Voice Prompts Through Audio System

ShirleyTemple

I use a FM Modulator which plugs into the headphone jack of my MP3 Player on my bike so that I can listen to the MP3 Player on the bikes audio system via a radio frequency of my choosing. This works really well and can be used on/in any vehicle that has a FM Radio.
My question is this.
Is there any reason why this wouldn't work if I plugged it into a GPS unit that had a 3.5mm headphone jack so that I can get the voice prompts either through my audio system speakers or intercom headsets which is what I do now with the MP3 Player.
Any comments would be appreciated as hard wired intercom interface units are currently £100.

Darren · Posted: Thu Feb 24, 2005 10:03 pm Post subject:

None at all except that these FM units are actually illegal in the UK. They broadcast on bands that require a licence and none has been granted to them.

This may not concern you but be aware that Ofcom have the power to seize equipment and prosecute, this can include connected equipment such as your GPS system!
_________________
Darren Griffin

arc · Occasional Visitor Joined: Feb 24, 2005 Posts: 10

arent the ones that use the 88.x range legal to use? I've got one for my mp3 player (which i know is a grey area as it can do 88-107) - but i used to have one that i got from uk that did 88.1, 88.3, 88.5 and 88.7.

Also maplin sell one that does similar frequecnies.

But yeah, no reason why it wouldnt't work

BBB · Regular Visitor Joined: Feb 24, 2004 Posts: 206

I for one support this initiative

Any BT or plugin RF unit that can put sound over the radio/CD invehicle player has got to be a good idea IMHO

Why?
Radio station/CD into off, voice nav into on and, of course vice versa

ShirleyTemple · Posted: Thu Feb 24, 2005 11:08 pm Post subject:

Thanks guys.
That's saved me a few quid. But it does limit my choice of units as it has got to have a headphone jack. Do most intergrated GPS units have one?

Darren · Posted: Fri Feb 25, 2005 8:11 am Post subject:

Darren · Posted: Fri Feb 25, 2005 8:15 am Post subject:

arc · Occasional Visitor Joined: Feb 24, 2005 Posts: 10

are they not legal below a certain power output? 100mW rings a bell.

Darren · Posted: Fri Feb 25, 2005 1:37 pm Post subject:

Not legal full stop. From Ofcom's website:

DavidW · Posted: Fri Feb 25, 2005 9:41 pm Post subject:

As Darren says, all FM modulators that radiate in free space (rather than being inserted into the antenna cable) are unlicensed and unlicensable radio transmitters in the United Kingdom.

Ofcom have a fairly aggressive policy of prosecuting those involved in pirate radio. I believe the thinking is that to license any transmitters, even at very low output levels, in the broadcast band would undermine this. There's also possible problems with poor designs potentially radiating spurious signals above the top of the broadcast band, which is civilian VHF airband - a safety of life service.

Find another solution if you're in the UK. I believe the same sort of rules apply in many other European countries.

David

ShirleyTemple · Posted: Fri Feb 25, 2005 10:20 pm Post subject:

Does that mean it is OK to use an in line modulator that the radio and antenna cable plugs into? There are a few of them on the Maplins Site.

DavidW · Posted: Fri Feb 25, 2005 10:29 pm Post subject:

I think you'd have to ask Ofcom (or your lawyer) for a definitive ruling. I'm not a lawyer, but I do remember in the early days of car CD players the likes of Sony importing the sort of FM modulator that goes in your antenna lead, and such products being available from the likes of Argos.

There is a risk that even a product inserted in the antenna lead will radiate in free space, though I'm not qualified to say whether or not that makes it illegal.

What I'm sure of is that the type of FM modulator that deliberately radiates in free space is illegal to use in the UK.

David

ShirleyTemple · Posted: Fri Feb 25, 2005 10:34 pm Post subject:

Fair enough.
Just have to do a good installation job with concealment in mind I guess.

Darren · Posted: Sat Feb 26, 2005 9:02 am Post subject:

ShirleyTemple · Posted: Sat Feb 26, 2005 12:23 pm Post subject:

Thanks for that Darren.

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