Comments on: Griffin RoadTrip FM Transmitter Review

By: Robert

Robert — Thu, 01 Oct 2009 17:55:42 +0000

I loved my RoadTrip…for about 5 weeks! Now, it repeatedly loses its connection, squelches, and stops playing. The plug fits VERY snugly into my outlets; so, I think the connection issue is in the swivel end, but I can’t confirm this. I also have messages that pop up repeatedly about how this isn’t an approved device, or do I want to enter airplane mode, etc.

The bottom line, though, is this: Griffin’s warranty is good for 30 days. So, I’ve done nothing but waste a good chunk of change on a worthless device made by a company, who simply doesn’t stand behind their products. I know why they don’t stand behind them, too; the product blows big time!

If anyone ever finds a similar device that actually works, I’d love to hear about it. I will never purchase another Griffin product, however.

By: Julie

Julie — Thu, 10 Sep 2009 21:59:17 +0000

@Gans T I did not try it, I just assumed. I just now dug the RoadTrip out of a drawer and tested it with my iPhone 3GS and OS version 3.1. You’re right, it does not work. I just plays the audio. I was only able to test it by recording a video using the camera. I wasn’t able to get YouTube to load a video from my garage.

By: Gans T

Gans T — Thu, 10 Sep 2009 19:53:40 +0000

Julie, you say “The dock can even rotate, which is pretty cool. This is a great feature that can allow passengers to watch videos while driving” HOW DO YOU GET VIDEO TO PLAY?
Either you just said it as it seemed plausible but didn’t actually try it or you know something MIKE (see above) and I don’t. Either way, please spill the beans Julie.

By: Wayne

Wayne — Mon, 27 Jul 2009 21:05:09 +0000

I’ve been tentatively eyeing this up for my iPhone 3GS. But one more thing that concerns me, is cellphone tower interference. Every other FM transmitter I’ve tried has suffered badly from this as I move between towers or receive calls. Does this one have the same problems?

By: Vince

Vince — Fri, 24 Jul 2009 19:57:35 +0000

I purchased one last night at my local WalMart for the 3Gs. The box states its compatable with the 3G. I plugged it in and got a message on my iPhone that said this device was not compatable with the iPhone. I took it back and got a refund.

By: Jonny C.

Jonny C. — Thu, 16 Jul 2009 19:28:22 +0000

As pointed out above by RNS, it is possible to switch the device to European mode and make use of frequencies down to 87.6. To do this, hit ‘Function’ and then press and hold ‘Mode’. It will immediately go to the normal ‘Mode’ page, but continue holding it for about 10 seconds. The screen will then display ‘US’ ‘EU’ and ‘JA’. Press the ‘EU’ button and wait for it to bring you back to the home screen.

Before doing this I got decent receptions with just a little low level static. Now I use the device on 87.7 all the time with next to no static and excellent sound quality. Totally takes the device from good to top notch.

Also a note about Griffin’s customer service. I bought this product used, and it was the first edition without iPhone support. No problem since I have an iPod Touch 2g, and it works fine with it. The only thing is that the first edition RoadTrip didn’t come with the dock for a 2g, just the 1g Touch. Called Griffin and no questions asked they shipped out a free dock attachment for my Touch. What a class act.

By: Mimanshu

Mimanshu — Mon, 13 Jul 2009 22:09:31 +0000

Forgot to mention, it is the new version of the Griffin FM Transmitter which even charges my iPhone..

By: Mimanshu

Mimanshu — Mon, 13 Jul 2009 22:08:24 +0000

I recently bought a Griffin FM Transmitter which was recommended by the Apple Store. I travelled across NJ/ DE/ VA/ NC and was surprised to see how easy was it to search for the available FM signals. The did have some sound distortion at times but, cannot complain about it since, I cannot afford to install a AUX connection in my 2007 Honda Accord.
I would recommend this for people who do not want to spend a lot in AUX/ new Car stereo installed. Defintely, worth it.

By: Robert

Robert — Sat, 11 Jul 2009 17:01:43 +0000

Tried it, when I could get a signal, which was very hard to do it had static and the sound was so thin that I could not stand it.

My guess is this device is as good as it gets, it is the technology that is flawed.

It is going back today.

By: RNS

RNS — Fri, 03 Jul 2009 11:40:19 +0000

Someone on amazon.com pointed out that you can change the settings to a european (or japanese) setting. The EU settings allow you to go from 87.x in single steps

By: Tom

Tom — Thu, 25 Jun 2009 09:31:59 +0000

I bought one of these a few months back. It’s great, and really does hold the iphone at any angle.

My only issue with it is that it will not retain the preset station frequencies once the power has been cut to it. I’ve had some of their other incarnations and they work fine. Why this model won’t remember it’s preset’s is beyond me. Perhaps mine is just faulty.

But it’s sufficient a bug-bear that it makes me jump into the car and rather than playing music, I only use it for charging the phone!

By: Mike

Mike — Tue, 09 Jun 2009 16:10:23 +0000

I bought the roadtrip about a month ago for my ipod touch. However, when I have my ipod touch docked, it will not play any video of any kind, only the audio track from it. As soon as I undock it, the video starts right up. How can I get the video to play while docked?

By: Julie

Julie — Thu, 26 Mar 2009 21:12:52 +0000

@Lowretta This transmitter does not have the ability to do .1 steps and yes, you have to set your car radio frequency manually.

By: Lowretta

Lowretta — Thu, 26 Mar 2009 20:35:48 +0000

Can this unit be reset for international (wider range, 0.1 step) frequencies (for better range)? Does the car radio have to manually be set to corresponding station frequency?
I am doing lots of research….

By: Tom

Tom — Mon, 16 Mar 2009 01:15:35 +0000

I just got one of these a week ago. At first I tried it out for a day and the static coming through was horrendous. I was going to return it. I put it on mono rather than stereo and it started working much much much better. There are times where static does come back, and it is a pain to find a better frequency (while maintaining eyes on the road). I listen to podcasts mainly and I do have to say it is overall a nice unit. I have the iPhone 3G with a protective sleeve, and it would not fit with any of the adapters. I just took the adapter off altogether and it fits nice and snug, even sideways. Turn the “griffin” off, turn it to mono, remove the fitting adapter and I give it an 8 out of 10.

By: Griffin Wireless FM Transmitter | Monster Wireless FM Transmitter

Griffin Wireless FM Transmitter | Monster Wireless FM Transmitter — Sat, 14 Mar 2009 14:52:19 +0000

[...] Griffin RoadTrip FM Transmitter Review — The Gadgeteer [...]

By: Julie

Julie — Sat, 07 Mar 2009 21:44:22 +0000

@Lizzy Just get your fingernail under the edge of pry it up and off.

By: Lizzy

Lizzy — Sat, 07 Mar 2009 19:02:35 +0000

OK – here’s a dumb ass question. I can’t get the adapter off that came on the griffin! I see it’s “snap-on” – great, but how do I “snap-off”???!!

Please help!

By: Julie

Julie — Sun, 01 Mar 2009 15:14:45 +0000

@Audrey The RoadTrip does not remain powered on in my car. Maybe it depends on the type of powered socket that you insert it in.

By: Audrey

Audrey — Sun, 01 Mar 2009 09:14:50 +0000

I’ve heard reports that the Griffin unit remains powered on (light illuminated) even when the car is turned off, and that this might have some drain on the car’s battery. Any observations?

By: Rgrenader

Rgrenader — Tue, 17 Feb 2009 02:13:00 +0000

Here in La La Land, there is no such thing as an uncrowded portion of the FM band. Griffin FM Docs endlessly search for a usable frequency. Pah! Pay the $$ and get an integrated Alpine deck that allows you to drive your ‘pod.

By: Julie

Julie — Sat, 14 Feb 2009 02:55:08 +0000

@Tony C: It snaps it pretty securely. So far I’ve not had any issues with mine falling off.

By: Tony C

Tony C — Sat, 14 Feb 2009 00:23:31 +0000

I wouldn’t trust that design to safely hold an iPhone sideways in the dock. It’s liable to fall off the connector, which appears to be the only thing that allows it to defy gravity.

By: Shel TK

Shel TK — Fri, 13 Feb 2009 03:46:12 +0000

I had an earlier version of the Griffin dock as well, and also had problems in an area with a crowded FM spectrum. The other issue is that a lot of people in my area apparently have satellite radio in their cars . . . with wireless transmitters. Which meant that whenever I would pull up next to one of these people, I would get to listen to *their* music over *my* radio.

I also found that the bendable arm of the dock dies very quickly and won’t hold up the iPod anymore. More than once, a sudden stop or swerve actually threw my iPod out of the dock (and it was deeper than this one appears to be), or caused it to rotate and whack the driver’s knee.

I happily spent $300 for Christmas a year ago and bought an iPod-compatible stereo for my car so that I can plug the iPod in directly and leave it in my glove compartment.

By: Julie

Julie — Thu, 12 Feb 2009 18:25:34 +0000

@Marc: This one has worked pretty well for me. The Digiana transmitters seem to always work the best for me though.