The operating principle of an FM modulator. Which FM modulator is best for cars? Owner reviews

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An FM transmitter is a handy gadget that helps a car enthusiast turn a simple car radio into a full-fledged MP3 player.

This device sends signals to the car's audio system in the form of radio waves.

Thanks to the transmitter you can get high-quality “stereo”.

Why do you need a transmitter for a car?

Install an FM transmitter in various situations:

You bought a car, and it already has an old-style cassette player, the format of which is too large to put something else in its place.

The car radio does not support listening to FM files. Frequently changing disks will get boring pretty quickly.

If, in addition to controlling the music system itself, the radio buttons also control other functions in the cabin, for example, climate control.

And finally, you just got used to using a convenient “flash drive”.

A car transmitter or, as it is often called, an FM modulator will help solve the problem of listening to music in a convenient format for little money.

How does an FM modulator work?

You need to insert a small gadget into the cigarette lighter socket and set the range of radio waves that you need.

The transmitter transmits signals from a USB flash drive into the space around you, and the antenna installed on your car immediately picks up the signal.

Interesting point. If you are going on vacation, for example, with friends who are sitting in the next car, they can also listen to the same music as you.

How to choose a car FM transmitter

Many people are faced with the problem of choice.

The assortment is great, and so is the price range.

When choosing, pay attention to the following characteristics:

1. Quality of sound wave transmission. Power lines (for example, those used by city trolleybuses) should not “dampen” the sound.

2. Reliability in operation. Find out the characteristics of the fuses so that they do not fail frequently.

Also pay attention to how large the voltage drops are in the cigarette lighter where the FM modulator is inserted.

3. Ease of use. Regulators and all buttons should be comfortable. The same remark applies to the control panel.

What types of FM transmitters are there for cars?

Differences in the class of gadgets for playing music are due to the performance of their various functions.

The more diverse additional features device, the higher its cost.

Let's consider various classes FM transmitters for cars.

Low price car FM transmitter (budget option)

This includes inexpensive devices that have a small black and white LCD display.

Cost: 10-20$.

They perform only the main function. Additional options- No.

Budget modulators reproduce and change the frequency of the carrier sound wave.

From 5 to 7 meters – this is the reception distance.

Here are the specifications good models budget FM transmitters.

Transmitter Mystery MFM-22CU

Black and white display. Reads MP3 + WMA formats.

Availability of a slot for using MMC and SD memory cards. There is a USB port.

The cheapest option.

Flaws:
Hissing is often heard during sound reproduction, sound quality is average;

If your car is more than 5 years old, the fuse needs to be replaced once a week. It gets boring. But the cost is also very low.

Mid-price car modulator

The design of mid-range transmitters is more interesting.

The body lines are smooth. They are in harmony with the interior design of modern cars.

The display is not monochrome, but has a bright LED backlight (green, blue or red).

Present additional features:
remote control;
powerful memory: up to 20 radio stations;
audio input and output.

Transmitter RITMIX FMT-A750

The stylish model Ritmix FMT-A750 costs about $25, but it already has an equalizer.

The kit includes a cable for external devices, as well as a spare fuse.

Flaws:
sometimes the communication channel is lost;
noises arise;
does not read USB flash drives in NTFS format.

Model EXSPERTS F-194A

Cost is around $30.

It stands out for its unusual design, which is also very convenient: the control unit and the slot for placement in the cigarette lighter are separated by a cord.

Good control buttons. Standard set functions like the previous model.

Disadvantages: sometimes the sound quality is poor.

Premium car FM transmitter

Eat large display with a wide range of colors, built-in memory.

Holds up to 2GB of music files.

Many expensive premium models support SD memory cards, except regular USB format.

Also compatible with the mini remote control located on the steering wheel. There is memory and folder navigation.

FM transmitter RITMIX FMT-A955

An excellent model of the highest class FM transmitter.

Its price is quite high - $70, but there are a lot of possibilities.

The signal is very powerful, it supports your favorite flash drives and memory cards, and also transmits the signal to the Bluetooht stereo.

There is an external microphone, remote control, audio cable. Fuse included.

It is possible to receive calls from mobile phone. Great sound and sensitive microphone.

It even reads the folder tree on a flash drive. High quality color display.

There are a lot of possibilities for listening to music in the car.

Among them, the use of FM transmitters is very convenient and simple.

Affordable prices make it possible for many car enthusiasts to listen to recordings from a USB drive.

Choose a suitable FM modulator and enjoy your favorite melodies!

Many domestic and foreign cars come standard with a now outdated audio system with discs. Digital media can store much more information without losing sound quality. This problem can be solved with the help of the photo below. Such a device is also called a transmitter. It is a compact device that allows you to convert files from memory cards and flash drives into a radio signal reproduced by a standard receiver. The device is powered from the cigarette lighter. Let's look at which FM modulator is best for cars, reviews of the most popular models.

General information

A huge part of the market segment under consideration is occupied by manufacturers from China. In domestic spaces, Russian and European analogues are more popular. Since the design of the device is not very complex, there are models from unknown manufacturers. How to understand which FM modulator is best for a car? Reviews and the review below will help you figure this out. Let's study the characteristics and features of several of the most popular brands among transmitter manufacturers.

Operating principle

The modulator plays music from a flash drive, transforming the digital signal into radio waves with audio signals. Then the radio tape recorder picks up this information. As a result, the sound is heard from the speakers. In this case, the model and type of audio player plays practically no role. It is worth noting that modern variations of navigators are also equipped with transmitters. When choosing, pay attention to the digital and alphabetic code, which will help you understand the features of the device.

"Rolsen"

This Korean manufacturer focuses on developing new modifications taking into account the latest technological advances. The company is aimed at getting closer to consumers, therefore it is actively developing its dealer network and service centers.

The best FM modulator for cars at an affordable price is Rolsen RFA-100. Along with the low price, it has wide functionality. Among the advantages:

  • Equipped with a card reader connector and USB input.
  • There is an equalizer.
  • Comes with a remote control remote control.
  • Plays MP3 and VMA files.
  • Elaborate design.
  • Reasonable price.
  • The transmitter coverage area does not exceed 3.5 meters.
  • It is not resistant to voltage surges in the on-board network.
  • The device body is susceptible to scratches.

This model is suitable for buyers who need a reliable and inexpensive model.

Neoline

This company was created in Russia (2006). The production base is located in China. The company specializes in consumer electronics and automotive accessories. The brand’s priority is the availability of manufactured products to consumers, taking into account their needs.

FM modulator for cars from this company - Neoline Splash FM. In addition to the original design, it has the following advantages:

  • High power of the transmitting device.
  • Ergonomic and non-staining body.
  • Large color screen.
  • Convenient placement of control keys.
  • Available software with additional options.
  • Aggregation with on-board 24 V network.
  • There are analog and digital input connectors.
  • Relatively large dimensions, which do not make it possible to install the device in some cars to the cigarette lighter.
  • Quite a high price compared to identical analogues.

Judging by consumer responses, this model is aimed at users who take into account even the smallest elements of the salon interior.

Brand Mystery

This American company was founded several years ago, but already confidently occupies a leading position in the market. The company specializes in the production of automobile acoustics and equipment. The brand's operating principle is based on constant development and maximum convenience for the consumer. Significant emphasis is placed on sound quality. Which FM modulator is best for cars? User reviews indicate that this company should pay attention to the Mystery MFM-25CU model.

Transmitter advantages:

  • Excellent sound quality.
  • Convenient placement of control buttons.
  • Wide display.
  • The transmitter range is 10 meters.
  • Thoughtful navigation.

Disadvantages of the device:

  • Impressive dimensions.
  • The body part is susceptible to scratches and dirt.
  • The brightness of the monitor leaves much to be desired.

This device is ideal for consumers who are particularly picky about sound quality parameters.

Defender

This brand presents itself as an international brand. The main production facilities are located in Russia and the Baltic states. The company's first products were CRT class displays (90s of the 20th century). In the price range, the products compete on equal terms with other analogues. Manufacturers pay special attention to protecting the product from dust and water, as well as maximum functionality.

When asked which FM modulator is best for a car, consumer reviews indicate that the most progressive and affordable option in this line is the Defender RT-Feet.

Pros of this transmitter:

  • The electronic unit and the socket for connecting to the cigarette lighter are connected to each other by a flexible metal sleeve, which allows you to quickly connect the unit and hide the device under the ashtray body.
  • There is an additional USB connector.
  • Possibility of aggregation with external sources up to 32 GB.
  • There is the possibility of outputting a signal from almost any device that reproduces sound, as well as connecting to a radio without a radio signal.
  • There is a protective fuse against voltage surges.
  • The set includes a control panel and an audio cable.
  • The keys are easy to use.

An FM modulator for cars, instructions for which are included in each kit, also has its drawbacks. Among them:

  • The metal sleeve of the connection in some machines interferes with the switching of control buttons.
  • High price.
  • Screen with low resolution and insufficient brightness.

A special feature of this transmitter is the ability to install it in almost any car model.

The most popular good FM modulator for cars: reviews

As statistics show, transmitters of the Ritmix FMT-A710 brand are most often purchased on the domestic market. The advantages of this model include the following parameters:

  • Affordable price.
  • Convenient placement and functionality with control keys.
  • Reliability and high build quality.
  • Nice interface.
  • Durable housing.
  • Resistant to on-board power supply.
  • Transmitter power range up to 10 meters.

The following aspects are noted among the disadvantages:

  • The presence of only a USB connector and an SD microcard.
  • Only MP3 formats are supported.

The main thing in this sample is the optimal combination of price and quality.

Other modifications

An FM modulator with Bluetooth for cars in terms of convenience is the Rolsen RFA-400 model. Advantages of modification:

  • Comfortable placement of control keys.
  • There is a rotary handle for settings and navigation.
  • There are a pair of USB sockets, which allows you to connect to an audio system and charge your mobile phone at the same time.
  • Availability of remote control.
  • Fast synchronization with receiving equipment and convenient equalizer.

The disadvantages of the device include the following:

  • Low brightness of the display, which makes it difficult to view information in bright light.
  • High cost.
  • At a remote distance, the device operates unclearly.

As consumer reviews indicate, the unit is quite comfortable to operate and operate.

Selection criteria

For car owners who are not true music lovers, but simply want to have high-quality musical accompaniment on the road, practical and inexpensive models from the Rolsen and Ritmix brands are recommended. These products are most popular in the domestic market.

For lovers of high-quality sound and other rhythmic nuances, if you have a good audio system, it is better to buy Mystery or Defender transmitters. They are distinguished by wide functionality and excellent sound reproduction.

An FM modulator for a car, reviews of which we will consider below, should not spoil the interior of the car. If the driver is especially concerned about this aspect, experts advise paying attention to the Neoline brand. The designers of this company pay special attention to design along with practicality and reliability.

A modification like Defender RT-Feet, which is designed for almost all types of passenger cars and operates from a cigarette lighter, is suitable as a universal transmitter.

Consumer Opinions

Let's consider the responses of owners of the Supra brand transmitter. The very fact of creating such a device delights many consumers. As for the nuances, the following are noted among the advantages:

  • Possibility of saving on the purchase of a radio.
  • Listening to your favorite tracks recorded on a flash drive.
  • Original design.
  • Easy to use.

Users identified the following aspects as the disadvantages of this particular FM modulator with Bluetooth for cars:

  • Questionable sound quality.
  • The occurrence of interference from high-voltage lines.
  • The device is not suitable for all cars.

In conclusion

A car FM modulator is a convenient and practical device. It allows you to listen to music through the car's standard receiver. In this case, your favorite hits are read from a regular memory card. There are many models on the market that differ in design, price and sound quality. Every motorist can choose an option according to their needs and financial capabilities.

Due to the fact that a lot of new products appear every year, when purchasing, check with the seller about the purpose and capabilities of the gadget, and also tell them what type of audio system is installed in your car. This will allow you to select the optimal model of car transmitter.

The modern world is a world of various gadgets and bells and whistles, without which we can no longer imagine our lives. There are a huge number of gadgets for computers, phones, and so on. The invention of a flash drive has not been news for a very long time; today the trend is a writing pen with a built-in 2 GB flash drive, a lamp that can heat coffee, as well as electronic cigarettes that are charged from a computer.

So they came up with it for the car large number devices for various purposes. Almost every modern car has a DVR, navigator, radio, radar detector and even an FM modulator. All these gadgets work differently and satisfy different needs of the driver.

Why do you need an FM modulator?


You need to carefully consider a gadget such as an FM modulator, as it has a lot of advantages that the average driver may not notice. A car FM modulator is a small device that transmits audio files to an FM receiver. The location from which it will take these files will depend on how the functionality of the modulator is built: it can be either a plug-in flash drive or the memory built into the modulator.

There are reasons for using an FM modulator. This device is very popular because it allows you to listen to your favorite music, which you just need to transfer to a flash drive. Today, car owners have already appreciated the usefulness of flash drives that can be connected to the modulator. Moreover, today not only songs can be recorded in sound.


Very popular nowadays are audiobooks of artistic direction, tutorials on foreign languages, in general, any book of any genre. And throwing everything onto a flash drive is much more convenient than writing it to a disk, which will no longer be read by the device if there are small scratches, which are a common occurrence in a car. It is also worth mentioning that an FM modulator is a budget gadget if a working radio is already installed in the car, which, unfortunately, does not have a connector for a flash drive and does not “know how” to play songs from the media.

In this case, the car radio can be replaced with an FM modulator, and such a maneuver will be much less expensive than purchasing a new radio with expanded functionality. The modulator must be connected to the power supply through the cigarette lighter, the voltage of which is usually 12 V, but can “jump” from 9 to 24 V. It all depends on the model.


And if your phone has an audio output, you can connect to the modulator via the headphone jack. This way, music from the phone’s memory will be transferred to the car’s speakers. Most likely, after reading this information you will decide to add a similar device to your car. But now a completely logical question arises: which modulator should I buy? If a motorist chooses the right modulator, also known as a transmitter, then it will completely satisfy the person’s needs.

Now the question of choosing this device interests many people. But not everyone will be able to clearly categorize all these models offered by the market. However, it is quite easy to understand all this. Models can be ranked into classes by price, functionality and other criteria. For example, the cheapest and simplest devices provide only a basic set of functions.

These FM modulators usually have a small black and white display. They “know how” to rewind the recording that is being played, and also allow you to change the frequency. They either do not have a built-in storage device, or the amount of memory provided is extremely small, but they can read files from a memory card or flash drive. The standard working distance ranges from 5 to 7 m. such modulators can transmit data only on one programmed band. If he has any frequency range, then it is extremely small. There is a clear pattern in this matter: the higher the price, the greater the data transmission range. Models with a higher price form the middle category of modulators.

Their appearance is more attractive, and they fit better into the entire interior concept. For example, transmitters in the middle category have a color display, rather than black and white. Also included with the device is a remote control. A mid-range modulator has memory to capture multiple radio frequencies.


This function is extremely convenient, as it can be used to quickly change the wavelength in order to make the sound better. If you configure the receiver and modulator in advance for a similar procedure, the switching will be quite fast. Among other things, such devices have an audio input and audio output.

Premium FM modulators have a fairly large functional range. Such models have a fairly large color screen, which is much more convenient to view than all other devices. Modulators from this category are programmed in such a way that you can easily connect to your computer and load sound files into the built-in memory storage.

There are also modulators that you can connect to directly from your phone and send the necessary data. Another modern innovation is the mini remote control, which comes complete with a modulator that needs to be attached to the steering wheel. Almost all high-class devices have an equalizer in their functionality, with which you can change the sound mode according to your taste.

There are a large number of models of FM transmitters in stores. Today there are many devices that have a built-in function Handsfree Bluetooth. If the device has such a function, then the phone can be wireless mode connect to the modulator and talk to the interlocutor through the modulator. For example, when someone calls you on your phone, you can press a button on the modulator that will accept the call. After which you can talk to the person who called without picking up the phone. After the conversation ends, you will need to press the same button in order to end the call.

How to properly install and use an FM modulator?


How does this “miracle of technology” connect correctly? First you need to reset all the necessary data to a flash drive or directly to the transmitter, after connecting the device to the laptop. All files must be pre-ordered, since this is the order in which the files will be played. Although you don’t have to do this if the purchased modulator has a built-in function quick search the desired song or even “shuffling” files during playback.

The latter function is especially popular among music lovers. It is imperative to check the voltage in the car electrical network to ensure that it is sufficient for normal operation of the modulator.

The device must be connected to the cigarette lighter socket and turned on. Today's transmitter market is striking in its diversity of both prices and appearance. There are no standards for the dimensions and appearance of modulators, just as the design of the car interior can be very diverse. To make using the device as easy and simple as possible, it has a rotating head.


Installing and checking the operation of the FM transmitter: first you need to configure the FM frequencies of the receiver and translator. The frequency can be changed by pressing the “CH” button on the transmitter itself or using buttons “CH-” and “CH+” on the control panel. The same frequency must be set on the receiver. The frequencies must be the same. It is necessary to take into account the fact that different radio stations may interfere with playback frequencies. If this fact occurs, then you need to find another frequency that will be optimal.

Possible malfunctions of the FM modulator

What actions should be taken if the modulator stops working? Don’t rush to go to specialists, especially if the device’s warranty has already expired. If the warranty card is still valid, then the transmitter must be returned for maintenance. Most often, such a device does not work because the device's fuse has failed. The fuse is most often located very close to the power plug.

In order to inspect it, you need to unscrew the end part of the modulator. The integrity of the part can be assessed through visual inspection, but we should not forget that the breakdown may be internal. Experts recommend immediately replacing the old fuse with a new one and trying to turn the device on again. If the modulator starts working, then the problem was really in the fuse. The operation of the modulator is also affected by the condition of the cigarette lighter. If the cigarette lighter does not work, then the transmitter will not function. The fuses in the car also affect the operation of the device.

You need to find out the location of the fuses in the car, and after that you need to change the one that is responsible for normal work cigarette lighter. Such a breakdown can be avoided if, when starting the car, you disconnect the modulator from the cigarette lighter, since it is at this moment that the voltage in the network greatly jumps. Simply put, when starting the car, no device should be connected to the cigarette lighter.

After the car starts, the modulator can be connected. If the FM transmitter is broken, it must be taken to service center rather than trying to fix the problem yourself. Problems with the device may occur if the frequencies on the transmitter and receiver do not match. It is necessary to ensure that the frequencies on these devices match. If the FM signal is too weak, then you need to change the frequency. The modulator may not count files located in multi-level folders. It is best to write files in the root folder.

So, an FM modulator can often save you from silence while driving. In addition to the fact that this device can be used to stream audio files directly from a flash drive to the receiver, it can also be considered as a memory card or flash drive. Also, using the modulator, you can safely talk on the phone while driving, which will be much safer for all the people in the car. Every driver can find just such a device that will satisfy the requirements of a person in terms of functionality.

FM transmitter or FM modulator (frequency modulation), — additional device car, designed to play digital audio files recorded on flash media using a car FM radio.

The device was very common ten to fifteen years ago, when not all car radios were equipped with USB inputs. After connecting an additional FM transmitter, the radio acquired a very useful option - the ability to play digital audio files. In most cases, this is more convenient than playing from CDs.

Modern FM transmitter devices are supplemented with functions for pairing with smartphones. Thus, if your car is equipped with an old-style standard radio that does not allow reading audio information from smartphones and other digital media, you can significantly expand functionality audio systems using an FM transmitter.

Design and principle of operation of a car FM transmitter

The FM transmitter is usually made in the form of a separate electronic unit with a connector for connecting to the car cigarette lighter socket. To make it easier to adjust the location of the monitoring and control elements of the FM transmitter, the electronic unit is often mounted on the movable hinges of the connector. Some transmitter models have a remote control.

Transmitters can use a USB flash drive or SD memory (microCD) as a source of information. New models of FM transmitters have an interface for connecting smartphones.

When purchasing an FM transmitter, you should pay attention to system requirements to the file system and volume maximum memory USB storage device. If the requirements are “no more than 1 GB, FAT16 system,” then information on a USB drive with a capacity of 2GB or formatted in FAT32 will not be read.

The digital part of the transmitter reads audio files from a flash device or smartphone (in WAV/WMA/MP3/FLAC and other formats in accordance with the parameters specified in technical specifications), converts from digital to an analog (continuous) signal, which is fed to a frequency modulator (FM).

A low-power FM modulator transfers the signal to an FM radio carrier frequency. This carrier frequency should not coincide with the broadcasting frequency of public and special radio stations, otherwise radio waves will overlap.

The FM radio receiver installed in the car is tuned to the carrier frequency of the transmitter. It plays digital audio files in the order specified by the FM transmitter's control system.

Types of car FM transmitters and which one is better to choose

Conventionally, automobile FM transmitters can be classified into three categories:

1. Simple with little functionality and a black and white display

They have a low cost, a minimum number of controls and functions. Designed to work together with inexpensive car audio systems. Provide average playback quality.

Such FM transmitters of the lowest price category support small capacity flash memory. In many cases, they do not allow you to fully scan the entire playlist. It is advisable to record audio files for playback by such a transmitter in the root directory. They don't have own memory.

For example, the Ritmix FMT-A705 FM transmitter, which costs about 400 rubles, has a remote control, a built-in display, can play MP3 audio files from SD media, and has a range of 5 meters.

2. Mid-price category

Usually equipped with color displays that are capable of displaying photographs and other graphic information from media. They have advanced functionality, the ability to read information with a complex hierarchy file system on large media. They have built-in memory, which significantly increases the speed of information processing and allows you to play audio files in various formats.

For example, the Ritmix FMT-A765 FM transmitter with a color display costs about 600 rubles, plays MP3 and WMA files, is equipped with an audio cable for connecting to the connectors of a phone and other 3.5mm/3.5mm media players, supports SD memory slots up to 16 GB, and is equipped with a remote control remote control.

3. FM transmitters for cars with Bluetooth

A special feature of these devices is the ability to pair with smartphones via wireless channel. With the help of such transmitters you can organize speakerphone when talking on the phone.

FM transmitters with Bluetooth have advanced functionality.

For example, a car FM modulator Jet.A JA-16 with built-in 2Gb memory, linear input-output, USB slot, remote control, video and photo playback can be purchased at a price of 1000 rubles. Equipped with Bluetooth interface.

Features of choice

When choosing an FM modulator model, you should proceed from the intended operating modes.

If you use the car radio only as a source of background sound in the car, you can limit yourself to the simplest models with a remote control.

If you are a professional driver or constantly use a car at work, it is better to purchase a more expensive model with Bluetooth connectivity. It will make pairing with a smartphone much easier.

For audiophiles who are critical of sound quality, more sophisticated device models equipped with color displays capable of reproducing audio information of any format are suitable.

How to set up a modulator in a car so it doesn't hiss

The most common problem when installing FM — modulator - hissing when playing audio files.

In most cases, this occurs due to insufficient radio signal level at the car radio input. The range of most transmitters exceeds 5 meters, and the radio is located within 10 to 50 centimeters from the cigarette lighter socket.

In fact, the radio signal from the transmitter is picked up by the car radio's antenna, which may be located outside the passenger compartment, sometimes in the rear of the body. In addition, the signal is weakened by the shielding properties of the metal surfaces of the body. The presence of electromagnetic interference in difficult urban conditions further obscures the FM modulator signal. The signal may be overlapping with the spectrum of broadcast stations.

If your car radio has an active windshield antenna, the transmitter signal may be too strong and cause distortion in the antenna's input wideband amplifier.

What to do if the signal from the FM transmitter is accompanied by hissing:

  • try to rebuild the transmitter (and the radio receiver, respectively) to a different frequency;
  • change the location of the radio antenna:
  • disable active antenna radio or install away from the transmitter;
  • if there is no reception of FM radio stations in your locality or you do not listen to them, you can turn off external antenna at all.

If the FM transmitter stops working and there are no indicator lights or display messages, you can try to disassemble it.

There must be a fuse inside the housing. It may have burned out, then it should be replaced. You can clean the main board, sometimes it helps.

  • do not place the remote control and transmitter under the windshield in the warm season; if exposed to direct sunlight, the temperature in this place may rise above 100 degrees Celsius;
  • many transmitters, especially those made in China, have unreliable connectors; if you constantly remove and insert the transmitter into the cigarette lighter, they break down; it is better to do this using a connector splitter;
  • Like any electronic device, the transmitter should be stored in a package or bag to prevent moisture and dust from entering; “rolling around in the glove compartment” is not best way storage

It may come in handy for you, especially if you are going to rent a trailer for a long-distance trip.

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Many drivers cannot imagine the process of driving a car without their favorite music. And automakers fully satisfy this need by installing a multi-channel audio system. Head unit A modern car's playback system is capable of not only reading information from a flash drive, but also establishing a connection with a smartphone and even recharging it.

But what should owners of old cars with standard radios do? After all, it’s unlikely to be possible to update it. A car FM transmitter with Bluetooth, which can freely connect with various gadgets, will help out here.

This is a device that reads audio files in digital format and generates a radio signal of a certain frequency. The generated wave is picked up by the antenna of the on-board car audio system, and the desired track is played in radio mode.

The selection of a suitable device is carried out according to the following criteria:

  • permissible flash drive capacity;
  • Bluetooth support;
  • presence of a microphone;
  • range;
  • ability to recharge external devices via USB;
  • readable music file formats.

Choosing the best radio modulator in the budget segment

Initial models of repeaters only partially expand the functionality of the native audio system. Usually they only recognize a USB flash drive and a compact microSD. It doesn't reach the smartphone.

The form factor in the budget sector is the price. The cost of the devices below does not exceed 500 rubles:

  1. Ritmix FMT-A705 – 310 rubles;
  2. Rolsen RFA-380 – 330 rubles;
  3. Defender RT-Play – 420 rubles;
  4. Neoline Droid FM – 450 rubles.

All models are equipped with remote controls and support MP3. In addition, they are trained to save the latest song and sort through music folders. The devices mentioned above are from Rolsen and Defender are capable of playing WMA along with MP3.

Before setting up the presented FM modulators in the car, let’s look at the permissible capacity of readable flash media. Models from Rolsen and Neoline interact only with flash drives with a capacity of no more than 16 GB. From competitors this characteristic is 32 GB.

Review analysis shows that Defender RT-Play is an affordable FM transmitter with good quality sound and the largest range in the segment (10 m, competitors have 3.5...5 m). However, this product is not suitable for truckers - like the Rolsen RFA-380, it is powered only from a 12V network. A worthy analogue for heavy truck drivers is Neoline Droid FM with a color LCD display. Ritmix FMT-A705 is less reliable.

We are looking at a car FM transmitter with Bluetooth support

The trend is that flash drives are used less and less as a library for storing your favorite music. This is partly due to the difficulty of matching favorite tracks to different moods. But most often, consumers refuse this method of transferring music due to the presence of a sophisticated player or smartphone. And they, as you know, are equipped with a “blue channel”.

Now it becomes clear why budget modulators are rapidly losing popularity among car enthusiasts. Their main drawback is that they lack Bluetooth.


The cost of well-equipped blue tooth repeaters is about 2,000 rubles. Full-featured models are considered:

  • Neoline Wave FM – 1,800 rubles;
  • Mystery MFM-80BCU – 1,950 rubles.

An interesting alternative to them is Xiaomi Roidmi 3S. Price list for this model 1,150 rubles. We'll look into the features further.

FYI. Buying car FM transmitter with Bluetooth function, you should pay attention to the presence of a microphone. The presence of the latter indicates that the device supports Hands Free technology.

Neoline Wave FM

This gadget is controlled using both hardware buttons and the remote control. There are two USB connectors on the front panel, designed for both charging and reading digital information from a USB flash drive. There is also a slot for microSD cards. The maximum capacity of removable media is 32GB. Works in both 12 V and 24 V networks.

This repeater has some disadvantages:

  • The ringtone is not transmitted when there is an incoming call;
  • unfinished equalizer;
  • lack of RDS tag translation.

By purchasing Wave FM, a motorist joins himself to the fans of Hands Free technology. If the driver does not want to join the ranks of fans of “hands-free” communication, an analogue will suit him - Neoline Rave FM (1,590 rubles).

Mystery MFM-80BCU

Model, like , equipped with an LCD display. The device supports Hands Free and has 2 remote controls, one of which is mounted on the steering wheel. Among the features, it should be noted the presence of Clear Voice Capture technology, which removes extraneous noise and echo during a telephone conversation.

One of the main disadvantages of the device is the lack of a USB input. Another “minus” is the overly strict requirement for the volume of external microSD. Cards larger than 4 GB cannot be read.

Xiaomi Roidmi 3S


The question of how to set up an FM modulator in a car caused a lot of criticism in the previous 2S model. They were mainly due to the fact that the device did not fit the cigarette lighter of some cars. In the new generation, this drawback has been eliminated.

This model is of particular interest among car enthusiasts. Close attention is due to the unusual functionality of the transmitter:

  • Hands Free technology;
  • communication with the device via a smartphone application;
  • ability to switch tracks by shaking the phone.

The following facts are also noteworthy. Firstly, it does not have a display. Secondly, two USB outputs are intended exclusively for charging external devices.

Let's connect or how to set up an FM modulator in any car yourself

If It’s enough just to plug it into the cigarette lighter, but with FM transmitters everything looks much more complicated. As you know, a repeater converts digitized information into a radio signal. It is very important that the wave frequency generated by the device does not coincide with the broadcast frequency of public and special radio stations.

FYI. The frequency 87.5 FM is free in almost any city.

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The technology for setting up an FM modulator without Bluetooth is as follows.
    • Install a flash drive into the repeater.
  • Insert the device into the cigarette lighter.
  • Set the radio frequency using the remote control.
  • Turn on the radio and select Radio mode.
  • Set up the audio system to the FM modulator broadcast frequency.

The method for setting up a gadget with Bluetooth is almost the same as described above. Only the 6th transition is added, associated with connecting a smartphone via a wireless network.

Owners of a car FM transmitter with Bluetooth mode Xiaomi Roidmi 3S/2S operate according to a different scheme. The device is not equipped with a remote control - all settings are made in a special application available in Google Play And Apple App Store.

FYI. A blinking LED indicates that the device is not yet connected to the smartphone. After connecting the phone to the repeater via Bluetooth, the LED will simply light up.

Setting the operating frequency and activating the track switching mode by shaking the smartphone are done in the application. There you can also choose the color of the LED.

Verdict

  • There are two classes of FM modulators: without Bluetooth support (up to 500 rubles) and with blue channel support (about 2,000 rubles).
  • The best repeater without module " blue tooth": for a passenger car (12 V) – Defender RT-Play; for cargo (24 V) – Neoline Droid FM.
  • Decent models with Bluetooth: Neoline Wave FM; Mystery MFM-80BCU.
  • Xiaomi Roidmi 3S with Bluetooth is an interesting solution: it is controlled by an application installed on the smartphone. The range of functions includes switching songs by shaking the phone.
  • The device is configured by selecting the frequency at which the radio will receive the radio signal generated by the transmitter. In models with Bluetooth, you additionally need to connect a smartphone to the repeater.

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