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Coby CA-745 Wireless FM Car Transmitter with Digital Display and DC Car Cigarette Lighter Adapter | 
 enlarge | Brand: Coby
Category: CE
Buy New: $17.99
New (12) from $17.99
Rating:  109 reviews
Format: Cd
Media: Electronics
Autographed: No
Memorabilia: No
Batteries Included: No
Operating System: N/A
Shipping Weight (lbs): 0.5
Dimensions (in): 3.3 x 1.6 x 0.9
MPN: CA-745
Model: CA-745
UPC: 693525981383
EAN: 0716829867457
ASIN: B000OTF6G0
Availability: Usually ships in 1-2 business days
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| Features:
| • | LCD Display with backlight | | • | Ideal for MP3, CD and MD Playback | | • | Full range frequency settings | | • | 3.5mm Stereo Audio Input Jack for most audio devices |
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Product Description
PRODUCT FEATURES:Transmits music wirelessly from audio devices over FM frequencyIdeal for MP3, CD, and MD playbackFull range frequency settingsLCD display with backlight3.5mm stereo audio input jack for most audio devices
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| Customer Reviews: Read 45 more reviews...
 Impressive FM Transmitter For Less Money December 5, 2008
Bryan Weiss (San Jose, CA)
I got this FM Transmitter after my iRiver FM Transmitter was stolen from my car. Much to my delight, I found that the Coby FM Transmitter worked just as well as the iRiver, which incidentally was considerably more expensive. I have broken down my evaluation of this FM transmitter as follows:
Frequency Setting
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- Full Range Frequency
The transmitter has a full range of frequencies (87.5 - 108.0) that you can select in decimal steps of .1 (e.g. 96.1, 96.2, 96.3, etc.)
- Minimizing Interference
For optimal signal transmission, the frequency is best set on a transmitting frequency with very few or no radio stations broadcasting at or close to the transmitting frequency.
In the U.S., radio frequencies always end with odd decimal digits and most tuners can be set only be tuned to frequencies ending with odd decimal digits. If you're able to set your radio to tune in .1 decimal steps or if you own a radio that has that capability, you can take advantage of the FM transmitter's tuning in decimal steps of .1 (e.g. 96.1, 96.2, 96.3, etc.). In this way, the transmitter is less likely to have to compete with radio stations nearby and hence you get better radio reception.
Sound Quality
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Like my previous iRiver transmitter, music sounds too tinny (i.e. too much treble) and almost mono-ish. I suspect it's a problem inherent in all FM transmitters. Cranking up the bass solves the problem. The resulting sound is as good, or almost as good, as the sound from the best reception you get coming from a regular radio station. The 3.5mm audio jack that connects to your iPod (or any music player) is gold-plated for optimal signal transmission.
The lack of a preset function isn't a terribly big problem. For local driving, I find that I'm able to set it at the frequency that gives me best radio reception and leave it there. For long distance driving, the transmission signal from the unit is able to overpower any nearby stations, although the reception might be a little staticky at times.
Cigarette Lighter Socket
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You don't have to worry about the transmitter hogging your cigarette lighter socket because it has one built in! The hinged grey rubber cap keeps the opening covered up when the socket is not in use (see product image). Even with the cigarette lighter socket freed up, I find myself needing extra sockets for charging my phone and other gadgets. The solution: I got a Dual Outlet Cigarette Lighter Adapter that splits a free socket into two standard sockets.
Aesthetics
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The Coby FM Transmitter has an iPod-ish look. The digital display is also backlit with a blue light - very cool, but I might add that there is no way to turn it off. The extra socket doesn't make the unit obtrusive at all and I think the console with the digital display is just the right size. The console measures 2.75" x 1.5" x 0.5"
Ergonomics
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- Controls: It has only two controls; one to increase the frequency setting and the other to decrease it (It doesn't have any preset function, unfortunately). The placement of the controls makes it easy to locate them by feel.
- The console is hinged so you can adjust the viewing angle to your liking, from vertical to about 45 degrees.
Conclusion
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The Coby FM transmitter looks great and I believe it works just as well as the best FM transmitters. The only downside is that it lacks a frequency preset function. Regardless, it has performed exceptionally well for me. For the price, I'd say it's worth giving it a whirl.
Best FM Transmitter I've Tried November 19, 2008
zymos (ABQ,NM,USA)
I've had experience with 4 different brands/models of these, and this one is by far the best. Strong clear signal. The only negative is the oversized iPod-like control panel. For something that you mostly set and forget, it is really overkill.
Still, I highly recommend this product-it is reasonably priced and works perfectly.
Great product - Coby CA-745 Wireless FM Car Transmitter November 16, 2008
J. Urbanek (Sunset Utah)
Small, compact works great! Love the simple design and it is less bulky than the previous one we had. Would reccommend this product to anyone who is looking for a wireless FM car transmitter.
 It works, but the FM signal is too weak. November 13, 2008
X. Xu
1 out of 1 found this review helpful
The device works as described. However, there is a major drawback: the received FM signal is very weak, and I have to turn up the volume of my car radio very high. When I drive on highway, I have to turn up the volume to the full scale. Doing so causes a lot of problems: including high circuit noise and I will hear huge interfere sounds when I touch the buttons of the device.
The radio antenna of my car is in the front. The situation may be improved if the antenna is in the back of the car. I believe that if there are no metal frame/sheets in the path between the device and antenna the received FM signal will be much stronger.
Also, I suspect that other FM car transmitters of this kind would have the same issue in my car: weak received FM signal.
Great product October 29, 2008
Brett Connolly
Don't have a whole lot to say other then the quality is fantastic even with my powerplug being over 3 feet away from my radio. Definitely the best wireless transmitter i've bought so far (had last few stolen or broken) and i really like that there's a plug-in slot on the front to insert your phone charger or an mp3 charger, so you're not giving up your a/c plug just for your transmitter. I will buy another should this one get stolen :-p
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