Any driver will enjoy listening to his favorite music while driving. If you're in a traffic jam, music can help you relax and distract yourself. If you are driving at night for several hours, then rhythmic music will help you stay cheerful.
Not all car enthusiasts can boast of a modern audio system with USB connectors for flash memory. The radio does not always pick up well outside the city. And lots of CDs and MP3s in the glove compartment take up free space. In this case, you will be helped by a relatively inexpensive, but very functional device - an FM transmitter.
FM transmitter
An FM transmitter or MP3 modulator is an electronic device that allows you to listen to files stored on a memory card through FM radio. This is a small device that connects to a cigarette lighter.
Usually it comes with a remote control. There are also more modern models with a small touchscreen that displays track titles, so you don't need a remote control.
The principle of its operation is quite simple:
- the transmitter reads files from the internal or external storage;
- transforms them into radio waves;
- these radio waves are picked up by the FM radio of your radio and played back through the audio system.
That is, in fact, it is a small radio transmitter, its waves can be picked up not only by the antenna of your radio receiver, but also by the antennas of nearby devices.
FM transmitters for Android or iPhone work in the same way. But there is one big difference - signals are not transmitted via a radio channel, but via Bluetooth. Accordingly, your car's multimedia system must have an option such as Bluetooth reception. By turning it on, you can broadcast audio files from the smartphone's memory to the radio tape recorder and listen to them.
How to set up your FM transmitter?
Despite the seeming simplicity, the transmitter is a rather complicated device from a technical point of view, because in a small case it combines several functions at once:
- MP3 player that reads audio files in different formats, not just MP3;
- converter - thanks to it, the signal is modulated from a digital to a radio wave;
- transmitter - transmission of a signal over a radio channel.
In addition, there should also be a reader for memory cards, since the internal memory is usually not very large - 2-4 Gigabytes. There are also connectors for a USB cable to transfer files from the computer memory to the internal memory of the modulator.
The transmitter is connected to the cigarette lighter. The power of its transmitter is quite large - the signal can spread within a radius of up to 20 meters, although in reality 1-2 meters are enough, since this is the distance from the transmitter to the antenna of your radio.
Then you simply tune the modulator and your FM receiver to one frequency not occupied by radio stations. Let's say from our own experience that in a big city, almost all frequencies are occupied and overlap each other, so it is quite difficult to find a free band. But outside the city, the device will work much better.
However, there is one problem - on FM stations, all tracks are optimized, that is, they pass through a special filter system, due to which they sound pretty decent even on the cheapest radio receiver. In budget FM modulators, such filters are not provided, so the quality will be appropriate. And if you still have not the best radio tape recorder, then the sound can be very bad, with interference.
You can select several modes of track playback: in order, in random order, playlists. Different transmitter models can read files from only one folder, while some read both the root directory and all its subfolders.
The most advanced models of transmitters allow you to adjust the playback volume. In addition, you can directly connect sound sources to them, such as mini speakers, headphones, smartphones and tablets.
Based on all that has been said and from our own experience, we will say that it is best to use an FM modulator outside the city, where there is the least interference. In Moscow, there are enough radio stations for every taste, and the quality of their signal is very good.
A little about the choice of the device.
Information about what a transmitter for a car is will be of most interest to owners of cars produced 10 years ago or more. Most of these vehicles are outdated by today's standards. In this regard, it is necessary to improve some units or systems.
It is quite simple to decipher the meaning of "FM transmitter", what it is. The concept came from the English language - Frequency modulation, translated as frequency modulation. In fact, the device is a device capable of playing audio files located on removable media. They are transmitted to the built-in FM radio in the vehicle. Then the sound is output to the speakers of the audio system installed in the car.
The car FM modulator (transmitter) was most in demand at a time when the car did not have the now popular USB connector. If you have a flash drive, you can play music through this device in a more comfortable mode. More modern car devices allow smartphones to connect to them. Still, the prerequisites for connecting such a device are:
- the presence of a regular radio in the cabin;
- built-in speakers inside the car;
- cigarette lighter socket working close to the radio.
The principle of operation and device device
Let's figure out how a modulator works in a car and what it is. Visually, the FM transmitter in the car has a small size. An obligatory attribute of most models is a large cigarette lighter plug. After installing the gadget in the working slot, thanks to the rotating hinge, we choose a comfortable position. Management can be carried out in two ways:
- buttons located on the body;
- via the remote control.
The following elements can be used as sources of files:
- classic USB flash drive;
- SD format drive;
- flash drive microCD.
Important! When choosing an FM transmitter for a car, you need to pay attention to the information about the file system and the permissible maximum values of the connected media.
The parameters are always indicated in the instructions for use. Cheaper copies do not have it in Russian, you need to navigate in them intuitively.
The most popular audio formats WAV / WMA / MP3 / FLAC are played. These data are also indicated in the instructions, however, the most popular files are MP3.
The played songs from the flash drive are sent as a stream to the modulator (transmitter). It has a short range. Usually the signal is distributed within the car interior. To catch the desired wave, you need to tune the built-in standard FM receiver to it. In this way, the sound from the flash drive is sent to the speakers.
In order for the signal transmission to be of the highest quality, the presence of large barriers between the transmitter and the receiver is not allowed. Otherwise, noise will appear. The wave on which the signal is transmitted is usually far from the main radio stations and is close to the extreme positions of the frequency tuning. It is often around 88 MHz. The value is indicated in the instructions.
Criterias of choice
It will be possible to select the optimal model due to the optimal set of functions in the device. In most cases, the basic set is sufficient for comfortable listening to music. Among the many devices, three groups can be distinguished that are suitable for the role of an additional audio system.
First group
The budget variant with modest features often has a two-color display. An affordable price tag and a small number of features can be obtained in parallel with an average playback quality. Such devices are capable of supporting flash drives with a small amount of memory.
Since scanning for such gadgets does not always work correctly, it is recommended to dump files to the root directory. Folder breakdown is often a bad practice.
It is important to know that budget models are not equipped with their own memory, it is all removable.
A typical representative is the Ritmix FMT-A705. It has a remote control for switching tracks and play / pause. The file information is displayed on the screen. Plays MP3 with a radius of up to 5m.
Second group
More expensive devices are capable of displaying graphic information in popular formats on a color monitor. They are also designed to read files in separate parks / directories from large media. Devices have an internal memory reserve, which has a positive effect on their work.
An example is the Ritmix FMT-A765. The device is equipped with a color display and is capable of playing MP3 and WMA files. Allows work with large media up to 16 GB. Convenience is the presence of a 3.5 mm jack, through which you can connect a smartphone. The set includes a remote control.
Third group
More advanced devices in the design have a unit with wireless data transmission Bluetooth. This allows them to be paired with phones using a simpler technology. Also, this option provides the ability to make hands-free phone calls in the car.
One of the advanced gadgets is the Jet.A JA-16. It has up to 2GB of internal storage. At the same time, the device has line inputs / outputs, a remote control, the ability to play audio, photo and video, a USB connector and Bluetooth.
Optimal parameters
When choosing a transmitter in a car, you need to pay attention to the set modes. When the music in the cabin sounds in a light background, then it is enough to choose a budget model with a remote control. For a driver who spends a long time behind the wheel, we recommend giving preference to models with bluetooth. This way, you can easily connect your phone and not violate traffic rules.
Music-savvy gourmets should choose models with great possibilities. The fancy ones will brighten up the pastime in traffic and will even be able to reproduce a video picture. You can also view the photo without discharging your smartphone.
Many drivers cannot imagine the process of driving without their favorite music. And automakers fully satisfy this need by installing a multi-channel audio system. The head playback device of a modern car is able not only to read information from a flash drive, but also to establish a relationship with a smartphone and even recharge it.
But what should the owners of old cars with regular radio tape recorders do - after all, it is unlikely to be able to update it. A car FM transmitter with Bluetooth, capable of freely connecting 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 captured by the antenna of the on-board car audio system, and the desired track is played in radio mode.
The choice of a suitable device is carried out according to the following criteria:
- the allowed capacity of the flash drive;
- Bluetooth support;
- presence of a microphone;
- radius of action;
- the ability to recharge external devices via USB;
- readable music file formats.
Choosing the best radio modulator in the budget segment
The initial repeater models only partially extend the functionality of the native audio system. Usually they only recognize a USB stick and a compact microSD. It never comes to a smartphone.
The form factor in the public sector is price. The cost of the devices below does not exceed 500 rubles: 
- Ritmix FMT-A705 - 310 rubles;
- Rolsen RFA-380 - 330 rubles;
- Defender RT-Play - 420 rubles;
- Neoline Droid FM - 450 rubles.
All models are equipped with remote controls and support MP3. In addition, they are trained to save the last song and iterate through folders with music. The aforementioned devices from Rolsen and Defender are capable of playing WMA along with MP3.
Before setting up the presented FM modulators in the machine, let's figure out the permissible capacity of readable flash media. Models from Rolsen and Neoline only interact with flash drives with a capacity of no more than 16 GB. For competitors, this characteristic is 32 GB.
Analysis of reviews shows that Defender RT-Play is an affordable FM transmitter with good sound quality and the largest range in the segment (10 m, for competitors - 3.5 ... 5 m). However, this product will not be suitable for truckers - like the Rollsen 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. The Ritmix FMT-A705 is less reliable.
Looking after a car FM transmitter with support for Bluetooth channel
The trend is that flash drives are less and less used as a library for storing your favorite music. This is partly due to the difficulty of matching favorite tracks to suit different moods. But more often than not, consumers refuse this method of transferring music due to the presence of a fancy player or smartphone. And they are known to be equipped with a "blue channel".
Now it becomes clear why budget modulators are rapidly losing popularity among motorists. They have the main drawback - there is no bluetooth. 
The cost of a well-equipped repeater with a "blue tooth" is about 2,000 rubles. Fully functional models are:
- Neoline Wave FM - 1,800 rubles;
- Mystery MFM-80BCU - 1,950 rubles.
An interesting alternative to them is the Xiaomi Roidmi 3S. The price tag for this model is 1,150 rubles. We will understand the features further.
For your information. When buying a 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 a remote control. On the front panel there are two USB connectors designed for both charging and reading digital information from a USB flash drive. There is also a slot for microSD cards. The maximum removable media capacity is 32GB. Works in both 12V and 24V networks. 
The disadvantages of this repeater are:
- a call signal is not transmitted with an incoming call;
- unfinished equalizer;
- lack of broadcasting of RDS tags.
Buying Wave FM, a motorist acquires himself to admirers of the "Hands Free" technology. If the driver does not want to join the ranks of fans of "handless" 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 attached to the steering wheel. Of the features, it should be noted the presence of the Clear Voice Capture technology, which removes extraneous noise and echo during a telephone conversation.
One of the main drawbacks of the device is the lack of a USB input. Another "minus" is the overly strict requirement for the volume of external microSD. Maps larger than 4 GB cannot be read.
Xiaomi Roidmi 3S
The question of how to set up the FM modulator in the car caused a lot of complaints from 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 is eliminated.
This model is of particular interest among motorists. The close attention is due to the unusual functionality of the transmitter:
- Hands Free technology;
- communication with the device through the application in the smartphone;
- the ability to switch tracks by shaking the phone.
Such facts are also remarkable. First, it lacks a display. Secondly, two USB outputs are intended exclusively for charging external devices.
We connect or how to set up an FM modulator in any machine yourself
If if you just plug it into the cigarette lighter, then with FM transmitters everything looks much more complicated. As you know, the repeater converts the digitized information into a radio signal. It is very important that the frequency of the wave generated by the device does not coincide with the broadcasting frequency of public and special radio stations.
For your information. Frequency 87.5 FM is free in almost any city.
FM modulator tuning technology without Bluetooth is as follows.
- Install a USB flash drive into the repeater.
- Insert the device into the cigarette lighter.
- Tune the broadcasting frequency with the remote control.
- Turn on the radio and select the Radio mode.
- Tune the audio system to the broadcast frequency of the FM modulator.
The method of setting up a gadget with bluetooth is almost the same as described above. Only the 6th transition is added, associated with connecting the smartphone wirelessly.
Owners of a car FM transmitter with Bluetooth mode Xiaomi Roidmi 3S / 2S operate according to a different scheme. The device does not come with a remote control - all settings are made in a special application available in Google Play and the Apple App Store. 
For your information. A blinking LED indicates that the device is not yet connected to the smartphone. After connecting the phone to the repeater via the bluetooth channel, the LED will simply light up.
Setting the operating frequency and activating the track switching mode by shaking the smartphone are made in the application. You can also choose the color of the LED there.
Verdict
- There are two classes of FM modulators: without Bluetooth support (up to 500 rubles) and with support for the "blue channel" (about 2,000 rubles).
- The best repeater without the "blue tooth" module: for a passenger car (12V) - 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 a smartphone. The range of functions includes switching songs by shaking the phone.
- The device is configured by selecting the frequency at which the radio tape recorder will receive the radio signal generated by the transmitter. In models with bluetooth, you must additionally connect a smartphone to the repeater.
Do you have a regular FM radio in your car, but sometimes you want to listen to recordings from a flash card? To do this, it is not at all necessary to buy an expensive audio system; it will be quite enough to install a small device called an FM transmitter. Let's take a look at what an FM transmitter is and what functions it performs.
What an FM transmitter might look like.
A small-sized gadget, which is called an FM modulator or FM transmitter, is needed to be a link between a regular USB flash drive and an FM radio receiver. Usually the device is used in cars that are over 10-15 years old, equipped with old-style radio tape recorders. With the connection of an FM transmitter, it becomes possible to play music compositions recorded on a USB flash drive and other digital media using the radio.
Modern FM modulators provide the ability to pair with a phone, laptop to read audio files from their memory without transferring them to a flash card. This device makes life extremely easy for owners of old cars and allows you to do without replacing the car radio with a new digital audio device.
How does FM transmitter work?
What a connected FM transmitter looks like in a car
A typical FM transmitter is equipped with a car cigarette lighter socket, from which it receives power. Almost all models are equipped with a small display, which reflects the operating frequency and other parameters. Some models are supplied with a remote control that allows you to control the transmitter from the rear seat.
All modern devices have a USB connector for connecting a flash drive, and a slot for a micro-SD card. Modulators that can communicate with a phone or laptop do this via a standard cable with an audio jack or via bluetooth. Another connection option is using the appropriate applications for phones, which can be downloaded from the application store.
The main unit of the FM transmitter is an electronic unit that reads information in digital format and transforms it into an analog radio signal of the selected frequency. The reading takes place directly from the connected carrier, or at first the information is copied to the internal memory of the device, and from there it is sent to modulation.
Depending on the design, the signal goes either to a low-power radio transmitter, which transmits it to the antenna of the FM radio, or to a wired modulator, which transmits it for playback by the radio tape recorder over the wire. The length of the carrier frequency must be different from the frequency ranges of radio stations, otherwise the overlap of the signals received by the FM receiver will degrade the quality of sound reproduction, or even make listening to music impossible.
How to choose an FM transmitter
When choosing a transmitter, it is easy to get confused in the variety of models and functions, therefore, you must first familiarize yourself with the capabilities of different devices at least a little. We will take cost segments as the basis for the classification, since this indicator almost always coincides with the functionality of FM modulators.
Inexpensive budget FM transmitters
The simplest models provide, as a rule, only one function - the ability to play audio recordings from a USB drive with a small memory capacity on a car radio. They are equipped with a minimum of control buttons and a small black and white display. A full scan of the playlist is most often impossible, playback is carried out in the order of recording in the root directory. Such devices do not have their own memory, the playback quality is average.
FM transmitters of the middle price segment
The devices have a small memory of their own and a color display that can display photographs or other graphic images. Due to the presence of memory, the speed of information processing is increased compared to the simplest models, so the functionality allows you to create your own playlists and process files in several different formats. As a rule, such FM modulators can connect with smartphones and other media players with their own memory, for which a cable with an audio jack is provided in the kit. In addition, the design usually provides a slot for micro-SD memory cards.
FM transmitters with bluetooth
The absence of a cord for connecting to a smartphone ensures the convenience of using the FM transmitter. In addition to audio playback, they serve to maintain a speakerphone, allowing you to talk on the phone without interrupting traffic on the road. Other functions are also provided - video playback, remote control, etc.
What to look for when choosing?
Depending on how the FM transmitter will be used, three user modes can be distinguished:
- background sound source - for those who do not pay too much attention to the melodies being played, do not like to create playlists on their own, so you can limit yourself to the simplest and most inexpensive model;
- audio + bluetooth - the optimal mode for those who spend a lot of time on the road every day, often have to answer calls, need a high-quality and convenient speakerphone;
- maximum possibilities - an option for those who value high-quality sound or feel the need to play video files.
However, the technical capabilities of modulators are constantly increasing, and it is possible that new models will have or already have even more advanced functionality.
How to set up an FM transmitter
Often, when trying to tune the FM transmitter, the maximum that can be done is to get a sound accompanied by hiss of radio interference. For many drivers, it is not clear how this can happen, because the radio tape recorder and the transmitter are close, literally at a distance of half a meter from each other, and the radio signal level should ensure ideal reception. However, they forget that the reception of the signal is carried out not by the radio tape recorder itself, but by its antenna, which is usually placed outside the cabin, is located in the rear of the body, besides, the metal of the body absorbs a significant part of the radio signal. We must not forget about the interference caused by electric wires stretched along the streets. In contrast, for an active antenna on the windshield, the signal from the FM transmitter can be too strong, and the device literally chokes, passing a powerful signal through its wideband input amplifier.
Music accompanies us throughout life, we hear it on the street, savor hits in our players and phones, learn about new items on the radio. Perhaps more often than in other places, music can be heard in a passing car. Any motorist will be happy to create an additional musical background for his trip, but not all cars can boast of the presence of modern media systems equipped with a set of ports and a CD drive. A simple device called an FM transmitter will help correct the situation.
An FM transmitter is ...
Outdated technologies and so-called crutches are always a compromise that consumers, in particular motorists, have to make very often. This happens due to the lack of more modern and advanced solutions in their cars. A transmitter is an electronic device that allows you to play audio files in various extensions and broadcast them to a nearby radio receiver. A similar gadget has become a partial replacement for cassette players. At the junction of technologies, when flash cards were already gaining popularity, and Bluetooth players were not yet, another invention was used - a transmitter. Radio recorders are rarely equipped with a full set of functions, especially those that come in the basic assembly of a car, therefore, such a workaround has become a necessity.
FM transmitter description
An FM transmitter for a car is a small device that connects to a car cigarette lighter. In most cases, the gadget is made of plastic. Has a hinged body for more comfortable interaction and playback control. Often, devices in this category are equipped with a display that displays information about the data being played or the content loaded into the transmitter's memory. On some models, full-fledged controls are installed, including remote options. The remote control of the transmitter allows you to switch, rewind tracks, adjust the volume level, and select the playback order (for example, make the transmitter play music in random order).
It is important to know: the overwhelming majority of passenger cars supply voltage with a power of 12 volts, which is enough for the gadget to work. The on-board systems of more massive machines running on usually have a voltage twice as high, as a result of which FM transmitters designed for 12 volts burn out.
The principle of operation of the FM transmitter
So, we found out that the FM transmitter is a device for playing data. Why is it needed when there are replacements in the form of CDs and flash drives? Actually, this is a solution for those who do not have one or simply prefer to use a phone or a Bluetooth player as music storage.
Depending on the model, the transmitter housing contains a number of communication elements:
- USB port. For connecting flash drives, iPhones and iPods.
- MicroSD / MMC slots. For connecting more compact flash drives.
- Bluetooth. For broadcasting from your phone or player.
The FM transmitter, in the course of its activity, analyzes the contents of the connected storage for the presence of audio files in them and others. After that, the process of converting digital audio into electrical audio signal begins. The transmitter sends a signal to the radio that is strong enough to be picked up by the car's built-in radio. Actually, it is the receiver that amplifies the signal, relaying it to the speaker system installed in the car's interior. The surrounding people, in turn, hear the music from the carrier connected to the FM transmitter.
Important: the instructions of the transmitter (regardless of the model) state that the gadget must be tuned to an unoccupied frequency in order not to interfere with other programs, not to create unnecessary interference and, in principle, to function correctly.
FM transmitter Ritmix FMT A705 - the most affordable option
A very decent and at the same time completely inexpensive FM transmitter, which perfectly copes with its main task and has a number of implicit advantages.
In addition to the extremely low price (only about 350 rubles), one of the important advantages of the device is a universal battery that works great both with 12-volt on-board systems and with 24-volt ones. There is a simple equalizer to achieve an acceptable sound. The device works with all types of flash drives, supports massive file systems up to 32 gigabytes (a rarity for transmitters in this price niche).
Speaking of the shortcomings, one cannot fail to mention the monolithic body, which does not allow adjusting the display position, as well as the lack of support for any additional audio formats besides MP3.
FM transmitter Rolsen RFA-100
Another representative of the budget segment of FM transmitters, which is suitable for not too picky users.
First of all, this device is distinguished by ergonomics and a good arrangement of controls. Even in poor lighting conditions, it is not possible to make an erroneous press. At the same time, the case looks stylish and attracts attention. There is a soft, very pleasant display backlight that does not strain the driver's eyes. Pleases also the price tag, you can buy this gadget for a modest 500 rubles. The set includes a remote control. Users note the high quality of signal transmission even when working in parallel with other devices that often have a negative impact on the sound quality (for example, video recorders).
The disadvantages include the limited amount of supported flash drives (no more than 4 gigabytes).
FM transmitter Mystery MFM-80BCU
Great multifunctional device. Perhaps one of the best, if not the best Bluetooth transmitter, capable of rewarding any radio tape recorder with advanced, seemingly unattainable functionality.
The gadget is capable of receiving a signal via the wireless Bluetooth protocol, which means that the user will no longer need to worry about the presence of a flash drive and its filling. Moreover, the driver is entitled to use this FM transmitter as a headset. The control can be carried out using two control panels. One of them is full-fledged, equipped with a digital block, allows you to dial numbers and make phone calls. The second remote control is simplified, attaches directly to the steering wheel, allows you to switch tracks, stop and start playback.
Also, the device boasts a proprietary technology Clear Voice Capture for high quality sound transmission, without significant losses and additional interference (echo, rattle and other radio signal conductors).
Another highlight of the transmitter is the large 1.4-inch display.
FM transmitter Intego FM-105
When looking at a solution from Intego, the first thing that comes to mind is thoughts of a road navigator or mini communicator. This is due to the large display, which is atypical for devices of this category. Actually, such a large screen is installed in the gadget for a reason, it is one of the few transmitters that support video playback. The decision is ambiguous and is unlikely to find a sufficient number of supporters.
Talking about the Intego FM-105, it is impossible to ignore the fact that this FM transmitter for cars has a very impressive sound quality.
Is the game worth the candle?
An FM transmitter is a very specific device, which, in addition to the obvious advantages described above, also has serious disadvantages. First of all, there is definitely a very low sound quality. This fact will greatly affect those who rarely listen to the radio and prefer to enjoy their music at a high bit rate.
Additional discomfort is created by the lack of support for massive hard drives, this limits those sitting in the cabin, does not allow you to take all any playlists and albums with you. This problem can be avoided by purchasing a Bluetooth transmitter, but then the sound quality will drop even lower.
As a result, fans of FM transmitters are forced to compromise, always losing something. In the end, the only objective advantage of a FM transmitter over a modern radio tape recorder is its low cost.
