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

Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)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.

Click Here to see more reviews about: Audiovox FM100A FM Modulator with IST2 Isolation Transformer (Grey)

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

Get 38% OFF

Click here for more information about Audiovox FM100A FM Modulator with IST2 Isolation Transformer (Grey)

Read More...

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

Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)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".


Click Here to see more reviews about: SD/MMC/USB/MP3 Wireless In Car FM Transmitter with Remote (Black)

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!

Click here for more information about SD/MMC/USB/MP3 Wireless In Car FM Transmitter with Remote (Black)

Read More...

AUX.AUDIO INPUT GM INTERFACE Review

Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)I ordered this for a 96 GMC Truck. All I wanted was something I could plug an iPod into so I could listen to music and some podcasts going to and from work. I have a radio / cassette head unit with a slave(separate) single cd player.
One mistake I made when hooking the whole thing up is that the interface istalls at the head unit not at the end of the cd wiring harness... once I got the order right, it worked great.
Be aware that you have to have a cd in the player and playing for this to work. Don't ask me why. Once you have it going, you just flip the switch and you are on the iPod input. I simply plugged in a 3.5mm/split RCA cable into the headphone jack and then into the aux inputs on the pac unit and voilla. Volume was lower than either the cd or the radio, but not a ton.
Overall I am very pleased with this. I had a $25 rewards coupon so the whole thing cost me less than $25. Way better sound and way less expensive than an FM modulator.
There are additional interfaces available that plug into this unit and allow on the go charging as well.

Click Here to see more reviews about: AUX.AUDIO INPUT GM INTERFACE

B000CEBXRI

Get 30% OFF

Click here for more information about AUX.AUDIO INPUT GM INTERFACE

Read More...

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

Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)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.


Click Here to see more reviews about: Scosche FM-MOD02 Universal Audio Input FM Modulator for iPod, Satellite Radio or Portable Music Player

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.

Get 27% OFF

Click here for more information about Scosche FM-MOD02 Universal Audio Input FM Modulator for iPod, Satellite Radio or Portable Music Player

Read More...