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Introduction
 Every
so often a product comes along that makes you stop and say what a great
idea. The FM Transmitter by Ccrane is just such a device. This simple
device can broadcast music at any FM frequency from your home computer,
mp3 or CD player to any Stereo within approximately 70 ft of the transmitter
itself. To find out exactly how this is done let’s take a closer
look at the unit and what it has to offer.
the product
The small FM transmitter is powered
by either an AC adapter which is included or 2 “AA” batteries.
Like any good scientist and tech fiend I figured I would try the simple
approach first and gradually work my way up to more difficult scenarios.
The first test was a simple one in that I had a loop of mp3’s playing
on my home computer and decided that I would like my stereo on the opposite
of my room to play the same music. Following the instructions included
with the unit I first scanned the FM dial on my stereo for a range where
there were the fewest broadcasting signals. After some deliberation I
decided that 91.00FM would be suitable for the first test. Turning the
transmitter on I plugged the input cable into the audio output of my computer.
I then set the FM transmitter to the pre-determined frequency of 91.00FM
and listened carefully.
 The
blissful sound of Led Zepplein’s Kashmir didn’t come through
on my Stereo so I carefully feathered the dial to get it as close to 91.00FM
as I could. Then as if the sun had broken through the clouds after 40
days of rain, Kashmir blared from my stereo across the room. The sound
quality at first was quite muffled and I noticed that the input level
control on the transmitter was at its maximum. Quickly I lowered the input
level on the transmitter and raised the volume on my stereo and the sound
was crystal clear.
 It was
then time to test the limits of our device and see exactly what it had
to offer. To maximize the sound quality from any of the output devices
you may use with the FM transmitter you should consider the following:
- Use high quality CD or mp3 files. The lesser the
quality of the original the poorer the quality of the transmitted sound
- By placing the transmitter at a high point and
grounding it, the transmission range will be much higher. (line of sight)
- Use a low input level into the transmitter and
turn the volume up from whatever audio device is receiving the signal
 Probably
the most impressive feature of the FM transmitter was the range with which
it operated. I moved my stereo to another room upstairs in my home and
as long as the stereo was off the ground, the sound transmitted flawlessly.
I was even more surprised that the stereo continued to receive the signal
from the transmitter when I moved the stereo downstairs to the opposite
side of the house.
Although I had to adjust the antenna to receive the signal the stereo
was at least 70ft away from the transmitter with numerous walls and other
working electronic devices in its path. With this simple device placed
properly in your home, you could easily transmit music through your entire
home for a fraction of the cost.
After my doubts had been all but quelled I used the
mobile accessory kit with my old CD discman in my truck. This time I used
104.5 on the FM dial as a test frequency. Plugging the transmitter into
my trucks outlet with the adapter provided and the audio output from the
discman I had CD quality sound broadcasting through my trucks stereo.
Taking it a step further I used my stereo in the previous test and tuned
it to 104.5 FM in the house. With a distance of about 50ft I had Weezer’s
“The Sweater Sound” floating across the airwaves.
It has been a long time since I have been this positively surprised by
any electronic device. Usually there is some kind of technical hurdle
that needs to be overcome before one can get the device to work properly.
The added features of the FM transmitter such as an auto shut-off feature
and large digital display give the user a sense of ease and comfort. Although
very basic in design and aesthetic appeal, the fact that it weighs only
5.8 ounces and is 3.1" W x 3.5" H x 1.1 in size makes it a perfect
size to carry with you if you need music on the go.
I would purchase not only the FM transmitter but the mobile accessory
kit as well on the simple fact of its functionality and many uses.
At a retail price of only $79.99 for the FM Transmitter and $29.95 for
the Mobile Accessory Kit, you can use your already existing stereo equipment
to listen to any streaming or mp3 audio! Check out www.ccrane.com
for more details on what I would consider a great gift or personal purchase.
Ccrane also offers a wide array ( no pun intended ) of radios, antennas
and scanners worth looking into. Go to their website and register for
a free product catalog, I did!
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9 / 10 |
OVERALL SCORE
92%
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