Product Description

Technical DataMiscellaneous / ColourBlackTechnical DataHeader / Product LineBelkin TuneBase FMTechnical DataHeader / ModelWith ClearScanTechnical DataHeader / ManufacturerBelkin ComponentsTechnical DataHeader / Packaged Quantity1Technical DataMiscellaneous / CE Product TypeDigital player car holder / FM transmitter / charger

Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #154 in Consumer Electronics
• Brand: Belkin
• Model: F8Z176eaBLK
• Released on: 2007-11-25
• Dimensions: .39" h x .39" w x .39" l, .88 pounds

Manufacturer's Description
TuneBase FM lets you listen to your iPod in the car. Cut through the static with ClearScan. Avoid the frustration of manually finding a clear FM station. ClearScan technology quickly scans and finds the best FM frequency-all with one push of a button. Improved FM transmission delivers crisp, clean audio performance. New lineout feature allows for use with car-stereo inputs or cassette adapters. Additional PRO setting optimizes audio and boosts volume. Innovative, flexible steel-neck with integrated antenna makes for easy repositioning. The package includes multiple cradles to fit any docking iPod.

Customer Reviews

Good cradle, not good on 3g iPhone
Hi,

First off the 3G owners, you may have seen a review on here saying it works for the iphone 3G, this is true but has a very big issue. My review of 3 stars has nothing to do with the 3g aspect, please read further down if the iPhone does not apply....

iPhone 3G
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When you plug your 3g phone into the cradle it displays (on the phone) "This Device is not designed for your phone do you wish to activate airplane mode to stop fm interference?". Now I didn't expect this based on the previous review, I told the phone to leave the phone active, when I started playing music via the fm transmitter everything was fine. Until, I left the music playing a jumped into maps, at which point the whole signal went all over th place as the 3g kicked in and destroyed the fm transmission. After leaving maps it took 3- 5 mins to restore the fm signal. Therefore, it is strictly not fit for purpose. At the end of the day the cradle never said it supported iPhone so I am not critising the product but dont be drawn in thinking this product will work correctly on th 3g cause it wont!

My solution was to bypass the fm transmitter, this was done by using the line out socket located at the bottom left of the fm tranmitter and using the good old tape adapter to play my music. Therefore, I spent a lot of money for an FM tranmitter I cannot use :o(

The Cradle
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I think the cradle design and look is very sleek, included in the box is a miryad of difference cradle supports for all manner of ipod types, you simply slide one cradle support out and slide the other one in (all cradle supports are labled), it took about 5 mins to setup and was very impressed. It was at this point things went down hill, with all of the desgin they have implemented they forgot one MAJOR thing, after putting the cradle into the cigarette lighter I saw the green LED pop up showing it was active, now this did concern me as the ignition of the car was not switched on. This means, that the cradel is always on using power(I admit not much when no device is in the cradle)! So I was resorted to having to remove the cradle when I had completed my journey, this has then caused damage to my car, due to the tightness of the plug in the socket it was very difficult to put in/out, as result it pulled my entire lighter out of the dashboard. I would laugh if it wasnt so expensive to fix!

Finally, the FM transmitter. I found the transmission acceptable but very crisp and clean, I think the best way to describe it is the differnce between video and DVD, sure they both play the same but you can just tell one output is fuzzy and duller than the other. I compared the sound from the fm transmitter to a cassette adapter on the same stereo and BOY you could tell a differnce the tape won hands down, much sharper and cleaner, the FM did not pick up the top end and mid ranges very well.

So why I have I given it 3 stars, simple, two reasons:

1. If they added a power off buttin on the cradle this would have had 4/5 but due to the oversight of not adding an off button or easy release system on the lighter socket.
2. FM transmitter does not out put the best signal, compared to other FM transmitters/ cassette adapters.

I hope you find this review helpful.

WARNING
I cannot comment on how well this item works as i have had to return it unopened.

I have a Peugeot 206 and the cigarette lighter is between the gear stick and handbreak. This item has a very short flex/ariel and therefore would be a safty hazard as it cannot be attached to the car here and would be very distracting.

If your lighter is not next to your stereo do not purchase as it will not work unless connected to the lighter.

Works with 3G iphone
I ordered this item after alot of online research but with no assurance it would work with my 3G iphone. No compatibility mentioned on packaging. My previous fm transmitter, xtrememac had worked trouble free for years with all my other ipods. Not however with the iphone! (made for ipod obviously doesn't include iphone.)
Another 3rd party car charger also failed to work.
I have been more than impressed so far with the Belkin TuneBase FM. Out of the box I plugged the iphone in, inserted it into the cigarette lighter and was pleased that charging was facilitated. I then tuned the Belkin easily into one of my preset channels, hit the ipod play button and hey presto music to my ears.
There are several presets which enhance the volume and clarity of transmission. Initially on each preset there was aproximately 1 - 2 seconds of background hiss which rapidly disappeared. The quality is at least as good as I'm used to, if not better. On receiving a call via handsfree bluetooth I experienced no interference.
A range of adapters are included for all ipods including the touch. Currently I have set it up with the ipod classic holder and the black square rubber backing. (All is understood if you purchase the product.)
This setup seems to ensure a firm hold but allows easy and scratch free insertion and removal.
I have ordered the Invisible Shield cover but await delivery so I am paranoid about potential scratches.

In summary: There is a more expensive made for iphone model made by Belkin but I haven't been able to source it in the UK. With this model I can confirm 3G compatibilty with charging and FM transmission.
I will update this review if any issues arise.