I received this unit yesterday and it is being used with an iPhone 3GS in a 2001 Mercedes CLK 320 convertible, with no AUX input, hence the need for the FM transmitter. The unit worked well right out of the package. Despite what some other reviewers have written, the unit (and my car radio) could both be tuned to 87.9 MHz, and that's where I've been using it. It is important for all users to realize that the sound quality is going to be somewhat degraded because digital audio quality is lost since the music is getting to the radio via the FM transmitter, so the frequency range is standard FM quality (20-20KHz). Music sounds like it's coming from a radio station, and not a CD player. So it's good, but not crisp and sharp like from a CD or MP3 player.
I have not played with all of the functions of the remote, and the range seems to be only a few inches. I will replace the battery in the remote to see if that helps; I haven't drilled into the user manual, but will do that over the weekend.
One negative, and this seems to come either from default settings or from the fact that I am not doing something right, but once you plug your iPhone into the dock, it automatically starts playing the first song in your stored songs listed in alphabetical order. So, I've been hearing a lot more of Elvis Costello ("Accidents Will Happen") than I'd like, as I have to fumble to get my songs where I want them to start. There is a bit of fumbling with the phone once it's plugged in to get to the track wanted, as it seems harder to get to album or song settings, but these are minor nits, and again, I haven't mastered this to the fullest.
Final verdict: this is the second FM transmitter device that I've purchased (the first, a Belkin unit, was crap and went back the next day) and I am quite happy with it. There are many FM stations on air here in the Bay Area, and it seems to hold its own set at 87.9. Additionally, there seems to be a filter in place that limits the hiss of the radio at this frequency, which makes the music a bit more clear. I am happy with it, and feel that for the unit with remote plus shipping is a very fair value for the money.
Average Rating:
Brand: Satechi
Color: Black
Model: Soundfly-i
Product Description:
Soundfly-i digital FM transmitter/auto charger transmits your iPod/iPhone tunes through your car stereo while simultaneously charging its battery. Soundfly-i includes such features as an easy-to-read digital display, four programmable FM station presets, and a safety fuse that protects against power spikes. The AutoScan technology automatically seeks out and tunes in the clearest FM frequency available. Now you can find the best station to enjoy your tunes with one touch of a button. The unit also supports RDS (Radio Data System), so while listening to music, you can see the song and artist's name displayed on your compatible car stereo. Remote control features Power, Album shift Up & Down - Fast Forward & Rewind - Repetition of defined Section- Shuffle - Bookmarking. For iPhone users: Upon plugging the fm transmitter into select device dock connection, the device will ask to go into airplane mode. Do not choose airplane mode.
Features:
- Made for iPod: Transmits music and charges iPod Touch I/II/III gen, iPod Classic, iPod Nano G3, G4,G5, iPhone 3G & 3Gs
- Transmits on all FM frequencies (87.6 MHz-107.9MHz) - Memorizes up to 4 FM frequencies
- Simple plug & play - Powers on & off automatically or with button - 2.5mm stereo input - 3.5mm cable included for use with other mp3 players
- Remote features: Album shift Up & Down - Fast Forward & Rewind - Repetition of defined Section- Shuffle - Bookmarking
- ID3-tag information via RDS: View iPod/iPhone song information on your compatible radio display.
Available at Amazon
Lowest New Price: USD 39.99
Customer Reviews
Great customer service and great device.
I received a Satechi FM transmitter for Christmas that promised (per Amazon description) to be able to plug my iPod's USB connection to it and broadcast to my car radio. After speaking with customer service, I learned that the model I had did not support USB interaction with the iPod - I had to use the regular audio channel to broadcast, or use a flash drive with MP3s.
Disappointed, I wrote to customer service saying that I had only purchased that particular model for the iPod USB connection it clearly advertised on Amazon. They wrote me back saying they were working on a new transmitter model (Soundfly-i Ultimate) and that when it was completed, they would mail it to me, free of charge.
I was delighted by the service! 5 months later, the new Satechi Soundfly Ultimate iPod transmitter was launched and that I received the device as promised, free of charge.
Thank you for a wonderful experience. The product works great, the quality of sound can be a little iffy due to the radio broadcast, but it charges my iPod and has functionality to skip and select songs.
Improvements to this device could be better interface design, easy-to-use FM channel selection, and better iPod control integration.
Otherwise, this is a quality device that sits on your car lighter, connects to your iPod via USB, charges it, and broadcasts your songs to a radio channel you select.
Worth the money AM/FM Transmitter
I brought this AM/FM Transmitter about a month ago and I really enjoy it. I drive about 40 miles a day and the drive can become boring listening to the same songs on the radio. So I had 2 choices, buy a XM/Serrius radio and pay costly monthly charges or use my Iphone. I choice the Iphone route. I live in NJ and sometimes on the road to Newark or in my town, I can heard some background noise, but not enough to bother my listening. I do recommend to get a holder, which I will be purchasing soon. Having it laying on the seat next to me, it sometimes will disconnect. But for the cost ( Under 40 bucks ) and the ease to use and all the pre-programmable stations, It's a great buy.
awesome little device
Of course I had to try this at home first, and the antenna or reception on my home stereo must be pretty bad, because I had to keep my I-Touch almost on top of the stereo cabinet, but within range it worked great. But in the car it worked great right off the getgo. Tried it in two vehicles with the same results. I don't have a lot of unused frequency in the area I live in so it's difficult to keep from interference with stronger signals, but I usually only use it for longer drives anyway. Also love the fact that it charges also, using the same mini-usb connection as my cell phone.
Oh yeah, I do have to take it out of the case for a positive connection but not a big problem with the case I use.
Overall, love it and fully recommend this one.
