Griffin RocketFM / FM Transmitter for Mac and PC Computers

by Griffin Technology

Product Details

• Product Dimensions: 1.2 x 0.6 x 4.2 inches ; 5.6 ounces
• Shipping Weight: 1 pounds
• Shipping: Currently, item can be shipped only within the U.S.
• ASIN: B0007NWM06
• Item model number: 4000-RKFM
• Average Customer Review: 3.5 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (81 customer reviews)

Product Description

RocketFM uses any available FM frequency to transmit audio through your home, car or office stereo system. Applications such as iTunes, GarageBand, video soundtracks and even streaming internet radio can be conveniently broadcast with RocketFM.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

45 of 45 people found the following review helpful:

3.0 out of 5 stars Good if your receiver is up to the task., July 6, 2005

By 

topchem (Fremont, CA) - See all my reviews

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: Griffin RocketFM / FM Transmitter for Mac and PC Computers (Electronics)

Works out of the box. It draws power from the USB port and definitely gives a stronger signal when connected to a powered USB hub than an unpowered one.
The included software is very easy to use on a Mac and lets you set the broadcast frequency in increments of 0.1 MHz, which is useful if you live in an area with lots of radio stations, as I do. However, the signal strength is pretty low, so you're relying on your receiver to achieve adequate discrimination between bands.
In my area, I had to go to an in-between frequency (.4MHz) from the regular stations to cut down on interference. My two big receivers (Sony & Panasonic) can handle this. My boombox picks it up, but gets lots of interference from the neighbouring stations. My portable radio doesn't get anything. I did appreciate the fact that the frequency is selectable anywhere in the standard FM range. Something like the Line X USB FM Transmitter with four selectable frequencies would not stand a chance in my crowded area.
Placement of the unit is very critical. Reception will vary widely when moving the transmitter around (and presumably the same for the receiver). If you have the patience to tweak it, it gives good to very good reception.
It is also very important to set the computer output volume to avoid distorting the sound.

Bottom line:
It's good enough to pipe iTunes to my receiver in the living room, but I probably won't take it traveling. Not bad for $30.

I might try to take it apart and either attach a bigger antenna or try to boost the signal. Alternatively, the C Crane FM transmitter would be an option that already has instructions for boosting the signal (but doesn't use USB).

15 of 15 people found the following review helpful:

3.0 out of 5 stars Not bad if you don't mind imperfect sound quality., May 5, 2007

By 

Jose Jones - See all my reviews
(VINE VOICE)   

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: Griffin RocketFM / FM Transmitter for Mac and PC Computers (Electronics)

This device is extremely easy to set up and use. My problem with it is that no matter where I place the unit, which receiver I use, or which station it's tuned to, I cannot get a completely clean signal -- there is always a hiss of static underneath the music. This is especially annoying if you're listening to the music loud -- in between tracks and during quieter moments in the music, the static is quite noticeable and irritating.

I wouldn't exactly call the signal weak -- I was actually able to pick it up on the opposite end of my house, through at least one closed door, on an ancient Walkman. It's disappointing, though, that I can pick it up in that scenario, but not get a perfect signal when it's in the same room as my stereo.

Another problem might be that here in New York it's really hard to find an empty station. Everything seems to have a station or a remnant of a station on it.

Having said all that, this is a really convenient device that's easy to use. If you can stand the somewhat imperfect sound and the hiss of static under the music, you'll definitely want this.

UPDATE: I just wanted to update my review now that I've used this for a longer period of time and have gotten better performance out of it. I was ready to give up on it because the static and lousy signal were driving me nuts (if you moved the unit or walked between it and whatever it was playing on it would cause a burst of static). What I ended up doing was putting the device and an FM antenna literally on top of each other. This makes the unit work without interference, static or the annoying hiss I mentioned before. Doing this simple thing makes the product work exactly as I had hoped it would. I also took the unit out a few times and, as others have noted, it works amazingly well in cars. Another note: it almost seems like the unit's signal is stronger now, and I've been able to pick it up cleanly and with plenty of audio strength both outside while working and in the apartment below my own. And this is on the old Walkman I mentioned in the original review. I never would have thought this possible when I first started using this, but for whatever reason its signal has been great and I'm continually amazed by the distances I can travel from the unit and still pick it up. If I could do it over again, I would definitely bump up the star rating to five.

15 of 16 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Good Value- Hint for improving reception, October 27, 2005

By 

classicalmusiclover (manchester, ct) - See all my reviews

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: Griffin RocketFM / FM Transmitter for Mac and PC Computers (Electronics)

Very easy to install. As other reviewers noted, it's important to make sure that you appropriately set Windows' volume levels. The received sound quality is fairly good, in the low to medium fidelity range. You can signicantly improve the range and quality of the transmiited signal by carefully prying open the case and bending the antenna so that it comes out of the top of the case in a vertical position. (I'm sure that this will void the warranty).