Introduction

Arkon was founded in 1988, and has since been manufacturing car mounting solutions used with "portable GPS navigation, PDA's, Smart Phones, satellite radios, mobile PCs, and other mobile communication and portable multimedia devices." They've branched out from their initial offerings as technology has brought out new devices.

Those of you out there with portable music players and no auxiliary input in your car or other stereos realize the need for something to allow you to playback your digital music on your stereo. A cassette adapter used to be a prime choice, but these days, how many cars still come with a cassette deck? Enter the Arkon SoundFeeder™ FM Transmitter SF250. This device will broadcast your music to an FM receiver in your car or house. Let's see how well it handles the job.


Specifications

First lets take a look at the specifications:

- Wireless FM transmitter compatible with portable CD players,
    iPods, and MP3 players
- Plugs into audio device's headphone jack and transmits to empty FM frequency
- Supports 8 FM frequencies: 88.1, 88.3, 88.5, 88.7, 107.1, 107.3, 107.5,
    and 107.7 MHz
- Digital Phase Lock Loop circuitry eliminates electronic drift to ensure reliable sound
- Runs for up to 60 hours on 2 AAA batteries
- 2.25 by .88 by 3 inches (W x H x D)


Package

The SF-250 arrived in a large box packed with other Arkon goodies (make sure to check out the reviews over at GameApex!). The SF-250 SoundFeeder arrived in full retail blister pack packaging. It took me about 15 minutes to chew open but everything inside was secure and undamaged. Inside is the SF-250 itself, along with a installation and use guide and warranty card.

First Look

Let's take a look at the SoundFeeder unit itself. It's slightly smaller than my battle scared Motorola V220 flip phone and pretty much egg shaped. It is silver with a black wire. The 3.5mm connector "plugs" into the SF-250 unit when not in use to keep the wire tidy. The wire is about six inches long when fully extended.

The SoundFeeder offers 8 frequencies, 88.1Mhz, 88.3Mhz, 88.5Mhz, 88.7Mhz, 107.1Mhz, 107.3Mhz, 107.5Mhz and 107.7Mhz. These frequencies, since very low and high, are often clear and unused. Setting a frequency is very easy and simple with the switches along the side of the unit. The plastic strip on the side with the switches lights up green when the device is on.



Install

Installation will require you to supply the SoundFeeder unit with 2 AAA batteries, which are not included. Then you'll need to plug the SoundFeeder into your portable device and set the frequency needed. It really is that simple.


Testing

Since PCApex is known for our thorough testing, I took the SF-250 on a 150 mile journey through three states. My m:robe 100 5gb mp3 player and the bumpin' AC Delco sound system of my 1997 Chevrolet Lumina LTZ were linked together with the Arkon SoundFeeder SF-250 to playback my music for my two and half hour journey.

During the trip, with the FM transmitter I previously used, I knew that I had to change frequencies a few times when driving through Zanesville, Ohio and Wheeling, West Virginia as well as when getting closer to Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. The SoundFeeder required me to take a look at the switches to change frequencies; however, I soon was able to do so without having to take a look.

I only had to switch the frequencies three or four times over the course of 150 miles, so it wasn't a very big inconvenience. Since you can't set any frequency you wish, you may want to check your local stations and make sure that you have free frequencies that correspond with the SoundFeeder SF-250. Sound quality was pretty good, but don't expect CD quality. You'll get FM quality sound, as your music is being transmitted wirelessly. A wired connection is best for quality, but you have to make sacrifices for the convenience of a FM transmitter. Interference only occurred a handful of times when I drove into an area where a radio station was using the frequency I was set at.


Conclusion

It would have been nice to see the SoundFeeder be cigarette lighter powered. Battery life is rated at 60 hours with 2 AAA batteries, but I am sure that is overly optimistic. The sound quality is good, about what is to be expected from an FM transmitter. It's small and fits nicely in a dash or console compartment. It may be hard to find a free frequency if you live in a large metropolis area so be sure to check local stations before buying this product. All in all, if it will work for you based on the free frequencies in your area, it is a great portable solution.

 

 

The Good Sounds

The Sour Notes

Thanks to Arkon for sending us their product for review.