BajaNomad

iPod FM reception in Baja?

danaeb - 10-6-2007 at 01:01 PM

I'll be taking off for my first driving trip in a couple of weeks - San Diego to La Paz. Does anyone have experience using an FM transmitter with their iPods in the remote stretches of Hwy 1?

Dana

Mango - 10-6-2007 at 01:12 PM

Theoretically those should work better the farther you are away from radio stations.

They work by turning your iPod into a mini radio station. The main problem with using them is interference from other radio stations.

Contrary to everything I just said. I had a old iTrip. While driving across northern Texas I could not pick up any radio stations on my car stereo; but, my iTrip refused to connect. The thing was a piece of junk and the only thing that kept me from throwing it out the car window was the fact I did not want to litter.

I don't like the radio transmitters; but, it should work in Baja for you if it works here. I solved the problem by buying a radio for my car that has an 1/8" input. Much better IMO.

Jack Swords - 10-6-2007 at 02:22 PM

Actually it will work better than in the US where there are so many FM radio stations that you cannot find a clear frequency to set the little transmitter on. Once past Ensenada there are very few, if any, FM stations. We use the little FM transmitters for our IPods and also for XM Radio and drive down to La Paz with no interference.

bajadogs - 10-6-2007 at 02:25 PM

Yes, my old iTrip has worked very well all over Baja. Never had interference.
In FM heavy SoCal I use the tape adapter. Have a great trip.

[Edited on 10-6-2007 by bajadogs]

danaeb - 10-6-2007 at 03:11 PM

Thanks all. I probably should have asked the question before I bought the transmitter, but I was able to get great reception in my driveway when I hooked it up this morning. Margaritaville, here I come!
:bounce::bounce::bounce:

Dana

landyacht318 - 10-6-2007 at 08:43 PM

When my cassette deck gave up, I bought the fm transmitter and hated it. Poor sound quality, low volume, no bass. Not to mention poor reception from nearby radio stations or passing cars.

I bought a new stereo with a stereo mini jack, and a remote control.

Now I can change the volume while sitting around the campfire. Sound quality is outstanding compared to the fm transmitter.

Can't wait to have the Chuy Vega and Los Lobos blasting around the campfire surrounded by my favorite people again..
Tiene los moonlites? Solitarios?

Marmeon - 10-7-2007 at 02:44 PM

My husband and I own a Mac store, so I have a lot of experience with a lot of different iPod FM transmitters. As others have said, they should work well in Baja. But they aren't all created equally. Some have MUCH better sound quality than others. My personal favorite, for a nice full rounded sound, is the Macally FM Cup. Runs about $60 US. But keep in mind, they will never be better than the speakers in your car.

I second the motion

BajaVida - 11-1-2007 at 04:17 PM

on the Macally FM cup, you can choose from all FM frequencies, some others have only stations on the far ends of the dial

Don Alley - 11-1-2007 at 07:07 PM

My FM transmitter (iTrip) doesn't work. I used a cassette adapter for a while, but now have an iPod ready CD player in the truck that has a plug for the iPod dock connecter. Better sound than the ear phone jack and the CD player has some iPod control functions, (plus a remote control).