recommend - FM transmitter with calling functions

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NightStalker

317 posts

Ultimate Geek

#207368 21-Dec-2016 12:03

I'm looking for suggestions for a decent car FM transmitter that can also be used for making/receiving calls etc.

The Roidmi Bluetooth Car Kit looks good but is only apple/android so something similar to this would be good
http://www.roidmi.com/en/lcindex
https://www.pbtech.co.nz/product/MPPMIX0002/Xiaomi-Roidmi-Bluetooth-Car-Kit-with-FM-Transmittefor use with

Intended for use with Lumia 640 running Win phone 10

sbiddle

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#1693197 21-Dec-2016 12:08

IMHO there is no such thing as a "decent" FM transmitter. They're all rubbish.

NightStalker

317 posts

Ultimate Geek

#1693201 21-Dec-2016 12:14

lol - yeah I know

Have a NZ new 2007 mazda 6 so options are this or replace head unit or add GPS/entertainment unit (about $1000) so looking for the cheaper option at the moment.

currently using MP3 CD's which is a bit dated

frankv

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#1693207 21-Dec-2016 12:30

Does your car not have AUX-in? That's pretty standard for that era.

OTOH, I have a BT-FM transmitter. It's good enough -- hi-fi would be wasted in a car anyway.

NightStalker

317 posts

Ultimate Geek

#1693226 21-Dec-2016 13:17

It does have an unused (tape function)Aux-in (based on button/research not being used)
Ive had it for a 3 years now but when I first got it I looked into it

When speaking with the local Wellington brick and mortar stores it was too complicated for blah blah blah reasons (basically lack of interest).
I am aware that the integrated Bose units in these cars are a bit tricky but some of the conversations I had just left me walking away thinking how useless they are and that they are only interest in plug and play devices.
I even spoke to Wellington Mazda "service people" where I was told to get a new car (I'm not kidding - they used those words)

To date the best option I have found is from Rapid Radio in Auckland but that's at about $1000 which involves adding an extra GPS/head-unit but needs me to be in Auckland.
I don't really want to spend this sort of money so hence looking for cheaper options.

richms

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#1693228 21-Dec-2016 13:21

The ones that claim to find an empty frequncy do not work well, they always seem to choose the LPFM channels which will suddenly have something on them when you drive a couple of k away from where you started from.

If you get one that doesnt follow the silly regs for low power output then they can get an ok signal level to cut thru all the crap in the fm band, but you still will be stuck with a horribly noisy low bandwidth audio path. Real stations process the crap out of sound compression-wise to get it vaguely acceptable over FM, with none of that in a transmitter you will have low audio levels so lots of hiss since you have to turn it up.

Richard rich.ms

sbiddle

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#1693231 21-Dec-2016 13:22

If it has AUX in simply buy a US$10 Bluetooth -> 3.5mm adapter for streaming audio to your head unit.

NightStalker

317 posts

Ultimate Geek

#1693234 21-Dec-2016 13:31

Thanks for the responses

the fall back might be looking at sbiddle's suggestion but really looking for something that can do Win 10 phone call functions as well if possible
so reaching for the stars but know I'll probably have to settle for the beige anything goes device.

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davef

15 posts

Geek

#1697490 2-Jan-2017 11:04

As a cheap way to interface a bluetooth kit you might want to check out the AUX-MAZ1 cable from Wavetech Imports which gives you a 3.5mm jack switchable via the Media button on the Mazda 6. Several trademe alternatives exist also.

NightStalker

317 posts

Ultimate Geek

#1698694 5-Jan-2017 09:03

Thanks davef. That looks interesting, will keep it in mind.

Goosey

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#1698738 5-Jan-2017 09:41

Try these guys (ChCh based). Aftermarket OEM units to fit most cars.

http://www.oemaudio.co.nz