Belkin TuneCast II FM Transmitter for MP3 Players (Black)

I was hoping for a way to broadcast to my FM headphones while working chainsaws and log splitters, where I would be moving about in a fairly small, limited range.

Unfortunately, not limited enuf for this type of device.

Signal is almost never good enuf, and always breaks up when I move around.

After reading many of the reviews I decided to purchase this transmitter. I planned to use it in a particular car. No matter what I did, even to adding an 8 ft headphone extension cable for a bigger/longer antenna, it did not work IN THAT CAR.

I tried it in a different car .. and IT WORKED FINE.

WHY?

Car #1 had the FM antenna on the ROOF. In addition the FM radio could NOT be manually tuned to a particular station. It could ONLY be "scanned" This (and all similar) transmitters, by law, are very low powered (to avoid interference with 'real' radio stations) Even with the added 'antenna' on the transmitter the signal was not strong enough to penetrate the metal roof to get to the receiving antenna. And the signal was also not strong enough for the radio (in scan mode) to stop on the transmitter freq.

Car #2 had the FM antenna on the front fender. Also the FM radio could be manually tuned to *any* freq. Penetrating the windshield is a *lot* easier for the weak signal to get to the receiving antenna.

Understand the above when making the decision to purchase this, or any, transmitter unit for your vehicle.

Although this is one of the most commonly sold FM Transmitters in places like Best Buy etc. I would not buy again, primarily because it is not easy to use and marginally functional under normal driving conditions and locations.

First of all, although it memorizes up to 4 FM frequencies, it is almost impossible to change options while driving. And it will shut off automatically just as you get everything set up. The LCD is not easy to see in many common lighting conditions, it requires batteries (or your cigarette lighter which hopefully you don't need for your MP3 player), and worst of all, did I mention that it annoyingly turns on and off automatically, usually before you get your MP3 player cued up and playing the right podcast.

I subsequently purchased a similar but in my opinion superior product, the Monster Radio Play MBL-FM XMTR300 (got mine at the Shack but Amazon has too). The Monster brand has stronger signal, cleaner sound, highly visible LED's, and is as easy to reach over and change stations as it is to change stations on your radio because very large easy to feel buttons. The TuneCast II on the other hand requires nearly your full attention to get going, along with tuning your car radio etc. I never seemed to have 3 AAA batteries handy either, so a cigarette lighter "Y" was necessary when using my after-market GPS or phone charger at the same time as the MP3 player.

I also purchased an off-brand Cigarette-lighter mounted FM Transmitter that plugs directly into my Sansa Fuze. The form factor is pure genius. The off-brand's electronics are superior to the Belkin of this review, but not quite up to the convenience of the Monster RadioPlay (for example, I get a little alternator noise in my car which isn't present in the Monster, and also the off-brand does not remember to come back on when you start the car again, so you get a blast of loud hiss or worse if you left the radio on). I also have some issues with the direct digital Sansa connection that requires disconnecting the Fuze and reconnecting it each time I shut off the power.

I would recommend this FM Tuner. The design is very solid with the tuner being on long cables from the car's power socket allowing you to put it on the dash next to the car's antenna.

The tuner does as good of a job as any tuner that I've run across but is still limited by the limitations placed on them by the Government (transmission power caps, frequency range limits, etc). So if you are driving through a busy city then you will struggle to find any clear frequency.

As soon as you can find a clear station (with nothing +- 1 either) the signal is as clear as a radio station and does better than either an iRiver or Griffin tuner that I have also tried.

I would recommend it. But I would recommend either a Cassette Tape adapter or a new stereo with an aux/audio jack first.

Found the product simple and easy to use. However here in the So Cal area the radio stations are too strong for this device. If you live in an area where the stations signal are weak and far between you might have better luck. If you live in a metro area with lots of stations taking up the airwaves I would recommend a different type of product. For me this product will be going into the trash.

I had ordered a Belkin Tunecast II Fm Transmitter for Mp3 players but received just a Belkin Tunecast Fm Transmitter and it does not even look like the picture. I am very disappointed. It looks quit used also.

Don't buy it! I had it for two years. I bought it straight from belkin website and paid the full price for it. What a rip off! It was very embarrassing trying to have a good reception in my friend's car. We tried on the floor, on the seat, on the head rest, on the back seat. Then, I used an audio cable extension. Together with the power cable, I was surrounded by cables just to play some music on the radio. No luck. Got static regardless where I put it and what frequency I used. He laughed so hard...

In my car, I had to remove the antenna to weaken the reception of my car radio. The FM spectrum became free and I was finally able to use the Belkin FM transmitter. The drawback was that I couldn't listen to other FM stations anymore because I had no external antenna.
The only positive thing about this device is the ability to power ON when it detects audio from the mp3 player and power OFF if it detects silence.
On the negative side:
- very weak signal
- eats batteries quickly
- short audio cable (you need extension)
- audio cable had loose connection and interfered with the FM transmission each time I touched the device
- ugly shape (you won't find a place to put it, it doesn't lay, it doesn't hang, it doesn't stick, very very uncomfortable)
- expensive
Try looking for "Car FM transmitter" on Amazon and see that there are cheaper and better devices than this useless piece of cr@p.

Terrible transmitter. Very weak signal even when placed right next to radio. Signal is a little better with dc power but still weak. Extremely unsatisfied with product

This item worked for about two weeks. It transmitted pretty well at a range of about 6 feet, but not very well at greater distances. After two weeks, the product died and never worked again. I'd recommend going with a different transmitter.

I purchased two of these units at the same time. One for myself and one for my wife. We live in a rural area of Iowa where the frequencies are NOT crowded, but these units produced a huge amount of static regardless of which frequency I chose.

We tested both of them on three vehicles, and neither of them produced an acceptable signal on any of the three vehicles.

If you're thinking of buying one of these for someone you seriously dislike, then this is perfect. Otherwise, spend your money on something else.

I purchased the Belkin TuneCast II FM Transmitter device assuming it would be simple to plug it in and play it. In truth, I have not yet found the FM frequency on my auto radio that will act as host for the MP3 player and it's content.
The explanation of use and user instructions leave much to be desired.
The device looks good, but has not yet performed for me. I would dearly like to get my money back or exchange for a device that would work.

James A. Gardner [...]Belkin TuneCast II FM Transmitter for MP3 Players (Black)
TuneCastII Mobile FM Trans-Wht

I bought this Belkin product. It works OK. You can improve its performance by adding a cable between the audio source (iPod, mp3 Player, etc.) and the Belkin FM Transmitter. The short (4") input cable is part of the transmitter's antenna. If you put a longer than 19" cable in between, it makes the unit VERY VERY GOOD, 75% improvement in performance. Here is one link: [...]. That's a Radio Shack Part Number 2102968. Buy a shorter one if you can find it. Otherwise, 4 stars...

I've now returned two of these. The unit doesn't recognize signal from your MP3 player unless the volume is turned up high enough to deafen you with regular headphones, and then sometimes it still doesn't notice that the MP3 player is on and playing. If you find a completely unused frequency you can hear pretty well, but you have to turn the volume way up on your stereo too.

The Belkin TuneCast II is incredible, 100%Belkin TuneCast II FM Transmitter for MP3 Players (Black)

I'm not a tech-snob by any means, but this thing looks drab and performs about the same. I haven't fiddled with other transmitters, but I know this one doesn't exactly blow my skirt up.

My MP3 player came with a built in clip, but this pile doesn't. It wouldn't matter but for two reasons: this thing is shaped like a bar of soap and slips around your car accordingly, and second, it couldn't transmit effectively if were duck-taped to the antennae. I tried to rock some tunes into town, and couldn't find a blank station that didn't have massive static. I was dilligent too, I worked it for way longer than I should have, because I wound up defeated and sweaty anyway.

While failing miserably to find a usable station on the wobbly, flimsy buttons, you're mocked by a screen that's a spinach colored, blocky nightmare. It makes my original gameboy seem like high-def. And as I said before, I tried placing it somewhere it could transmit clearly, but it only liked the dash on the antennae side where it could slide around and fall on the floor. Going by a Semi resulted in a static jumbled, speaker blowing mess. I tried it at home on my stereo as well, from 20 feet away to laying it on the actual antennae, it made no difference.

So, sadly, I can't recommend this device at all. I said "screw it" and wear earbuds driving around because it's easier than this. I did realize one positive though, it's the perfect shape for skipping accross the river.

Not really a fan of this item. Volume was very low. Didn't lock into channels very good without static. Just not a good product in all.

I was looking for an fm tuner to use in my car for going down the highway. i'm not rich and this one was the cheapest i could use with my new Sansa Clip. but only to find out that i GOT cheap. all i got was static when i tried to use it in the car and home sterio. the range (according to Belkin.com) is 10 to 30 ft. with 10 or less being optimal. so i went to their web site and looked up the best options to tune the radio to (like the directions say) only to find that even with the transmitter sitting ON TOP OF the sterio (clearly less than 10 feet away) all i got was static with a very slight hint of music. and the worst thing is i'm not even from a town with heavy fm signals. i tried high, i tried low, and even in the middle of the fm band and got static. ok, yeah, some where better than others but none were even remotely close to being listenable.

I admit I was a little leery after reading some of the reviews, but after using the Belkin, I can only conclude that the people who are unhappy with it are idiots.

It works great!

I had owned one of these for a long time and wanted another so I could listen to my MP3 player while driving to and from work. This item fits the bill just fine. I recommend it.

I am pleased with this product. You can use it with batteries or the 12 volt plug that comes with it. I really like the fact that there are no set preset stations that you have to use like with most other FM transmitters. You can go through the FM channels on the radio with the FM transmitter and find the best one that works with the transmitter. You can also set the channels in memory. I use mine on my Sirius receiver. It's not just for mp3 players.

Bought this for $12.95 on clearance from Blockbuster (why they even had them beats me). It worked OK on the correct stations, but died after a few weeks. Now, won't turn on via battery or car power. So, while concept was all right, the implementation was lacking. Looking for something else. They all seem overpriced, given what they do.

Step one is to get it at that biggest of the big box retailers, where it doesn't come so dear.

Step two is to go to the website it provides, put in your zipcode, and write down the list of best empty slots on the FM dial to choose, then set it to one of them.

Step three is to ignore the advice in the booklet about not turning the volume up on your mp3 player.

Mine was awful until I did all this - low volume and static no matter what I tried. After taking these steps it was acceptable - not cassette quality but nearly broadcast radio quality, which is good enough for car audio.

Just trying to help.

I went through THREE of these things at a local retail outlet and not a single one worked. I ended up having to get the next one up in price range to get a working unit. *smirk* If they don't work after just being shipped to a store, that doesn't speak well of their ability to take abuse.

I found this Belkin FM Transmitter to be barely adequate. No matter what free FM frequency I tuned to it could not provide a clear channel for my MP3 player. There was a lot of static and I found my player was hard to hear clearly. Within a short time this trasmitter has became more of a nuisance and I no longer use it. I would not recommend it to anyone.

Where I live (CT) the ideal station for a transmitter is 87.9, but this one only went down to 88.1! Why? I returned it, and am still searching for another one.

This product worked all right for the first few months that I used it. I used it almost daily for my commute. The reception had a bit of static in some locations, but I wasn't expecting it to be perfect. However, it just stopped working suddenly after only about four months. Overall, it was not worth buying.

Don't expect great sound from any FM Transmitter. Direct plug into the stereo/speakers is best. Cassette adapter is second best (if you have a functioning cassette player). FM Transmitters are probably going to give you some static, especially at higher volumes, but can work well enough to make your drive a little better.

I wanted a way to listen to my Sony Walkman MP3 player in my car. My tape deck has issues and I don't use it enough to make it worth while to replace it. The Belkin FM Transmitter was the most affordable FM Transmitter I could find with a lighter adapter (didn't want to mess with batteries all the time) so I figured I'd give it a try. I live in a rural area with lots of open frequencies. I just tuned to one and the Belkin worked right away. I couldn't hear any static at the volume I would typically listen at, so it works for me. And at the present time, other FM Transmitters are going for twice the price as this one.

Pro's: NONE

Con's: My tape player works better than this! Don't get this product unless you want to end up returning it at a later date.

Absolutely terrible product. It started to randomly turn off and would not turn back on after only a month of having it. Big waste of money. Get a transmitter that connects to the bottom (dock connector) of your ipod instead.

If this is the only solution for listening to whatever it is you want in your car, go for it, but a better investment would be another car stereo with an auxillery port + cable. No static with that setup. I'm sure static is a problem with a lot of these transmitters but like I said, why bother with one of these when you get a much better solution like the afformentioned.

This worked fine until one day out of nowhere it just stopped working. So now I am looking for another suitable FM transmitter. These things should only cost pennies and come with a recharable battery. If you buy this product be prepared to buy a new one in a few months. Look at the difference between how many bad reviews it has compared to the good ones. Your not too smart if you intend on buying one. Save your money for other Amazon.com items.

I bought this at the same time as I purchased my Zen Plus. I actually bought two of each, one for the wife and one for myself. No matter which station I select, the signal is bad. I placed it outside, next to the antenna, no deal, static was louder than the music. I have two vehicles I tried both tramsmitters on, a Nissan Versa and a Chevy Venture. Ended up buying wife a new stereo for the van with aux front input and bluetooth for the phone from Crutchfield.com.

I bought this item on an idea to enable the GPS to interface with the Harley radio while using sat radio. Works like a charm and allowed me to pocket $400.00+ over the commercial applications. (any $$$ helps) I since then have recommended to a fellow rider and he has purchased one. The product works well!

I returned this the day after I bought it. I know sound quality is never perfect with transmitters, but this was beyond terrible (and I've used them before, so I know how to pick a good station!). I couldn't even listen to it. It also just kept turning itself off after a few minutes! If you're going to buy a transmitter, spring for a good product.

Well, this was a lesson in shopping before you buy...I found the item cheeper in Target, but wasn't able to cancel the order even though the item hadn't shipped and wouldn't for almost a week, nor had the charged been put through my bank yet.
Additionally, when I got the item, the quality wasn't that good and the volume has to be turned up to max to hear your music (the same MP3 sound just fine when used with a plug in tape player adapter without cranking the volume)
So all and all I wasn't too happy with this purchase, but hopefully I learned a lesson.

Aware of some negative reviews, I bought one for myself. It works very well in my Dodge van with the Creative Zen Stone Plus that I use mostly for listening to downloaded audio books. I power it from the cigarette lighter and don't keep AAA batteries in it. I plug it into the lighter socket, which is only a foot or so off the floor of the van, run the cord up over the rear-view mirror and over to the driver-side sun visor. I keep the Belkin and the Stone Plus tucked up there between the mirror side of the visor and the inside of the car roof. The van antenna is in the right front of the car, so it's only about three feet from the Belkin cord to the car antenna. The sound quality is good, and for over a month I've had no trouble whatsoever. The sound quality is very good, with little noise or static. I then bought one for my son (this time at Walmart) after testing mine in the Honda Accord he drives. It works well in the Honda, in which the radio antenna is on the left rear fender, about 6 to 7 feet away from the Belkin cord. He now uses it with his Ipod and is delighted. I don't know why others had trouble with this Belkin device. He and I have had no troubles. It's a fine product.

Item worked as described. Hooked to radio in my car for better reception on XMS after market radio kit.

I bought a Belkin TuneCast II in the south of France, at the beginning of a two week driving tour of Italy. Belkin is a well-known brand and I made the false assumption that a company like Belkin would not actually SELL a product if it didn't actually WORK. I found out very quickly that I was wrong--and that I'd be listening to a lot of bad Italian radio for the next two weeks--instead of the custom playlists I had spent hours perfecting on my iPod...

This thing is a total t*rd. I am sending mine back to Belkin as we speak. I suggest that everyone who has bought this product return it to Belkin to take advantage of their "limited lifetime warranty". The more expensive it is for them to sell this cr@p, the less likely they will be to do it again in the future! (in theory) :)

I've tried this numerous times, and it just does not get good reception. I only tried it in the car, so I don't know if it would work in a home situation. Don't waste your money.

I was a little concerned purchasing this product after all of the mixed reviews but I really wanted to listen to my mp3 player through my car stereo (no auxillary input in my car). Well... I'm very pleasantly surprised with the results. The sound quality is excellent and I couldn't be happier. I didn't even have to try any different stations because the Tunecast starts up on 88.1 FM and that radio station worked perfectly for playback and there was no interference whatsoever!!!

My setup is as follows:
Car: 2008 Dodge Caliber SRT 4
MP3 Player: Microsoft Zune (30 GB, 1st Generation)
Location: Madison, WI
Station: 88.1
Power Supply: Rather than using the AAA batteries, I use the DC power cord that comes in the box and plug it into my cigarette lighter.


*** Look, the bottom line here is that this product is going to work for some people and not for others. Radio stations obviously vary depending on location and several other factors related to your configuration and mp3 player also come into play. I say give it a shot though, if it doesn't work for you then return it, no harm done. And if it does work, well then you can look forward to listening to some of your favorite tunes in your car anytime!!! ***

This product is absolutely terrible. I've tried it in every state from SC to WI and never got it to transmit a clear signal. It's weak. If you enjoy static its the right choice, but if not dont buy it.

I live in an area with many FM stations. I'm constantly channel hopping to find a frequency without a radio station overpowering the Belkin transmitter. It's also very susceptible to static from overhead power lines. Occasionally I can clean up the signal by putting my hand over the transmitter to shield it somewhat. Currently I'm looking for an alternative device.

I bought this to replace a GE unit that the wires keep breaking on, but this unit doesn't have enough signal strength to provide a clear signal. I was so disappointed I returned this unit, and am looking for a new unit.

This unit works as advertised, however there is not much range to the FM transmitting. You have to put the FM Receiver right next to the FM Transmitter to hear the sound clearly. You can not receive the signal clearly across the room.

I own 2 of these. They both have broken with the same exact problem. The power connector cable stops sending power to the device. The same thing happened to the headphone piece of the cable, now I can't even use it with batteries. When it worked it was just ok, mainly because of the short length of the headphone cable. What a waste. I am sure there are better models out there.

I purchased one of these and it had a range of maybe 6' if it was held up and turned just right. I took it back and exchanged it thinking that it may have been a defective one but the second one was just as bad. It worked in my car only when I held it in just the right position. Just not good.

very weak transmission power, the sound is opaque and now it doesn't work with the power adapter, i want my money back!

This product is adaquete. it uses up batteries quickly. It would be great if there was a electric power coord for it. Use in the car is good!

If I hold it in my left hand in the exact center of the steering wheel it will work sometimes. Placed 4" from the antenna it dosen't work. Batteries last, maybe 4 hrs.
Too bad I like Belkin stuff on the whole.

This item does transmit through automobile radio, but it is not easy to find a radio frequency that does not experience bleed-over from nearby frequencies, probably due to low output wattage from the Belkin FM Transmitter. Consequently, there is a lot of noise and static and it is somewhat annoying. When travelling, it is necessary to re-tune to different frequencies sometimes every 5-10 miles due to bleed-over. It is not much better in a stationary situation, either. I would not purchase this again.I wish I would have had the opportunity to test it prior to buying. A cassette adapter is much cleaner sound.