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.
Does anyone know where you can buy replacement fuses
For those looking for fuses:
The fuse blew in my unit and I found fuses on ebay. The length required is 25mm. Its working perfectly again.
I just bought a 30Gb Ipod video and I can´t watch videos using my tunebase fm transmitter, can you tell me what can I do?
When I connect my ipod video the ipod goes directly to music and doesn´t let me play videos.
I had great expectation for the unit, but here in Phoenix, AZ the unit cannot find me a good FM signal space that is not promptly mixed-up with some other radio station signal. I have a Toyota Corolla 2006, and I have to push the unit and iPod as close to the radio, or the radio looses the signal from the unit. Last and worst of all, what I hear through the radio is AM quality and VERY little volume even if I put my car’s radio volume at max.
If somebody gives me $20 bucks for it (I paid over $80 at the Apple Store) i’ll sent it to you. If I could get a refund, I’d be the first in line. HUGE DISAPPOINTMENT; AND NO RECOMMENDATIONS COMING OUT OF ME (for this unit) FOR SURE.
My fuse is gone too! Anyone have any luck finding a replacement???
my fuse blew too… anyone figure out where to get a replacement?
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?
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.
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?
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…
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!
I’m having trouble syncing my ipod with a radio station. It doesn’t seem to come in very good. Any suggestions?
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??
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.
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).
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?
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.
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?