Three Bluetooth Adapter Transmitters Reviewed

How do you connect that MP3 player, radio or other device to your motorcycle intercom system?

A Bluetooth adapter/transmitter is the way to go.

An indispensible device for today's connected motorcyclist but, for some reason, still not widely known, understood or utilized.

All three of these handy-dandy little gems do what they should (and for the most part as advertised) while providing outstanding battery life and the ability to be used while charging.

The Azeca and Bluesense Bluetooth adapters are identical in form, fit and function, less finish, colour and markings, while the TAOtronics Bluetooth adapter has a unique elongated rectangular shape and markings.

All three utilize Bluetooth v2.1 with Class 2 power with support for the A2DP profile for stereo audio streaming to compatible headsets.

All three paired successfully with every Bluetooth receiver device put in front of them, with the TAOtronics device being the speediest; it usually paired up within five to ten seconds whereas the other two took 30 to 40 seconds on average.

Value is what most Bluetooth Adapters provide with a continuing return on investment if the use of non-Bluetooth media devices is the norm.

Mount them with or close to the device, keep them charged up, reset them now and then to clean out the pairing memory and enjoy the audio streaming, what could be simpler than this?

So despite all three being equally functional and worth the investment, I prefer the performance of the TAOtronics TT-BA01. It pairs faster, audio output is better, battery life is slightly better than the other two and its kit includes an AC/DC adapter as a charging option.

TAOTronics Model TT-BA01 (L), GOgroove Bluesense TRM(C) and Azeca (R).

Introduction

The Bluetooth Dongle or Adapter or transmitter, commonly referred to as a "BTA", has (thankfully) been around since (almost) the earliest days of consumer Bluetooth availability. And trust me, their day isn’t over yet; for many of us, they remain an indispensable accessory.

A Bluetooth adapter or transmitter has clear advantages: the cost is minimal, but the value is great; that being the ability to take a legacy or non-Bluetooth equipped device and move it into the wireless audio streaming realm.

Got an older audio media or multimedia device? Connect it to a Bluetooth adapter -- typically through a 3.5 mm stereo output jack -- then pair it with a compatible intercom headset or Bluetooth speaker set and just like that, you'll have a wireless connection for streaming stereo audio.

There is still one shortfall though -- portable Bluetooth adapters cannot implement the Audio/Video Remote Control Profile or AVRCP services to a connected non-Bluetooth media player. AVRCP provides the forward/back and next track functionality for your audio device. So even though both the Bluetooth headset and the Bluetooth adapter may be AVRCP compatible, the wireless commands cannot be passed to or interpreted by the media device.

AVRCP is (typically) implemented with the Headset or Hands-free Profiles (HSP/HFP) as they conveniently provide necessary command and control instructions needed to execute the AVRCP features.  Many Bluetooth adapters do not support anything other than A2DP.

So in this situation, the limitation is physical rather than wireless and that wired 3.5 mm connection from the media device to the Bluetooth adapter is "dumb", providing one-way audio output from the device to the BTA, but that is it.

This is also the reason why media devices connected directly to a Bluetooth personal or helmet headset system cannot be controlled by AVRCP instructions from the user via the headset.

Typical Bluetooth adapter kit packaging. This is the Azeca Bluetooth adapter.

There is no shortage of portable Bluetooth-enabling devices on the market. This review is focused on the Bluetooth adapter, also known as a Bluetooth transmiiter.

The three Bluetooth adapters presented below are available in unlimited variety at widely varying pricing from a seemingly unlimited number of vendors. All three of these devices fall into the generic mold for Bluetooth Adapters: small, extremely portable and utterly simple to use.

Two of them, the Azeca and GOgroove Bluesense TRM are identical, differentiated only by finish, colour and branding. webBikeWorld has published a fair number of Bluetooth adapter reviews in the past, individually or in conjunction with motorcycle intercom and communications system evaluations. These Bluetooth adapters are very simple devices with very similar functions, I’ve covered form, fit and function briefly in the following sections with a feature and performance comparison at the end.

Azeca is headquartered in Suwanee, Georgia U.S.A. and offer medical devices, phones, computers and TVs with a heavy emphasis on Bluetooth-based products as reflected on their main website.

This adapter kit comes packed with the rectangular 45 x 33 x 8 mm (1.77 x 1.29 x 0.3 in.) Bluetooth adapter, a USB-to-mini coaxial charging cable measuring 123 cm (48.42 in.) long, a plastic bag with two small Velcro squares for mounting the adapter, a short but well-written Owner’s Manual and Warranty Registration Card. No AC/DC charger is provided.

The Azeca adapter has a 9 cm (3.5 in.) stereo lead terminating in a 3.5 mm stereo plug for connecting a non-Bluetooth device and a small LED provides status information. A small main function button (MFB) and co-axial jack port occupy the bottom edge.

Bluetooth v2.1 powered, the Azeca adapter supports the A2DP or Advanced Audio Distribution Profile for wireless stereo audio streaming. It features Class II power for a nominal 10 meter (33 ft.) range. The device is claimed to have a ten hour play time and it can be used while being charged using the supplied charging cable.

[UPDATE (April 2013) - Azeca sent us an email to let everyone know that they now have a Bluetooth transceiver that can both send and receive. It is called the Bluetooth Stereo Streamer (info) that transmits and receives stereo (A2DP).]

Initial charging of the Azeca, using one of the many AC/DC USB-port chargers I have on hand took 2.5 hours. The LED indicator glows red during charging and shuts off once the device is fully charged; a low power state indicated by the indicator flashing red twice every 30 seconds.

The normal convention for use applies; with the Azeca BTA turned off, put the Bluetooth receiver (headset) into the appropriate pairing mode, then hold the MFB on the Azeca for six to nine seconds initiating its pairing mode that is indicated by an initial single blue LED flash, then the usual red/blue flashing pattern. If needed, and if the Bluetooth receiver device provides an input capability, the accepted PIN codes of 0000, 1111, 1234 or 8888 can be used.

Once paired, the LED on the Azeca will flash twice every four seconds followed by the appropriate paired LED sequence and/or voice announcement from the headset. With the BTA and Bluetooth receiving device paired, plug the 3.5 mm connector into your MP3 or other audio device and start a track; stereo audio begins streaming to the headset through the BTA almost immediately.

Note: The Azeca Bluetooth adapter does not support Audio/Video Remote Control Profile or AVRCP; those features will not be available via the headset. Holding the MFB for two to three seconds initiates shutdown, with the red LED flashing once before the device turns off.

BUY YOUR
▪ Motorcycle Intercoms

The Bluesense TRM is marketed under the GOgroove label (speakers, docks, headphones, earbuds, FM Transmitters, etc.). The kit is very basic; the Bluetooth module, a USB charging cord identical to the one provided with the Azeca kit and a small pocket-sized User Guide containing far less information than the more complete Azeca Owner's Manual. No AC/DC adapter is provided.

This Bluetooth Adapter is a clone of the Azeca module in both its form and specifications. The only visual differences are a smoother satin sheen (teal) finish on the Bluesense; the charging port, which is marked as "5V DC" vs. "Input" and it has different brand markings, of course.

Setup, function and performance are all essentially identical to that of the Azeca, although the User Guide provides a few differing recommendations regarding device pairing, etc. As with the Azeca Bluetooth adapter, the Bluesense TRM goes into pairing mode automatically if it hasn’t been previously paired with anything else or doesn’t detect a previously paired device.

Taotronics is another international multi-brand electronics distributor with an address in San Jose, California. Their product listing includes auto electronics, cellphones including Bluetooth devices, computers, home entertainment, home and office products, portable audio and sporting goods.

Inside the environmentally-friendly green cardboard box was the rectangular 60 x 25 x 9 mm (2.3 x 0.9 x 0.35 in.) Bluetooth adapter module (slightly smaller than a disposable cigarette lighter), an AC/DC USB-based adapter, a 120 cm (47.2 in.) long) USB charging cable and a simple instruction manual.

A smooth but tactile black matte finish adds some discrete class. The surface has a shiny (chrome-like) power button and coloured logo, with the left end sporting the 10 cm (3.9 in.) long 3.5 mm connection lead and a micro-USB charging port.

It features Bluetooth v2.1 (not v2.0 as identified on the box) implementation and nominal range of 10 meters (Class 2 power) and A2DP support matches it up with the other two adapters discussed above.

But what is supposed to set this BTA apart doesn't, as expected. The product is clearly identified as supporting both A2DP and AVRCP, but while the adapter may actually be capable of "supporting" AVRCP instructions received from the headset, it cannot execute the necessary control over the connected media device, for the reasons discussed earlier in my Introduction section.

This claim is one seen on many other Bluetooth adapters, including other branded variants of this device, and while it is likely made based on design or marketing objectives, it can be very misleading to consumers.

Something that does work really well with the TT-BA01 is audio output; I don’t know if it has a booster circuit of sorts, but with the media device and headset at the same settings as for the other two adapters there is a clear (positive) difference in output compared to the other two Bluetooth adapters in this review.

Top to Bottom: GOgroove Bluesense TRM, Azeca and TAOTronics Model TT-BA01.

The Azeca and Bluesense devices came from the same clone mold so there isn’t much to distinguish them...less the odd variance in LED sequences for power On/Off and Pairing. Without sounding repetitious, all three have virtually identical features and performance, although the TAOtronics Bluetooth adapter claims support for AVRCP whereas the other two do not. It also has the best audio output of all three.

Battery life of these devices is very good; eight to ten hours is clearly achievable from a full charge, with the option to use all three devices while they are also connected via their USB cables for charging, making the power issue moot at times. Again, the TAOtronics battery seems to be the best, although its listed run time is less than the other two…

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Recognizing that several Bluetooth motorcycle helmet intercom systems now feature a 2.5 or 3.5 mm input port which allows a wired connection can be made to a device, the Bluetooth adapter option is still valid -- and wireless.

But then again, most motorcycle intercom system do not provide an external audio connection, often due to small form factor limitations and cost considerations.

The bottom line? As long as the consumer requirement exists, the Bluetooth adapter/transmitter market will remain healthy, providing the cost-effective solutions that can be found with any one of these three adapters.

In-Car Bluetooth Speakerphones That Let You Wheel and Deal

Eating, putting on makeup, talking on the phone — these are all things you shouldn’t do while driving. The first two items can certainly wait until you’re out of the car. But there may be situations where you have no other choice except to take a call on the road. In those cases, using some kind of hands-free calling system is a good idea, and required by law in many states.

Bluetooth headsets are one solution, but the earpieces can be uncomfortable. Integrated Bluetooth technology in cars is another, but that’s expensive. So this week I test-drove two in-car Bluetooth speakerphone systems — the $130 Jabra Freeway and the $100 Motorola Roadster 2 — and found that they make a nice compromise between headsets and integrated systems.

Both devices wirelessly connect to Bluetooth-enabled handsets, so you can talk on the phone while keeping your hands on the wheel. They also understand various voice commands, and can even stream music and GPS directions from your phone to your car’s FM radio. Of the two, the Jabra had better sound quality.

I tested both systems in San Francisco and Los Angeles with the iPhone 4 and Motorola Droid Razr Maxx HD. As soon as I turned on the Jabra, a friendly female voice walked me through the set-up process. It was as simple as turning on Bluetooth on the phones, and selecting the Jabra from a list of supported devices.

It attaches to your sun visor, much like a garage-door opener. There are various buttons — volume, mute, voice, phone and FM — along the top and bottom of the speakerphone system, and you can initiate calls a couple of different ways.

You can press the Voice button and say “redial” or “last call” to dial the last outgoing or incoming call. To dial a specific contact in your address book, you have to say “Phone Commands,” which initiates your smartphone’s voice-recognition system (such as the iPhone’s Siri app), and then you can say, “Call John.” For incoming calls, you can simply say “answer” or “ignore” without having to touch any buttons.

The Jabra understood all my commands, but I found I had to speak very slowly and clearly when trying to dial by name. Still, it allowed me to keep my eyes on the road and my hands on the wheel, whereas before I would be fumbling through my phone and only half-concentrating on the road.

The sound quality was impressive. Whether I was driving on city streets or on the highway, my friends sounded clear and loud. The volume was almost piercing when set to the highest level, so I had to turn it down a couple of notches. Calls were also still audible even when I had the air conditioning on. (It was quite warm in L.A., in case you’re wondering why I had my AC on in January.)

My friends said they could hear me fine, but could tell I was on a speakerphone. Only a couple of people heard some road noise.

One extra feature I liked about the Jabra was the ability to stream songs and GPS directions from my phone to my car’s stereo. You can do so by pressing the FM button, and the Jabra will then scan for an open FM channel. Once it has found one, you can then tune your car radio to the same station and the Jabra will pipe in the audio.

It came in handy when I was using Google Maps to navigate my way to Disneyland this past weekend, and I didn’t have to struggle to hear the directions, like I usually do when I’m just using my iPhone.

The Jabra has an estimated battery life of up to 14 hours. The speakerphone has a motion sensor that detects when you leave or enter the car, so it will automatically power down when you’re gone and reconnect once you’re back in. A car charger is also included in the box.

The Motorola Roadster 2 offers many of the same features as the Jabra, including the FM transmitter and voice commands. It’s also equipped with motion sensors to help conserve battery life, which is estimated at up to 20 hours. All functions worked well in my testing, though I had the same issue with voice dialing: I had to speak slowly and clearly in order to get it right.

There is also a free Motospeak app that you can download to your smartphone. It allows you to listen to and dictate text messages through the speakerphone, but it’s currently only available for Android devices.

I installed it on the Droid Razr Maxx HD, and when a new text message arrived, the Motorola Roadster 2 announced who sent the message and asked me if I wanted to listen it now. After I replied “yes,” it read the message in a somewhat robotic — but still understandable — voice.

You can dictate a reply, but the results were never 100 percent accurate. In one case, I said, “Sure, let’s meet at 5 at Roam Burgers” and the Motorola wrote, “Sure, let’s meet at 5 at Wilburger.”

I think the app is fine for listening to text messages, but writing one was almost as distracting as doing it right from your phone.

My biggest issue with the Motorola was sound quality. It has a smaller speaker than the Jabra and, as a result, the audio doesn’t sound as full or rich as the Jabra. Instead, voices sounded tinny or as if they were coming through a cardboard tube. Turning up the volume made voices sound muffled. My friends on the other line noticed some background road noise, but it wasn’t a major issue.

If you need to make calls from the road, an in-car Bluetooth speakerphone can help make the task easier. The Jabra Freeway and Motorola Roadster 2 are two solid systems, but the Jabra drives away with the win, thanks to its excellent sound quality.

No Bluetooth in your vehicle? Use FM transmitter to play music through the vehicle speakers

PHOENIX - Music is a great way to pass the time--on a road trip, on the drive home from work, or even while out running errands. However, the current music on the radio may not be what you like to listen to.

Many newer vehicles have Bluetooth capability so you can listen to your iPhone or MP3s through the stereo. But if you have an older model car, you may not have that option.

You're not going to want to spend money on a new upgraded stereo. So, what do you do?

I found a FM transmitter that claims to let me listen to my music over an FM frequency channel. It's called the DP Video Car Music Player . I bought it at Frys Electronics for just $10 at the store. If you look online, it will cost $15. Other transmitters can be even more more.

How well does it work? Let me try it before you buy it.

The instructions are simple: plug the device into your cigarette lighter, find a station on your radio and program the same station to the FM transmitter.

Then plug the transmitter into your MP3 player. I keep the music on my smartphone so I used that during the test.

I picked a song I wanted to listen to, turned the volume up on my phone, then turned the volume up on my stereo. Voila! The music was coming from my vehicle speakers.

The music quality is pretty clear. You will hear some static, but that depends on which frequency you choose.

It's recommended to find a channel that isn't really strong or popular in the area. Pick something off the beaten path, that way there isn't any other programming to compete with.

If you can deal with the static, and perhaps having to reprogram the station every now and then, this device should work for you. It's also a great alternative to buying a new system.

I give it a thumbs up!

Wireless Audio Demystified

We’re living in a world full of contraptions that were once considered futuristic concepts. For audio lovers, this is a particularly exciting time. With the development of digital audio technologies, we’ve experienced incredible reductions in physical device sizes, while data storage capacities have increased greatly. More recently, wireless technologies have enabled audio to be transmitted from source to speakers without cables; however, many of us may be confused by the many wireless audio options that are available. This article will hopefully help clarify the differences among the various technologies and may serve well as a platform for further research.

Wireless Audio- The Basics

Despite many differences, all wireless audio systems share some common components: an audio source (this can be a Radio, a television, a stereo receiver, a smartphone, really anything that has an audio out or headphone jack), a transmitter, a receiver, and an audio amplifier. The audio source is the device that contains the audio signal. The transmitter receives the audio signal from the source and then transmits the signal wirelessly. The receiver picks up this wireless signal and passes it to the audio playback device which plays the signal back as audible sound.

Keep in mind that wireless audio technologies deliver audio signals, not power, wirelessly. Depending on the design, wireless audio devices may be powered with batteries or with a power cable.

FM Transmitters

FM transmitters are great devices that serve a wide variety of applications. These devices are typically connected to the headphone jack (or audio output jack) of an audio source and are able to transmit the audio on vacant FM frequencies. These wireless FM broadcasts can then be received by any FM radio.

FM transmitters are very popular due to their ease of use and wide compatibility. The audio quality provided by FM transmitters is limited compared to other technologies. Top-notch FM transmitters may offer a frequency response of 30Hz to 15kHz. The operational range (i.e. broadcast distance) of FM transmitters varies. Some are low powered and will only transmit audio a few yards, while others may be able to transmit a signal 50 feet. The FCC places limits on the output power for these devices to prevent interference with licensed FM radio stations. The FCC output power limit is 250 Micro Volts at three Meters.

FM transmitters are often used to transmit audio from source devices like MP3 players, satellite radio receivers, etc. to car stereos, home theaters, or portable radios. Many times they can be found in gyms or fitness centers where they are used to transmit audio from televisions. People who are exercising simply tune their radios to the FM frequency listed below each T.V. to hear the audio. One point of confusion that often exists, is transmitting an AM signal over FM. The transmitter doesn’t “care” what is on the audio signal, it just uses the FM frequency band to send that signal to other devices on that same frequency.

One of the greatest benefits of FM transmitters is the fact that the transmitted audio signal may be received by any and all FM radios within range. As far as the radios are concerned, they are receiving an FM signal just like a normal FM radio station.

Bluetooth®

Bluetooth is a wireless technology that uses radio signals in the 2.4GHz band to transfer small amounts of data wirelessly over short distances. While Bluetooth can transmit various types of data, we will focus on its usefulness for wireless audio.

Many new mobile devices like tablets, smartphones, MP3 players (etc.), may already have Bluetooth communication technology built in. These devices are also capable of storing music or audio files, thus making them “audio source devices”. These Bluetooth devices may actually perform two functions of our wireless audio chain: the source and the transmitter. There are also Bluetooth transmitter devices which may be connected to the headphone jack of an audio source to transmit audio to a Bluetooth receiving device.

Bluetooth audio receivers are available in various forms. They may be devices which can be connected to input jacks on (non-Bluetooth) playback devices like home stereos, amplified speakers or headphones. Other times, they may be devices which are consolidations of Bluetooth audio receiver and playback device. These are typically stereos, amplified speakers, headphones, radios (etc.) which have integrated Bluetooth audio receivers.

Providing 20Hz-20kHz frequency response, wireless Bluetooth audio offers better audio quality than FM transmitters. The operational range is about 30 feet with clear line of sight. A neat feature about Bluetooth is that because it can transmit data other than audio signals, it is possible for Bluetooth receiving devices to offer control of audio content such as fast-forwarding/rewinding, song skipping, pausing etc.

Most people familiar with Bluetooth may have seen the technology used in wireless earpieces for cell phone calls. (Some of us may just wonder why so many people seem to be talking to themselves nowadays.) Bluetooth is also used for mobile or home speakers systems. Since many new audio source devices (smartphones, MP3 players, tablets, etc.) feature Bluetooth technology, Bluetooth speakers offer a convenient and widely compatible way to playback audio without requiring special (proprietary) adapters, connectors, or docking mechanisms. This is one of the greatest strengths of Bluetooth technology in regards to audio. Due to the 30ft range of Bluetooth, audio products using this technology are typically optimized for single room (close range) environments.

WiFi

If you’re not familiar with the term “WiFi”, please click the link above to learn more. In regards to audio, WiFi offers the same provisions as Bluetooth, but the operational range is usually about 250 feet with clear line of sight. Compared to the mobile benefits of Bluetooth, WiFi is typically more of a home-based technology that is able to connect multiple devices together to form a network. This networking ability works out great for setting up wireless audio systems to serve entire buildings.

Many people may already have wireless networks in their homes. In these home WiFi networks, multiple computers, laptops, wireless printers, tablets, smartphones, etc. may all connect to a single WiFi router to share data between the devices. Music (or audio files) stored on one device may be shared via the WiFi network with the other connected devices.

WiFi audio products follow the same basic signal chain as the other wireless audio technologies. WiFi audio source devices, WiFi audio transmitters, WiFi audio receivers, and WiFi audio playback devices are all available. Generally speaking, WiFi source devices are typically also transmitters. WiFi enabled playback devices (speakers etc.) are typically also receivers.

As with Bluetooth, there are also separate WiFi transmitter or receiver adapters which can be connected to external sources or playback devices.

Proprietary

Some audio companies make wireless audio products which only work with other compatible products made by the same company. These wireless audio products are usually sold as transmitter and receiver kits. Often times, multiple receivers may be used to receive a wireless audio signal from a single transmitter or source. Products like these, which are only compatible with other products made by the same company, are considered “proprietary”. The benefit of proprietary products is convenience. Since the products are designed to work together, setting up and using the systems is typically an easy process.

Keep it Simple!

All of these mentioned wireless audio technologies provide great methods for sharing audio without requiring cables. No matter which type of wireless audio set up you’re considering, the easiest way to understand the system is to consider the signal chain.

Original article written for C. Crane by James Adams

MY ELECTRONIC CIRCUITS

FM Transmitter ( 88- 108 MHZ ) from Car MP3 player 6 Watts

Below is the versatile FM Transmitter build around car MP3 player ,which can deliver up to 6 Watts.
In this circuit RF signal is taken from a MP3 player built-in low power transmitter , it is than boosted by the two more RF stages ,
For making any RF transmitter circuit at least two meters are very necessary , one is frequency counter & the other is   RF field strength meter .
In the first stage of transmitter one of the best driver transistor 2SC2053 were used .you can use the other transistor up to 500MW power for this stage. In the second stage another RF transistor 2SC1971 were used.also you can use any equivalent transistor. Note : L3 will be 4 turns , L6 will be 12 turns, Heat Sink required for C1971 (C2053 can be used ) .

                                     Use fix 20 PF capacitor instead of variable capacitors (30 PF)

Simple field strength meter circuit

Build Your Own FM Transmitter and Send Your Music to Any Stereo

You can buy cheap FM transmitters for your iPhone from pretty much anywhere, but if you'd rather make your own little transmitter, Make shows you how to do it.

Make your FM transmitter car kit work

Web site Mac OS X hints has an interesting tip for improving the performance of FM transmitter car…Read more

The basic idea here is that you can build a small FM transmitter for your MP3 player so you can send audio to pretty much any stereo. To do so, you'll just need a few off the shelf parts and a spare afternoon. Once you're done, you'll be able to amplify your transmitter so it can send your audio a little further, just make sure you don't accidentally break any laws when you do it. Sure, you can purchase one of these easily enough, but it's a solid project for helping you learn how they work so you can apply it elsewhere.

FM Transmitter Has Bluetooth, Fits in Cup Holder

Macally on Wednesday announced the release of the BTCUP, a new Bluetooth-equipped FM transmitter for the iPod designed to fit snugly in an automobile car holder. It costs US$119.95.

The BTCUP sports a dock connector to hold the iPod, and works with new iPod classics and iPod nanos as well. When it's plugged in the device charges the iPod (it's powered using another cable that plugs into a cigarette lighter). The BTCUP can tune in to any FM frequency between 88.1 and 107.9.

The BTCUP has a power on/off switch, frequency up-down buttons and a quick channel switch button. It will remember the last frequency used automatically, and sports a tilted backlit LCD display to make it easy to read.

Additionally, the BTCUP has built-in Bluetooth support for Bluetooth-enabled mobile phones. A button on the BTCUP lets you answer calls via Bluetooth and hang up, and it comes with an earphone with an in-line mic.

No Bluetooth in your vehicle? Use FM transmitter to play music through the vehicle speakers

PHOENIX - Music is a great way to pass the time--on a road trip, on the drive home from work, or even while out running errands. However, the current music on the radio may not be what you like to listen to.

Many newer vehicles have Bluetooth capability so you can listen to your iPhone or MP3s through the stereo. But if you have an older model car, you may not have that option.

You're not going to want to spend money on a new upgraded stereo. So, what do you do?

I found a FM transmitter that claims to let me listen to my music over an FM frequency channel. It's called the DP Video Car Music Player . I bought it at Frys Electronics for just $10 at the store. If you look online, it will cost $15. Other transmitters can be even more more.

How well does it work? Let me try it before you buy it.

The instructions are simple: plug the device into your cigarette lighter, find a station on your radio and program the same station to the FM transmitter.

Then plug the transmitter into your MP3 player. I keep the music on my smartphone so I used that during the test.

I picked a song I wanted to listen to, turned the volume up on my phone, then turned the volume up on my stereo. Voila! The music was coming from my vehicle speakers.

The music quality is pretty clear. You will hear some static, but that depends on which frequency you choose.

It's recommended to find a channel that isn't really strong or popular in the area. Pick something off the beaten path, that way there isn't any other programming to compete with.

If you can deal with the static, and perhaps having to reprogram the station every now and then, this device should work for you. It's also a great alternative to buying a new system.

I give it a thumbs up!

FM Transmitters and Auxiliary Adapters: The Affordable Bluetooth Hands-Free Solution - See more at: http://bluetooth-car-kit-review.toptenreviews.com/fm-transmitters-and-auxiliary-adapters-the-affordable-bluetooth-hands-free-solution.html#sthash.4QwDU50z.dpuf

Many different types of Bluetooth car kits are on the market. Some require a professional installation. Some simply clip to your sun visor. Some use an FM signal so that you can use your car speakers to amplify your calls. Some connect to your stereo through an auxiliary port for the same reason. Regardless of the type of car kit, the primary purpose is the same – a hands-free way of taking calls in your car so that you're not taking your hands off the wheel and your eyes off the road. However, the prices for Bluetooth hands-free car kits swing from $10 to several hundred.

If you only need a Bluetooth car kit for the odd phone call during your commute, then you don't need to spend hundreds of dollars on a high-end model. Instead, you should consider the more affordable Bluetooth FM transmitters and Bluetooth auxiliary adapters.

Bluetooth FM Transmitters

Bluetooth FM transmitters rely solely on an FM signal to amplify the audio instead of having an internal speaker. Your phone connects to the device using Bluetooth, and it converts the audio from your phone to an FM signal. You simply have to find an unused FM station on your stereo and tune the radio to that station. Since you're using your car speakers, the advantage of an FM transmitter is the volume output. You're only limited by your car stereo system. This advantage carries over to streaming music from your phone. Also, most FM transmitters don't have a battery to recharge. Instead, they plug straight into the charging port when in use.

The reason FM transmitters are more affordable than the best Bluetooth car kits is the call quality and hands-free control. FM signals are notoriously inconsistent and unreliable, especially in large cities where FM signals are everywhere. Most FM transmitters lack effective noise and echo cancellation, which leads to muddier conversations. In addition, most FM transmitters lack voice commands and other features, such as text-to-speech and speech-to-text.

Bluetooth Auxiliary Adapters

Auxiliary adapters are Bluetooth hands-free car kits that plug into your car stereo through a 3.5mm auxiliary port. The advantage of a Bluetooth aux adapter is the same as the FM transmitter – your car speakers are the primary audio source. So you can stream calls, music and GPS directions from your phone through your car stereo. However, the auxiliary adapter is better than an FM transmitter because the signal isn't subject to the static and tuning issues that make FM transmissions so inconsistent. The only wireless signal is the Bluetooth connection between your phone and the aux adapter hands-free car kit. As a result, aux adapters are generally more expensive than FM transmitters.

A downside to a hands-free Bluetooth aux kit is its lack of compatibility. Your car stereo must have an auxiliary input on the front; otherwise, it won't be able to use your car speakers. While many car stereos provide an auxiliary port in the front, many still only provide the aux port in the back, where you can't access it without removing the car stereo.

Similar to the FM transmitters, the aux adapters are more affordable than the best Bluetooth car kits because they lack high-end call quality and hands-free control. Most aux adapters use only one microphone, which lacks sufficient internal noise and echo cancellation systems. As a result, your voice competes with all the other noise in your car – the sound of the road, the fan of the air conditioner, other passengers – making it more difficult for your caller to hear you. You'll also hear echoing and feedback, which occurs when the microphone picks up the caller's voice from the car speakers.

FM transmitters and auxiliary adapters work as simple hands-free Bluetooth car kits that allow you to stream music from your phone and to take the odd call while you're on the road. They don't have as many functions as the high-end models, but they give you the essential functions without breaking the bank.

- See more at: http://bluetooth-car-kit-review.toptenreviews.com/fm-transmitters-and-auxiliary-adapters-the-affordable-bluetooth-hands-free-solution.html#sthash.4QwDU50z.dpuf