MP3 FM transmitter

[danny20vt]

I've been thinking about getting an FM transmitter now I've got a phone which can holds loads of music, it won't really be used for the car that often as I prefer the engine/exhaust noise, what I will be using it for is when I'm at work in the lorry or van, so spot on quality isn't so much of an issue, a headphone to cassette adaptor is out as some of the newer vehicles have CD players. Has anyone has any experiences, good or bad, of these transmitters (3.5mm h/phone jack required) also any recommendations on which ones to consider would be appreciated.

 

[Mikey-S]

I've got one. It's in the kitchen drawer somewhere, basically because when you're on the move the quality is p*ss poor, lots of interference. I guess for the garage/workshop it would be fine. Any will do as they all do the same job, so I'd just buy a cheapie from ebay, but you're looking for something with a lot of frequencies, that'll give you more chance to find a frequency that isn't used in your area.

 

[Slimy]

I have exactly the same experience as mikey-s, it sucked big time. Way back in the nineties my friend had a cd changer that actually plugged into the FM aerial lead, that was remarkably good quality for what it was and I expected the same from the transmitters. But the difference is multicoloured glow-in-the-dark chalk and rancid mouse-killing cheese. Even the more expensive transmitters don't seem much better.

I'm also not convinced it was to do with the frequencies already being used, as I had a selection of eight and they were all bad!

I guess any permanent mods won't work if you're looking to be able to move it from one van to the next?

 

[DPJ]

I've got a Cygnett one that I bought about 18 months ago. Cost me about £35. Large range of frequencies on the ipod screen. Had no problems with it and still use it in the house occasionally. It eats the ipod battery though.

 

[TwoZeroAlpha]

I picked up a cheapo chinese job on ebay a while back "songbird" it was called. Runs on 2aaa batts or from a cigarette lighter adaptor. Works ok and quality good enough. Also got a belkin ipod fm adaptor and it's *&^%. Keeps dropping out (music goes quiet so it assumes powersave) and changes frequency every time you switch the damned thing on. If you can get a fixed frequency one (should be about 4 different freq's on the unit) your life will be easier.

 

[NI3K]

I have an n97 and fm transmitter comes as standard, very good phone!