Free FM frequencies in Auckland City for use with FM transmitter?

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magu

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#45407 2-Nov-2009 09:59

Morning y'all.

I've just acquired a new FM transmitter that is compatible with my iPhone (previous Belkin one wasn't), but I have been having some trouble with finding an unused frequency to try it on. In North Shore it works great, but as soon as I cross the bridge, it's pretty much unusable.

Anyone in Auckland ever figured this out?

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LennonNZ

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#269191 2-Nov-2009 10:13

Easy Answer.. they are useless in Auckland..

magu

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#269193 2-Nov-2009 10:15

Beginning to think so. Problem is there's no other way to pipe audio into my car's headunit.

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RedJungle

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#269212 2-Nov-2009 10:57

I've yet to find any FM transmitter that worked well.. such a PITA when traveling cross country as you're constantly moving into interference - so frustrating, especially when you're meant to be concentrating on driving.

I gave up and bought a new head unit with iPod/iPhone connectivity. Which rocks.

NZtechfreak

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#269213 2-Nov-2009 11:00

They're not much good I'm afraid - I used to use one set to around 103 and it was passable at that frequency.

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magu

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#269215 2-Nov-2009 11:04

I'll have to try.

At least until I figure out how to add an AUX-IN to the Subaru's all-integrated head-unit, maybe hijacking the MD player's audio line.

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Mattnzl

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#269217 2-Nov-2009 11:12

If you've got a jap import (likely with an MD player!) look for a transmitter that can switch to the Jap bands (my Belkin one could) then all clear!
Technicaly this is bound to be illegal, but the output is so low I can't imagine getting busted for it.

magu

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#269219 2-Nov-2009 11:17

What if I had a band expander added to the radio? Probably would not work, correct?

And yes, it is a japanese import, with both MD player and a TV/NAV screen that sadly does not work.

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nate

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#269251 2-Nov-2009 13:01

LennonNZ: Easy Answer.. they are useless in Auckland..

I don't agree, when I was running one with my iPod, yes you did have to play around alittle with the frequencies, but I was able to run mine on an empty slot.

I now have iPod integration with my headunit so it's not needed anymore. Unfortunately I can't remember what frequency I used sorry (and I did have to change it as I travelled down south). A limitation of the technology I'm afraid.

wreck90

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#269258 2-Nov-2009 13:30

The authorities should have allowed a space on the fm spectrum for low power fm transmitters.

I've found my belkin largely hopeless , as constant retuning is required.

Just found out from Ford NZ , I can add an aux input into my territory radio - but they quoted just under $400 nzd!!! Did a quick search on trade me, got the parts for $30, took 10 minutes to install, and now I have proper aux input lead.

Even better would have been bluetooth, but , with a newish ford car you don't get much high tech.

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#269266 2-Nov-2009 13:39

wreck90: The authorities should have allowed a space on the fm spectrum for low power fm transmitters.

They did

http://data.rsm.govt.nz/licensing/gurls/gurl-lpfmbc-2.pdf

88.1 MHz, 88.2 MHz, 88.3 MHz, 88.4 MHz, 88.5 MHz, 88.6 MHz and 88.7 MHz (Although you can't use .5,6,7 in Auckland)

106.7 MHz, 106.8 MHz, 106.9 MHz, 107.0 MHz,107.1 MHz, 107.2 MHz, 107.3 MHz, 107.4 MHz, 107.5 MHz, 107.6 MHz and 107.7 MHz.

magu

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#269267 2-Nov-2009 13:44

Nice list. Will give it a go today when I leave work.

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lxsw20

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#269319 2-Nov-2009 16:58

magu: What if I had a band expander added to the radio? Probably would not work, correct?

And yes, it is a japanese import, with both MD player and a TV/NAV screen that sadly does not work.

What year/model. Is their an NZ new equivilent you could take a dash from to fit a standard ISO headunit mount. Guess it all comes down to what you want to spend at the end of the day.

magu

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#269324 2-Nov-2009 17:11

2004 Outback. The main problem is that the A/C unit is integrated with the HU, and it's anything but standard DIN sizes. The place where the screen is works as a storage place on NZ models, so I could theoretically change to that. But I'd rather find something more factory-looking, even if it costs a bit more.

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dacraka

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#269342 2-Nov-2009 17:58

Yea, the lowest always works a treat (lowest that your devices both support) - say 88.1 MHz

nickd

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#269356 2-Nov-2009 18:43

I use 100.20 MHz as I drive from Akl to Mt Maunganui and I haven't had a problem.