Dealing with Static and FM transmitters

DEALING WITH STATIC FROM IN-CAR FM TRANSMITTERS

IPODWORLD TECHADVICE DOCUMENT: 0306-01FMCAR


Background
iPod users are used to high quality digital sound being delivered directly to their ears through earphones /headphones and can generally be disappointed with the sounds of wireless FM transmitters which produce analogue radio-wave sound output. 

With most transmitters (except the really expensive ones like the Griffin Roadtrip or the Podgear FM Dock) there will always be some static depending on how well your car is insulated, how busy the frequencies of the radio stations in your area are, location of the cars antenna and how well your iPod is set up. This is especially true if you want to crank the volume up.

There is always some minor static in the background. When you're on major highways, freeways, and streets, this noise may reduce or disappear altogether. But on side streets, parking lots, busy cities etc., static can be heard.

In Car FM Options
The following options listed below for playing your iPod music in your car are described in the order of sound quality delivered – generally in order of price too!

1.    Direct in-car connection from iPod to Radio (Very high cost if not already fitted at factory, but delivers the best sound. No cradle though and doesn’t charge iPod)

2.    Using a cassette adapter that connects to your iPod (its cheap but less practical – excellent sound however, very little static. No cradle and doesn’t charge your iPod. )

3.    Buying a car charger with line-out for cassette adapter (its also cheap, but less practical and two pieces required. Charges the iPod though)

4.    Buying an expensive large FM transmitter and cradle (such as the Griffin Roadtrip or Belkin Tunebase –  plus or the better priced Podgear Cardock FM from iPodWorld )

5.    Buying a mid range dock-connected FM transmitter (Kensington or iTrip Dock or iTrip Nano–  but can’t charge iPod and no cradle)

6.    Buying a mid-range charger and cradle such as the INSTEN for Nano or 3-in-1 Car Charger for other iPods (cheap and practical)


Optimising your Sound
FM transmitters for use in vehicles can generate hissing and static if not configured correctly.  This may also manifest itself as a sharp hiss at the end of certain words or sounds. Use the following methods to get the best sound possible from your FM transmitter:

1.    The first thing you need to do is set your iPod EQ to "treble reducer" or "small speakers". "Bass Reduction" also works very well. (we have yet to figure out why the EQ affects the sound through the dock/line out, but the volume control doesn't) The high end sounds will break up and annoy you if you don’t!

2.    For best sound performance, please set your iPod players volume level to MEDIUM or LOW. Then use your car stereos volume control to adjust the output level

3.    Then you have to have multiple stations to work with. You may need to try switching presets on your transmitter once every couple of car rides depending on where you go in town. Experiment with all the presets on your transmitter.

4.    As with all FM transmitters, there will be some sound of static hiss as you crank up the volume. This scares lots of people, but it really isn't that bad in the end, unless you are an audiophile. Ingeniously, if you turn on the air in your car to the lowest setting, it seems to match the static well and cancel it out.

5.    The closer your FM transmitter is to your radio aerial/antenna, the better. The aerial could be at the front on your fender, in the front windshield, in the roof or in the rear windshield. Most transmitters only transmit a few feet so try and position in closest to the antenna or move it around a bit to find the best position. Even with a gooseneck transmitter, moving it around to try and find the best position can help.

6.    Try setting your iPod to mono play instead of stereo play. This can help significantly.

7.    If you have an older vehicle, it may not be insulated properly. Switch the motor off and leave the ignition on and see if it makes any difference to see if you have this problem.

 
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