Customer Reviews

Belkin TuneBase FM Transmitter for iPod with Dock Connector (Black)

5 star:		(36)
4 star:		(35)
3 star:		(11)
2 star:		(13)
1 star:		(57)

 

 

Strengths: All-in-one solution for docking, charging, and FM transmission; adaptable to all iPods and vehicles; versatile FM tuning options

Weaknesses: Sound quality issues typical of FM transmitters; no auxiliary audio input or output

Let's face it: using your iPod in your vehicle just isn't as simple as it should be. Unless you're driving a 2006 model year or later vehicle, chances are that your vehicle's stereo head unit doesn't provide any easy way for you to connect your iPod (or any other digital music player, for that matter). That means that you only have three options for listening to your iPod through your vehicle's stereo: direct connection to your head unit via an auxiliary input, a cassette tape adapter, or an FM transmitter. Most automobiles don't offer an auxiliary input jack on the front of their receivers, and connecting your iPod to a rear aux input--if your unit even has one, that is--is a complicated process that involves removing your receiver and (sometimes) part of your dashboard as well. So even though this setup offers the best sound quality, installation can prove difficult...or impossible. On the other hand, cassette tape adapters provide a far simpler and good-sounding method to connect your player, but they only work if your vehicle has a cassette player. So if neither of the above solutions are an option for you, then you have to begin considering either (1) purchasing an aftermarket, iPod-friendly head unit or (2) looking for an FM transmitter, and that's where the Belkin TuneBase FM for iPod comes into the picture.

If you decide to go the FM transmission route, you really can't lose with the TuneBase FM. Not only does it transmit the audio output from your iPod to an FM frequency you select, but it also provides a convenient dock for your iPod that even charges your iPod while it's in use. Many all-in-one solutions such as this are poor performers all around, but the TuneBase FM fulfills all of its duties superbly.

It goes without saying that the most important element of the TuneBase FM's performance is sound quality. After all, it doesn't do much good to dock and charge your iPod in the car if you can't listen to your music. As FM transmitters go, the TuneBase FM does an admirably good job getting audio output from your iPod to your vehicle's stereo, but it is plagued by the same sound quality issues that affect all FM transmitters. I live in an area that has a pretty crowd frequency spectrum; there are only a few frequencies that are relatively free of other transmissions. Despite this, however, the TuneBase FM still manages to transmit a clear audio signal to my receiver most of the time, although static can be a problem from time to time. I commute almost forty miles one way to work everyday, and I rarely have to switch frequencies, which is pretty impressive. Your results may vary depending on how crowded the airwaves are in your region. Compared to my last FM transmitter, a highly-rated iRock! BeamIt model, the TuneBase FM transmits a slightly clearer and more powerful signal. You won't get a much better FM signal from any other FM transmitter.

The TuneBase FM's other features are what really make it stand out from the rest of the crowd. Its docking solution, utilizing a flexible steel "neck" to support the cradle, is much more elegant, flexible, and pleasing to the eye than other solutions that use a series of thick, jointed plastic connectors. This allows you to position your iPod just about any way you please, and it also virtually guarantees that this dock is adjustable to fit just about any vehicle on the road. The dock is secured by inserting the base into a free power or cigarette lighter outlet, which is also how the device receives power for charging the iPod. Included in the box are plastic and rubber outlet adapters to ensure a snug fit in just about any outlet, and this seems to work quite well; even over bumpy roads or terrain, my iPod remains firmly upright in its cradle. It would be nice if the adjustable neck were just a couple inches longer (this unit includes a four-inch neck, the TuneBase FM for iPod nano includes a seven-inch neck), but a longer neck would likely be too flimsy to support heavier iPods such as the 60GB and new 80GB 5G video iPods.

The TuneBase FM automatically pauses and powers down a docked iPod when it the power supply to the device is interrupted, and it powers up the iPod and resumes playback when power is restored. One note about this: there is no on/off switch on the device, so it remains powered as long as the vehicle's power outlet is powered. If your vehicle's power outlets deactivate when you remove the key from the ignition, then this is not an issue. However, if your vehicle (like mine) powers your outlet(s) continually (even when the vehicle is off and the key is removed from the ignition), you need to remember to manually turn off your iPod when exiting your car or risk draining your car's battery.

Tuning to different radio frequencies with the TuneBase is a simple exercise. The device interfaces with the iPod through its dock connector, so it is able to display frequency and present information on the iPod's own display, which is much easier to read than a separate LCD readout. Tuning options are very flexible. In addition to four presets (which, if you sync with the presents on your vehicle's receiver, makes channel-hopping a breeze), the TuneBase FM allows you to to any frequency from 87.9 to 107.9, including broadcast-free even-numbered frequencies such as 88.8, 96.2, etc.

I only have a few minor complaints about the TuneBase FM for iPod. As I mentioned earlier, there is no on/off switch to accommodate vehicles with continually-powered outlets and cigarette lighters. I haven't experienced any difficulties with leaving my TuneBase plugged in for extended periods of time as long as I manually power down or remove my iPod, but it's an unnecessary extra step that I shouldn't have to take. It's also unfortunate that Belkin does not include auxiliary input and output jacks for direct connection to supported receivers or the ability to use the TuneBase for other digital media players and not just iPods. There's even a spot on the cradle specifically for an auxiliary jack; Belkin just decided not to include it with this model. That's really too bad, as I would have been more than willing to pay an extra five dollars or so for the added functionality of an auxiliary jack.

Overall, however, the TuneBase FM for iPod is an excellent product. If you have decided that FM transmission is your only option for in-car iPod connectivity, then this product is definitely worth considering and will perform admirably.

This is solution for your traveling iPod! The unit includes adapters for many different iPod models. It also includes fitting to ensure a snug fit into your 12-volt car power adapter. The fit is tight enough that the plug will not rotate with the weight of the iPod.

Sound quality is great. It holds your iPod quite securely. You can position your player where it is most convenient and visible!

I have two complaints:
1. As high volume, you can hear the electronic whine of the charger. This is unavoidable but less at lower frequencies. It may not be noticeable with some music but I am an audio-book listener so I can hear it.

2. The controls are little limiting and awkward. Adjusting the transmit volume, which you admittedly do only once, is quite awkward requiring you hold the unit, hold two buttons down while pressing a third. However, selecting a different station is very easy and one-handed.

Overall, I am quite please with this and recommend it.

This is an excellent FM tuner solution. Unlike other FM tuners I have used, the frequencies you can use are not preset and can be reset on the fly. In addition, the Tunebase charges your battery while the iPod is in use.

There are drawbacks to keep in mind: like all FM tuners, you will hear static if you are getting signal interference. This is going to be an issue if you tend to drive in areas with heavy airwaves. This was a problem I had with previous solutions but is less of an issue since the frequencies are not hardcoded into the device and can be reset manually. It can be a little work to find a clean frequency, but that's just the nature of FM tuners.

I had originally considered finding some direct input solution for my iPod but found that it would be impractical for my car as far as the investment of dollars and work went. Seeing as how my car is about three years old, most solutions involve either replacing the stereo or actually going in and messing with the wiring in my car. I got the Tunebase as an interim solution but I am so satisfied with it I think I'm just going to use it for as long as I have this car.

I, like many, used those old fashioned tape adapters when I first bought a portable CD player. The sound on that old device is far superior to the quality of this Belkin product.

My fiance & I recently purchased a 30GB Video iPod and wanted to get something so we can listen to it in my 04 Accord and her 04 Cavalier. We agreed getting a radio transmitter was the best idea since we could switch it between cars when we wanted. We got this Belkin product from a local retailer for a relatively good price.

The flexible arm was nice, we could maneuver the iPod to face us and still be within reach to skip songs or change playlists. It also displayed the station we were using on the iPod itself, instead of on the Belkin device, this too was a pretty neat feature.

But from there on out, it's all downhill. We found an empty radio station in our suburb of Chicago, 88.3, and used it. The sound was ok, but I had to turn my radio up pretty loud in order to hear it. With that came a lot of static and high pitched whirring noise that was actually a little louder than the music itself. I didn't notice the noise / static too much when we listened to pop, rock, or R&B but when Classical or Vocal music played, you'd hear static instead of silence. Also, as we'd accelerate the noise would worsen!

We got used to the static and said, we'll deal with it. However, we drove into the city recently and experienced a plethora of other problems. As we'd drive on the highway, someone would pass us. Coincidentally some of them had radio transmitters on the same station as us. We'd hear their music crystal clear as if it was being played in our CD player. After they passed us, we'd go back to our staticy sound.

A little later on, the static starting getting overwhelming and it turned out there was a weak broadcast on that station in the city, so we switched to a different empty station 88.1, and we still couldn't hear. So we tried another, and another... we didn't hear any music for the rest of our day. NO station worked.

On the way home we stopped at my fiance's parent's house, and they said we should try their DLO Transpod. We plugged it in and tried 87.9 (which they recommended) and it was crystal clear. We decided to try 88.1 and 88.3 too since they were what we used earlier that day. As expected, they worked perfectly. I've now driven for days with this new device all over the suburbs and in the city. It's like night and day compared to the Belkin device. We are returning ours today.

To sum it up, FM transmitters are rather expensive and an imperfect solution to the iPod / car issue. But if you're gonna shell out your money on a device, you expect it to work. On top of that, you don't just expect it to work "ok", you expect it to work great. The Belkin achieved a nice sleek design and ease of use, but beyond that the product is worthless. DO NOT BUY THIS DEVICE!

If I could rate this a 0 out of 5, I would.

I have owned the itrip, which was convienient, because you could take it anywhere (being cordless) and play it on any radio. But the sound was absolutly awful, and it drained the baterry. Then I bought the Transpod, which was an improvement, b/c the sound was a little better, and it charged the ipod. However, It was ugly as junk. Anddd after just a month of owning it, it broke. All It did was sit in my car. You can tell it is very cheap. So now I bought the belkin tunebase fm...ANDDDDD......This thing is amazing. The sound is serously BETTER then a cd quality (if you beleive that) I serously have never heard the bass in my car hit so sharply. It also charges it, and the tunebase is pretty small and holds the ipod without any ugly cords. You need to find a station that doesnt have reception for it to come in perfectly clear, and at times I do notice the ringing noise the other reviewer mentions, but I rarely notice it. I give the itrip 2 stars, the transpod 3, and this thing 5 stars by far. I don't know how it compares to the other new fm transmitters, but compared to the older ones, it is in another league. I highly recommend it.

This was my fourth and final FM transmitter. I have finally given up. This was by far the worst of the four I have tried.
Here's a list of all the reasons this FM transmitter is horrible:
1. It broadcasts engine noise.
2. Even with perfectly empty stations, you will always have interference and static, without any rhyme or reason. Somedays it will be clear and the next day it will be staticky.
3. It doesn't have enough signal strength to create any reasonable volume at all.
4. Eventually it will give up and stop broadcasting all together (mine stopped working less than a month after I got it--this is of course generously granting that it ever worked at all, which it didn't).

My Belkin Tune Base is now acting as a $60 ipod charger. I gave up and bought an $8.99 cassette tape thing that plugs into the headphone jack. I finally have the sound I wanted from the beginning.

First, and foremost, we are talking about FM transmitters. Therefore, nothing will sound like CD sound or direct cable connections when it comes to music quality. You will lose some highs, and you will lose some lows, and you will have nowhere near great quality. That being said, sometimes there are no alternatives, and some transmitters can get the job done. In addition, I have owned and tested all of the following transmitters, to which I will review for you now to save you the time and money. A note: I have 2 vehicles, a SUV and a Saturn.

First up: Belkin Tunebase
I bought this after my Roadtrip base was stolen with my iPod, and I thought I would try an alternative. I liked the flexible connector in my SUV to allow reaching of all controls. However, it was disastrous in my Saturn, only preferring 1 position - lying down. It is a pain to control the iPod when driving in either vehicle, as the flexible arm gave too much in order to advance unwanted songs or control the iPod in general. Although a wider range of highs and lows was evident, the strength of output of this device is way too low; easily outcompted by either of the following transmitters. In the SUV, it is very good at broadcasting and being received by the radio. However, in the Saturn, it was an absolute disaster. I am transmitting on a completely free channel, and in my Saturn I got feedback from the background radio hiss! I even had the hiss increase in tune with the windshield wipers! How awful. This is not a bad transmitter in a larger vehicle, like my SUV, but in a small vehicle, you don't want to risk it. Finally, you can't disconnect the transmitter like the Griffin items. So, it's use in your car, or don't use at all. Although you rarely need to use it outside of your car, the other two below are the same price or cheaper, so you're already paying for it. Avoid this item.

Next - Griffin Roadtrip
Although this comes with an extension, the fixed location of the holder interferes with many of the car controls, even with the extension. However, the transmission is much better and can even be picked up in nearby cars at clear enough reception. I again had trouble making turns in the Saturn, as the roadtrip does slip around; but not nearly as bad as the Belkin. The transmission is good, but not great; as you do need to find a completely clean frequency in order to get a good reception. Finally, controlling the iPod is easy, as the adapter is a sturdy adapter and holds the iPod quite well. It got the job done in both cars, but didn't exactly knock my socks off.

Finally - Griffin iTrip
The best of the bunch. I doubt the transmission is greater than the griffin Roadtrip; based on the fact it runs off of the iPod, but it doesn't matter. You can move your iPod into position to be right under your antenna and get fantastic reception. In addition, because it doesn't need to be connected to the lighter, there is no interferce with the controls of the car and the iPod is easy to control. Finally, purchase this with the Powerjolt and you've spent the same as either of the above and can charge your iPod at the same time; except with a cable to keep the iPod clear of auto controls. I was expecting very little from this tiny device, but I am quite pleased. The only drawback is that, since there is no holder, there really is no secure place to put your iPod; as it will slide all over the dash. Putting it near the controls of the car (like in the center compartment area) obviously takes away its advantage over the Roadtrip. However, some velcro backing to it or sticky tape should afix it to the dash temporarily and you can remove it when you leave the car. But then you have tape on the back of your iPod....so..... Well, it still is the best choice, as the transmission is clearest because you can get it close to your antenna; and it is the only transmitter that worked well in my Saturn. In the SUV, all worked well.

this item is probably the greatest product you can buy for your car/ipod, it charges the battery (fast) and you don't have to install software to work with the ipod, i have an accord and the neck stretched around the gear change to where i don't have to take my eyes off the road all i have to do is take one hand off the wheel and press the next button to change the song, i'd reccomend (for the sake of the person in front of you's car's bumper) if the song's towards the end of your library to scroll when at a stop/intersection, this product is awesome it has little(when in a more busy area like downtown)/no static . you should buy this , i also posted 3 pictures of my setup in the customer pictures section

I love the flexible arm on this thing, and it's fairly easy to set up presets. Unfortunately, the sound quality is pretty bad. As others have said, when you're in an area with a lot of radio stations (I'm in Boston), there is tons of static and overlap. I've tried open frequencies all along the dial and nothing seems to work very well. I'm convinced this is a failing of the model, as I've tried the Griffin RoadTrip (which doesn't have as nice of a physical design) and the sound quality on the RoadTrip is stellar. Someone please combine the best of both models!

This transmitter would not work in my Suzuki Grand Vitara. The external antenna is located at the rear of the vehilce, so maybe that was the problem. It just didn't seem to transmit with enough power to play on any frequency I tried. Turning up the volume (power) made no difference. If I moved the ipod/transmitter around I got a little signal, but very, very little. The limited movement of the unit prevents hanging from mirrors, placing on dashboards, moving to the back seat or other things one does to make these things work. Also, the transmitter won't work unless plugged into the 12 volt outlet.

There were various rubber fixtures for the DC recepticle to help hold the Ipod/transmitter steady, but these made the unit difficult to insert into the DC socket and much more difficult to remove. These rubber/plastic pieces are required because the transmitter/ipod ends up being really heavy on the end of the flexible mount and I'm sure they wanted to prevent damage (and lawsuits) to your 80g ipod. The pieces made for the collar of the DC recpticle did not fit at all unless you cut them.

The product fits every conceivable ipod ever made, but only one was labeled (they come in little cheap plastic baggy things that are only useful for keeping things together till you open the box). You have to figure out what fits what by trial and error.

I also tried the Monster Cable 200 FM Wireless Transmitter (w/best station scan) and the Griffin Road Trip FM Transmitter with dc charger. The Monster Cable Transmitter didn't work at all (it wouldn't even scan correctly). The Griffin Road Trip worked best in the Suzuki, but only marginally. It seemed to be off the frequency a bit with a lot of static. Things were clearer up or down band, but then the volume really decreased.

These three transmitters are top dollar units, so price doesn't mean anything. The only unit that has worked well in my SUV is the Belkin TuneCast II which is half the price or less of these units. You should try any transmitter you buy in your vehicle and return it if it doesn't work or sound good.

Question: We have wifi routers and other transmitters that work extremely well, so why can't we buy a low cost FM transmitter that will work within a foot of our radios? Is it FCC regulations or is it manufacturers who feel they can really soak consumer's for lots of $'s because it's made for an ipod? I'm getting sick of all this ipod bling that costs lots of bucks, but just doesn't work..