[Kevin C. Tofel]

If you have an in dash CD changer unit, you might have a better (but of course, more expensive) option: a digital converter that uses the AUX jack for direct line in. Instead of connecting a changer to the stereo, you connect a converter box with RCA inputs like this one: http://www.logjamelectronics.com/piechryaux.html

No modulation, no signal degredation!

I've also used the Belkin TuneCast II for about year; also a digital tuner FM modulator. You can find that for as low as $25. It works OK but there is quite a bit of FM signal crossing in my geographic location.

kct

[Kevin C. Tofel]

If you have an in dash CD changer unit, you might have a better (but of course, more expensive) option: a digital converter that uses the AUX jack for direct line in. Instead of connecting a changer to the stereo, you connect a converter box with RCA inputs like this one: http://www.logjamelectronics.com/piechryaux.html

No modulation, no signal degredation!

I've also used the Belkin TuneCast II for about year; also a digital tuner FM modulator. You can find that for as low as $25. It works OK but there is quite a bit of FM signal crossing in my geographic location.

kct

[ctmagnus]

I have a TuneCast II as well. I bought it purely for the digital tuning, but even then I cannot get a good signal out of it.

[mobilemail]

I've owned a Belkin FM transmitter for several months that has a digital tuner. I agree with Jason, if it isn't digital, its tuning isn't stable enough to mess with. A transmitter is great because it's very portable, but it might not work well if you live in an area with a crowded FM band. In the Florida Panhandle, there are very few openings in the FM spectrum where ambient signals are weak enough to not interfere with the local transmission you are trying to maintain. When you operate at a frequency that has an active transmission on it, you hear hisses, ghosts and other artifacts in your music. The digital tuners give you the ability to tune anywhere in the FM band accurately, and store the frequency. If you plan to buy an FM transmitter, don't waste your money on anything without a digital tuner!

[molecular]

How does the sound quality of an FM transmitter compare to a cassette adapter?

I once bought "the best cassette adapter" (price was in the range of the audia x), but the guy in the shop said "I wouldnt buy it, the quality sux". The guy was right. All kinds of distortions, damping, ...

I bought an audia x some weeks ago and use it a lot. The quality is as good as it can get. A whole lot better than any cassette adapter for sure.

As for the range. I just tested this in-house and I'm getting a perfect stereo lock and quality TWO FLOORS below the transmitter. Must say the conditions are good, though (good receiver, no reinforced concrete in the house, only wood/brick).

btw: this is also a perfect solution when having a party and you want identical sound in multiple rooms.

I still have a question: how can the audia x TX power be boosted to make a pirate radio station, say in the range of a block or small village? (After all youre not getting into jail for this in germany any more, only a fine). Will making an extended antenna help anything? Did anyone open up the thingo, I wouldn't be surprised if the engineers included a little poti to adjust the trasmission power.
I seriously doubt you can get more than twice the energy, though. Maybe on could fix up some analog amp after the "audia x encoder / preamp".

[beq]

OLD THREAD UPDATE

Just curious, is the abovementioned Belkin TuneCast II much bigger than this Digiana Audia-x?

Some features I like from reading about the TuneCast II:

- "We add a great convenience feature with our unique Auto ON/OFF function. It frees you from having to manually toggle your TuneCast II's ON/OFF switch by simply powering on when an audio signal is detected. If no signal is detected for a period of 60 seconds, your TuneCast II switches off. This innovation preserves battery life while making your outstanding mobile audio experience simpler to enjoy."

- "TuneCast II also features 4 programable memory slots allowing you to save the clearest station wherever you go."

On the other hand, other features I like about the Digiana Audia-x:

- Seems smaller in size (and uses a single AAA battery instead of two)
- Proven performance (as I've been using one)

It's just that the Audia-x's center ON button is too easy to get accidentally pressed in my bag, in which case it'll just drain the battery since it has no auto-OFF function.

Regardless though, I've just placed an order for two more units from Merconnet