ITrip

The iTrip is an FM-transmitter made by Griffin Technology as a third party accessory for Apple Computer's popular iPod MP3 player.

The iTrip plugs into the headphone socket of the iPod and converts the audio output into an FM radio signal, which can then be picked up by appliances such as car radios. It has a range of about fifteen feet (four and a half metres), and can broadcast on any FM frequency from 76.0 to 108.0 MHz (though the default US configuration is limited to 87.9 to 107.9 MHz). Instead of using batteries, the iTrip draws its power from the iPod through the remote connector port and the dock connector for an iTrip with a dock connector.

In March 2006, Griffin Technology released the iTrip as well as some of their other iPod accessories for the Sony PlayStation Portable (PSP).

Models

iTrip

The main iTrip product, which is still sold just under the name "iTrip", consists of just the main cylindrical unit, the headphone jack and remote connector. Instead of external buttons, the iTrip uses the iPod itself to control the broadcast frequency. Software bundled with the iTrip adds a playlist to iTunes containing audio files with a special set of tones in them. When this playlist is synched to the iPod, the user play one of the tracks corresponding to the desired frequency, which causes the connected iTrip to adjust frequency. To avoid the accidental retuning of the iTrip, each sound file has a short pause followed by another tone that causes the tuning command to abort.

iTrip Black

The iTrip Black is identical to the standard iTrip but black with white lettering, to match the design of the iPod U2 Special Edition.

iTrip mini

Shortly after the release of the iPod mini, Griffin introduced an "iTrip mini" designed to fit the iPod mini. The unit's body is designed to continue the iPod mini's profile, and the headphone jack and remote connector are located to the side to match the same location on the iPod mini. Aside from these physical shape differences, the functionality of the iTrip mini is the same as the standard iPod.

iTrip with LCD

In August 2005, Griffin launched a new version of the iTrip which incorporates a backlit LCD and a knob on the right hand side to control the iTrip's settings. It also introduced two sets of broadcast frequencies, US and International, and two transmission modes, LX and DX. The LX mode provides stereo audio at the expense of signal quality, while DX mode broadcasts a stronger, mono signal. The "iTrip with LCD" is sold alongside the 'original' format iTrip.

iTrip with Dock Connector

In October 2005, shortly after the launch of the 5th Generation iPod, a version of the iTrip that uses the lower dock connector was announced, following the removal of the remote control connector from the 5th Generation. This use of the dock connector makes it compatible with 3rd, 4th and 5th Generation iPods, iPod mini, iPod nano, and iPod touch though the design is targeted primarily at the main iPod line. The "iTrip with Dock Connector" incorporates an LCD screen as with the iTrip with LCD, and is controlled by a switch on the side. It comes in black or white, to match the colour options of the iPod.

iTrip Auto

In December 2005 Griffin introduced the iTrip Auto, a version geared exclusively for use in a vehicle. It resembles the USB cord that comes with the iPod, but contains the FM transmitter inline with the cord as well as a car charger at the end of the cord. This is particularly useful for long trips and for charging your iPod when in the car without having to purchase multiple adapters and cords. This version of the iTrip also optimizes the audio coming out of the iPod so no volume adjustments need to be made on the iPod itself, thus allowing you to control the volume exclusively through your car's radio.

Griffin Technology further expanded the iTrip Auto line with the iTrip Auto Universal, iTrip Auto Universal +, and iTrip Auto for Sansa. The iTrip Auto Universal is now discontinued, having been replaced by the iTrip Auto Universal +, which includes a USB port to charge the player using its standard charger, maintaining the ability to play music through the audio line-out. The iTrip Auto for Sansa is made specifically to connect with a SanDisk Sansa through its proprietary dock connector.

iTrip for nano

Also in October 2005, a version of the iTrip designed exclusively for the iPod nano was announced. It connects to the iPod nano via the dock connector and headphone socket on the base in a 'sled' design - the iPod nano sits in front of the main body of the iTrip which is roughly the same shape and size as the iPod nano itself, and extends underneath it to connect to the base. The iTrip's settings are controlled onscreen with the iPod itself. A USB port is also included on the base to allow charging/synching without removing the iTrip. This iTrip also introduces a 3-station memory, a Japanese frequency mode and dynamic volume control branded SmartSound.The iTrip can be used for any FM station that is free.

iTrip for PSP

In March 2006 Griffin produced a version of the iTrip especially for the PlayStation Portable. This device would slip onto the bottom of the PSP unit, plugging in to the headphone jack as well as the charger connector to keep it in place. In order to allow the user to charge the PSP while having the iTrip connected, there is an alternate charger connector at the bottom.

Limitations

* The relatively low power output of the iTrip makes it unsuitable for use in large urban areas because of the number of other radio signals. This is compounded by the fact that strong FM signals can bleed over into neighboring frequencies making the frequencies unusable with the iTrip. The Griffin website does provide U.S. users with a web page (http://stationfinder.griffintechnology.com/) called "Station Finder" which gives details of available frequencies of different U.S. cities.
* Because they draw power from the remote control port on the iPod, the original iTrip, iTrip with LCD and iTrip mini prevent the simultaneous use of the wired remote or extra headphones. The later versions that use the dock connector allow access to the headphone jack; the newer iPod models at which they are aimed do not have the connector for a wired remote anyway.

European Use of the iTrip

The iTrip is now available in many European countries, since the CEPT made a recommendation to member states to introduce FM low power transmitters. Therefore the iTrip to be sold legally in Europe will have a CE Mark attached to it. Only CE marked iTrips should be supplied in the European Union. Users should check with the radio communications agency in their member state to check the status of the CEPT recommendation prior to using the iTrip.

United Kingdom Use of the iTrip

On 23 November 2006 OFCOM The UK Radio communications body announced that from 8 December 2006 the use of certain low power FM transmitters, which wirelessly connect MP3 players and other personal audio devices to radios and in-car entertainment systems, would be legal for use in the UK.

Consumer demand has led to a European policy to develop a harmonised technical approach designed to limit the potential of interference to other wireless devices. [http://www.ofcom.org.uk/media/news/2006/11/nr_20061123b OFCOM Statement]

External links

* [http://www.itripstore.co.uk/summary10.asp iTrip Comparisons - Comparison table of various types of widely available FM transmitters including the iTrip]
* [http://www.griffintechnology.com/products/itrip/ iTrip product info page by Griffin Technology]
* [http://www.theregister.co.uk/2006/11/23/micropower_transmitters_legalised/ Register article announcing OFCOM's Decision to Legalise the iTrip in the UK]
* [http://www.radio-locator.com/cgi-bin/vacant Lists unused US FM frequencies in a given area]

ee also

FM transmitter