AM1690WOQ

Here’s my review on the C. Crane FM Transmitter.

I ordered this from www.ccrane.com for about $70. In less then a week, I had it in my little hands, and ready for testing. I like the LCD display, though it could be backlit for nighttime use. Has nice buttons for easy tuning of frequency. Added bonus is it has a sleep timer that will shut the device down after 1, 2, 3, 4 or 8 hours to save batteries. It has a coiled audio cord attached with a 1/8 stereo plug that can be plugged into a laptop, CD Player, or any device you want. Has a level adjust pot on the side and a LED to warn of hot audio levels. Came with an audio adaptor and a power supply. 2 AA batteries not included. It’s FCC certified.

Here’s my review on the C. Crane FM Transmitter.

I ordered this from www.ccrane.com for about $70. In less then a week, I had it in my little hands, and ready for testing. I like the LCD display, though it could be backlit for nighttime use. Has nice buttons for easy tuning of frequency. Added bonus is it has a sleep timer that will shut the device down after 1, 2, 3, 4 or 8 hours to save batteries. It has a coiled audio cord attached with a 1/8 stereo plug that can be plugged into a laptop, CD Player, or any device you want. Has a level adjust pot on the side and a LED to warn of hot audio levels. Came with an audio adaptor and a power supply. 2 AA batteries not included. It’s FCC certified.

The downside is the range of the transmitter. If you want to transmit streaming audio in the house, or playing MP3s in the car it’s great, but don’t expect a usable signal outside. It’s not a good “Yardcaster” unless you have a good radio. It will transmit from 88.3 – 107.7 FM, so no 88.1 or 107.9. I can live with that!

If your XM/Sirius transmitter has an FM transmitter in it, use it instead. I tested my XM transmitter vs. the C. Crane transmitter using the S Meter on my Icom IC706MK2G. The antenna for UHF/VHF had been taken off, and the setting was WFM (Wide band FM). The C. Crane TX was closer to the antenna nub located on the trunk of the car. The C. Crane had a 5/5 signal and peeked at 5/7. The XM peeked 40 DB over, and held a 20 DB over most of the time.

Overall, not a bad transmitter. It’s worth the price if you need a low-powered device. Just don’t expect it to do much more then maybe a room or two. Also great for the car if you have a MP3 or Laptop computer. Great for travel. Not great for broadcasting.