I did some research and decided, based on the fact that I currently don't
have much time to pull the stereo, that I'd try out the Monster Ipod Fm
Transmitter/charger.

It's a very small device, really just a power cord with a little screen
section and three buttons.  Very easy to use.

When I first found a blank station, the sound was fuzzy and BAD.  I tried
another station, same result.  And another.  At this point I was ready to
pack it on up and take it back, but decided to try one more.

On this fourth try, there was no static and excellent sound.  I haven't had
any fuzz, fading, nothing, just good clear sound, and it charges the Ipod at
the same time.

So, I believe that the folks on Amazon.com, Circuitcity.com, etc. who gave
bad reviews to this device maybe just didn't have enough patience.  In any
case, it cost me $50 and about five minutes of labor.  It's very compact, I
can move it from car-to-car, and it works.  (oh--it also works perfectly on
the same frequency in my wife's Passat.)

So while I'm sure the sound quality doesn't match a hard wire, I'm very
happy with it.

Thanks for all of the suggestions!

Joe T.

>From: "Bruce Nadig" <motorbruce@hotmail.com>
>To: vanagongl@HOTMAIL.COM, vanagon@GERRY.VANAGON.COM
>Subject: RE: Ipod FM transmitters
>Date: Mon, 19 Jun 2006 11:29:55 -0700
>
>
>Joe,
>
>I have an iPod, a Vanagon, an FM transmitter, and a cassette adaptor.
>
>I prefer the cassette adaptor for using my iPod in my Vanagon. It is
>convenient, the sound is pretty good, and it is an inexpensive solution
>(assuming that your head unit has a cassette player).
>
>A friend gave me an FM transmitter for my birthday about 1� years ago.
>While it works well, when possible I prefer to use the cassette adaptor.
>The quality of the sound seems to be better using the cassette adaptor
>method. However, there are times, such as in rental cars, that the cassette
>adaptor just isn't an option. For these occasions, the FM transmitter is a
>good solution.
>
>The transmitter I have runs off the iPod for power. This frees up the 12v
>power source for things such as my portable GPS. I don't remember what
>brand of transmitter I have, but if you drop me a line I can take a look
>for you.
>
>It comes down to this: if you have a cassette player in your Vanagon, I
>highly recommend the cassette adaptor. If you will be using the iPod in a
>vehicle without cassette, the transmitter is the way to go. Of course,
>because the cassette adaptor is so inexpensive, it is always easy to carry
>both just in case.
>
>Cheers,
>Bruce
>motorbruce
>
>>From: joe trussell <vanagongl@HOTMAIL.COM>
>>Reply-To: joe trussell <vanagongl@HOTMAIL.COM>
>>To: vanagon@GERRY.VANAGON.COM
>>Subject: Ipod FM transmitters
>>Date: Mon, 19 Jun 2006 17:10:36 +0000
>>
>>Happy Monday,
>>
>>Hope the Dads out there had a good Father's Day.
>>
>>We went camping up at Rocky Mountain National park and I actually PASSED a
>>Taurus going UP a canyon road.  God Bless Fuji Heavy Industries and their
>>remarkable Subaru 2.2 engine.
>>
>>I was lucky enough to receive a decorated beer coozie from my daughter
>>(best
>>gift ever) and an Ipod from my wife.
>>
>>I know there's been talk on the list of the best stereos to buy,
>>interfaces,
>>etc. but I'm on a tight budget at the moment and am wondering if anybody
>>has
>>any input, good or bad, regarding Ipod FM transmitters?  There's a lot of
>>info out there both pro and con, but a lot of it seems to be
>>vehicle-specific.
>>
>>Thanks,
>>Joe T.
>>
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