FM audio transmitting quality?

magneto576 · 03-01-05, 08:59 AM

I'm getting the Axim x50 soon and I'm planning on mounting it in my car and watching movies on it. I have a Pioneer receiver, 4 speakers, and 2 12" subwoofers in my car, but no tape deck, so I will have to use the radio station transmitter (sortof like the thing for the Ipod) to get the sound output from the PDA to my car's sound system. My question: what is the maximum quality of FM transmission and how many channels does it support? is it mono or stereo? I'm just wodering because when I rip the DVD's to put them on the Axim I want to save as much memory as possible, so I figure I shouldn't rip the audio in a quality and channel output higher than FM can handle.

Thanks!

mikeflys · 03-01-05, 09:10 AM

I can’t answer your question about the audio quality. But I can give you a little advice. I just went through this myself. If you look in AXIM x50 Accessories you will see my post on FM Transmitters. I received several complaints about the FM transmitter units. Especially if you live in a big city with lots of Radio stations around. What I found that is working great for me is a “FM MODULATOR”. The difference is that the modulator does not use a transmitter to broadcast the signal. It plugs in line with your antenna. You don’t have to worry about interference and it will block whatever frequency you are using. So who cares if that channel is already being used by the local Country Top 40 Station. Good Luck!

tgoeltz · 03-01-05, 09:23 AM

Originally Posted by magneto576

My question: what is the maximum quality of FM transmission and how many channels does it support? is it mono or stereo? I'm just wodering because when I rip the DVD's to put them on the Axim I want to save as much memory as possible, so I figure I shouldn't rip the audio in a quality and channel output higher than FM can handle.

Thanks!

I was ready to buy the Belkin product, but the I read the harsh reviews at Amazon.com. Static, poor audio quality, and very short battery life (4 hours or less?) seemed like consistent themes. The audio "specs" looked impressive though. The older version only did four frequencies, but it appears the newer version is totally programmable. At least one reviewer mentioned that he/she constantly had to "retune" to avoid static. I really want one but it doesn't sound like a good investment.

MonAccount · 03-01-05, 09:27 AM

I've had 2 in the past and disliked them both, and my friends have disliked theirs as well. If audio quality isn't that important then give one a try, but I'd recommend buying it from a local store so you can return it easily and avoid shipping costs. I've heard good things about the modulators but have not tried them myself. The transmitter I had (iRock was the latest) gave me 4 stations to choose from and was stereo- it ran off of 2 AAA batteries. My current setup is an aux-in on the back of my car stereo, used with my iPod and occasionally the Axim - sounds terrific!

SANITAR · 03-01-05, 01:11 PM

I have the more expensive Belkin FM Transmitter for 49.99, and it works great. If you are in the lower frequencies (87 - 90) Mhz the audio is crappy. But if you get closer to the the end of the fm spectrum (106-107) the thing almost comes in crystal clear. It uses the batteries, or the dc adaptor, and i would recommend using the dc adaptor, because it gets even better.

Dont get the cheaper belkin fm transmitter (4 low feq settings) spend the extra 20 bucks, and enjoy it.

magneto576 · 03-01-05, 01:55 PM

Originally Posted by MonAccount

My current setup is an aux-in on the back of my car stereo, used with my iPod and occasionally the Axim - sounds terrific!

How did you set that up? It sounds like that would be alot better than the radio thing from what you guys have said about it.

magneto576 · 03-01-05, 02:23 PM

Nevermind, I found a part specific for my receiver. Just have a question about it though, I am wondering about this statement I found in the product details:

"When connected to the IP-Bus connection of a Pioneer head unit, the device connected to the RCA ins must have an output voltage of 1 volt or less, or it must have a volume control so its output can be lowered. If the signal voltage is higher than 1 volt, the unit will distort and/or be damaged. "

That won't be a problem for the Axim will it? What volume would you reccomend I keep it at to avoid ruining any components?

OddbOd · 03-02-05, 02:07 AM

That'll be fine, the max output voltage of the headphone buffer is 0.7Vrms so you shouldn't have any problems even if you turn it up to maximum.

tgoeltz · 03-02-05, 11:03 PM

Originally Posted by SANITAR

I have the more expensive Belkin FM Transmitter for 49.99, and it works great. If you are in the lower frequencies (87 - 90) Mhz the audio is crappy. But if you get closer to the the end of the fm spectrum (106-107) the thing almost comes in crystal clear. It uses the batteries, or the dc adaptor, and i would recommend using the dc adaptor, because it gets even better.

Dont get the cheaper belkin fm transmitter (4 low feq settings) spend the extra 20 bucks, and enjoy it.

Sanitar, are you referring to the Tunecast II, or is there something else out there???