Griffen iTrip Auto
Griffen ITrip Auto
The Griffen iTrip Auto is an FM transmitter that plays IPhone and IPod audio on your car’s FM radio.
iTrip Auto’s package lists compatible devices. The compatiblity list contains only iPods, but a picture on the front shows iTrip connected to an iPhone. The Apple salesperson said ITrip would work with IPods or IPhones so I bought it for my IPhone. The Apple sales associate warned to be sure the device is not connected while starting the car.
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One end of ITrip plugs into the cigarette lighter. The other end plugs into the IPhone (or IPod). After starting the car and connecting the IPhone, a message displays on the IPhone saying the iTrip is not designed for use with an IPhone (disappointing!) and offers to turn on Airplane Mode to reduce interference (why?). Ignoring this message, the next step is to set the transmit frequency. The unit comes with three preset frequencies and the idea is to pick a frequency not used by a local radio station. The default frequency is 106.9 which, in Seattle, is occupied so I ended up on 94.5.
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With everything connected and tuned, the IPhone’s IPod really does play music through the car’s stereo. Audio quality is good enough (for me at least), however, the iTrip does produce some static when driving under overhead utility lines. Maybe the transmitter isn’t strong enough to overcome radiation emitted by some utility lines.
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Because it needs to be unplugged before stopping or starting the car, the iTrip is inconvenient for short city trips. This hardware accessory is better suited for longer trips with few radio stations, few sources of static interference, and minimal pit stops.
