LAC Using an FM Transmitter/MP3 Player: BAD!

[Alex Kowalski]

I have the feeling that it's hit-or-miss with these FM transmitters.  The
one in the Lexar player seems to have adequate signal strength, at least
with the headphones as the antenna on my Rothenberg.  I've also used it in
my parents' Dodge Intrepid and the signal was good there, too.  But be aware
that as you drive from place to place you will have to let the unit
periodically scan for a new frequency as you traverse the coverage areas of
various radio stations.  If you sashay into an area with a strong station
that's competing with the little transmitter, the little one loses pretty
quickly.  At least the Lexar can do this automatically -- it scans the
entire FM frequency range or you can set it to any frequency on the dial
manually with a few button presses.

A direct connection is something I plan to do when I upgrade the stereo,
that should put this problem to bed permanently.  I will probably wind up
fabricating a connector where the empty switches are on the dashboard for a
nice, clean installation.

>but I wonder if rebates are a way to prevent returns, since you
usually give them the UPC barcode to redeem the rebate<

Heh.  I don't doubt it.  "Our gift to you...and now please buy the more
expensive version. Arigato!  Dank!"

Speaking of which!  Does anyone have a recommendation for a mid-priced head
unit with a good feature set that will go into an older 5KCSTQ?  These cars
are getting to the age now that manufacturers don't cater to them any more,
and I'm looking for something to hook a good four-channel amp. up to and
hopefully a unit that has some auxiliary inputs, say, for my MP3 player,
that at least makes an attempt at looking like it might belong in the
car. ;).

Alex Kowalski
'87 5KCSTQ
'86 5KCSTQ


Ken wrote:

>Here's a data counterpoint.  I tried using a 4gb iPod Nano with a
>separate Belkin Tunecase (#F8V367, not the Tunecast II) FM
>transmitter, both bought from Macmall.com, and was very disappointed.
>With various stereos, it was a very weak signal with lots of static.
<snip>