Why does my Belkin radio transmitter/ iPod sound so poorly?

Question

I don't have it on me to type out the exact model name, but one end plugs into the iPod, the other plugs into the Belkin car charger. It transmits my iPod music onto the car stereo. I am constantly having to change radio stations because of hearing too much static. Am I doing something wrong or is the transmitter I bought just "cheap"? It was only 20 bucks. Do the more expensive ones work better?

Answer 1

Unfortunately, unless you find a store that has some old stock, a new one no matter what the price is going to perform poorly unless it is placed very close to the antenna. This is because the people who own FM radio stations got together and said, "Hey! We're mad people stopped listening to us and started listening to MP3 players and satellite radio so we're going to petition the FCC to take some action." And that's exactly what happened. The FCC cracked down on FM modulators stating they could interfere with FM radio stations so now they have to be flea powered in order to comply.

What you should do is get a wired FM modulator relay which pumps the signal directly into the radio via the antenna jack. The only problem is that it requires you to have access to the back of your stereo, so unless you're handy at taking apart your dash, you might want to have it professionally installed. There's also adapters that utilize the jack that CD changers go into your factory radio. These cost some money and will also need access to the back of your radio. Other than that, you could upgrade your car stereo/head unit to one that has an AUX IN jack on the front.

Wired FM modulator:
http://www.crutchfield.com/S-SGEU8GH71TW/cgi-bin/ProdView.asp?g=234550&I=142FMMOD01 $30

Auxiliary input adapters for your factory radio:
http://www.pie.net/store/index.cfm?Action=ViewCategory&Category=82
http://www.blitzsafe.com/blitz_catalog/blitz_aux/blitz_aux.html

Answer 2

Ipod Radio Transmitter

Answer 3

This Site Might Help You.

RE:
Why does my Belkin radio transmitter/ iPod sound so poorly?
I don't have it on me to type out the exact model name, but one end plugs into the iPod, the other plugs into the Belkin car charger. It transmits my iPod music onto the car stereo. I am constantly having to change radio stations because of hearing too much static. Am I doing something wrong or...

Answer 4

On the market there is a Casssette adapter with a wire that comes out of it with a head phone jack that plugs into Ipod , Cd player, Mini Disk player. This then lets you play it through the car radio. Obviously no good if you have a CD player in the car. But this is not as good as the official transmitter.

Answer 5

most FM transmitters do that...i have an XtremeMac one that does the exact same thing....the only thing i recommend is using the low end of the dial stations and making sure that you arent trying to broadcast over another radio station...but more then likely you willing still find your player listing into static. the expensive one dont work ant better unless you can get them close to the antenna or the stereo. the belkin one doesnt work great because you cant get the transmitter close enough to the radio, imho.

Answer 6

I bought the same exact one from wal mart and I have the same problem. We have come to the conclusion it is just cheap and we need to get one of the expesnive ones, which I don't wanna do. My hubby was experimenting trying to find a good non-static place for the transmitter, and basically if he holds it directly in my field of vision, or at this weird angle in the backseat, it works ok. Also, you know how you only have the 4 channels to choose from? Well, only one of mine isn't being used by a radio station, and that's only in some areas. Once it picks up that radio station, it overpowers my transmitter and kicks in. Basically, you and me got screwed and are gonna have to save up for the expensive one. Either that or start burnin a whole lot of cds!