Music on the Road: The iRock 300W

[Anthony Caruana]

I like to use my iPAQ 2210 to listen to music most days. One of the times I wish I could use my iPAQ to listen to music is in the car. However, driving with headphones means that I am too isolated from the environment around me. The <a href="http://www.myirock.com">iRock</a> is a great solution for this. It lets me easily play the audio output of my Pocket PC through my car radio. It does this reasonably well but is not quite perfect.<br /><br /> <img src="http://www.pocketpcthoughts.com/images/web/2003/caruana-oct03-irock-1.jpg" /> <br /><!><i>On the surface, the iRock 300W is a pretty simple device. It simply takes the output of any 3.5 mm audio output jack and transmits it through an FM transmitter on one of four user selectable frequencies (88.1, 88.3, 88.5 or 88.7). As the antenna is built into the cable that is used to connect the body of the device the iRock is pretty compact, even if does look a bit like a tadpole!</i><br /><br /><span><b>How Did I Test The iRock</b></span><br />I connected the iRock to my iPAQ 2210. The iPAQ was fully charged and I played a selection of music using Windows Media Player with songs stored on an SD card. The songs were ripped from original CDs using Windows Media Player's default settings.<br /><br />I used my car's sound system for the testing and switched on all the devices in my car that I thought might interfere with the FM signal transmission (demisters, windscreen wipers, air-conditioning, etc). I powered the iRock with a new set of rechargeable alkaline batteries that were fully charged. The iRock was sitting in about the center of my car (a fairly large family sedan). I used each of the four available frequencies at different times.<br /><br /><b><span>Specs - The Tale of the Tape</span></b><br />This program will work on any device with a 3.5 mm audio output jack. It does not require any special software to be loaded on your Pocket PC.<li>Compact size: 2.0" x 3.0" x 1.0"<br /><li>Flexible 7" antenna folds around unit for storage<br /><li>Audio input connector: 1/8" (3.5mm) stereo plug<br /><li>Power requirement: 2 AAA alkaline batteries<br /><li>Battery life: 13 hours typical<br /><li>Modulation: FM stereo<br /><li>Frequencies: 88.1, 88.3, 88.5, 88.7 MHz<br /><li>High stability crystal oscillator, phase-lock loop control (PLL)<br /><li>Signal distortion: less than 0.4%<br /><li>Frequency response: 50 Hz to 15 kHz<br /><li>Operating range: 10-30 feet, depending on the quality of the FM radio receiver (limited by FCC regulations)<br /><li>FCC part 15 compliant<br /><span><b>Using the iRock</b></span><br />Once I got my iRock all I had to do to start using it was to choose a frequency using the switch on the side of the device, put in some batteries, plug it into my iPAQ and turn it on. When switched on, a red LED lights up on the front of the iRock. <br /><br />Once I tuned the radio in I could hear the output pretty clearly. It was just about the easiest hardware add-on I have ever used with my iPAQ. As it just takes the output from the audio jack I didn't need to load any software. <br /><br />Switching between frequencies is pretty simple. Just move the selector on the side of the iRock to a different position and re-tune your radio.<br /><br /> <img src="http://www.pocketpcthoughts.com/images/web/2003/caruana-oct03-irock-2.jpg" /> <br /><i>Figure 1: The iRock Frequency Selector</i><br /><br />The iRock can be used with any device with a 3.5 mm audio jack output such as CD players and iPODs. As well as listening to music , you could use the iRock to play the sounds from your games while playing on your Pocket PC just to further immerse you in the gameplay (but not while you are driving :wink: )<br /><br /><span><b>But is it Any Good?</b></span><br />I was really looking forward to getting my iRock. With a 256 MB SD Card, I can store enough music to get me through plenty of driving. With the iRock I could listen to it safely while driving. The sound quality coming from the iRock varied depending on how well charged the batteries were. When fully charged, the sound quality was as good as listening to the radio. But as the batteries ran down, there was an increasing amount of hiss and crackle. My experience was that the sound was pretty good for about three hours but that after that the sound quality started to drop off slowly. <br /><br /><span><b>Should You Buy One?</b></span><br />As well as the iRock there are a couple of other ways you could connect your Pocket PC to your car sound system (if that's something you want/need to do). Firstly, you could buy a cassette tape adaptor. These are pretty inexpensive and are easy to use. Secondly, if your car sound system has an easily accessible auxiliary input, you could directly plug your Pocket PC into the sound system. As both of these mechanisms involve a direct connection to the sound system, they should deliver great sound quality. Also, neither of these solutions requires an additional power source.<br /><br />However, in many cars, neither of these methods is an option so the iRock is a worthwhile tool. The iRock also offers the flexibility of being usable through any FM radio. In fact, according to the <a href="http://67.95.110.13/download/irock300/300w%20Owners%20Manual%20Ver10.pdf">manual </a>, "The 300w is not only compatible with every audio player, but it will broadcast to any radio or stereo."<br /><br /><b><span>Gotchas</span></b><br />The biggest issue for me was the loss of sound quality as the battery charge diminished. However, this is addressed in the newer model, the iRock 400W as it has a secondary power input through a cigarette lighter adapter.<br /><br />Also, the power button is pretty easy to press accidentally. If you leave the iRock in your glove compartment or center console as I do, you may find that it gets accidentally switched on if it moves around.<br /><br />Finally, the frequency selector on the side is a little difficult to use. I sometimes found it a little fiddly to choose a specific frequency.<br /><br /><b><span>Where To Buy</b></span><br />The iRock 300W can be purchased from <a href="http://pocketpcthoughts.pricegrabber.com/search_getprod.php/masterid=550091/search=irock/ut=d31c6046bcbaa818">here</a> (affiliate link). The retail price is $29.99 USD. The iRock 400W can be purchased directly from <a href="http://www.myirock.com">iRock</a>.<br /><br /><b><span>Conclusions</span></b><br />The iRock does a reasonable job. It does let you listen to your iPAQ through an FM radio and it is very easy to use. However, the quality of the signal getting to the radio is highly dependent on the strength of the batteries.

[aviator]

These are a great idea. I have been using one called the TX-101 for about 18 months. Cost £19.99

Like the one here it has several frequencies to choose from, 88.2, 88.4 or 88.0 Mhz, and it has neverlet me down. I even use it on my Home hifi too if I want to listen to tracks I have on my pc but not on CD etc

http://www.silvermead.co.uk/mp3plus/tx101-small.jpg

[egads]

I live in the Chicago area, and let me tell ya, this thing is near worthless. Its sounds awful and every time I turned a corner I had to move it around till my radio picked it up again.

If live in or around a big city, don't bother with the iRock...

This one below works pretty good, but still not near as good as in line antena transmitter or the cassette type.
http://www.myfmstation.com/myfmstation/html/audiax.html

[bikeman]

The iRock 400 is currently $29.99 direct from http://www.myirock.com/. (edited post, I did have the wrong amount :oops: ) Since it has dual power supplies, this is the way to go if you are considering the iRock 300.

[Godsongz]

I've been using the iRock 300 for almost 2 years now and it works pretty well for me. I agree completely with "egads" that this units usability falls off rapidly as you drive into a metropolitan area, but the vast majority of my driving isn't in areas like that. Keeping fresh batteries in it (replacing far more often than the advertised 13 hours) I have even been able to broadcast music from my iPaq to neighboring cars when we travel in a caravan on long trips.

If your car stereo doesn't have a working tape deck or alternate direct input, and you don't do a lot of downtown driving... go for it.

[RobertoLV_]

I used the iRock in my car like 2 years Ago, is VERY GOOD.

I payed $29.99 + Tax, but now is cheaper.

I recommend you.


*¡¡Salud!!-2

[murph]

I used an IPod/IRock combo in my car for a while. It was OK, not great. For a long trip, it was worth the hassle, but for short drives it was too much effort.

Eventually the sound quality and reception issues got to me and I bought a new car CD deck with an Aux-In on the front panel. THIS is the way to go, it sounds awesome. Plus I don't have to worry about batteries.

I still use the IRock though. In hotels, at friends, or up at my ski house - Ipod+IRock=4,000 songs to choose from on the radio ;)

[aroma]

The iRock 400 is currently on sale for $20.00 direct from http://www.myirock.com/. Since it has dual power supplies, this is the way to go! :D

Are you sure this is correct? When I checked it was $29.99. Orignally $49.99 but now marked down $20.00 - That may be where the confusion is from.

- Aaron

[hoffm11]

I currently use the SoundFeeder transmitter and that work pretty well. It is recommended by Crutchfield, so I was confident that it should be a decent product.

[mguentz]

I looked at the iRock, but I heard mixed reviews on it (similar to here). I opted for the Crane FM transmitter instead.

You can see it here. (http://www.ccrane.com/fm-transmitter.asp)

Disclaimer: Don't work for them, don't have stock, no commission, just like their product.

With this unit, you can use the entire FM spectrum (not just the 80s. It also has better range than iRock. You can do a very easy mod to give you almost 100 feet (YMMV).

I plug it into my computer and listen to my MP3s all over the house. Use headphones and a walkman and it's good for watching movies while the baby sleeps too.

Just my 2 cents.

-Mike 8O

[egads]

I looked at the iRock, but I heard mixed reviews on it (similar to here). I opted for the Crane FM transmitter instead.

You can see it here. (http://www.ccrane.com/fm-transmitter.asp)


I played with the Crane also. It works much better than the iRock but not as good as the AudiaX (http://www.myfmstation.com/myfmstation/html/audiax.html).

What I did not like about the Crane was that it has this long metal antenna that you have to extend to get it to work good. In short, it used up too much seat space. Of all the TX's I tried I like the AudiaX the best. I still did not buy it because it had problems in Chicago just like all of the others, just not as bad.

[seanhanley]

I just use a CD-to-Cassette player adapter that i bought at radio shack. there's a wire, but the sound is excellent.

http://www.radioshack.com/product.asp?catalog%5Fname=CTLG&category%5Fname=CTLG%5F007%5F002%5F004%5F000&product%5Fid=12%2D1999[/url]

[MasterOfMoo]

I've been a big fan of the iRock, also. Sadly, it "disappeared" from my car the last time I had it in for service.

Road trips with this were great when coupled with some of my audiobooks on a storage card. Same fallbacks, though... Big city reception interference, and a pack of spare batteries.

[hogwild]

Just my two-cents ... I have used the iRock 300 with my iPAQ 1945 now for a bit more than three months without many complications. Pleased with the sound, although not perfect, as many of you have pointed out. Good battery life, not great. I, too, use a 256MB SD card to hold 70 - 80 songs, which, combined with the iRock, makes those long drives that much more enjoyable.

Wish I had waited for the 400 model, however. The dual power supply is a nice touch.

[heyday]

The SoundFeeder is a much better device.

I purchased mine from http://www.auctionpals.com/soundfeeder.htm

You can cover the entire FM band with it... not just 4 like the iRock.

heyday

[hoxbox]

I'm too lazy to download songs so I have Sirius satellite radio :)

[Jereboam]

UK users should be aware that using one of these FM transmitters is illegal according to the Wireless and Telegraphy Act, requiring you to have a radio license... :roll:

Although I think the chances of spending time at Her Majesty's pleasure for using one is quite remote...nevertheless be aware. The policeman who stops you might not have had his breakfast or something...

J'bm

[Chuckwrox]

I got an iRoc about a year ago in Portland, Oregon and tried to use it with my Rio-600 MP3 player. Maybe the mp3 player never had enough juice, but I couldn't find a frequency that wasn't already in use that overpowered the iRoc's signal. When I did find a christian broadcaster that didn't have enough power to wrest the soul of my iRoc from me, the quality of the iRoc's output was so miserable I couldn't even listen to spoken word recordings.

Blech!

[hopeful797]

i agree, the soundfeeder is a handy device and it lets you cover the entire spectrum so you can almost always find a stable channel on which to receive even in relatively urban areas. i've used extensively in new hampshire and new mexico and its remarkable how well it works (though sometimes the rental car speakers aren't up to MP3 quality).

[slicksurf]

UK users should be aware that using one of these FM transmitters is illegal according to the Wireless and Telegraphy Act, requiring you to have a radio license... :roll:

Although I think the chances of spending time at Her Majesty's pleasure for using one is quite remote...nevertheless be aware. The policeman who stops you might not have had his breakfast or something...

J'bm

Yes, glad you pointed that out, it was only when a friend at work told me to look at the legality of these devices in the UK, that I gave up wanting one. I would still love to wirelessly have my music on my iPaq and play via my car stereo, but this would require an extra botl on to the car stereo which it can't accept anyway. I was looking into a valid UK solution for my final year university project, i.e. A Car MP3 player, that was wirelessly enabled. Wonder if this exists already?

[felixdd]

II opted for the Crane FM transmitter instead...
With this unit, you can use the entire FM spectrum (not just the 80s. It also has better range than iRock. You can do a very easy mod to give you almost 100 feet (YMMV).

-Mike 8O

Do you need 100 ft? LOL this is the ultimate road-rage weapon for gridlock conditions:

step 1: record something rude/crast/extremely annoying (i.e. this is the song that doesn't end...yes it goes on and on my friend...) into your device -- sing it, have it prepared, whatever.

step 2: broadcast

step 3: pick a target, and adjust until you get their signal (observe their facial expression)

step 4: torture.

I haven't done this before...but it sounds very, very evil :D :devilboy: 0X

[joelevi]

The iRocks eat batteries for lunch. Don't store it with the battery left in or your battery will be gonzo the next time you try to use it. (In my experience.)

The iRock 400 uses your car's DC jack, so that solves the battery problem, but if you're going to be tethered down with cables, just use a cassette adapter (if available) instead.

- www.JoeLevi.com

[Kursplat]

I bought an iRock at Radio Shack earlier this year and returned it within a week. I loved the idea; however (1) it had to be pointed straight at my car stereo else it would cause static, (2) it would turn on when the power button was accidentally pushed, and the final straw was (3) the cheap plastic battery cover kept coming off because the plastic tab was too weak. So, I went out a bought a cassette adapter. Much better sound quality, just not as versatile.

The Crane FM Transmitter looks interesting. But is it worth $80? I may have to find out.

[egads]

The Crane FM Transmitter looks interesting. But is it worth $80? I may have to find out.

You will have the same problems you had with the iRock and static, just not as bad. I know someone who would sell one used if ya want (if in the USA that is). PM me if your interested...

[cpoole]

I got an older FM tranmitter from Radio Shack about 2 years ago. I do not think that it was made by the same company but it was truely a piece of crap. It had a mechanical transmitter tuner and the tranmitter frequency varied according to the temperature in the car. One or two degrees cooler, static and retune the radio. Turn a corner and sun shines in the front window, static and retune the radio again... Sometimes it would drift so that it sat between radio frequencies on the dial and then it would have to tweaked on the mechanical adjustment on the transmitter. It was better at night when the temperature was more stable.

I used it for a little while and now it sits discarded in my junk drawer.

Does this transmitter drift as well?

[Anthony Caruana]

Does this transmitter drift as well?

I tested the iRock by driving around during the day in bright sunshine through to evening. Other than a battery change I didn't need to switch frequencies or re-tune my radio.

Thanks to everyone who has read the review and contributed to this discussion.

[Ipaqman]

Thanks guys for all of your input. I just got a 256 MG CF card for my birthday and have been doing this very same research. I currently own a cassette adapter, but have problems with it if it is placed in an autoreverse deck. I plan to purchase an Irock today and see what I find. As I am also in the market for a new car, I will be sure to get a radio that has an aux input should I have issues with my Irock.

Who says you need an Ipod? :lol:

[dhpss]

At MicroCenter, I saw a similar version with the size of Sony Memory stick. This is an "USB stick". One end power is fed by an USB plug (package comes with a cigarette lighter-USB adapter). The other end there is a wire to your output device).
For my Toshiba E7xx with Expansion pack (w/USB port). This could be a self contain solution for your car.

The upcoming Samsung-Napster iPod like device will have FM-Receiver and Transmitter built-in- I wish PocketPC can have similar capability.

[cyclwestks]

I had an irock for about 5 months. For the first few months it just had occasional useage, & it worked great. Where I started having problems was when my daughter didn't have a cd player in her card & started using it attached to her portable player. After about a month of this the antenna, or jack, got to the point where the connections became loose & you had to play with it & get it in just the right position before it would work. I decided to to take it apart to see if a wire was loose; the irock is now a thing of the past.

[DrtyBlvd]

...Although I think the chances of spending time at Her Majesty's pleasure for using one is quite remote...nevertheless be aware. The policeman who stops you might not have had his breakfast or something...

J'bm

Location has a little to do with it I think - any Ecilop round our way have a hard enough time telling what day it is, letalone what a blue light on the top of my white thing is.... More likely they'd have a pop over the blue light on the NavMan GPS on the dash!!

I get [got] absolutely excellent results from my iTrip in an E220, S4 and V5GTI; I have started using the mono station sets though rather than the Stereo, in the Merc, as recently there is an occasional high pitched tone of interference for some reason; comes and goes, too. Weird.

I do have to change frequency from the top and bottom end of the spectrum depending upon the ethnicity(sp? Is it a word??) of the locale; for example Bradford, London, and Leeds & Newcastle - the 'other' pirates are 'out and about' to quite a strong degree, but for Motorway usage, no worries. And let's face it, setting/changing is a doddle, so why worry!

Did have some fun at about 30 feet when the neighbour was listening to radio two in his garden one day this summer... I still haven't the bottle to ask him what he made of Dutch Gabber interrupting Vine! :lol:

MP3 hard drive units are the way it's going - witness Blaupunkts SD headunit, Panasonics, Kenwoods boot 'Keg' and the daddy, 'Denison's swappable hard drive. Just a bit expensive at the mo' - and their design is a bit lacking pending "second" generation units.... they'll get here though. And CD & MD will be out the window shortly therafter.... Bring on the future and hurry up whilst I am young enough to take pleasure from it! :D

[Jereboam]

Location...agreed. Attitude also - I got pulled over for speeding in London, and the presence of a radar/laser detector in my Corrado (ironically it wasn't even on, too much interference in town, likewise with radio transmitters such as we're discussing) seemed to really tick them one of them off. After discussing said detector, and it being shortly clear that I knew much more about the Wireless and Telegraphy Act, and a court ruling by a judge that supported that detectors were in fact perfectly legal as they transmitted nothing and are passive in nature, this officer started to treat me with such appalling disrespect, that his mate pulled him aside, had a word and then came back to me with an apology and politely told me I could drive on.

Re S4's - is that the new S4 or the old biturbo? I'm just about to order one of the new 'uns... :D

J'bm

[DrtyBlvd]

Re S4's - is that the new S4 or the old biturbo? I'm just about to order one of the new 'uns... :D

J'bm

8O You're going to run around Moscow in a New S4? Mine are big - yours must be huge :lol:

Old one - seeking to replace with an VWR32 if I can find one and afford it:)

Edit -http://www.s4-mtm.com/introduction.htm Droooool....

[Jereboam]

No, no, wouldn't dream of exposing my beautiful machine to Moscow's roads...!! I'm moving back home shortly and this is a present to self for all the years of no car. I am looking forward to it like you wouldn't believe. I always fancied one of the old ones too...the word "biturbo" just sounds magical...but I bet the service bills can be pretty steep too.

If you're looking for R32's (a friend of mine bought one on eBay of all places, it's a damn fine machine) go and check out these guys (http://www.euroimportsuk.com/) - I just checked their site and they have no less than nine brand new R32's in both 3- and 5-door. Prices seem to be pretty normal too. It's the only place in the UK I know of with stock. Good luck!!

J'bm