ITrip

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The correct title of this article is iTrip. The initial letter is shown capitalized due to technical restrictions.

An iTrip.

The iTrip is an FM-transmitter made by Griffin Technology as a third party accessory for Apple Computer's popular iPod.

The iTrip plugs into the headphone socket of the iPod and converts the audio output into an FM radio signal, which can then be picked up by appliances such as car radios. It has a range of about fifteen feet, and can broadcast on any FM frequency from 76.0 to 108.0 MHz (though the default US configuration is limited to 87.9 to 107.9 MHz). Instead of using batteries, the iTrip draws its power from the iPod through the remote control port located just next to the headphone socket.

In March 2006, Griffin Technology released the iTrip as well as some of their other iPod accessories for the Sony Playstation Portable (PSP).

1 Models
2 Limitations
- 2.1 European Use of the iTrip
- 2.2 United Kingdom Use of the iTrip
3 External links

[edit] Models

[edit] iTrip

iTrip on PlayStation Portable

Fourth-generation iPod with iTrip.

The main iTrip product, which is still sold just under the name iTrip, consists of just the main cylindrical unit, the headphone jack and remote connector. Instead of external buttons, the iTrip uses the iPod itself to control the broadcast frequency. Software bundled with the iTrip adds a playlist to iTunes containing audio files with a special set of tones in them. When this playlist is synced to the iPod, the user can play one of the tracks corresponding to the desired frequency, which causes the connected iTrip to adjust frequency. To avoid the ac tuning of the iTrip, each sound file has a short pause followed by another tone that causes the tuning command to abort. In normal operation the user must pause the sound file playing during the period of silence. After a few seconds the iTrip then accepts the command and will tune itself to the new frequency.

Before the release of the iPod with dock connector (3rd Generation and up), the iTrip plugged into, and drew power from the headphone jack contacts on top of the iPod. This version of the iTrip is still sold as the Original iTrip.

[edit] iTrip Black

The iTrip Black is identical to the standard iTrip but black with white lettering, to match the design of the iPod U2 Special Edition.

[edit] iTrip mini

An iTrip mini.

Shortly after the release of the iPod mini, Griffin introduced an iTrip mini designed to fit the iPod mini. The unit's body is designed to continue the iPod mini's profile, and the headphone jack and remote connector are located to the side to match the different location on the iPod mini. Aside from these physical shape differences, the functionality of the iTrip mini is the same as the standard iTrip.

[edit] iTrip with LCD

An iTrip with LCD.

In August 2005, Griffin launched a new version of the iTrip which incorporates a backlit LCD and a knob on the right hand side to control the iTrip's settings. It also introduced two sets of broadcast frequencies, US and International, and two transmission modes, LX and DX. The LX mode provides stereo audio at the expense of signal quality, while DX mode broadcasts a stronger, mono signal. The iTrip with LCD is sold alongside the 'original' format iTrip.

[edit] iTrip with Dock Connector

An iTrip with Dock Connector.

In October 2005, shortly after the launch of the 5th Generation iPod, a version of the iTrip that uses the lower dock connector was announced, following the removal of the remote control connector from the 5th Generation. This use of the dock connector makes it compatible with 3rd, 4th and 5th Generation iPods, iPod minis and iPod nanos, though the design is targeted primarily at the main iPod line. The iTrip with Dock Connector incorporates an LCD screen as with the iTrip with LCD, and is controlled by a switch on the side. It comes in black or white, to match the colour options of the iPod.

[edit] iTrip Auto

An iTrip Auto.

In December 2005 Griffin introduced the iTrip Auto. A version geared exclusively to use in a car. It resembles the USB cord that comes with the iPod, but contains the FM transmitter inline with the cord as well as a car charger at the end of the cord. This is particularly useful for long trips and for charging your iPod when in the car without having to purchase multiple adapters and cords.

This version of the iTrip also optimizes the audio coming out of the iPod so no volume adjustments need to be made on the iPod itself, thus allowing you to control the volume exclusively through your car's radio.

[edit] iTrip for nano

An iTrip for nano.

Also in October 2005, a version of the iTrip designed exclusively for the iPod nano was announced. It connects to the iPod nano via the dock connector and headphone socket on the base in a 'sled' design - the iPod nano sits in front of the main body of the iTrip which is roughly the same shape and size as the iPod nano itself, and extends underneath it to connect to the base. The iTrip's settings are controlled onscreen with the iPod itself. A USB port is also included on the base to allow charging/syncing without removing the iTrip. This iTrip also introduces a 3-station memory, a Japanese frequency mode and dynamic volume control branded SmartSound. The iTrip can be used for any FM station that is free.

[edit] BlueTrip

A BlueTrip with receiver.

In 2005, Griffin Technology released an iTrip which uses Bluetooth technology, allowing it to be used from farther distances.

The downside to using Bluetooth technology however, is that it lacks easy integration with a car and requires a receiver to be plugged into a stereo system. Allows for benefits in a home environment but lacks portability.

[edit] iTrip for PSP

In March 2006 Griffin produced a version of the iTrip especially for the Playstation Portable. This device would slip onto the bottom of the PSP unit, plugging in to the headphone jack as well as the charger connector to keep it in place. In order to allow the user to charge the PSP while having the iTrip connected, there is an alternate charger connector at the bottom.

[edit] Limitations

The relatively low power output of the iTrip makes it unsuitable for use in large urban areas because of the number of other radio signals. This is compounded by the fact that strong FM signals can bleed over into neighboring frequencies making the frequencies unusable with the iTrip. The Griffin website does provide U.S. users with a download (http://www.griffintechnology.com/support/itrip/) called iTrip Station Finder which gives details of available frequencies of different U.S. cities.
Because they draw power from the remote control port on the iPod, the original iTrip, iTrip with LCD and iTrip mini prevent the simultaneous use of the wired remote or extra headphones. The later versions that use the dock connector allow access to the headphone jack; the newer iPod models at which they are aimed do not have the connector for a wired remote anyway.

[edit] European Use of the iTrip

The iTrip is now available in a lot of European Countries, since the CEPT made a recommendation to member states to introduce FM low power transmitters, a lot of European Countries have started to adopt these regulations to allow use of the iTrip. Therefore the iTrip to be sold legally in Europe will have a CE Mark attached to it. Only CE marked iTrips should be supplied in the European Union. Users should check with the radio communications agency in their member state to check the status of the CEPT recommendation prior to using the iTrip.

[edit] United Kingdom Use of the iTrip

On 23 November 2006 OFCOM The UK Radio communications body announced that from 8 December 2006 the use of certain low power FM transmitters, which wirelessly connect MP3 players and other personal audio devices to radios and in-car entertainment systems, would be legal for use in the UK.

Consumer demand has lead to a European policy to develop a harmonised technical approach designed to limit the potential of interference to other wireless devices.

OFCOM Statement