I'll be traveling in Italy next year and have a question. I use an iRock with a Garmin iQue 3600 for navigation. The iRock transmits the Garmin's voice navigation through the FM radio. It can switch among 88.1, 88.3, 88.5 and 88.7 MHz. I'm not certain if the band spacing on Euro-spec FM is the same as the US. Can European car radios (obviously those with digital tuning) receive those frequencies?

Thanks.

-Dave

 

I'm pretty sure European radios can tune to those frequencies, as well as all the even numbered ones in between. In the US, we don't use even numbered stations, but a lot of radios will tune to them anyway (probably so that the same models can be sold here and in Europe).

You should know that most of those external FM modulators are technically illegal in the EU -- it has to do with licensing to broadcast on the FM bands. The IRock, the iTrip, and others like it are not approved for use in Europe.

 

Hi,

European radios also can tune to those frequencies.
FM is from 87,5 upto 180,0 MHz.

Also RDS is standard since a long time. Does not only display station name or other infos like song name ect, it automatically switches to the best frequency of the tuned station when driving thru different areas. Also makes automatic traffic information interrupt easier.
We also do have digital radio here. But not satellite based like your XM or Sirius, it is just called DAB (not the German beer! ;-> Digital Audio Broadcast) . But not very popular here so far. Maybe because we do have fantastic fm radios like Grundig, Blaupunkt or even Becker. :P

rgds from ol' Germany
Tobias

 

I forgot:
If the fm modulator is in-line, you are allowed to use it in Germany.
But if it broadcast "truly! some feet, jtimbck2 is right, you ar enot allowed to use it.

 

I live in South Florida and we have 4-5 stations broadcasting in RDS, it is great.
I wish more cars come with RDS so more radios would switch RDS on. Has anyone heard about RDS capability in the RX-8 ?

 

Thanks for the info! Much appreciated.

-Dave

 

No problem. You are welcome!

But be careful, I did a typing mistake:
of course the max FM frequency is 108 and not 180. Even in Germany. :P

rgds
Tobi