Showing posts with label modulator. Show all posts
Showing posts with label modulator. Show all posts

6/15/2011

Audiovox FM100A FM Modulator with IST2 Isolation Transformer (Grey) Review

Audiovox FM100A FM Modulator with IST2 Isolation Transformer (Grey)
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If you have any other option besides an FM modulator to do what you need to do, do it. An FM modulator should be a last resort. That being said, I don't think I could be happier with this product, given the fact that I had no other options.
First, note that this is a WIRED modulator. Wireless modulators are worthless in the US because of the FCC mandated limitations of their broadcast range. Wired modulators like this one tap directly into the antenna in your car and send FM signals directly to your head unit. As such, you don't have interference from other FM transmissions--like radio stations.
As far as wired modulators go, in the same system I tried a Kenwood FM modulator and one from Metra. Both sounded horrible for anything but audio books. I added a ground loop isolator to the Kenwood setup, and it sounded better, but it was still too painful to listen to music through the modulator.
This Audiovox system comes with its own ground loop isolator, and together they sound far better than any other combination I had tried. Everything about this setup is a little smaller than other options I've used, so they fit behind the dash better.
All in all, if you're looking for the best FM modulator on the market, I believe you've found it. AudioVox makes a bad situation tolerable, and in fact, quite enjoyable.

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Allows sound from the video source to be played through the vehicle's speakers. Connects to car Radio antenna. Includes an isolation transformer (IST2).

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5/30/2011

Peripheral / PAC IS77 Universal iPod Dock and 3.5mm Input for FM Radios Review

Peripheral / PAC IS77 Universal iPod Dock and 3.5mm Input for FM Radios
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This unit lets me connect my iPod to my factory stereo that does not have an available AUX input. It comes with a cable to connect AND CHARGE your iPod as well as another cable to connect a standard 3.5mm plug. However, you can only connect one cable or the other to the single set of RCA connectors on the unit itself. Choosing one or the other will probably be fine for most people. But I wanted the option of using BOTH the iPod connector and the universal 3.5mm port. I overcame this by connecting two short RCA Y-cables (splitters) between the FM transmitter box and each of the cables that go to the iPod connector and the 3.5mm port. The Y-cables are inexpensive and easy to simply plug in. By doing this, I can take advantage of the capability of the iPod connector to charge my iPod (a huge plus for me) and also allow people with non-iPod devices (basically, anything with a heaphone jack) to connect to my factory stereo.
My only gripe is that since the sound is being transmitted via an FM modulator, even though it's hard-wired there is still a small amount of sound degradation even if you're connecting via the iPod connector. I quickly got used to it though. I liken it to listening to satellite radio versus a CD. The difference is about the same using this FM modulator.
I bought this at Best Buy for $90. I wish I had bought it from Amazon at the $55 price I see available now. If you're using this w/an iPod or any other device, please note that you control the music through the iPod itself or whatever other device you're connecting, not the stereo you're connecting it to. Personally I prefer controlling the music through the iPod itself since the controls are so intuitive and visual.
Installation of the wiring was pretty straight forward. I connected the power lead to the cigarette lighter.
Also, if you're installing this yourself, I recommend using it for a little while before you permanently mount the power switch and AUX port just in case you change your mind about the mounting location.
I would buy this again and also recommend it to other people. However, if your factory stereo has an unused AUX port on the back of it, I would recommend getting one of iSimple's other products that connect directly to the AUX port on the back of your stereo instead. (Mine is filled by the factory 6-CD changer.) You may lose the flexibility that I have since you'll have to choose between the iPod connector OR a 3.5mm port, but your audio signal shouldn't degrade since you're connecting through an unused AUX connector on the back of your stereo instead of going through an FM channel. I haven't actually compared the sound of the two, I'm just theorizing. You'll also get to control your iPod through the factory stereo which could be a plus for some people.

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Universal iPod Dock & 3.5mm Input for FM Radios

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4/15/2011

Scosche FM-MOD02 Universal Audio Input FM Modulator for iPod, Satellite Radio or Portable Music Player Review

Scosche FM-MOD02 Universal Audio Input FM Modulator for iPod, Satellite Radio or Portable Music Player
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Works pretty much as advertised: far better than wireless FM, not as good as an auxiliary port.
Basically, if your car's head unit (radio/CD player) doesn't come with a built-in external auxiliary port, you have four options to connect your MP3 player: (1) FM wireless, (2) FM wired, (3) aux port (if available), or, (4) a new radio.
Option (1) is useless; as to option (2), the Scosche FM modulator is probably the cheapest one you can find. There are some better FM modulators (eg, with 8 programmable freqs), but they are quite a bit more expensive. Options (3) or (4), which are also more expensive, offer much better quality. If sound quality is important to you and you're willing to spend the extra cash, look into hooking up through the aux port (if your car has it) or replacing the HU (these days, fairly decent radio/CD/MP3 players are not very expensive).
If you go for this FM modulator, there are a few things you should be aware of.
First, the device consists of the modulator itself and a (very) cheap plastic switch housing, containing the switch which turns the device on and a 3.5 mm female jack for audio input. The housing connects to the modulator via a Molex connector (for the switch) and two RCA jacks (for the audio input). The wires connecting the switch housing to the modulator are insulated, but unsightly and you definitely do not want them exposed. (You connect the MP3 player via the provided 3.5 mm male-to-male cable.) If you listen to the radio, you will likely need access to the switch, because reception of AM and some FM stations can be severely degraded with the modulator on.
Second, mine came with absolutely no instructions or diagrams, and Scosche provides no support on their web site. If you want to do the installation yourself, you're on your own. It's not too difficult -- if you know what you're doing. Basically, you take out the head unit, splice the red wire into an available +12V line (eg, cig lighter), and the black wire into a good ground. Connect the modulator's antenna jacks in-between the antenna and the car radio (here, depending on your car, you might require an antenna jack adaptor). Find a good location for the switch housing, attach the modulator securely, connect the switch and the RCA jacks, choose one of the two FM freqs available, put everything back, and you're good to go.
Third, the switch housing is poorly designed and made out of very cheap plastic. Its back is open (picture it as a cube with one side missing), and the housing itself is too short relative to the depth of the switch and connectors. That severely limits the choice of location for mounting the switch housing, if you don't want to have exposed cables. The housing is mounted by means of a piece of double-sided adhesive tape (provided).
Overall, installation is not too difficult, and, if you can do it yourself, it's worth it. If you have to pay for the installation, consider first an aux port or a new radio/CD player, which provide better sound quality.
Some reviewers complain of humming and/or background noise. I'd be inclined to blame that on a bad installation -- if installed with a good solid ground, this shouldn't be a problem.
Another complaint is that sound volume is too low. In a sense, that's not really the modulator's fault -- it's a basic mismatch between the electrical characteristics of the modulator's audio input and an MP3 player's output; and that's because the latter is designed to drive headphones, not to provide a line-level audio signal, while the former expects a line-level signal. (Test the modulator with any device, such as CD or DVD player, which provides line-level output, and you'll find that the volume level is within normal limits.) You'll have the same problem (volume too low) with any device not designed specifically to handle a headphone signal as audio input.


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plug your source into the FM-MOD02's auxiliary input or RCA inputs, then tune your FM radio to the selected frequency. You can switch between two different modulation frequencies, 87.9 MHz or 88.3 MHz, for the best possible reception in your area.

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3/16/2011

Mp3 Wireless Fm Transmitter with Sd Card and USB Jump Drive Slot. Black with .. Review

Mp3 Wireless Fm Transmitter with Sd Card and USB Jump Drive Slot. Black with ..
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I bought this player from Dream Bargains as SKU: WZ-K1F2-W0J1. Although the packaging was not heat sealed, it was obviously new, including a peel-off LCD protector. I selected this unit because the web image seemed to show a backlight that was missing from other listing photos. And, yes, it has a white backlight (not blue as pictured). Accessories included the short cable featuring standard 2.5mm plug to 3.5mm plug (e.g. IPod to modulator), remote with a good battery and 1 extra fuse. As with other similar units reviewed at other listings this unit came with the barest of documentation printed on the backside of the thick paper package-liner. Thanks to comments from other reviewers I knew that pressing and holding certain keys would produce other functions; on this unit press/hold Previous/Next keys for volume, press/hold the Pause/Play key to cycle between S(shuffle) and A(all, in order). I haven't yet discovered whether the A-/B+ keys control anything other than FM frequency. The product packaging indicates MP3/WMA player, but I haven't found the WMA function unless it's automatically detected (I haven't tested for that).
As other reviewers found, it is difficult to make reliable contact with the auto power socket, but I was after much practice able to find a satisfactory mating. I am sure a bumpy road would cause intermittence problems but on the highway or most city streets it would not be a problem. It's a plus that when contact is restored, playback begins where it stopped. It may be that wiping the chrome tip with fine emery paper once in a while could improve the contact; I haven't tested that. This poor contact is the only significant "con" I have to offer for this product.
I tested only with a thumb drive (250MB) and a half-dozen tunes. I plugged in the thumb drive, turned on the FM radio to an unused channel (89.7MHz), and plugged in the player/modulator. Ignoring the contact problems I then set the player to 89.7MHz (it's settable in 0.1MHz steps). I pressed PLAY and music poured forth! I subsequently found that the default modulation level was at max (21 of 21): a good default. As expected, setting lower modulation levels eventually (

Click Here to see more reviews about: Mp3 Wireless Fm Transmitter with Sd Card and USB Jump Drive Slot. Black with ..

New from PE a wireless MP3 FM modulator that lets you take your tunes to your vehicle. This 12V USB device offers 15 FM frequencies, and supports SD/MMC Card, and MP3. All you have to do is insert the 12 volt adaptor end of the player into your vehicles cigarette lighter receptacle or power port, tune your FM radio onto one of the preset frequencies, then use the channel button to set the players broadcast frequency to match the one youve set on your radio. Features include previous track & volume decrease, play/pause, next track & volume increase, and channel button. This device also works with an SD memory card and USB flash memory. The wireless MP3 FM modulator comes complete with audio cable.

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3/14/2011

Car Wireless Mp3 Player Fm Transmitter for Ipod Mp3 Mp4 Review

Car Wireless Mp3 Player Fm Transmitter for Ipod Mp3 Mp4
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It worked first time for me. Looks like some people have had trouble. It worked on the channel like it came set -- the lowest one (107.6?). If I wiggle the plug into the headphone jack, I get static -- so I stopped wiggling. I have a 1-ton, 4WD truck with a stiff suspension and I've yet to hit a bump that causes the static.
Sound is clear and good quality. The thing is only about 2.5" long so it fits anywhere. 12V adapter is great & no replacing batteries (2) AAA's. If you don't want the power cord, it unplugs from the transmitter.
It seems that a dozen sellers market this thing under different names. It's so much cheaper than the others that it's worth a try, even if you decide you'd rather pay more for high-end unit. The expensive ones probably use the same electronics in a bigger box. ;")


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-This device transmit stereo audio from your portable music player (such as ipod, MP3, CD Player, PDA, PC, Laptops, etc) directly to your car's radio or home radio. -Simply plug FM Transmitter into the line output or headphone jack of the portable music player.- Just tune your car radio into one of the defaulted FM channel. It let you enjoy music from your portable music player through the car's radio.-Operating Range: 10 feet to 30 feet (less distance will minimize interference and provide strongest signal)-Simplistic control, sturdy unit more reliable than other LED base transmitter.

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3/07/2011

SD/MMC/USB/MP3 Wireless In Car FM Transmitter with Remote (Black) Review

SD/MMC/USB/MP3 Wireless In Car FM Transmitter with Remote (Black)
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I have had many FM Wireless Transmitters over the years. This is the least expensive device and has the most features.
Some people reported that they receive it without any instructions. Additionally, I've had fuse problems with two units and have since switched to a different FM Transmitter.
If after reading this review, it helps you to either purchase this product or pass it up, I hope you'll click the YES button at the bottom of this review (this way, the review can be found by buyers trying to choose between FM Wireless Tramsmitters ... Thank you!)
IMPORTANT: Turn the volume level on the wireless FM Transmitter to medium to medium/high! I set mine on 12 (out of 15). This affects the quality of the FM transmission from the FM Wireless Transmitter to your car's stereo. Reviewers who have complained about poor quality of audio or static probably did not do this!
Additionally, if you are connecting your MP3 player (instead of SD memory card, MMC, or USB drive) you MUST turn the volume of the MP3 player up to a medium-high volume level.
WHAT TO EXPECT: The FM Wireless Transmitter is very light weight and fits loosely in the car's power adapter. When compared to other typical power adapter devices (i.e. Mobile Phone Charger), this may give you the impression of low quality.
To turn the device off, unplug it.
It is a one trick pony, that is you can not dynamically switch between SD memory card and MP3 player (or USB device). To switch between devices you will need to unplug, remove an existing device and put in another. The 1/8 inch Jack and cable for MP3 players cuts out SD memory card or USB devices. You must remove the cable to switch. (What do you expect for [...]).
An important product feature of this device is that it allows you to choose the FM frequency you would like to use to transmit to your radio. Additionally, this is the most powerful FM Transmitters that I have ever used. It easily overrides existing radio station if you choose. The signal strength of the transmission relates directly to the `VOLUME' setting (see above).
When you disconnect the FM Wireless Transmitter or shut off your car, the FM Wireless Transmitter's internal memory will store all the device setting including the last song played from a memory device. When you plug in the 1/8 mini plug cable (about 1 foot long with Male to Male plugs on both ends) to connect a MP3 Player, the attached memory cards or USB device will not be accessible. If you are using memory cards or USB drives when initially installing the device, leave the cable unplug.
The wireless remote control to the FM Wireless Transmitter works fine, but you do need to press hard enough so that within the button's switch electrical contact is made. Also, the remote is infra-red and needs to be in the line-of-site to the FM Wireless Transmitter. If the transmitter is hidden by a gearshift, or back of a seat, the remote control will not work.
PRODUCT DOCUMENTATION: The `user manual' is just a small slip of folded paper with multi-language instruction and a few inaccuracies. For example, the documentation referred to the label name/symbol of buttons on the FM Wireless Transmitter, but the physical device had different name/symbols. The product documentation referring to the remote control is accurate, and you can completely configure and control the transmitter via the remote control.
WHAT REALLY SUCKS: For what ever reason, you can blow the internal FUSE. I did replace the fuse on mine two times now in less than 2 weeks. Finally, I just gave up with it, just too lazy to replace the fuse. I think maybe that the volume level may be part of the problem and that the volume level needs to be turned down before turning off your car so that the device will not draw too much power when the car is started.
NOTE: Two spare fuses are included in the product packaging.
EASY FUSE REPLACEMENT: Unscrew the tip of plug by gripping the base of the plug firmly and the small black plastic tip at the very end (very little black plastic on the tip to take a hold of and farther to the end than the metal ring), be careful when doing this or you will drop the FUSE and loose the cap that goes over the FUSE. Once apart, it's a no-brainer to swap out the FUSE.
RECOMMENDATIONS: Buy a Micro SD memory card with an SD adapter (that accepts the micro SD card). I bought mine on Amazon from ChiTek (Amazon Vendor) for [...] and [...] shipping. The Micro SD card was 2 GB from SanDisk. The Micro SD Card slides into the SD adapter so that it is compatible with the FM Wireless Transmitter card slot. I suggest getting the Micro SD memory instead of SD memory because it will be more versatile in the near future (phones, camera's)...etc. Additionally, you if do not have a Micro SD or Mini SD card reader on your computer, you can get one from Amazon. NOTE: I have read from comments on this product that this device will not work with memory larger than 2 GB.
If you are looking for a memory card on Amazon to go with the FM Wireless Transmitter use the keyword `BULK' in your search. For an exact search for the memory product I used copy and paste = "SanDisk 2GB MicroSD/TransFlash Card w/SD Adapter".


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With the help of this MP3 Wireless FM Transmitter you can listen to MP3 files in your car via an SD or MMC card slot or USB flash memory! This 3 in 1 in-car cigar style FM transmitter supports 206 FM channels and has an SD/MMC card slot and a USB port so you can listen to your MP3 files on the road! Simply plug into your car's cigarette plugturn on your car stereo and tune to the same frequency! Plug in an SD/MMC cardUSB flash driveand even an MP3 playerand listen to your favorite music on the go! The LCD displays the volume and name of the song! Order now!

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