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LCD iTrip (dock)
Platform: iPod Manufacturer: Griffin Manufacturer Site: iTrip
Product Overview: The LCD iTrip (dock) from Griffin allows you to broadcast your iPod's music onto any FM station but now you are able to see exactly which station it is being broadcasted to! The LCD iTrip offers improved signal strength, stereo broadcasting, and of course the LCD. This also marks the first time the iTrip has connected directly to iPod's external docking port.
Even though the signal strength is improved from previous versions it still is a very limited area. I could not take my iPod more than 2 feet away from the radio I wanted the music broadcasted to. You can raise the total capable broadcasting distance if you turn stereo mode off, at least that is what the manual said but that did not work to well for me.
I eventually got so fed up with the tiny broadcasting distance that I took the easily accessible antennae out of the back of the case. Too my surprise the total broadcasting distance available was up to about 10 feet, a huge improvement. After taking the antenna out the music was clearer, so I was happy. I do think that Griffin should allow an easy way to extend the antennae since this affects the total distance so vastly.
I like the whole dock concept, it allows me to both broadcast music to a family member's radio and listen on my headphones. I did have a problem with the iTrip not getting power from the dock. It took me over half and hour to figure out that I had to hold the iTrip in the dock for about 15 seconds before it automatically comes on. I figure I have to hold the LCD iTrip in place because it simply was not designed for the new iPod Video models.
The dock version of the iTrip I have has serious issues with staying completely flush with the bottom of my iPod. This is easily fixable by Griffin all they have to do is make a locking mechanism somewhat like Apple's USB power cord. I of course did not have engineers to fix this small problem for me so I fixed it with masking tape.
All together the iTrip was a very easy tool to use. Selecting a channel on the iTrip went fairly easily for all you have to do is scroll to an empty channel (or else the signal will be blocked) and push in on the scroller to set it. You could also change the broadcasting mode to stereo by pressing and holding the scroller in for just a few seconds.
The iTrip seemed durable but extremely light, though it does look a bit clunky on the newer, slimmer video iPods available. It would have been nice if Griffin included some sort of case like they do for most of their products but alas they did not. It did come with a small cover to put over the dock connector which does help a bit and keeps it from being damaged in the pocket.
Pluses:
- Broadcasts in stereo
- Has an LCD to clearly see what station your broadcasting on
- Is connected through the external dock port
- Very durable
- INTL mode 76MHz - 90MHz
- Very poor broadcasting power if left unhacked
- No Power button
- Can not, will not stay flush with the bottom of my iPod Video
In conclusion the LCD iTrip (dock) has several pluses on it's side but you'll have to hack the antenna if you want clear music punching through. I'd say it would be a great buy if you have several unused radios at home and do not wish to buy speakers for your iPod. I've always heard good things about the iTrip's broadcasting power but that just is not the case for this model, well until you pull that antenna out.
*Update As it turns out my broadcasting power was pitiful only because it was a faulty device. After talking wiht Griffin's PR I managed to get a hold of two new iTrips. These work fine so fine in fact that I can broadcast to my stereo over 20 feet away and that is with out the mod I told you about! With this kind of broadcasting power you might even be able to change affect the radio in the car next to you. With my mod listed above you may be able to broadcast the music to your neighbor's home, though that is not recommended. I also no longer have the issue of the iTrip staying flush with the iPod. This in fact could have affected my over all broadcasting power and have led to the iTrip malfunctioning and turning the music off, leaving nothing but static. Their remains but one problem, that is the iTrip is to touchy meaning that if you toch or hold your iPod in a way that the iTrip does not like it can severely affect and limit your broadcasting power. I highly recommend this product. It just gets the job done and beautifully.
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Submitted by:
Aaron Lockard
on Thu, 26 October 2006 16:55:41 |
(38Reads)
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