FM Transmitters

[Acathla]

I got myself a little FM transmitter device last week for my Zen which allows me to put it on random and tune into an FM signal in my car so i can listen to my MP3s whilst driving. Its called an audia X and I got it from www.aqsound.com.

Now I have slight concerns over its use because on the aq website it says:

FM Transmitters WARNING Outdated UK Laws (The Wireless and Telegraphy Act, 1949) designed to stop pirate radio stations and people interfering with government frequencies do not allow FM Transmitters such as the AudiaX to be used in the UK. We will sell you one, but only if you warrant that you do not intend to use it in breach of any UK law.

Has anyone had any experience with these transmitters and do anyone know if they are indeed illegal?

I've seen similair devices from apple for ipods and know people that use these. Surely they wouldnt be able to sell them if they are illegal?

thanks for any infos

Edit: http://www.aqsound.com/store/en/view_product/198/

[bob_builder]

They are indeed illegal to use under current UK law.

Whether, they would be able to detect you using one is debatable, however.


From http://www.theregister.co.uk/2004/10/27/itrip_black/

Bootnote for UK readers Use of the iTrip remains illegal in the UK. To quote Ofcom: "The use of the FM broadcast band to transmit a radio signal from a device used in a vehicle to the car radio is illegal... Such use - despite the relative short range involved - is subject to licensing under Section 1 of the Wireless Telegraphy Act 1949. As the FM broadcast band is allocated for the exclusive use of licensed broadcasters no other systems are permitted to operate within the band. Use of these systems therefore constitutes an offence.

"Transmitting offences under the WT Act 1949 attract a maximum penalty of £5000 and/or imprisonment for a term not exceeding six months." Phew. The joys of living in the free world, eh?

[skyblueheroes]

The fact this act is even called 1949 shows how out of date these things are

Lets get in the 21st century for gods sake.

[altis]

..and the view from the horse's mouth:

http://www.ofcom.org.uk/radiocomms/i...hnical/srd811/

[Acathla]

That PDF is a wicked read thanks for the link.

I guess I will keep using it and just hide from the ofcom regulators

[Flubflow]

I suppose its not so bad if you drive around the same area and you use a frequency well away from other radio stations but if you travel round the country a lot then, unless you are aware of the other stations and you keep changing the transmitt frequency accordingly, there is a good chance that it will at some point interfere with other people's radio reception (especially in town/traffic jams where there are more cars close to your transmitter). It also depends on the quality of the unit (i.e. if it drifts and/or emitts harmonics at other frequencies)

A better device would be one that fits inline with your antenna cable. It is extremely low power (its more of an inductance than actual transmitting). The only disadvantage is that it is not very portable from car to car.
I used to have a link to a website that sold such a device but I can't find it at the moment.

[zoombini]

Is it not possible to have this hard wired into your car radio?
perhaps using a CD changer input etc?
Then a simple 3.5mm jack lead should enable you to have lovely Zen music throughout the journey.

[Flubflow]

Originally Posted by zoombini

Is it not possible to have this hard wired into your car radio?
perhaps using a CD changer input etc?
Then a simple 3.5mm jack lead should enable you to have lovely Zen music throughout the journey.

I think the transmitter thingy is aimed at the older/cheaper radios that have no audio input.

[nffc]

Originally Posted by Flubflow

I think the transmitter thingy is aimed at the older/cheaper radios that have no audio input.

Not possible to use one of those converter tape thingies then?

[altis]

Here's one that fits in the lead between the aerial and the radio:

http://cpc.farnell.com/jsp/endecaSea...=AV07155&N=411

Note that you will also suffer interference if there is a strong signal on the same (or a very nearby) frequency. Your radio will not be able to distinguish your little FM transmitter from the big one.

[Flubflow]

Originally Posted by altis

Here's one that fits in the lead between the aerial and the radio:

http://cpc.farnell.com/jsp/endecaSea...=AV07155&N=411

Note that you will also suffer interference if there is a strong signal on the same (or a very nearby) frequency. Your radio will not be able to distinguish your little FM transmitter from the big one.

Thats the thing I was on about.
Here's another one..... http://www.maplin.co.uk/Module.aspx?...ModuleNo=44128

[andygrif]

Originally Posted by skyblueheroes

The fact this act is even called 1949 shows how out of date these things are

Lets get in the 21st century for gods sake.

I agree the law is probably due for updating somewhat, but the reasons are pretty clear and IMHO warranted. There's an awful lot of stuff that uses the FM spectrum in this country. Up until a few years ago the Police were still using the 88-108mHz range, so it's not really surprising we have a law prohibiting any transmission devices that use that same space is it?

AFAIK Ofcom are looking at having a pan EU standard for these type of devices to ensure you're not interfering with other broadcasters at all, even if it is only to the car next door.

[Acathla]

looks a bit complex that!

[Flubflow]

Originally Posted by Acathla

looks a bit complex that!

Where's ya sense of adventure?

Originally Posted by Acathla

I got myself a little FM transmitter device last week for my Zen which allows me to put it on random and tune into an FM signal in my car so i can listen to my MP3s whilst driving. Its called an audia X and I got it from www.aqsound.com.

Now I have slight concerns over its use because on the aq website it says:



Has anyone had any experience with these transmitters and do anyone know if they are indeed illegal?

I've seen similair devices from apple for ipods and know people that use these. Surely they wouldnt be able to sell them if they are illegal?

thanks for any infos

Edit: http://www.aqsound.com/store/en/view_product/198/

On a side note, would you recommend this item?

I was thinking of getting one as my existing one only transmits on 107.7 so it does battle againt other stations from time to time, this one appears to be quite flexible on the frequency it transmits on.

Also what is thier service like, fast delivery etc?

Cheers,

Tuftus