- Save your battery power while Rapidly Charging the battery
- Smart IC chip protects battery from being damage
- Smart FUSE inside for sudden power surge protection
Showing posts with label exide battery chargers. Show all posts
Showing posts with label exide battery chargers. Show all posts
DURABRAND PDV 709 704 705 722 DPX3290L 9" Portable DVD player CAR power adapter charger (CUSTOM MADE
RoadPro RPAT715 1RoadPro RPAT715 12V Rechargeable Jumpstarter Emergency System with Air Compressor a
- Emergency jumpstart with 375 cold cranking Amps
- 200W inverter output
- 260PSI air compressor with accessories
- Built-in DC to AC power inverter with single-grounded AC outlet
- Built-in work light, pressure reading gauge and voltmeter
The unit feels sturdy otherwise and the overall features are nice so I took a chance and sent it back for another one. It works like it's suppose to. Just have to be aware that this is not a "mechanic grade" unit. It should be fine for most of us casual users. Adding comment on compressor...it takes quite a while to get up to psi. Maybe 2 minutes to get from 38psi to 50psi. Really seems to be working hard during this time./ july 2011 been using this unit for a year now and compressor does not work anymore. Never really had enough power to do a car tire,just good for bike and sport balls. The jump capabilities is what i bought it for and works well except if the battery is completely dead. Might try a more professional unit.Never got it to actually jump a car because the battery was always dead. My old 3in1 worked better and the battery lasted. Finally the air pump broke and I throw it out. Got mine at Harbor Freight so I figured it was cheap but I see it on Amazon and thought I should pass on my bad experience. Do not recommend.
Save 57% Off
UPDATE (Mar 2013):Okay, so I've had this unit for a couple of years now and I've finally had a real problem with it. It seems the switch for the compressor isn't designed to withstand the heat generated by the current flowing through it to run the compressor. I'd never used the unit to inflate a completely flat large truck tire and after about 20 minutes of continuous running, the compressor began stopping and starting randomly. When I felt the switch it was hot and completely "loose" and didn't seem to be positively controlling the compressor any more. I kept it going and after some more time the switch gave out altogether, rendering the compressor inoperable.
Now, this isn't recommended for everyone, but I ended up prying the panel off the front (with all the switches, gauges, and lights on it), and was able to "jump" the switch with a screwdriver to finish the job. The compressor never gave out, but the screwdriver got pretty hot. I now have a partially destroyed unit (the panel doesn't simply pop out and in I had to pretty much rip it off). In an emergency, it still has value, but clearly the switch was not rated for the current the compressor draws.
Otherwise, it still works for me and the battery still lasts a remarkably long time, even with heavy use. I would still recommend this product, but I would advise anyone using it to avoid using the compressor for more than 5 minutes at a time without a 15 minute "cool down" period so you don't burn up the switch.
Good luck!
~~ Original Review (May 2011) ~~
I was surprised at the other reviews on this product. I might have a different version because mine is red instead of yellow, but otherwise it's exactly the same.
I got my unit for Christmas and since have used it multiple times for jumping, for lighting, and for filling tires. Since the original 48 hour charge, I have jumped my truck three times (yes I need to get a new battery for the truck), and one of the times I had left the headlights on so the truck's battery was completely dead. All three times it worked like a champ. A couple of weeks ago, I noticed a tire was low and used the compressor to fill a tire from 15 psi to 35 psi no problem. Then, I noticed another tire was a little low and filled that as well (maybe from 25 psi to 35 psi). Today while driving, the 15 psi tire went completely flat so I pulled over and found a nail. I removed the nail (which of course let all the air out), put a plug in the tire, and used the compressor to fill the tire all the way from no pressure. It took a little time, but it worked perfectly. I was driving down the road 10 minutes after I stopped.
In all this time I haven't charged the unit at all (after the initial 48 hour charge), and a voltage check shows 13 volts, so it seems to last pretty well.
I have also used the inverter once to test a used wi-fi router I was buying from someone. Obviously the demand from a router isn't going to be very high, so I don't know how it would do with a hair dryer or microwave, but for my test it worked perfectly.
Overall, I've been extremely happy with my unit. It doesn't seem delicate at all except maybe the compressor hose which has a plastic connector. I'm just careful with it.
Perhaps I got the fluke "good" unit, or there is something different about the red version. If I can figure out the difference I'll repost.
Handheld Deluxe VHF/UHF Dualband Amateur Radio 2M/440 Transceiver with Twin Display 5W TYT TH-UVF1
- Receives 136-174Mhz & 390-520Mhz. Transmits 144-148Mhz & 430-450Mhz. 5W/4W output w/1W low setting.
- 128 AlphaNumeric memory channels, 87-108Mhz FM Broadcast Band receive too!
- PL & DPL (ctcss/dcs), with tone scan, Multiple step rates, English Voice Prompts, 3 Color selectable Backlit LCD, Backlit keypad.
- Includes Drop-in AC Desktop Quick charger, 1500mA LiOn HiCap BatteryPack, 12vdc charger cable, antenna, carry strap!
- Super Low Price Complete Package Deal!
Pros-
The price is awesome.
Dual-band and Dual display.
Comes with cable and software
Easy to switch between programmed channels and ad-hoc frequency entry.
You can listen to any frequency from 87-108Mhz FM Broadcast
Receives 136-174Mhz & 390-520Mhz.
Transmits 144-148Mhz & 430-450Mhz. 5W/4W output w/1W low setting.
Drop-in Charger.
Cons-
You will need the cable and software to get to all the options.
The software is pretty flaky. It crashes if you try to copy and paste, so don't try it without saving your configuration so far.
The manual is... well, not wonderful. Some of the features are not explained, just on or off.
All in all... This is an inexpensive entry radio that performs very well.
I am keeping mine.
FrankThis radio is decent for the price. Gets out to repeaters 15-20 miles away. Reception is decent too. I am pleased with the quality. I do have problems using the software on windows 7 machines, however it works good on xp. Programming is easy with the software. The radio can be manually programmed fairly easily. Not as easy as the software, but not as bad as I read in some reviews. I would buy again. Purchased for backup and portability.I had purchased this radio as a gift for a friend of mine who was new to amateur radio. She was unfamiliar with handheld radios. The radio is not a true dual band. It can switch between both bands however they must be on the same transmit & receive channels to talk. Programming is rather difficult however the speech does confirm each key as it is pressed I think the software and cable would be a great help for programming faster and more accurately . The manual is very difficult to understand however if you are familiar with other handhelds it can be figured out. That is why I have ordered the software and cable for her to assist in the programming. Overall for the value the radio works well and as claimed, we have been able to hit the local repeaters with no problems. The delivery was extremely fast and the seller has been excellent in helping out with the radio. The radio is a good value for the money and fast service.Nice radio, features I was looking for, but the instruction manual is hard to follow when programming frequencies and off sets. Instructions need to be a little plainer.
Save 39% Off
I am a complete newcomer to amateur radio, and received this for my birthday. It only takes a minute to assemble the battery, belt clip, and antenna. But, then what? The user manual is useless it lists the functions but doesn't explain what they do. For instance, the "U/V" button is described in the manual only as "U/V Switch Key", but what does U/V mean? I was able to figure out how to change the display color and listen to the local FM radio music stations, but that's it. I compare this to the Uniden scanner I purchased awhile ago which came with excellent documentation and website links that allowed me to program a lot of the functionality within a few hours. This might be an excellent beginner radio as it seemingly provides basic functionality at the right price, but the lack of useful documentation leads me to not recommend it. There's an excellent review that will give you more information, just google "QST-June-2011-TYT-Product-Review" (I can't post the direct link)
Uniden Atlantis 250G 16-Channel VHF Waterproof Two-Way Marine Radio
- Submersible handheld marine VHF radio is factory programmed with all U.S., Canadian, and international channels
- Supports all NOAA weather channels; emergency/weather alert function alerts you of any emergencies
- Channel scanning for all or programmed channels; instant channel 16/9 watch function
- Brilliant backlit LCD display and backlit keypad make radio easy to use, day or night
- Includes NiMH battery and drop-in charger, can also be powered with alkaline AA batteries; 3-year warranty
After it charged up it worked great. We used it several times for coordinating activites without incident.
Until, while helping trailer the boat, my friend slips on some seaweed and this 'waterproof' radio hits the water. It was in MAYBE a foot of water for half a second, but that was enough. The PTT button was stuck on, the button would physically push and release but the circuit stayed active and the radio kept transmittingsalt water had shorted the PTT switch.
Turning the radio off and on was no helpit refused to power up with the PTT switch held down (just made a beeping noise).
Further research reveals that this unit is rated JIS4. According to , JIS4 means 'splash resistant'.
Most of the other marine portables are rated JIS7 (same as IPX7)can be submerged under 1 meter (3 feet) of water for 30 minutes with no ill effects. Some are rated JIS8 (indefinitely submersible up to mfr. specified depth).
Many of the other units also float, and most aren't that much more expensive than this one.
You might check out the Uniden MHS75, which is actually cheaper, smaller, and is JIS8 rated. It also has SAME weather radio alerts, which this doesn't.
I'm giving this 2/5 stars because I think a boating radio, to be used on the water, should be more than just 'splash proof', especially when nearly all the competition is JIS7. And had me and my friends been stuck on the water instead of on the boat launch, the unexpected failure of this unit would have put us in serious trouble.
Buy Uniden Atlantis 250G 16-Channel VHF Waterproof Two-Way Marine Radio Now
I use this radio for open water swimming events in salt water as a Pilot in a 15' Zodiac Inflatable or kayaks.Pro: Good ergonomics, has both 1 and 5 watts, clear communications, rechargeable batter or AA pack.
Con: I was trying to make it through some waves in a kayak and the boat flipped. The radio was attached to the kayak and got wet, not for long and not at all deep. Now the display is fogged up and it doesn't seem to turn on.
The ad says "Water proof", JIS4/CFR46 Waterproof Level. This is actually a level 4, out of 1 to 8, which only rates it for sea spray.
Net: If this WAS water proof, I would recommend it. Since it is only rated for sea spray, I can not recommend this radio for boating. How does this get put in the Marine section I wonder?
Read Best Reviews of Uniden Atlantis 250G 16-Channel VHF Waterproof Two-Way Marine Radio Here
It is already the second Uniden Atlantis 250BK Marine Radio we use on our motorboat on waterways inside and outside Europe. Perfect to handle. Nice looking. Well working. And really waterproof. My wife let it fall down into the water last week. But after we got it back on the boat after some minutes and dried it it was working like before without any fail. By the way: The white color of the item was my wife's request. She loves it and she promised never let it fall into the water again. Wait and see.Want Uniden Atlantis 250G 16-Channel VHF Waterproof Two-Way Marine Radio Discount?
Was working on zodiacs doing an FTX and had some decent sized seas but at no point in our night did I or the radio go in the water. Apparently that was all it took because because now the window is completely fogged up and I have nothing but problems transmitting on it now. I wish companies could be held responsible in some fashion when their marketing for an item is "waterproof" but the radio shouldn't even be anywhere around water.Save 12% Off
Well made piece of equipment.Very sturdy feel.Great battery life and sound quality.I am very satisfied with the purchase and would recomend it.
Pico 6370PT Dust / Safety Cap for 50 Amp Battery Cable Quick Connector (6360) 2 per Package
- Dust Cap for 6360 Battery Cable Quick Connector
- 2 per Package
Buy Pico 6370PT Dust / Safety Cap for 50 Amp Battery Cable Quick Connector (6360) 2 per Package Now
fits the connector perfect to keep it clean and dry. Cheap protection to keep things from shorting out or corroding.These fit snugly enough, and keep you from accidentally shorting your plug out and burning your car down when things are disconnected. Seems like a good investment for a couple bucks. Buy some.
eForCity LCD Stereo Car FM Transmitter for MP3 Player iPod touch
- Compatible with Apple: iPad 16GB / 32GB / 64GB iPad 2 16GB / 32GB / 64GB iPhone 1st Gen. 4GB / 8GB / 16GB iPhone 3G 8GB / 16GB iPhone 3GS 16GB / 32GB iPhone 4 - AT&T 16GB / 32GB iPhone 4 - Verizon 16GB / 32GB iPhone 4S
- Broadcast music from your iPod, PDA, MP3 or CD player, and even portable DVD player with this all channel universal FM transmitter. Transmits stereo quality sound from your portable music player to your car/home FM radio.
- Plug FM Transmitters into any 3.5 mm output socket and then its done. Powered by vehicle cigarette lighter adapter or 2 x AAA battery. Frequency range: 88.1 - 107.9 MHz For best sound performance, please set your MP3 players volume level to Medium.
- Then use your car stereos volume control to adjust the output level. Operating Range: up to 16.4 feet / 5 meters. Optimal distance - 10 feet / 3 meters. Easy to read LCD frequency display.
- Fits standard USB connections. Color: Black. Accessory only MP3 player / cell phone/ battery not included.
First thing is, I was completely miffed by the fact that all of the FM transmitters on the market advertise extensively how they work with iPhones and iPods. Well, it would be a cold day in August before I would ever buy an Apple product, so I spent quite a bit of time searching and making sure that this one would work with my Droid 2 Global. And it works extremely well at that.
The second thing is, I paid about $60 for my old FM transmitter back in 2004, and the sound quality was a little bit sketchy. That's not the case with this one. In fact, I can now crank the stereo and enjoy crystal clear audio. I honestly didn't know that the stereo in my car was as good as it is. I also like the fact that I can use the entire FM band.
The one recommendation I have for users is to make sure that your mp3 device is on about 80% volume. It will produce some distortion (sounds like static) if on 100%.
The negatives are minimal. First of all, the device didn't come with an instruction book. So I have no idea if there are any bells and whistles I might be missing. Plus, there is no control to adjust the output of the device itself. Other than that, though, I'm happy with my purchase.
EDIT: I feel bad about this review because so many people have marked that they have found it useful. I am keeping my original review in its entirety, but I feel as if I need to do a followup.
Six months later, the cable that plugs into this unit from my car's cigarette lighter has developed a short. The music being played is staticy, and occasionally, it will cut completely out when hitting a bump. I know it's in this plug because when I twist it, the music will cut out completely. I'm disappointed because it worked so well and was so clear when I bought it. Clarity in my music really matters to me, though, so I am finding that I am having to replace it.
Buy eForCity LCD Stereo Car FM Transmitter for MP3 Player iPod touch Now
I bought a car with a cd player in it and they player didnt work i searched for somethingto put into my car that will let me play MY music and something cheap so I wouldnt have to spend alot of money fixing the cd player.. I came across this this and thought i should try it being only 8 bucks and i am very pleased. Mine canme with an instruction book and now can listen to my creative zen mp3 player anywhere i go. the only reason i didnt give it all 5 stars was bc they car adapter cord keeps getting loose the in outlet in my car, I dont know if its the plug itself or just the car being that it was used my a smoker before i bought it, i just use batteries to avoid this probelm. otherwise great device!Read Best Reviews of eForCity LCD Stereo Car FM Transmitter for MP3 Player iPod touch Here
This transmitter was a piece of crap! I got it and the first week I had it, it sounded great! Then the second week it randomly stopped working. When the cable was barely touched at all or moved the music would stop or it would sound only play the sound and no lyrics. it was just a bad experience. you are better off paying a little more for something better and well known, or getting an auxiliary cable.Want eForCity LCD Stereo Car FM Transmitter for MP3 Player iPod touch Discount?
Now I can listen to all of my favorite songs from my iPod through my car stereo. Easy to use and install. Perfect sound.Save 59% Off
My son wanted one of these for his iPod and bought a similar product at a brick and mortar store for $39.99. I protested and told him to let me search Amazon to see if I could find it cheaper. I was very pleased (but skeptical) to find this product. Was expecting it to fall apart right away because it was so much cheaper, but so far have been quite pleased with the quality and performance. Saved a lot of money with Amazon! Would definitely recommend it!
YTZ7S AGM Maintenance Free Battery
- 12 Volt 6 Ah @10h rate AGM
- Replaces: 44200, CTZ7S, GT6B-3, GTZ7S, LTZ-73, LTZ7-3, M727ZS, PTZ7S, YTZ7S
After owning this non-spill for a year or so, I may add to this eval. So far, so good.
Buy YTZ7S AGM Maintenance Free Battery Now
This battery was used to replace a stock battery in a Yamaha TW200 motorcycle. It's considerably smaller (which I knew before purchasing), and the terminals are placed/oriented differently, which I kind of suspected. However, the small nuts which fit inside the terminals are difficult to get into position, and it takes three hands to attach the cables to the terminals. Once secured, they are fine it's just a pain to get them into place. A larger nut would make the task much easier, but I didn't have anything that would work.Read Best Reviews of YTZ7S AGM Maintenance Free Battery Here
I purchased this for my Honda TRX450ER and it was the perfect fit. Battery shipped earlier than expected. I would recommend this to a friend.Want YTZ7S AGM Maintenance Free Battery Discount?
I am using this on my 1973 Honda CB350 and it is working great. It is very convenient not having to manage the whole battery acid levels and what not.Save 13% Off
If you are buying to replace OEM, I suggest checking the dimensions. In theory this should have fit nicely in my Honda CRF 250X but it is actually 1/8th inch taller than the OEM battery that it is supposedly a replacement for and does not fit.
OEM Sprint Micro USB Rapid Car Vehicle Auto Plug in Battery Charger + Home Wall Travel Charger for A
The thing I like about this charger is its dual use. I bought this solely for my car, cos I don't like carrying chargers about. Sometimes, when am out @ a friend's and my phone battery runs low, I go to my car, get the charger and voila! I use a blackberry 9900. Recommending this for sure!
Cobra Electronics Walkie-Talkie CXT235 Two-Way Radio
- Extended range capability provides up to 20 mile range. (Range will vary depending on terrain and conditions.)
- Available when the 22 channels are combined with the 121 privacy codes (38 CTCSS/83 DCS), these combinations prevent interference from other radios.
- Be prepared for storms and emergencies with the built-in NOAA radio receiver providing coverage of all government operated weather channels.
- In the event of a major storm or other weather condition, NOAA broadcasts a 1050 Hz tone that this microTALK radio can detect and warn you of a weather alert condition.
- The user's voice is detected and the radio transmits without the need to press any buttons, freeing hands for other tasks. Five VOX sensitivity levels allow the user to select at which point the radio will detect their voice.
Buy Cobra Electronics Walkie-Talkie CXT235 Two-Way Radio Now
Bought a set of these a few years ago and liked them very much. So, when we lost one I have bought another set and the original one is still working great. Only gave 4 stars because the charger is not as easy to use as the older set was.Read Best Reviews of Cobra Electronics Walkie-Talkie CXT235 Two-Way Radio Here
We use these to talk around our 17 acre farm and while kayaking, hiking, and hunting, Two miles away and hilly we were still able to talk. Much farther than that was not so good. Line of sight with no obstructions would probably be better. We love them and have two sets so the kids can keep in touch too. Upgrade to better batterys for more talk time. We use 800mAh rechargeables.Want Cobra Electronics Walkie-Talkie CXT235 Two-Way Radio Discount?
My 11-year old daughter bought a cheap set of walkie-talkies at Claire's and was very disappointed. So she returned them and saved up her money to buy these. She has had so much fun running around with her friends at our neighborhood park and playing spy games. They have excellent reception and she has enjoyed them very much.Save 19% Off
Great deal. Works good on the road. Better than cell phones for keeping a couple cars together on the highway.
Zune Car Pack FM transmitter -Black
- Full vehicle pack designed for Microsoft Zune media player
- FM transmitter wireless broadcasts music through car's stereo speakers
- AutoSeek function automatically locates unused FM frequency
- Car charger plugs into vehicle's 12-volt cigarette lighter plug
- Includes coiled cord for easy storage; 1-year warranty
- It includes coiled cord for easy storage and has 1-year warranty.
- The car charger plugs into vehicle's 12-volt cigarette lighter plug.
- The FM transmitter wireless broadcasts music through car's stereo speakers.
- The full vehicle pack designed for Microsoft Zune media player.
- The AutoSeek function automatically locates unused FM frequency.
First thing, this is a quality, well made product. Unlike a lot of car power adapters, this provides a clean, shielded source of power that doesn't put off a lot of interference. The FM transmitter, like most FM transmitters, isn't overpowering, but does an ok job when you aren't in an area crowded with FM signals.
Any FM transmitter is going to get buried in the middle of a city. These things work best in lesser populated areas where there are empty frequencies. Belkin's website has a tool for their FM transmitters, that can give you an estimate of the best FM frequencies to try in any given Zip code.
This transmitter has a great display and worked well in my local area and in several of the surrounding areas.
A couple things I really liked about this. First, while the power adapter is engaged, the Zune will display the LCD so you can see cover art and song information while keeping the Zune charged. Secondly the FM transmitter has a great digital display that is clearly visible during the day and night.
Only thing I didn't like is that the FM Transmitter just inserts into the player without actually locking. It stays put ok, but not if you have your Zune in a case. (At least not in the Silicone case I was using).
Folks, if you live in a city, your not going to be happy with any FM transmitter. Also, different FM transmitters work differently in various cars. I've tested several, there is no rhyme or reason. Try one out, if it doesn't work ok, return it and try a different one. If you live in a big city, get an adapter to run directly into your stereo. No FM transmitter is going to work. FCC doesn't allow them to have enough signal to drown out the local stations crowding your local airwaves.
Buy Zune Car Pack FM transmitter -Black Now
I received the Zune as a promotional gift and I have been very happy with it, however this FM transmitter that I purchased for it is terrible.It's primary function is to deliver radio signal via FM to your car stero on an unused frequency, it does have an auto seek to find an available frequency which is nice but it never delivers enough signal for my stereo to pick up decent sound.
I am not expecting CD quality audio here, but it should deliver FM Broadcast quality audio at the least. In this case it isn't even close to AM broadcast quailty which is just silly. I tried putting the device in every part of my car with no real difference. I also tried every single frequency on the dial.
I know this isn't a problem with my car stereo because my personal satellite radio (Pioneer Inno) has a built in FM transmitter that works perfectly well.
Good Luck! Hope this helps you make your decision.
Read Best Reviews of Zune Car Pack FM transmitter -Black Here
Yikes. This came in a "warehouse pack" so it was almost free. It's worthless even if it's free. I tested it in my Honda Accord and the sound was terrible. It might have been better if the Accord had one of the old-fashioned metal rod antennas, but mine is imbedded in the window. However . . .I tested it indoors using an AC adapter and a high quality Tivoli table radio and although the sound was better, it was still only fair. (Of course the point is not to get it to play indoors, but in your car.) One other thing to note: Although some Ipod FM adapters draw their power from the Ipod, the Zune FM adapter must be plugged into the bottom, into which you must then plug the power socket adapter. The adapter has one of those tightly coiled short cords, so you'd better have a steady nearby location to rest your Zune or its young life will end when it goes flying during a quick stop.
The auto-station seek feature is totally worthless. It finds frequencies that have signals and tries to play over them. You're better off using manual seek. But you're better off not buying this at all. The Zune is a quality product. This overpriced piece of junk diminishes the entire Zune line.
Want Zune Car Pack FM transmitter -Black Discount?
As you can see, most people have found this as worthless as I have. There is one thing going for it. It matches the Zune players design. That's it, the rest is as bad as you could possible imagine. I've tried this device in an Acura Integra, Honda Civic, and a Saturn SL2(I think that is the model). The Saturn was better due to the cars antennae located in the front right region of the car, but was still bad enough to warrant a return.Here's the short version for this review immediately below, but read further below if you'd like to see how ridiculous of a solution I came up with just get this product usable, yet still not as good my wife's DLO TransPod (for the ipod, but has a audio in headphone jack) which CNET reviews as the best FM transmitter.
CAR CHARGER:
cord to short (coiled which can stretch to a longer length, but doesn't want to stay that way
charger doesn't stay firmly seated in cigarette lighter hole, can work it's way out if you try to maintain the cord in a somewhat stretched length
FM TRANSMITTER:
doesn't work. plain and simple. I can't believe this thing was actually mass produced. Yes it's that bad.
auto seek finds the strongest station instead of the weakest station for your FM transmitting needs! Talk about a defect! It's does the opposite of what it is supposed to do!
charger connects stronger to FM transmitter, but FM transmitter doesn't lock at all to Zune. There is some slight friction to hold it in, but not much.
CAR CHARGER
The car charger wiring is a little short (though it is a spiral-type you can stretch it to be longer, but it quickly wants to return to it's short length) In my car the charger doesn't quite stay secure either as it slowly works it's way out of the lighter hole due to the length I try and maintain of the charging cord. It has yet to actually come out all the way, but I always am able to push it back inwards (a bit) during my commute. This may just be an issue with my vehicle and where I am trying to place my Zune player, so this may not be an issue for you.
FM TRANSMITTER
Thought the above issue(s) may only affect a small percentage of you, the more important issue is the lack of reception/functionality of the tuner part of this bundle. I don't even see how this thing was approved for mass production. It is that bad! I wish I still had mine so I could post a video on You Tube because it is quite amazing how bad it is. I live east of San Francisco about 50 miles so it's not like anyone can say that I live in an area plagued with interference. I could not find a single clear station that actually would work with this device. To make sure this was not totally broke, I decided to walk my Zune (with the FM transmitter attached) towards my antenna to see when I actually would start to hear music. I was about 2 feet away when it started to come in, and I did not get a clear signal until I was 2 inches (YES 2 inches!!!) from the antenna before it was actually a clear broadcast. Mind you that I was indeed on a station that had zero interference/radio broadcast on my test station. I'd also like to note that after 2 inches is not a smooth introduction of interference, but like a light switch would instantly turn on a light, there would instantly be a great amount of interference that is enough to justify a return of this product. Yes it was that bad. As an example. 4 inches away would result in about 40-50% interference noise/hiss. Just to make sure this wasn't the case for this particular station, I tried a couple others with SAME results.
At this point I should have just decided to package this item up for a return, but I decided to see what I could come up with to make this thing work for me. I have a commuter car that has seen better days, so I decided to see if I could do to improve reception. With the Zune still playing, I decided to plug it back into the car charger. I immediately noticed a reduction in the interference! So it seems the Zune car chargers acts as an antennae or there might be a small difference in power feed to the device that might have improved the FM transmission. Though there was a noticeable change, it is nothing to consider usable. :( I also noticed if you stretch the charging cord and move your Zune around the car, you can change the reception. Seeing how the coiled cord wants to stay in it's shortest length, it's near impossible to maintain your Zune in a position to maintain this slight increase in reception.
Getting back to the story, my plan was have a second antennae which would run to the passenger seat (to give me that great reception I experienced when I placed my Zune right next to the cars antenna). I decided to pull out my Pioneer stereo to access the antennae connection. Once I had access to the antenna wire, I pulled it out.(while Pioneer was still powered) and PRESTO!!! Near perfect reception with my Zune! Oh yea! Well...sort of... I can now listen to my Zune, but I no longer have an antennae for my radio!! What I did was take some extra speaker wire and connected it with the original antennae connector when placing it back into the Pioneer. I ran this homemade antennae wire up to the passenger seat with enough to wrap around the Zune. This actually gives me a decent signal, but nothing to cheer about. Not to mention that it
is simply ridiculous to have to resort to this to make it usable!
I commuted with this solution for a week and still found reception to be sub par compared to the DLO transpod. (which I tried on the same commute prior to purchasing the Zune car pack) Needless to say, I returned the item. This item deserves 0 stars.
Phone Halo Protect Tracker - Black
First, my review:Great concept, solid looking Android app, and long battery life. There were two issues that caused me to return the item
1) VERY cheap housing material/build quality! The keyring is just waiting to break..and the whole thing has a dollar store tactile feel to it.
2) KILLS your phone's battery! (Tried on stock MT4G and N1 w/CM6.1) If you want the GPS logging, it literally relies on your phone's GPS being on 24/7..otherwise, it'll just give you the tower-triangulation location, which has an accuracy of +/1,000+ feet. The device doesn't have it's own GPS integrated, despite what it semi-implies.
For my purposes, I just bought a cheap bluetooth headset and downloaded the Car Locator app, which will save your location whenever a bluetooth device unpairs with it.
That being said, the bigger issue I have with this item is the obvious clutter of shill reviews!
Notice how most of the 5 star reviews appear to sound like commercials...acting as though this changed someone's life on the same scale as having a third thumb? Well, feel free to click the reviewers posting histories, and you'll notice that nearly all of them have reviewed only this one item..ever. Also, many of these suspect reviews are bunched around February 4th of 2010. Keep in mind that this is the same company that gave themselves a 5 star review on the Android Market with the comment simply being their email address.
To further reinforce the dubious nature of some of the reviews, hop on over to PhoneHalo's website and click "about." You'll quickly notice that their CTO/Co-Founder suspiciously shares a last name with 2 of the 5-star reviewers. Sure..it's possible that people have common last names but what a coincidence that, within one click of the Phone Halo Facebook page, the fact that Ann is the CTO's mom and Carrie is his wife stares you in the face. Also, on "about" page, you'll notice that Glass Lighthouse media put together their marketing video. What a coincidence that one of the reviews again, from someone that isn't an Amazon verified purchaser is from none other than Glasslighthouse. Furthermore, another glowing review, left just a few days later, is from someone by the name of "Jeremy Canterbury". Want to take a wild guess at the name of Glasslighthouse's CFO?
There are certainly some high reviews that sound legitimate, but without the fake ones pulling up the average, the item would probably have a 2 at best.
Disclaimer/clarification: I am, in no way, shape, or form, involved with any consumer electronics companies, and have no vested interest in the success/failure of this product. I am simply a buyer who had to put up with their runaround to return the item (bought it direct through them since it was cheaper), and I feel fleeced, since I depended on those reviews when selecting the Phone Halo.
Buy Phone Halo Protect Tracker - Black Now
I occasionaly leave either my Blackberry Tour or Keys behind. I reviewed both Zomm & Phone Halo. I ruled Zomm out because it's built-in bluetooth speaker doesn't play nice with other bluetooth headsets or the bluetooth speakerphone in my car. The Phone-Halo paired fine with my Blackberry Tour and will make it ring when they move too far apart (beyond bluetooth range). But I have one major concern which may cause me to return it.1. The beeper volume on the Phone-Halo is so low you can barely hear it. Not good if you're looking for the keyring its attached to, especially if buried in the couch or in a jacket where you wouldn't hear it at all. Because the volume is soo low I don't know if it goes off at night when my Blackberry automatically turn off to conserve power for 8 hours while I'm sleeping. I immediately emailed Phone-Halo support the day after I receive the unit about this problem. After 2 business days and no reply I sent a 2nd request and finally heard back from their support. Their reply confirmed this is a known problem and they're working on a fix. My question back to them was a) how soon and b) will it be a free upgrade or replacment unit. After a week I've yet to hear back. Deduct 1 star until its fixed for free.
2. The button on the Phone-Halo when pushed for 3 seconds (per their website) is suppose to make my cell phone ring to help locate it. Problem is it doesn't make my cell phone ring. I included this in my email to support and found that instead of one 3 second push it shoud be 3 quick pushes (which does make the phone ring). I pointed out the error in their website manual but its still lists the 3 second push.
3. The on-off switch on the unit can accidently be turned off (especially attached to the keys in my pocket) causing my phone to go off. A more secure design would be nice to prevent accidently turn off. In addition, once the unit & phone are in range again it takes almost a minute for them to pair up again. Deduct 1 star again.
4. Their is no indication on the Phone Halo to tell if the unit is paired or what its battery status is. I guess they figure that when you phone starts ringing you'll figure it out but by then it might be too late to charge the halo unit until you get home. There is a tiny indicator on the phone next to the Bluetooth logo indicating the phone and the halo are paired.
5. The distance indicator, when connected, shows either VERY CLOSE or FAR nothing in between. Since this is typically a 30'diameter I got a lot of places to search.
Hopefully I'll hear back in a couple more days from their support with info on the beeper volume fix. Otherwise I'm happy with the device. All it will take is one found lost/forgotten set of keys or phone and I'll be very happy!
Read Best Reviews of Phone Halo Protect Tracker - Black Here
I tried this little device on a a business trip. It malfunctioned when I used the gps feature on my phone. It also lost connection during a seminar and started beeping. (Quite embarrassing). I still have the device and may try it later. But for now my HTC Thunderbolt with Verizon service and the Halo aren't speaking.Want Phone Halo Protect Tracker - Black Discount?
You should have a minimum technical knowledge to use this. I mean, You should be able to tell when a Bluetooth device is paired or not. Since, if the pairing drops for any reason, you will not be able to ring your device if lost. Otherwise, when paired, this item is a lifesaver. We used it on an android phone with its free market app. My mom who always misplaced her phone used this item for a week and found her phone successfully several times. However, I would have to check her phone and make sure it was paired at random intervals, and remind her to charge the Halo. We only had to charge it once in the week that we used it so the battery seems to last very long, but I can no longer be her tech support so she told me to sell it.