here's what i've never been able to understand. there are only 2 stations in the US licensed to operate on 87.9MHz (one is a 10W high school station, and the other is a low-power repeater). why not make all FM modulators work on that frequency? older wired modulators go that low, as do some "available only on the internet" wireless mods. seems to me putting 87.9 to use would solve a lot of problems.

Your entertainment is getting in the way of our socialist propaganda! You must give way for the revolution you peasants.

87.9 would interfere with TV stations that broadcast on Channel 6. Note, however, that after the "digital transition" is complete, and analog signals are shut off, very few stations plan to use Channel 6 for digital purposes. Most are vacating the channel, as it is often interference-prone.

I received a free sportster replay from Sirius. The FM modulator in it was HORRIBLE! There was so much static, it was rediculous. I gave the radio to a friend of mine and hooked up my old audiovox pnp2. That modulator works great.
I purchased an fm modulator for my ipod from Hong Kong. It is set to 87.9 it comes in excellent.

They can have my Myfi back when they pry it from my cold, dead hands.

"They can have my Myfi back when they pry it from my cold, dead hands."

Same here buddy...lately I've been driving around using nothing but the Fm mod.

In 3 years, every new car will have an AUX input ... FM modulators will be obsolete.

This is a non-issue.

"In 3 years, every new car will have an AUX input ... FM modulators will be obsolete.

This is a non-issue."

Says who? I haven't heard that many companies talk about including auxilary inputs in car stereos.

AUX is the way to go. I dont see why co. would put aux features.

every time the NAB or NPR calls foul .. I put my SkyFi back on FM mod mode for a week or two till I cant stand the sound anymore and I need to go back to the clean crisp direct connect.

Yeah, we've been asking for AUX inputs since, oh, the first Walkman came along. That was 25 years ago.

I wouldn't count on aux-in being standard in cars any time soon. It'll always be a $200 option in some form or another.

Here's the fucking solution. Everyone ready?

STOP SUBSIDTIZING NPR WITH TAXPAYER DOLLARS.

There we go. Without goverment subsidies, NPR wouldn't exist in most markets (though it could find a home on SatR). Why the hell does the goverment think WE need to subsidize some shitty radio station that has such few listeners is it not self-sufficent?

Two counterpoints:

1) AUX inputs are coming in standard in many new vehicles, including those that claim they are "Ipod" ready. People want them, especially younger buyers, and the automakers will certainly accomodate them- it's cheaper than dirt to add.

2) NPR receives far less in government funds since the 90's. Most of the operational costs are covered by contributions from private grants and individuals. The subsidies were reduced precisely because of the complaint Westfall offered.