FM transmitter issues on an SL2...

[ovrrdrive]

For the last 6 months or so the fm transmitter on my SL2 starts to just wonder on it's own. I'll start to hear static and just hit the FM button and it locks on again, and then in a few minutes it starts to get static again. I don't remember when I bought the unit but I know it's been a year or two so I'm pretty sure I won't get a warranty repair. I guess I'm wondering if it's the unit or the dock that's the problem. I know it won't transmit without the dock, but I'm pretty sure the transmitter is in the unit itself.

Anyone else had issues with this?

Any ideas?

FWIW, my "old" SL100 is still chugging along and has never had any issues at since day 1. I sure wish I could say the same about the SL2.

 

[sparker]

fm mod

It sounds like you need a FM Direct Adapter http://www.tss-radio.com/vehicle-installation-parts-audio-parts-c-231_246_402.html

 

[ovrrdrive]

Believe it or not, the unit actually broadcasts an FM signal through the adapter. I am using one and have the problem. It's not interference, the unit is actually wandering around on the frequency. As soon as I hear static, I hit the FM button on the SL2 and it instantly locks back on the station. Sometimes it will be ok for an hour or two, and sometimes it goes right back off the station as soon as the screen returns to the station.

 

[ClubSteeler]

When you hit the FM button, is the frequency correct, or is it showing a different frequency?

How can you be sure your stiletto dock is wandering instead of teh your car stereo trying to lock onto interference or another channel on that same frequency?

Does your car stereo have a distant/local option for FM reception? Going local might eliminate some distant interference.

Moving the radio closer to the antenna might help too.

 

[ovrrdrive]

No when I hit the FM button it's still on the correct station but when you hit the FM button it retunes to the channel that's selected. I'm pretty sure it's not the truck because it worked perfectly for about the first year I had it. It's a stock 4runner stereo and I'm pretty sure it does dx by itself. I've also tried several different stations from 89.1 to 99 and it still happens on all of them.

As for moving the radio, would it make a difference seeing as how I'm using the FM direct adapter?

It's stuck in the back of the radio now.

I was hoping this was a problem that had come up before but its looking like I'm the only one so far. It's looking like a bum unit I guess...

 

[ClubSteeler]

No when I hit the FM button it's still on the correct station but when you hit the FM button it retunes to the channel that's selected. I'm pretty sure it's not the truck because it worked perfectly for about the first year I had it. It's a stock 4runner stereo and I'm pretty sure it does dx by itself. I've also tried several different stations from 89.1 to 99 and it still happens on all of them.

As for moving the radio, would it make a difference seeing as how I'm using the FM direct adapter?

It's stuck in the back of the radio now.

I was hoping this was a problem that had come up before but its looking like I'm the only one so far. It's looking like a bum unit I guess...

I am missing something here....

Your first message led me to believe that you were using the FM transmitter.
This message says you are using the FM direct adapter.

I could be wrong, because I use neither, I bought a Sony XPLOD car stereo (also drive a 4runner) for $100 with an aux port and built in graphic EQ (sounds GREAT!!).. anyway... I could be wrong, but the FM direct adapter, behind your 4runner stereo, is connected to your stiletto dock through a wire. Right?

OK. It either used the FM_Out port, or the Line Out port, I forget which, probably the FM port.

Now I believe that the FM port will be activated whether or not you have the fm transmitter turned on. I think you should turn OFF your FM transmitter on the stiletto. Your FM transmitter could be interfering.

You might need it to be on, but I don't think so. I'll see if I can find the answer.

 

[ClubSteeler]

I was wrong. You have it set up correctly.

Have you tried another frequency? Could a new and very strong FM station have popped up on your frequency?

 

[ovrrdrive]

I wish they just used a line out instead of the transmitter for the modulator but it is what it is...

I've tried several other stations and it's all the same. I'm thinking the unit is going bad.

 

[ClubSteeler]

I wish they just used a line out instead of the transmitter for the modulator but it is what it is...

I've tried several other stations and it's all the same. I'm thinking the unit is going bad.

My $100 stereo is cheaper than a new stiletto, works with MP3 players and others too, no more static, and plays MP3 CDs.

However, remember, the Stiletto has the FM transmitter in the dock, not the radio, so you could have a very inexpensive solution. I find good deals on docks at TSS-radio.

 

[hjsiemer]

I went to Walmart and paid $6.99 for a FM transmitter that broadcasts at from 87.9mhz to 107.9mhz which is also above and below the normal FM spectrum. The transmitter uses 2 AAA batteries that last forever.

Turn OFF the FM transmitter in the Sirius receiver. Plug the Walmart transmitter into the output jack of the Sirius receiver (all of them have this jack). Tune your FM radio outside of the normal FM band if you can (87.9 or 107.9), turn on the Walmart transmitter and the Sirius receiver and no more problems. If your FM radio wont tune below 88.1 or 107.7, then find an empty frequency and use it.

TSS and Radio Shack also sell a similar product. The key is the output power of the transmitter. The one I have transmits clearly for 10 feet which is more than enough distance to reach the car's FM antenna.

The transmitters that are now being used by the Sirius radios only have a 3 foot range (a 70% power reduction over the old radios that was recently mandated by the FCC because of interference with radios in nearby vehicles when driving).

 

[ovrrdrive]

The external modulator is an option, but I really like the idea of using the direct connection.I know that you can't get the FM transmitter to work without the car dock, but I have a sinking feeling that the transmitter is built into the unit and not the dock. I think you just need the dock to enable it. It would just make sense to have it built in. I was just wondering if it was a common problem, which evidently it isn't. An aftermarket stereo isn't really an option either as I don't want to ditch the stock stereo in the 4runner.

Thanks for the ideas. Without throwing money at it I guess I don't have many options.

 

[IdRatherBeSkiing]

The external modulator is an option, but I really like the idea of using the direct connection.I know that you can't get the FM transmitter to work without the car dock, but I have a sinking feeling that the transmitter is built into the unit and not the dock. I think you just need the dock to enable it. It would just make sense to have it built in. I was just wondering if it was a common problem, which evidently it isn't. An aftermarket stereo isn't really an option either as I don't want to ditch the stock stereo in the 4runner.

Thanks for the ideas. Without throwing money at it I guess I don't have many options.

Do you have a friend who has the same radio/dock? You could try your radio in his/her dock. If problem goes away ... its the dock.