MP3 FM Modulator
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I have been looking for some time for a light weight and low cost FM modulator so I can play my MP3 files through the radio of rental cars when I travel. I recently stumbled across the "VR3 MP3 FM Modulator" at a Wal-Mart in Minnesota for less than $30 USD that is perfect for this purpose.
It is approximately the same size and weight as a standard 12 volt cigarette lighter adapter, so it fits easily in a nook inside my briefcase. When it is inserted into any cigarette lighter receptacle, it immediately begins broadcasting an FM signal that can be picked up by the car radio. Tapping the button in the center of the control changes the digital channel to one of seven frequencies ranging from 88.7 to 88.9 Megahertz.
The included audio cable connects from any headphone out jack to the Modulator. Touching the Play button sends the signal from your MP3 player, laptop computer, et cetera directly to the car radio, so you can enjoy your own music rather than listen to the static on local stations. Since the Modulator is self-powered, there are no batteries to worry about.
The clever device also turns any USB memory stick into an MP3 player. If you insert a memory stick containing MP3 files into the USB port on the Modulator, and touch the Play button, it will automatically play those song files one after the other. You can also Pause, or use the Forward and Back buttons to skip from to another track.
Since the USB port is powered, it can also be used to recharge many small electronic devices. I modified an old USB cable by adding a Radio Shack connector that is compatible with my ARCHOS Gmini 400 . So, I now have a simple cable that provides 5 volts of low amperage DC current to recharge my 20 GB audio-video player from any USB port. It also recharges my Toshiba PDA, so that's two less charger bricks I need to carry when I travel.
Additional information on this VR3 product can be found online at www.virtualrealitysoundlabs.com .
