations of iPod, and this is the best one to date. It is still not perfect, though.
Using a FM transmitter is the method of last resort. If your car has a tape deck, use a cassette adapter! The very newest car stereos have Bluetooth or even a line-in jack, even better. Save yourself a lot of frustration by using a direct connection, if possible. If you're considering a FM transmitter for home use, perhaps to connect to your stereo, don't. You'll be much happier with a real docking station.
That said, Griffin has made 3 huge improvements over their previous FM transmitters:
1) Plugs into the dock connector! No more volume hassles! The dock connector has a constant line-out volume level, and isn't affected by the volume dial setting of your iPod.
2) Instant on when car started, and auto-pause of iPod when car stopped. Other Griffin adapters had the nasty problem of needing to "warm up" before they would start working, but it seems Griffin has finally solved the problem here. And, as a nice bonus, it automatically pauses your iPod when powered off, so it remembers your place for next time!
3) Charges your iPod while in use! Another advantage of the dock connector is that it can charge your iPod from the unit's cigarette lighter connection. A real disadvantage of earlier FM transmitters is that they drained your iPod's battery like crazy, but this is solved by using your car's power instead.
The flipside of this is that the connector is wired to the LCD unit and then to the cigarette lighter plug. It isn't a standalone wireless unit. If you like to set up your iPod somewhere in your car where wires would get in the way, this could be a problem.
Now, some disadvantages:
1) FM transmitter power is very, very weak. It's a game of inches. Griffin claims they are hamstrung by FCC regulations, but even legal Part 15 devices are allowed to transmit for a few dozen feet or so! Griffin really needs to crank up the power to the maximum allowed by law. Now that they are powered by cigarette lighter power, instead of iPod battery power, there's no excuse anymore to use an underpowered transmitter.
2) Transmitted volume is very, very soft. You have to crank up your car radio up all the way, causing hiss in the background, and blown speakers if you forget to turn it back down before changing the radio channel! Griffin doesn't modulate the FM signal enough. Compared to other stations on the FM dial, the iPod volume is much too low.
This is an especially bad double whammy: not only is the transmitted FM signal too weak, it's also too quiet!
Don't forget about the 87.9 frequency. Contrary to Griffin's belief, this is still a legal frequency in the USA, even though it's right on the edge of the dial. Griffin doesn't allow you to use this frequency, though, unless you put the unit in "International" mode! So, remember to do this first, before you throw away the manual and forget how to do it. 87.9 is clear in many areas that don't have a TV channel 6, so this is usually the best choice for these FM transmitters!
Now, if only Griffin would boost their radio power, they'd have the perfect device....

Click Here to see more reviews about: Griffin iTrip Auto FM Transmitter and Auto Charger for iPod (Black)

The Griffin 9501-TRIPCB iTrip Auto FM Transmitter and Auto Charger for iPod combines Griffin's renowned FM transmitter technology with an integrated charger. Designed specifically for use in the car, the iTrip Auto powerfully transmits clear music from your iPod through your car stereo, while the large, easy-to-read backlit LCD screen affords quick, precise station selection and status at a glance.
The Griffin 9501-TRIPCB is the most versatile iTrip to date, accommodating every dock connector iPod, including the iPod nano and fifth-generation iPod videos. The iTrip Auto uses the audio line out from the iPod's dock connector and optimizes the output volume, allowing speaker volume to be controlled solely from the car stereo controls, without having to adjust the iPod's volume level. This unit features all the innovations of its predecessors, including selectable LX and DX modes for best-quality audio under real-world conditions, best-possible RF technology, and Griffin's world-class industrial design.
The Griffin iTrip Auto is constructed with a built-in FM stereo antenna and a high-stability crystal oscillator with phase-lock loop control. This unit can operate anywhere from the 88.1 to 107.9 MHz frequencies, with a frequency response ranging from 50 Hz to 15 KHz, at a range from 10 to 30 feet. The 9501-TRIPCB is powered by an included 12-volt cigarette lighter power adapter that features an easily replaceable fuse through which it also charges your iPod. This unit comes in black, weighs 0.6 ounces, measures 0.49 x 2.84 inches (W x D) with a total length of 33.47 inches (including the cord), and it's backed by a manufacturer's limited one-year warranty.
iPod Compatibility iPod nano 1G, iPod nano 2G, iPod mini, iPod 3G, iPod 4G (click wheel), iPod color, iPod video 5G/5.5G.

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3/05/2012

Griffin iTrip LCD FM Transmitter for iPod nano 1G (Black) Review

Griffin iTrip LCD FM Transmitter for iPod nano 1G (Black)
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I've tried a few FM transmitters for my various iPods, from Griffin and other manufacturers, and this one sounds as good as any I've used, which is to say not all that terrific - it's OK for non-critical listening in the car, but if you want consistent, crystal-clear, high quality sound without crackling and hiss you'll have to go for some sort of direct-wired approach.
Setting aside the limits of the technology itself, I'd give Griffin's approach four stars - this is a nice little gadget, and very easy to use. It's beautifully designed; the sled arrangement allows it to "bond" with the Nano very nicely - it looks like one integrated unit (though I wish Griffin had offered it in white as well as black). The iTrip hijacks the Nano's screen, which makes for easy tuning and adjustment of preferences (stereo/mono, etc). I haven't noticed a problem yet with the "micro-suction" pad that holds the Nano to the transmitter, but keeping the pad clean is probably a necessity.
Speaking of which, the iTrip comes with a nice little grey cloth pouch that holds the Nano and transmitter snugly - the inside of the pouch is soft, but it also sheds a lot of very fine dust onto the unit for a few days, which probably doesn't help the pad's sticking power.
One caveat - you can't use this transmitter with a Nano case (which may explain why Griffin included a pouch). I've got the clear plastic "Invisibleshield" on my Nano, so it's not a problem for me.
It strikes me as a little overpriced, but it's certainly the best available solution for people who want to listen to their Nano in the car but can't hardwire a connection.

Click Here to see more reviews about: Griffin iTrip LCD FM Transmitter for iPod nano 1G (Black)

Griffin's SmartDisplay technology seamlessly integrates all functions and features with the iPod nano. iTrip information is displayed on the best screen in the industry: the gorgeous iPod nano screen.One touch navigation puts all iTrip functions at your fingertip. This also makes iTrip for iPod nano the easiest-to-operate FM transmitter, ever.

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2/05/2012

Griffin iTrip Pocket FM Transmitter for iPod nano 2G Review

Griffin iTrip Pocket FM Transmitter for iPod nano 2G
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The industrial design of the iTrip Pocket is almost as impressive as the iPod Nano itself--which is one of the main reasons I selected it to begin with. It connects snugly to the USB connector on the base of the Nano, and its controls are very intuitive. It even briefly displays its FM station setting whenever you change its station, and upon power-up.
I recommend care when disconnecting it from the Nano. Since the connector is not centered, there is a tendency for the iTrip to pivot at an angle as it is being removed. If it is not disconnected in a straight line, I suspect that the lifetime of both connectors (iTrip, as well as the Nano mate) will be greatly reduced.
The sound quality of the iTrip is, at best, decent FM quality--which is what should be expected from an FM transmitter. The FCC limits the amount of broadcast power of these types of devices so that they do not interfere with radio broadcasts. This means that the FM power of all these transmitters is inherently weak. The iTrip will not give you CD quality sound. To optimize the sound quality, the selection of the radio station is critical. I found it to be absolutely essential that I find three unused FM stations in a row on my radio, and then set the iTrip to the middle station. I found that setting the iTrip to an unused station that is adjacent to a used station yielded very poor results. Note that, since the iTrip does not connect to the headphone/earbud jack of the Nano, it is not affected by the volume control of the Nano; it is only controlled by the volume control of your car's radio. I found that I have to set my radio's volume control significantly higher than normal when I use my iTrip; as mentioned before, even though it is only a few feet from the radio, the iTrip is still a very weak transmitter. As with any FM radio broadcast, there can be intermittent radio noise while driving, and noticeable hiss, particularly when the radio's volume is turned up high which (as mentioned earlier) is necessary when using the iTrip.
The position of the iTrip in your car is significant. One of my cars has the antenna in the rear. In this car, I find that reception is improved if I place the iTrip in the back seat--closer to the antenna.
Note that this product does not charge your Nano, in fact it uses your Nano's battery to operate. I have noticed a significant reduction of the Nano's battery life while using the iTrip. With the iTrip, I can only get about 6-8 hours on a charge; normally, a charge lasts at least 10-12 hours, I think.
Overall, I think this is a very good product. But if you are looking for better sound and your car has a cassette deck, I recommend using a cassette converter (traditionally used to connect a portable CD player through a cassette deck). If you want the best possible sound, the only way to go is to directly connect your Nano to your car's stereo system which, depending on the type of stereo you have, may not be straightforward.

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1/16/2012

Griffin 9781-TRP30BK iTrip FM Transmitter with Dock Connector for iPod (Black) Review

Griffin 9781-TRP30BK iTrip FM Transmitter with Dock Connector for iPod (Black)
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First, and foremost, we are talking about FM transmitters. Therefore, nothing will sound like CD sound or direct cable connections when it comes to music quality. You will lose some highs, and you will lose some lows, and you will have nowhere near great quality. That being said, sometimes there are no alternatives, and some transmitters can get the job done. In addition, I have owned and tested all of the following transmitters, to which I will review for you now to save you the time and money. A note: I have 2 vehicles, a SUV and a Saturn.
First up: Belkin Tunebase
I bought this after my Roadtrip base was stolen with my iPod, and I thought I would try an alternative. I liked the flexible connector in my SUV to allow reaching of all controls. However, it was disastrous in my Saturn, only preferring 1 position - lying down. It is a pain to control the iPod when driving in either vehicle, as the flexible arm gave too much in order to advance unwanted songs or control the iPod in general. Although a wider range of highs and lows was evident, the strength of output of this device is way too low; easily outcompted by either of the following transmitters. In the SUV, it is very good at broadcasting and being received by the radio. However, in the Saturn, it was an absolute disaster. I am transmitting on a completely free channel, and in my Saturn I got feedback from the background radio hiss! I even had the hiss increase in tune with the windshield wipers! How awful. This is not a bad transmitter in a larger vehicle, like my SUV, but in a small vehicle, you don't want to risk it. Finally, you can't disconnect the transmitter like the Griffin items. So, it's use in your car, or don't use at all. Although you rarely need to use it outside of your car, the other two below are the same price or cheaper, so you're already paying for it. Avoid this item.
Next - Griffin Roadtrip
Although this comes with an extension, the fixed location of the holder interferes with many of the car controls, even with the extension. However, the transmission is much better and can even be picked up in nearby cars at clear enough reception. I again had trouble making turns in the Saturn, as the roadtrip does slip around; but not nearly as bad as the Belkin. The transmission is good, but not great; as you do need to find a completely clean frequency in order to get a good reception. Finally, controlling the iPod is easy, as the adapter is a sturdy adapter and holds the iPod quite well. It got the job done in both cars, but didn't exactly knock my socks off.
Finally - Griffin iTrip
The best of the bunch. I doubt the transmission is greater than the griffin Roadtrip; based on the fact it runs off of the iPod, but it doesn't matter. You can move your iPod into position to be right under your antenna and get fantastic reception. In addition, because it doesn't need to be connected to the lighter, there is no interferce with the controls of the car and the iPod is easy to control. Finally, purchase this with the Powerjolt and you've spent the same as either of the above and can charge your iPod at the same time; except with a cable to keep the iPod clear of auto controls. I was expecting very little from this tiny device, but I am quite pleased. The only drawback is that, since there is no holder, there really is no secure place to put your iPod; as it will slide all over the dash. Putting it near the controls of the car (like in the center compartment area) obviously takes away its advantage over the Roadtrip. However, some velcro backing to it or sticky tape should afix it to the dash temporarily and you can remove it when you leave the car. But then you have tape on the back of your iPod....so..... Well, it still is the best choice, as the transmission is clearest because you can get it close to your antenna; and it is the only transmitter that worked well in my Saturn. In the SUV, all worked well.

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The Griffin Technology 9781-TRP30BK iTrip FM Transmitter with LCD and Dock Connector for iPod lets you avoid the hassle of bad reception and bad music on your car's radio by transmitting your iPod's music directly to your FM radio. iTrip features a clear, backlit LCD screen that makes setting the digital tuner easy and intuitive. A switch on iTrip's side controls the broadcast frequency, but with iTrip's memory of broadcast settings, you might find yourself not changing the frequency often. The selectable LX or DX modes ensure optimal reception levels and cut background noise that would disturb your listening pleasure. It all comes in a compact, self-contained design that helps you control iTrip when you're busy coping with traffic.
iPod Compatibility iPod nano 1G, iPod nano 2G, iPod mini, iPod 3G, iPod 4G (Clickwheel), iPod Color, iPod 5G/5.5G Video

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1/11/2012

Griffin iTrip FM Transmitter with Auto Dock Connector Cable for iPod and iPhone (Silver/Black) Review

Griffin iTrip FM Transmitter with Auto Dock Connector Cable for iPod and iPhone (Silver/Black)
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I first tried my itrip in standard mode and the sound reminded me of a radio station I know broadcasts from two counties away; I could clearly hear the music, but it was not the clearest sound. Then, I found specific directions regarding an old itrip version from "Eric William" in Michigan (a link to his review is at the end of mine). If you modify his directions (as I did below) for the new version, then you can easily set it to international mode and the sound quality was nearly CD quality.
1. Before buying the itrip, make sure your radio can tune lower than 88.1 (87.9 will work for the directions below).
2. Buy it, then set it up in your car as described in the quick start guide (pretty easy - just plug everything in)
3. After you have plugged everything in, hold down + and - at the same time for at least 10 seconds, until you see the LX/DX choice pass you by and then stop pushing + and - when you see the flashing "US". When you see the flashing "US", hit the + sign to select INTL instead. This just expands your signal options to go below 88.1 (88.1 is the lowest frequency upon which United States stations can broadcast). Give it a few seconds to go back to the normal screen and your setting is automatically saved.
4. Manually tune your radio and the itrip to 87.9 (note: to manually tune itrip, just click the + or -). If you like the way 87.9 sounds, hold down "SmartScan" until you see P1 and then it is a preset. If 87.9 doesn't tickle your fancy, you could even try 87.7. 87.9 works best for me and the sound quality is markedly better than the 100.3 the SmartScan found automatically.
Eric also suggested that you need to try to keep the transmitter as close to the radio as possible due to limited range. The manual and Eric also say you can switch to DX for stronger signal, but I left mine at LX (stereo) because the signal is great now that I went to international. I live in a very densely populated area with lots of radio stations and I am very happy with my purchase.
I concur with Eric William who says that he is unsure why they do not include these directions in the manual (they would increase their level of satisfaction tenfold!) But, at least they helped me and might be able to help you too :)
Note: if you have the older itrip (if it does not say "SmartScan" on your circular button), then refer to Eric's review for directions on how to put it in international mode: [...]


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riffin brings exclusive SmartScan technology to its precedent-setting iTrip FM Transmitter/Charger. Griffin-exclusive SmartScan automatically finds the clearest frequencies wherever you are, making setup and operation as easy as two button presses (one for your iTrip and one for your radio).Designed specifically for use in the car, iTrip Auto's large, easy-to-read backlit LCD screen affords quick status at a glance.iTrip Auto plugs into the dock connector of your iPod or iPhone and automatically optimizes output volume. Control speaker volume from your car stereo controls so that you won't have to touch your iPod to adjust the volume level.iTrip Auto brings with it all the innovations of its iTrip lineage--including selectable stereo and mono modes for best-quality audio under real-world conditions--Griffin's trademark world-class industrial design, and SmartScan, the easiest-to-use FM transmitter ever.

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1/01/2012

Griffin iTrip FM Transmitter with Auto Dock Connector Cable Attach for iPod (Silver/Black) Review

Griffin iTrip FM Transmitter with Auto Dock Connector Cable Attach for iPod (Silver/Black)
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Like several of the other Griffin iTrip fm transmitters, this unit can be switched to international mode, which opens up the option to use frequencies lower than 88.1. No US radio stations can broadcast on frequencies lower than 88.1, so now I don't have to worry about interference!
To switch this unit to international mode, press and hold both the plus and minus (+ and -) buttons at the same time. If you hold it a while, it will give you the option to switch between LX and DX modes (stero and mono). If you keep holding the plus and minus button longer, it will give you the option to switch between US and international modes.

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Charge & play your iPod through your car stereo. The number-one way to power and play is also one our most versatile models to date. iTrip Auto combines Griffins renowned FM transmitter technology with an integrated charger.

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10/12/2011

Griffin RoadTrip FM Transmitter for iPhone and iPod (Black) Review

Griffin RoadTrip FM Transmitter for iPhone and iPod (Black)
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This is a great and useful product, but must be turned to European mode to reach 87.7 - 87.9 since for some reason Griffin thinks that they are not allowed to use these frequencies (they are).
On the FM transmitter box, push the middle button (Function) and then press and hold the "Mode" button (the right one) for approximately 10 seconds. When you let go you will see a menu for "Us" "Eu" "Ja", select the middle button, "Eu". Let the device sit for a few seconds until it goes back to the main screen, then tune your radio and the transmitter to 87.7 - 87.9! Now you can use the device on the frequencies that will rarely give you interference (I have the best luck in St. Louis with 87.7).

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RoadTrip - Play, hold & charge your iPhone and iPod on your car's FM stereo.

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