Any FM Transmitters work in the Car?

[bad1550]

Can anyone confirm which, if any FM Transmitters work in the car for iPhone?

Thanks

[shillingem]

I've been using the Griffin iTrip with airplane mode on and it works great. If you leave the phone active you get a really annoying buzzing.
E

[Mordred]

I read in some thread that someone was able to use this device (Monster iCarPlay) and its working just fine. So I purchased one, just got it today and was so glad that it did work. But that was at my garage and for a few min only. I'll try it on my way to work tomorrow and will post any updates if I notice anything worth informing you guys.

Hope this helps. :laugh2:

[TomTomTuning]

Wow strange, i came on here today to post up about a FM transmitter i just got today. and to find out what devices people have had good luck with.

I went on a road trip today and i thought it would be great to listen to my music in the car, so i stoped at walmart and got this device.

Macally FM Cup
Site: http://mitsubishimontero.com/spec/ipod/fmcup.html
Price: 59.00

It worked with my iphone, but I HAVE BUZZ !!!!

I can only use it with airport turned on.
So dont get this unless you dont mind not getting any phone calls.

I plan on trying the "Monster iCarPlay" soon, after i return this FMCup.

Other then the buzz, i love how it holds the iphone, instead of it just laying around. And it fits great inside my cupholder..

http://www.advancedmp3players.co.uk/shop/images/fmcupb_large2.jpg

[bad1550]

I picked up the Monster Wireless FM Transmitter and it does work but I get alot of static. I tried various channels with no luck.

Bob

[aggieman]

I just use my cheap Belkin FM Transmitter plugged into the headphone jack. with the headphone jack adapter of course.

[Mordred]

I read in some thread that someone was able to use this device (Monster iCarPlay) and its working just fine. So I purchased one, just got it today and was so glad that it did work. But that was at my garage and for a few min only. I'll try it on my way to work tomorrow and will post any updates if I notice anything worth informing you guys.

Hope this helps. :laugh2:

I picked up the Monster Wireless FM Transmitter and it does work but I get alot of static. I tried various channels with no luck.

Same here bad1550 unless I set my Airplane mode which makes it a lot better. Bottom line, it does work (play music and charge the phone) but renders your phone useless. I guess while there is no such a device out there, this will do for now. :2cool:

[iPhobos]

I have used the monster cable with great results. First time i tried using it i did it with airplane mode on and the second time with it off and i only got static once or twice....

[bad1550]

I picked up the DLO TransDock micro and it works great - no static.

Unfortunately it broke when I pulled it out of cigarette lighter. Its not made very well.

[TomTomTuning]

OK so I took back that FMcup...

I got a Griffin Itrip Auto
Site: http://www.griffintechnology.com/products/itripauto/ (mhtml:{66AEAD26-4073-4C19-8A00-7AD51C5F35EA}mid://00000002/!x-usc:http://www.griffintechnology.com/products/itripauto/)
Price (mhtml:{66AEAD26-4073-4C19-8A00-7AD51C5F35EA}mid://00000002/!x-usc:http://www.griffintechnology.com/products/itripauto/): 55.00

It did not work, it only charged the phone.
And did not recognize the device.

http://www.lojadoipod.com.br/images/itrip_auto_m.jpg

[TomTomTuning]

So i took back the iTrip, and got the Belkin TuneFM'

Site:http://catalog.belkin.com/IWCatProductPage.process?Product_Id=257339
Price: 50.00

It work's, but there is some buzz. Not as much as the FMcup.

When connected to the iPhone, it comes up and displays "iPod Accessory"
But does not allow you to change the options, or even see them.

You have to search your channels until you find the one that its playing on. Since it normally displays the channel on the iPod.
(and it doesn't work on the iPhone)

And if the preset channel isn't the best quality, you make the changes on the device, then you have to search for the channel again.

I will keep this one, until i can find a better one.
Or i get a new head unit. And hope it works for the iPhone.

http://images.belkin.com/F8Z075-BLK/FUL1_F8Z075-BLK.jpg

[bad1550]

So i took back the iTrip, and got the Belkin TuneFM'

Site:http://catalog.belkin.com/IWCatProductPage.process?Product_Id=257339
Price: 50.00

It work's, but there is some buzz. Not as much as the FMcup.

When connected to the iPhone, it comes up and displays "iPod Accessory"
But does not allow you to change the options, or even see them.

You have to search your channels until you find the one that its playing on. Since it normally displays the channel on the iPod.
(and it doesn't work on the iPhone)

And if the preset channel isn't the best quality, you make the changes on the device, then you have to search for the channel again.

I will keep this one, until i can find a better one.
Or i get a new head unit. And hope it works for the iPhone.

http://images.belkin.com/F8Z075-BLK/FUL1_F8Z075-BLK.jpg

I tried the following:

Monster FM Transmitter
Griffen iTrip
DLO TransDock Micro

The Monster had static and was not clear
The iTrip did not work at all
The DLO Transdock Micro works best - Great Sound and no static

My 1st one broke and I had to exchange it today but it still IMO the best device as of right now for best sound.

[TomTomTuning]

I tried the following:

Monster FM Transmitter
Griffen iTrip
DLO TransDock Micro

The Monster had static and was not clear
The iTrip did not work at all
The DLO Transdock Micro works best - Great Sound and no static

My 1st one broke and I had to exchange it today but it still IMO the best device as of right now for best sound.

yea the Belkin had static... and little Buzz (Static meaning like "SHHHHHHHH")
It wasnt that bad, And you only notice it between tracks or if the song's volume is low

I will have to try this DLO Transdock. Where did you get it?
Retail store, which one?

[bad1550]

yea the Belkin had static... and little Buzz (Static meaning like "SHHHHHHHH")
It wasnt that bad, And you only notice it between tracks or if the song's volume is low

I will have to try this DLO Transdock. Where did you get it?
Retail store, which one?

I picked it up at Best Buy!

Please let me know your thoughts if you pick one up.

Bob

[TomTomTuning]

I picked it up at Best Buy!

Please let me know your thoughts if you pick one up.

Bob
I will try to go to best buy some time this week..

I hope walmart gives me back my money... lol
Id hate to spend another 40-50 bucks again. lol

[bad1550]

I will try to go to best buy some time this week..

I hope walmart gives me back my money... lol
Id hate to spend another 40-50 bucks again. lol

You should have no problem returning it.

Bob

[phillychuck]

I got the Monster icarplay.

It charges the phone, and music plays, but at a relatively low volume, which gives static on all their preselected stations. My wife's ipod plays great on it.

Does anyone know WHY the ipod FM accessories don't work on the iphone through the dock connector? What's the technical reason, and what's the engineering reason they weren't made compatible?

BTW, my bose speaker dock works great in airplane mode, and my nephew's logic3 original istation works perfectly as well.

[minoba82]

I have a Kensington FM Transmitter that works great with my iPhone (don't have to put it in Airplane mode). It connects using the dock connector and charges my iPhone too. It works just as well as it does with my Nano.

[TomTomTuning]

I have a Kensington FM Transmitter that works great with my iPhone (don't have to put it in Airplane mode). It connects using the dock connector and charges my iPhone too. It works just as well as it does with my Nano.


Depending how the DLO works out for me, i might try this Kensington unit.

[minoba82]

FYI, this (http://www.amazon.com/Kensington-33199-Digital-Transmitter-Charger/dp/B000IT600W/ref=pd_bbs_sr_1/104-2893039-4501561?ie=UTF8&s=electronics&qid=1187718448&sr=8-1) is the fm transmitter that I have. Obviously, there are moments I get some static, but for the most part it works great. I've used it driving from GA and SC and probably only have to change the station once or twice, sometimes I don't have to change it at all.

[jbaraga]

I'm using an old Belkin with switches for setting the channel instead of a digital display. It works perfectly. No static or sound quality issues.

[billchase2]

Has anyone found any good FM transmitter docks for the car that works with the iPhone? I want a transmitter that plugs in to the cigarette lighter and holds the iPhone in place so that it's easily accessible.

[winyan]

I picked up the Monster Wireless FM Transmitter and it does work but I get alot of static. I tried various channels with no luck.

Bob

it a/ air port mode on; remember you're not supposed to use the phone aspect while driving airpiece or not.

'pInk

[pn.md]

http://www.circuitcity.com/IMAGE/product/detail/gff/EC.GFF.ITRIPLCDDOCK.JPG

I just purchased the Griffin iTrip. It works great with my iphone. Like someone stated earlier, static only occurs between songs. For the most part it's clear. And I can answer phonecalls when they come in with iTrip still on.

Got it at Circuit City for $20. At Bestbuy it was $50!

BTW, I also looked at the DLO Transdock. The dock holds an iphone perfectly but can't be used with a case. I liked the Transdock because it has this big antenna built into the dock. Seems like it would improve reception but didn't get to try it.

http://www.circuitcity.com/IMAGE/product/detail/dof/EC.DOF.0093040.JPG

[pn.md]

http://homepage.mac.com/pnmd1/.Pictures/Photo%20Album%20Pictures/2007-08-22%2018.42.41%20-0700/Image-1320E62E511A11DC.jpg

For those interested, I can use the iTrip with my Belkin iClear case still on. There is a little gap between iphone and itrip because of the case but the iTrip stays on fine and works fine. Also, I use the setup with Airplane mode off, so I can still receive phone calls.

BTW- yes that is the much maligned Belkin clear case but it shows off the iphone so well.

[Flyingstar]

I get some interference and some "clicking" but unfortunatly phone calls do NOT work or come thru the stereo. Bummer...Still looking

[Volsmiller]

Ok so far I have tried 2 different devices and had no luck with either. The first one I bought at Radio Shack, it was before I found these message boards and I dont even remember what the name of it was. I just went in assuming that they would have one specifically for the Iphone, man was I wrong.

The second one I tried was the Griffin I trip, it did not work at all. I have looked for some of the others that you guys have talked about on here but have not found them yet. I just went to Best Buy and they didnt have the DLO Transdock.

Has anyone found any others that work, also which stores you found them at? It also seems odd to me that the I trip works for some of you but then does not work at all for some others, does anyone know why this might be?

Last question is why does apple not make an fm trans specifically for the IPhone? That makes no sense to me.

Thanks for all you guys' help so far, this is my first post and I really like all the good info on these boards and I love my I Phone!

[winyan]

of the iPhone via your car stereo, I got a monster, and got it cheap at Target.

As long as I put it in Airplane mode, it works just fine. Of course, I've not even tried it in regular mode, since I don't believe in talking while driving after having been broadsided by a step van driver who was doing it.

win

[rmedina8804]

maybe someone can identify these two products... in my ipinion very nifty.. i like how it swivels and how the fm transmiter has perfect sound with no static.. ive sent an email to the youtube member but have yet to hear back from him...

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zNUUw9ZAWbo

[minivini]

I use the Belkin (with the display) and don't get static in either our Mitusibishi Montero or our Honda Civic (both with factory systems). I think the static issue is totally specific to what brand radio you have. Maybe it's an issue with your antennae, or pehaps some sort of rfi issue with certain types of circuit boards, but all these transmitters listed in this thread work with some and not with others. It's wierd, that's for sure. Seems like the best idea is to get one that best suits your needs and then return it if it causes static. Good argument for (possibly) paying slightly more and buying local...

[timnguyensjc]

I read in some thread that someone was able to use this device (Monster iCarPlay) and its working just fine. So I purchased one, just got it today and was so glad that it did work. But that was at my garage and for a few min only. I'll try it on my way to work tomorrow and will post any updates if I notice anything worth informing you guys.

Hope this helps. :laugh2:

hi,

I hope your monster icar works great. Please let me know how it's working for you.

Thanks.
tim

[saaber]

maybe someone can identify these two products... in my ipinion very nifty.. i like how it swivels and how the fm transmiter has perfect sound with no static.. ive sent an email to the youtube member but have yet to hear back from him...

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zNUUw9ZAWbo

looks like pro clip

[Hansii]

So the DLO seems to be the best choice (or the Kensington, but it is too long to fit where my power outlet is in the car). Is this the correct DLO model?

http://cgi.ebay.com/DLO-TransDock-Micro-FM-Transmitter-for-IPod-NEW_W0QQitemZ300148710653QQihZ020QQcategoryZ73836Q QrdZ1QQssPageNameZWD1VQQcmdZViewItem

[Flyingstar]

So the DLO seems to be the best choice (or the Kensington, but it is too long to fit where my power outlet is in the car). Is this the correct DLO model?

http://cgi.ebay.com/DLO-TransDock-Micro-FM-Transmitter-for-IPod-NEW_W0QQitemZ300148710653QQihZ020QQcategoryZ73836Q QrdZ1QQssPageNameZWD1VQQcmdZViewItem

Yes it will probably work because my transpod works BUT no phone functions and I DO get static,popping,clicking etc. unless I choose airport/plane mode.....

[saaber]

Very clean looking solution using iphone's original dock and cheap readily available parts.

http://youtube.com/watch?v=ggHqdx5drko

Description of how he did it here

http://blog.idecisive.com

Uses a line going from the audio jack on the dock to the back of the stereo. This is always a better solution than an fm transmitter in terms of sound quality. I bought a 4.99 cable at walmart and ran from my audio out on iphone to the stereo.

I am thinking about using this approach except with velcro to hold the dock rather than hard mount to the dash.

[seb481]

Uses a line going from the audio jack on the dock to the back of the stereo. This is always a better solution than an fm transmitter in terms of sound quality. I bought a 4.99 cable at walmart and ran from my audio out on iphone to the stereo.

I am thinking about using this approach except with velcro to hold the dock rather than hard mount to the dash.

I don't have an auxiliary plug. I have the built in Audi car stereo, do you think I can use this system anyway??

[saaber]

I don't have an auxiliary plug. I have the built in Audi car stereo, do you think I can use this system anyway??

I would be surprised if there isn't an auxilliary in port on the back of your radio but I don't know. They are often there for a CD player or other device.

Sometimes they aren't a separate port that you can pull the radio out and see and the only way you know it is there is to do some internet research or your delaer parts guy may be able to tell you. That is how mine is, It doens't have a seperate port, you buy an adapter and then you have RCA plugs to plug into. Or if you have a CD changer that uses RCA jack cables you can simply unplug the CD changer and run the cable to the CD changer cables coming from the radio.

I would search the audi forums for "ipod" and "auxilliary input" and "audio in" and similar strings to see if other people have done it on your specific car, they probably have. And google too of course. Your sound will be crystal compared to the fm transmitter. I am not against fm transmitters at all, but the line in can be a very simple solution with excellent sound quality.

[ns3425]

just bought a black griffin itrip for 50 dollars its really good i use it with airplane mode off and the only time there is statics's when there is a incoming call