The Belkin iPod TuneBase FM
The TuneBase (pictured to the left) plugs into a car power adapter (AKA cigarette lighter) while the TuneCast used an AAA battery. One of the problems I had with the TuneCast is that the battery would rapidly die while driving. The TuneBase also charges a connected iPod which means that both the iPod and the TuneBase are powered and ready to go all the time.
The TuneBase can tune into arbitary frequencies while the TuneCast is limited to four fixed frequencies. This can be a problem if none of those four stations provide a clear signal to the car radio. The FM radio frequency is displayed on the iPod’s screen when configuring the unit. This makes it pretty easy to quickly configure the system with your car radio.
The sturdy looking flexible arm can be adjusted to get it out of the way of other dashboard controls. I am kind of concerned about how much pressure it puts on the cigarette lighter though. I think the best thing to do is to use two hands to insert and remove an iPod from the TuneBase.
Dave | 14-May-07 at 4:00 pm | Permalink
I purchased a Belkin TuneBase FM and like it when it works, but for no apparent reason it no longer recognizes my 30 GB ipod when it is plugged in. There doesn’t seem to be a way to reset it. Any suggestions?
todd | 14-May-07 at 8:40 pm | Permalink
Dave: Sorry to hear about your problem with the TuneBase. I haven’t run into this problem. But, here’s a couple of ideas. Try changing the frequency it uses (if it works, you can move it back to your preferred frequency). Check to make sure the volume is up. If all else fails, try checking in with Belkin to see if they will replace it.
zack deboe | 23-May-07 at 4:16 pm | Permalink
ya i was wondering what do i put on the bottom of the ipod video when it goes into the dock. do i just put the ipod onto the dock? there is a lot of space in between, its secure but it just has a lot of extra room. any help?
todd | 23-May-07 at 9:06 pm | Permalink
zack: My unit came with a bunch of plastic spacers for the various iPod models. I just used the one built for a 5G iPod (video).
zack deboe | 24-May-07 at 7:30 pm | Permalink
oh i did too but it seems theres more space in between though, i just didnt want it rattlin around if it wasnt supposed to be, if it’s supposed to be like that then ok.
Donna | 04-Jun-07 at 1:51 am | Permalink
Hey Dave,
I also have the same problem with my tunebase it sometimes works and then for no reason does not pick up my ipod. But it still charges the battery. I have tried tuning into other stations but nothing has fixed the issue. It works some days and not other days. Anyone else go this issue??
Lj | 12-Jun-07 at 11:41 am | Permalink
I’m having trouble syncing my ipod with a radio station. It doesn’t seem to come in very good. Any suggestions?
Nick | 18-Jul-07 at 5:20 am | Permalink
I only seem to be able to get mono signal,even with my Tunebase set to stereo and on a clear frequency,with my radio displaying a constant stereo reception. Please offer any suggestions!
Jason | 14-Aug-07 at 2:40 am | Permalink
My tunebase works fine, except it won’t charge my ipod. The green light is on, indicating it is getting power, and it playes fine, but it just doesn’t charge it.
What’s the problem? The fuse? None of the instruction booklet hints helped…
Bart | 08-Oct-07 at 5:40 pm | Permalink
the fuse in my tunebase blew a while ago, and i’ve searched everywhere for a replacement. Do you know where i can get one?
Nolan | 30-Dec-07 at 8:49 am | Permalink
Bart, did you ever find a replacement fuse for this? I am in desperate need of one. Every store has the correct 1 amp 250 volts except they are either too short or too long in length. The tunebase requires a 1 inch fuse.
Ed | 08-Jan-08 at 10:06 am | Permalink
Just got the tunbase, it powers and charges as expected and the sound is great, however, it doesn’t advance to the next song. Any ideas?
Andrew | 30-Aug-08 at 9:55 am | Permalink
my fuse blew too… anyone figure out where to get a replacement?
Lis | 07-Nov-08 at 2:33 pm | Permalink
My fuse is gone too! Anyone have any luck finding a replacement???