I was headed for a long road trip out East.Knowing how sometimes the radio reception is spotty in rural and mountainous regions, and I didn't want to carry fifty CDs along with me, I decided to look into a 'FM charger/transmitter' for my Creative Zen Vision M mp3 player. Since it's not an iPod, my choices for accessories are slim.I read the reviews for the Gomadic product for its use with the iPod and other mp3 players.
Looking at the reviews, I became aware of the Ground Loop problem which seems to be the most negative critique of these devices.We were using a '99 Mercedes on the trip, and encountered the 'loud and annoying humming problem' most people describe.I later used it in my friend's late model Subaru, and it worked perfectly.When I got home and plugged it into my '98 GMC Sierra, I got a tolerably small hum (but noticed it disappears when I unplug the charger-part of the device).
Regarding available transmission frequencies, I live near Chicago where the FM radio dial is pretty crowded.But I had no problems locating a station on the low end of the dial on which to transmit.Transmission is just fine.
The charger works as advertised, too.But if you don't have the groud loop problem licked, you can't comfortably listen to your device and charge it at the same time.
The only downside is that the construction of the unit appears fragile.I'd like it to be a bit more robust, but right now that'sa non-problem.
My son uses a different mp3 device (a Creative Micro) that has a different interface plug.It'd be great if I could purchase the plug for that device instead of a whole complete unit.Maybe Gomadic offers that option, although Amazon does not seem to advertise it.
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FM Transmitter with integrated Car Charger for the Creative Zen Vision M - uses Gomadic TipExchange TechnologyProduct Description: Transmits clear and rich audio for over 30 feet while recharging your Creative Zen Vision M Uses Digital PLL sound coding technology to maintain stable and high fidelity sound quality. Can operate anywhere from the 88.1 to 107.9 MHz frequencies TipExchange enabled charging port simultaneously powers and recharges your Zen Vision M while transmitting the audio Quality backed by Gomadic Lifetime Warranty High output Rapid Charging adapter fits cigarette lighters in both foreign and domestic vehicles Forget everything you know or have ever heard about FM Transmitters! Gomadics new FM Transmitter with TipExchange will change the way you listen while on the road. Imagine having easy access to Zen Vision M ... now imagine doing this with crystal clear sound AND while recharging your device at the same time. Gomadics High Output power FM Transmitter will change the way you listen to your Zen Vision M in your car forever!
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I got the version of this product for my iriver clix2.They worked great.Then it turned out the iriver clix2 was incompatible with the Windows version I had (XP Home Ed 2002 sp2).Bummer.When I called Gomadic to see if this charger would work with my new MP3, the man worked with me to figure out what I needed (kindly explaining AT MY LEVEL), THEN said he would send me the needed conversion tips FREE (AND the product was even past the warranty period).To me, "it don't get any better than this".
