Coby CA-745 Wireless FM Car Transmitter with Digital Display and DC Car Cigarette Lighter Adapter
by Coby
List Price:
Our Price: $16.99
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Availability: Usually ships in 1-2 business days
Category: Car Audio or Theater
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for British Pounds
Digital Photo Product Details
Manufacturer: CobyBrand: Coby
Edition: Electronics
Format: CD
Model: CA-745
Publisher: Coby
Studio: Coby
Music Label: Coby
Product features:
- LCD Display with backlight
- Ideal for MP3, CD and MD Playback
- Full range frequency settings
- 3.5mm Stereo Audio Input Jack for most audio devices
Digital Cameras Photo Reviews of Coby CA-745 Wireless FM Car Transmitter with Digital Display and DC Car Cigarette Lighter Adapter
Customer Review: Impressive FM Transmitter For Less Money
Summary: 5 Stars
I got this FM Transmitter after my iRiver FM Transmitter was stolen from my car. Much to my delight, I found that the Coby FM Transmitter worked just as well as the iRiver, which incidentally was considerably more expensive. I have broken down my evaluation of this FM transmitter as follows:
Frequency Setting
- Full Range Frequency
The transmitter has a full range of frequencies (87.5 - 108.0) that you can select in decimal steps of .1 (e.g. 96.1, 96.2, 96.3, etc.)
- Minimizing Interference
For optimal signal transmission, the frequency is best set on a transmitting frequency with very few or no radio stations broadcasting at or close to the transmitting frequency.
In the U.S., radio frequencies always end with odd decimal digits and most radios can only be tuned to frequencies ending with odd decimal digits. However, if you own a radio that can tune in .1 decimal steps (e.g. 96.1, 96.2, 96.3, etc.), or if you're able to set your radio up with the capability, you can take advantage of the Coby FM transmitter's ability to likewise tune in decimal steps of .1. That way, the transmitter is less likely to compete with radio stations nearby; hence you get better radio reception.
Sound Quality
Like my previous iRiver transmitter, music sounds too tinny (i.e. too much treble) and almost mono-ish. I suspect it's a problem inherent in all FM transmitters. Cranking up the bass solves the problem. The resulting sound is as good, or almost as good, as the sound you get coming from the best radio station reception. The 3.5mm audio jack that connects to your iPod (or any music player) is gold-plated for optimal signal transmission.
The lack of a preset function isn't a terribly big problem. For local driving, I find that I'm able to set it at the frequency that gives me the best radio reception and leave it there. For long distance driving, the transmission signal from the unit is able to overpower any nearby radio station signals it encounters, although the reception might be a little staticky at times.
Cigarette Lighter Socket
You don't have to worry about the transmitter hogging your cigarette lighter socket because it has one built in! The hinged grey rubber cap keeps the opening covered up when the socket is not in use (see product image). Even with the cigarette lighter socket freed up, I find myself needing extra sockets for charging my phone and other gadgets. The solution: I got a Dual Outlet Cigarette Lighter Adapter that splits a free socket into two standard sockets.
Aesthetics
The Coby FM Transmitter has an iPod-ish look. The digital display is also backlit with a blue light - very cool, but I might add that there is no way to turn it off. The extra socket doesn't make the unit obtrusive at all and I think the console with the digital display is just the right size. The console measures 2.75" x 1.5" x 0.5"
Ergonomics
- Controls: It has only two controls; one to increase the frequency setting and the other to decrease it (It doesn't have any preset function, unfortunately). The placement of the controls makes it easy to locate them by feel.
- The console is hinged so you can adjust the viewing angle to your liking, from vertical to about 45 degrees.
Conclusion
The Coby FM transmitter looks great and I believe it works just as well as the best FM transmitters available. The only downside is that it lacks a frequency preset function. Regardless, it has performed exceptionally well for me. For the price, I'd say it's worth giving it a whirl.
More Coby CA-745 Wireless FM Car Transmitter with Digital Display and DC Car Cigarette Lighter Adapter reviews:
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Description of Coby CA-745 Wireless FM Car Transmitter with Digital Display and DC Car Cigarette Lighter Adapter
Coby Wireless Car FM Transmitter with Digital Display Transmits Music Wirelessly from Audio Devices over FM FrequencyDigital Cameras & Photo Categories
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