TeckNet FM29A USB Flash Memory MP3 Modulator / Player, Supports SD/MMC Card With 205 FM Channels & Remote Control – Black
Posted by Notcot on May 2, 2010 in In-Car Technology |
5 CommentsReply |
MenuLatest GadetsRecent Reviews
Archives
|
I bought this item as I had been thinking about getting a new car stereo that included the ability to play mp3 tracks stored on a usb disk. I then came across this item whilst researching and saw that it was a lot cheaper, so I thought I would try it out.
The device is small, about 3 inches long and 1 inch wide at its’ widest point and has a usb connection, for plugging in USB flash drives and a jack plug connection for plugging in audio feeds from mp3 players etc. Once plugged into your cars cigarette lighter and connected to your chosen device it transmits radio signals which can be picked up by your car stereo so that you can hear what is being played. This worked well in my car and I was able to play mp3 files on Freecom bus powered 80Gb hard drive (purchased from Amazon) quickly and easily.
This device can also be powered using the USB socket, and so can be attached to the USB port of a laptop and fed audio via the jack socket. Or if you have a powered hard drive can just be plugged into the hard drive.
Do not expect it to feed a signal 30m though, and stream audio throughout your house. I tried it in the house and a range of about 1m was about what I got.
It has a channel changer (I found the third one the best 87.7), play/pause, skip, back buttons on the device and the same buttons plus volume up and down on the remote. It remembers the last track played and takes you there when plugged back in.
Overall this is good value, the build quality is not great and you can force the USB plug into it upside down so be careful and look what you are doing.
Rating: 4 / 5
From opening the box to getting sound took about ten to fifteen minutes. After a little more fiddling about I managed to get my car radio tuned to three of the preset channels.
The music came through loud with little interference. A small amount of background hiss and hum was present but didn’t interfere with the listening experience and once the car was moving the car noise covered the hiss from the player.
I put music onto a MP3 memory stick both at the root drive and in one folder deep. The player found all the tracks. I will try to see if it will find music two or three folders deep as my music is organised by artist then albums.
It remembers where it closed down so when you start the player again it starts from the last track listened to.
In my car the power source has easy access so an MP3 stick doesn’t get in the way, but this could be an issue in some cars
Overall a great devise that really does work. Just a pity that you don’t get MP3 tag information to see what is playing. But you can’t have everything.
Possibly easier than an MP3 or ipod connected to a wireless transmitter as it take all of the power from the car so no batteries needed
Rating: 5 / 5
Ordered and delivered in very quick time.
It worked first time with good results.
One niggle – it is not a good “plug in” connection in the 12v cigarette lighter in my car. Will have to find some way to improve this connection.
Rating: 4 / 5
Works well and coupled with a usb stick gives u a dirt cheap way of playing loads of music in ur car. Also v easy to use.
A shuffle/random button would be nice but other than that all good.
Rating: 5 / 5
This is an amazing item for the money. But you have to do a bit of work to get the best results. The default volume level is quite low but that can be fixed by increasing the volume to 16 using the supplied remote or by holding down the Next Track button. That improves the signal to noise ratio considerably.
There are 3 possible causes of the background noises mentioned in other reviews. FM radio interference is lowest if you select 87.5MHz (in the Birmingham area anyway). Car generated noise is easily fixed by buying a lighter extension lead and wiring in a noise filter. Search eBay for 10A NOISE SUPPRESSOR FILTER – ELIMINATE CAR RADIO NOISE and for less than a tenner most noise is removed. The negative cable on this can go to the lead and doesn’t need to go to the car body. Finally, USB type chargers use switching power supplies so avoid a lighter extension lead with a USB port. Also, if you have a 12v lighter type charger for e.g. Sat Nav or phone you’ll need to separate the MP3 player/transmitter with a reasonable distance. In this case two extension leads would be required, connected together close to the car’s 12V socket.
I’ve done all the above and the unit performs brilliantly. I’ve dragged 30 favourite albums to a 2 Gig USB stick, selected RANDOM (hold down the Play button) and I now have the best FM radio station ever imaginable! The quality is pretty good with all the noise gone, bearing in mind FM radio’s limit of 15kHz audio cut off, and I reckon the build quality is fine. I can’t answer for previous versions but I love this one. Plus, I tried it with an 8Gig stick and it still worked fine. Unbelievable value for money.
Rating: 5 / 5