Griffin Roadtrip
 

Another alternative for iPod FM transmitters

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Imagine having a high powered FM Transmitter, an iPod auto charger AND a convenient iPod cradle - all in one simple elegant device. Meet RoadTrip, the only iPod and iPod mini car accessory you'll ever need.


RoadTrip makes enjoying an iPod or iPod mini in the car convenient and easy. The RoadTrip plugs into any auto power outlet or lighter adapter and provides an adjustable cradle to charge and hold any docking iPod including the new 4G iPods and the iPod mini.


The RoadTrip transmitter can then be set to broadcast iPod’s music to any FM frequency from 88.1 to 107.9. Its backlit screen shows which frequency RoadTrip is currently broadcasting -and can easily be adjusted via buttons located directly on the front of the unit.


Your iPod’s audio is transmitted through the connected dock on the bottom of iPod. Not only is this a superior signal transmission but it also leaves the top of the iPod exposed for use with other iPod accessories like the Griffin iTalk.


The RoadTrip is a great all-in-one connection for the iPod in the car, but what makes RoadTrip truly unique is its removable transmitter module that can also broadcast music from a Mac or PC. The package includes a combination USB power and audio connector cable that attaches any USB equipped computer to the module. Users can then play their iTunes music, movie audio or presentation sound to any FM stereo close by.


The RoadTrip is compatible with all docking iPods, including the iPod mini. iPods with FireWire ports on top (1st and 2nd gen) will not work with the RoadTrip.
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Haha, awesome.
Thats great that it uses the FM's full band, I can imagine changing someone else station while I'm sitting in traffic, especially if it's music I don't care for, or blasting something so everyone can hear.
I would get it just for that reason.

Are these wireless transmitters powerful enough to transmit to another car in traffic?

from my experience with them, they usually go about 20 feet or more. but thats the first one I have seen that transmits on Freq's higher than 89

The little $29 iTrip transmits on pretty much any frequency as well. If you are looking for fidelity its just like all the others though...crap :-(

Now, if I could boost the power...

jds

i've heard people in large cities bitch. apparently places loaded with radio stations get worse reception. i thought about getting the iTrip. i like the RoadTrip. but i can't justify it until i KNOW it will work.

I tried the iTrip, and had lousy results - I was never able to find an optimal position for the iPod, it ran down the iPod's battery like crazy, and it was difficult to find an empty frequency. A friend had another FM transmitter, the iRoc (or something like that) and it was marginally better, but was plagued by drift, so you had to constantly tweak it. The sound quality on both was just OK, but acceptable (for me, but I'm not as picky as some folks).

But hope springs eternal, and I'm wondering if this gizmo might work a little better. It would certainly solve the battery problem. (I'd prefer a way to plug straight into the system, but I don't see myself ripping up the dash and trying to hack in.)

As far as signal strength goes, my understanding is that the maximum power of these little FM transmitters is dictated by the FCC, so there's a limit to how strong the signal can be.

Well, there's a limit to how strong the signal can be when they sell it. If its tweakable, that's a whole 'nother story. :D

I've heard rumors but haven't taken the time to investigate yet.

jds

IF any 1 buys this Please tell me how it works out. I might get and ipod so i might pick this up
maybee..

So has anyone actually used the Griffin Roadtrip in an RX8?? Mostly interested in the ergonomics. I know that the direct connections will produce better sound but I own three cars and want to use the ipod in whichever car I am using.

Have read reviews from people with manual shifts in other cars complaining about the Roadtrip interfereing with shifting.

So, can anyone report on how the Roadtrip fits in the 8?

I've got the Belkin Tunecast. It works with any mp3 player, not just iPod. Comes with a car charger so it doesn't run out its own batteries or use the iPod's charge. It also has a long enough cable that it can run from the middle compartment into the cup holder section so the only thing showing is the jack; the transmitter and car charger stay in the middle section. Fidelity is like the others (used to have iTrip till it broke) and powerful transmitters in the city can overwhelm it, but it has a digital display that allows you to easily change the frequency so if you go into an area that is bleeding over into your range you can switch.