Griffin Technology is a well known brand for their tech innovations and products to compliment i-related devices. One of their more recent products, iTrip Auto, is a prime example. iTrip Auto partners the concept of an FM transmitter with a charger for a car’s 12V plug so you can simultaneously stream your music or audio […]
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Review: Griffin’s iTrip Auto at least shows potential

Mar 10th 2013 by

Griffin Technology is a well known brand for their tech innovations and products to compliment i-related devices. One of their more recent products, iTrip Auto, is a prime example. iTrip Auto partners the concept of an FM transmitter with a charger for a car’s 12V plug so you can simultaneously stream your music or audio from your iPhone or iPod to your car’s radio while charging your device.

FM Transmitter

If your vehicle radio is missing either Bluetooth connectivity or a mini-jack for a wired connection from an earphone output, the next best thing is an FM transmitter. These little, often battery powered units, emit a low FM signal that your radio can tune into. Since the unit is traveling in the car with you, it’s like having your own person FM radio station.

The limitations of using these inexpensive units is setting a radio station frequency. First, the frequency has to be set so that other radio stations aren’t using it: if your favorite local radio station is using 91.1, then trying to use the same frequency will result in a jumbled mess of audio. And if the local station has a strong signal, even using nearby frequencies – say 91.3 or 89.9 – your chances aren’t much better at having a clear sound.

Second is the complication of setting an FM transmitter to use the correct frequency. The inexpensive transmitters often use a series of dip switches, that when set in certain combinations, broadcast a signal at that predetermined frequency. The trouble with this is that the switches are often too small for adult fingers and require a pen or pocket knife. Once set you’re good to … That is until you far travel enough to find a radio station that now impedes on your dedicated frequency.

The iTrip Auto excels here. No complicated switch setting required. Plug the iTrip Auto into your 12V socket (notice how I’m not calling it a cigarette lighter?), and the in-line transmitter lights up and is ready to “Scan” for available frequencies. It even comes with some popular pre-set frequencies, and is programmable to store your favorite FM frequencies.

The Highlights

The ease of use is the iTrip Auto’s strength. Manual scanning for frequencies is easy… easy… easy… either through the in-line transmitter itself or the iTrip Controller app. No dip switches! Griffin made finding a new frequency very convenient. And believe me, you need this (more on that later).

After connecting the opposing end of the cord into your 32-pin connector (sorry iPhone 5 folks), you’re not only charging your idevice, your ready to rock and roll. Either using the suggested aha radio app or the native Music or Podcast app, you’re ready to tune in and cruise. Controlling the music (rewind, play/pause, forward) can be done by your device as usual, the iTrip app, or even the FM transmitter itself,

Since the iTrip Auto uses the 32-pin connection, there’s no need to use the earphone output. Any incoming phone call can also stream through your radio (the music fades and your ringtone will be broadcast through your radio on an incoming call). And if you prefer a Bluetooth headset, the instructions say to “simply answer the call.”

The Lowlights

Unfortunately, what Griffin did right falls short in making iTrip Auto a full success. What should make a device like this successful is the sound you get through your radio. The static should be minimal and music should at least sound acceptable.

In my experiences – with a satellite capable radio whose short antenna is at the rear of my car – the static was often unbearable. Moving the transmitter and cords around reminded me of adjusting rabbit ear antennas on broadcast television. I even wished for aluminum foil at times. The sound on podcasts and audio books was so awful – despite flipping through many different frequencies – that I gave it up in favor of a wired approach from my iPhone’s mini-jack output.

When trying it my wife’s car, the experience was better, but the static was unacceptable to me. Even her $15 FM transmitter with dip switches offered a better signal many times.

The difference between my wife’s vehicle and mine illuminated another issue for me: my car’s 12V socket never powers down while my wife’s car does when the car is turned off. In my car, therefore, the transmitter would always be powered – even all night in a closed garage with no connected device. This means always removing the iTrip Auto from the 12V socket (probably a good practice) when exiting the car. If Griffin could make it work, it’d be better that the transmitter was powered off and on by inserting and removing the plug from your iPhone instead.

All in All… Wait for the next version

Although the iTrip Auto is a good concept, it suffers from significant shortcomings. Its inconsistent and lackadaisical audio performance during my uses make it a “meh” shoulder shrug as an overall lukewarm recommendation. Of course your mileage may vary, and I’d like to hear some of your experiences! Let me know!

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At the time of this writing, iTrip Auto with Aha Radio is available for $59.99 at Griffin’s website.

Thanks to the folks at MaxBorges Agency for providing a unit for review. See our “About” section for further information.




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