C. Crane FMT Digital FM Transmitter with AC Adapter | List Price: $99.99
Discount Price: $76.95
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Brand: C.Crane
Binding: Electronics
Features: - Wireless transfer of any audio to any FM receiver
- Highest Quality, full stereo on any FM Frequency of your choice
- Listen to streaming audio from your computer on your kitchen radio
- Send your MP3 audio to your home stereo system
- Runs on AC power adapter or 2 AA batteries (not included)
It's not as easy as "plug and play" but I got it working with no mods. [Posted on 2008-03-11]
This device takes some patience and problem solving to get to work. Here's how I got mine to work.
First, the scenario. I want to listen to a web cast on my bedroom FM receiver which is about fourteen feet (line of sight) from my computer. However, that's betweeen the computer in the basement and the bedroom on the main level.
So, first I had to find some space between FM stations in my area. That's not easy. In fact, the reason why I purchased this particular transmitter is that it gives me the entire FM band to work with. Some of these types of product lock the user into choosing from a few pre-defined frequencies. That's bad if stations are crowded on those particular frequencies.
Anyway, I found a frequency with some room above and below the dial. I used headphone extension cords to get distance between the computer and the unit, and to close some of the distance between the computer and my receiver. Keeping the headphone extension cord from doubling over on itself was important to, as this caused interference.
Also, be sure the headphone volume is not too loud. Watch the little red light on the unit. Start with the headphone volume at zero, and then gradually increase the volume until the red light begins to flicker. If you go too much beyond that, you ovload the unit and the received signal will be distorted on your radio.
That little antenna on the unit is important. The trasmitter does have a sort of directional quality to it. Pointing the antenna directly at the receiving radio seems to help. However, right now mine is working fine fully extended and straight up.
On the reciever end, I already had a Magnum Dynalab Silver Ribbon FM antenna, so I had a lot of directional control over receiving an FM signal. I was able to swivel and position the antenna in such a way as to pick up the transmitter very well. It's very delicate however. Move it more than just a bit and a lot of intereference is picked up.
Finally, when I plugged in the AC adapter I noticed no increase in noise whatsoever and no humming.
The problem with this product is that I'm guessing that anyone who thinks that all they have to do is plug it into their computer and just be able to play a radio anywhere in their house is in for a rude awakening. It too me considerable problem solving just to get it to work over a distance of about 14 feet between my computer and the one radio that I really want to listen to webcasts on. That little FM signal is fragile, and if you even get your body between the unit and the radio you're listening with your signal may fade out.
So, this thing does work out of the box, but you will work too getting it to work.
Very Pleased!!! [Posted on 2008-04-25]
4/24/2008. Got this transmitter to be able to send podcast and streaming audio to any FM receiver in my house. Once I made the MOD it went from a range of 20 feet to 2 houses down my street. No need to replace or add to the antenna. Works perfectly, Great sound, Easy to MOD, VERY HAPPY!!!
For those critical of voiding the warranty for preforming the MOD, Get A Life! C Crane has to deal with the all powerful FCC and can't release this unit with the recommended 1/4 turn of the VR2 pot. I for one am very thankful that this adjustment was so easily made and available to be made. I hope it lasts and don't need to return for any warranty issues, but if I do, I can remove 3 screws and cover, 1/4 counter clockwise VR2 pot, replace cover and screws and Bam! Good as new!
Great product, Great Quality, Awesome Features including Auto off for 1,2,3,4 and 8 hours.
Better option [Posted on 2008-05-07]
I bought this item to use with my new Sirius radio that I bought to replace an older model that broke. (The new Sirius radios have the power of the built in transmitter reduced to a level that renders it useless) I had similar range problems with the Crane unit as many of the reviewers here had. I did not want to make the modification in case I wanted to return it in favor of another product. I purchased the Whole House Transmitter and I found it to be an excellent solution. I totally recommend it over the C Crane unit and I returned the Crane. As for the concerns some people have that the Whole House only transmits on a limited number of frequencies, I found that the signal is so strong that it is not an issue in getting a clean transmission.
Boost Trasmitting Power (two adjustments) [Posted on 2008-06-09]
The out-of-box range of the C. Crane FM Transmitter is about 5 feet and then you start getting a lot of static. To fix this:
1. Remove the three screws(two under the rubber bumps and one under the battery) and then peel back the case making sure you don't break the red and black battery wires.
2. Locate the two variable resistors labelled VR1(the input level roller) and VR2(attached to the board and adjusted with a screwdriver).
3. Break off the input level roller and you will notice two metal pieces sticking out of the board that hold on the roller and one metal piece above those which connects the contact from the board to the wheel.
4. Solder the single metal contact protruding from the board to the two metal circles inside the VR1, commonly known as a pot. This will bypass the variable resistor and maximize your signal.
5. With the C. Crane FM Transmitter still in two pieces, plug in and turn on the C. Crane FM Transmitter and tune an FM radio to the same frequency as the FM Transmitter and play some audio music.
6. Using a screwdriver, turn the VR2 in any direction and stop when the music is the loudest and clearest.
7. Put the FM Transmitter back together with the 3 screws and then you are done!
This has been tested at 60 feet and the audio was clear with no static.
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fine transmitter [Posted on 2008-06-28]
First one worked O.K. for a short time. I had to return it. Amazon was the best at taking this Item back. I received a fresh one right away and is working fine. I am very pleased with my purchase and with Amazon.
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