Griffin RoadTrip FM Transmitter for iPhone and iPod (Black)

• Compatibility: iPod classic 6G (80 GB, 120 GB); iPod nano 1G, 2G, 3G, 4G; iPod touch 2G; iPhone 1G, 3G
• Charges your iPod or iPhone while you travel
• SmartScan automatically finds and programs the three clearest broadcast frequencies
• SmartSound Plus technology for clear sound under real-world conditions
• Flexible steel neck and interchangeable model-specific cradles position your iPhone or iPod perfectly

This is a great and useful product, but must be turned to European mode to reach 87.7 87.9 since for some reason Griffin thinks that they are not allowed to use these frequencies (they are).

On the FM transmitter box, push the middle button (Function) and then press and hold the "Mode" button (the right one) for approximately 10 seconds. When you let go you will see a menu for "Us" "Eu" "Ja", select the middle button, "Eu". Let the device sit for a few seconds until it goes back to the main screen, then tune your radio and the transmitter to 87.7 87.9! Now you can use the device on the frequencies that will rarely give you interference (I have the best luck in St. Louis with 87.7).

Buy Griffin RoadTrip FM Transmitter for iPhone and iPod (Black) Now

I have owned many Griffin FM transmitters for the iPod and iPhone over the years, and a couple from their competitors. I keep coming back to Griffin for their high quality products, which when properly used provide the best sound possible over an FM transmitter (even better than most wired FM transmitters).

Several reviewers have mentioned running the Roadtrip in its "EU mode," which is excellent advice. 87.7 FM is the going to provide the clearest frequency in most locales and almost all vehicles. Other FM frequencies' reliability will vary greatly based on the stations in your area and the sensitivity of your FM antenna. My wife's Griffin iTrip Auto FM Transmitter with SmartScan, for example, transmits flawlessly on 104.1 FM via her Subaru's head unit here in Seattle. In my Audi, only 89.1 and 89.3 seem to work with the same transmitter.

I am surprised that the product description and customer reviews fail to mention an excellent feature of this transmitter: RDS output. If your car stereo is capable of displaying RDS data (used by many radio stations to display station identification or song titles), the RoadTrip will display the artist and song name for the currently playing MP3/AAC. Not an essential feature given the easy access to the screen the RoadTrip provides, but it was a nice bonus I was not expecting.

My only gripe so far is how unreliably the RoadTrip engages with my car stereo. Sometimes, I find myself reseating the connection to my car's DC outlet over and over before the static is finally replaced by the silence of the RoadTrip transmitting on 87.7. I'm not sure if I just have a defective unit, or if my car is the problem. Besides this glitch, it works so flawlessly that I'm willing to overlook that one quirk.

Read Best Reviews of Griffin RoadTrip FM Transmitter for iPhone and iPod (Black) Here

Over all this is a nice looking device The transmitter works well in my Honda Ridgeline, it comes in as clear as any other FM radio station.

Griffen could be a bit more careful with the form and fit. One of the buttons was too tight and I had to cut it back a bit with an exacto knife to get it to stop sticking.

The one thing this unit lacks and it is not made clear in any reviews I read was that while it is true that it pauses the music when a call comes in and plays the ring tone over your car speakers it DOES NOT play the callers voice over the speakers. What an oversite on Griffin's part! The unit is really complete, except for being able to take a call through it.

Griffin if you are listening, I have no problem paying $60+ for this unit if I could hear the caller over the speakers and use either the iphones built in mic or a mic in the RoadTrip but as it sits now I am tempted to give it back. Just an FM transmitter is not worth this much money.

Want Griffin RoadTrip FM Transmitter for iPhone and iPod (Black) Discount?

Griffin's new RoadTrip for my iPhone 3G works extremely well. You have to searcha litteto find the right frequency to use, but having done so, I have very good performance on my daily commute with no interference whatsoever. The mounting is great as well. Could be a little longer neck, but great overall.

Save 75% Off

The numerous reviews on this product and the competitors are really helpful in making a decision; especially if you've tried to buy in a brick and mortar store. At least there are some opinions here. Key issues that got my attention were quality of the "arm" and functionality.

With the Griffin Unit you are getting very high quality. The connections to the Iphone is excellent and stays connected; the adjustable arm is excellent quality and stays put. With unit multiple "holders/connectors" come with the unit. Each one is specifically designed for each version of the Iphone, so you do get a perfect fit. Only draw back is none work with a case on the phone. Wish a larger version were available to hold the Iphone with a case on it.

The appearance of the unit is very good and does look like it belongs with the car; not factory installed but doesn't look like a cheap addition. Once connected this unit stays put: holds the Iphone and stays in position. You can easily work with the phone menu without removing the unit; it is very stable.

However as many reviewers have stated, if you are going to use this unit or any FM unit in a metro area there are going to be reception problems. Finding an unused frequency is a challenge. This has nothing to do with the unit; that's life in the big city. I'm in Atlanta; 87.7 works best in the City. But when you get near the large buildings, especially where construction is taking place, other personnel communication devices do come in. On the roads outside the areas of high density, unit works great.

Iphone does not like being attached to devices not sold by Apple, a few statements come up on the screen after connection; just ignore them or press cancel. I have been able to totally replace satellite radio with Internet radio. I'm sure AT&T is not happy with that; more use of the Iphone frequency. Pandora Radio works great and you do get the functionality of Pandora by signing in to your personal account and the service continues to "learn" your preferences. The like/dislike and skip functions are all available.

One aspect that I have found helpful in improving reception is that my audio system does "learn" stations; in that if reception is poor over a few minutes it will self adjust settings to improve strength. Usually within a minute or two if I have poor reception it improves very well. For those in a metro area just be ready for pops and crackles that will occur. You will not get CD or strong FM quality reception; outside metro areas reception is great.

I gave the unit 5 stars because the previous reviews seem to focus on quality, stability, and ease of functionality. The Griffin unit does not disappoint; pay the extra dollars. Have learned that a unit that "moves around" would be a major reception problem. The unit needs to be stable to maintain a dependable FM reception. This unit simply will not move, nor will the Iphone. Also it great holder for using the GPS features of the Iphone Apps. The flexibility of positioning the unit makes it very user friendly for the driver and passenger. Can easily change positions.

Just a final note, please remove this or any device like it from visible site when the car is parked. It looks very nice and expensive; a definite attraction for the opportunist car break-in types. It's really not worth a smashed window so someone can grab what looks like a really kewl electronic device. Makes for a very attractive smash and grab opportunity. This unit is easily removed and fits very nicely in a small place like a console or glove box. Please "remove and place the unit" outside of view when not in use; it really is easy and convenient.

Good luck and this unit only takes a few minutes to setup once you find a frequency. Instructions are very clear and easy to follow.