Belkin TuneBase FM With Clear Scan Review
iPod and iPhone FM Transmitter and Car Charger
Oct 2, 2009
The Belkin TuneBase FM with Clear Scan is a convenient and functional iPhone FM transmitter and car charger that stands apart from the competition in many ways. The Belkin TuneBase has some very good style and usability features but at the same time its performance seems to be moderately inconsistent and highly dependent both on the vehicle it is used in as well as the radio station saturation of the community.
Positive Aspects of the Belkin TuneBase FM transmitter for iPhone
On the plus side of things the layout of the TuneBase FM is much improved over earlier versions. The new, less intrusive cradle that holds the iPhone or iPod seems flimsy at first, but when put into use it actually becomes a very sturdy and flexible mounting system.
The cradle is made in such a way that the iPhone charging connection can be used even while the device is left inside many varieties of protective cases. It also comes with a special adapter to hold the smaller iPod Shuffle. The easy to read digital display is a nice feature, and the ability to save up to two preset radio stations as well as quickly adjust the volume of the speakers and microphone while making calls make the unit a nice addition to almost any vehicle.
Common Complaints About the Belkin TuneBase FM With Clear Scan
In looking at many of the online reviews of the product there are some common complaints about the TuneBase FM that are actually due more to user error rather than a defect in the product. Many users complain about the way the TuneBase swivels in the power socket, but Belkin provides a special insert that is intended to prevent this from happening if it is used correctly.
Another common complaint is that it is difficult to get a strong signal over the user's radio. In tests in various vehicles this reviewer found that this signal strength issue is very much related to the quality of the vehicle's FM radio receiver and where the antenna for that system is located at. Truthfully though, the range and strength of the TuneBaseFM signal is still very weak, even under the best of conditions. In one vehicle simply reaching over to touch the iPhone made the signal go to static.
A better and clearer solution is to use the TuneBase FM's audio out port to connect to either a cassette adaptor or to audio in jacks that are included on many more recent vehicles. This way the sound goes directly out to the stereo rather than having to deal with the more finicky FM band. Doing this however disables the FM transmitter and likewise also disables the volume adjustments built into the TuneBase FM. On the plus side the unit also provides a special mini-USB port to allow a user to charge other USB powered devices while the TuneBase is plugged in.
The TuneBase FM is a great idea, and a fairly good implementation of that idea, but a stronger FM transmitter would do a lot to make the unit a better buy. As it is, users may wish to consider Belkin's TuneBase Direct which simply connects to the car audio jacks or cassette adaptor, does not include the FM capabilities, and sells for slightly less.
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