Griffin Itrip Nano Antenna Hack

Written by: Alan Parekh at 9:35 am. Filed under DIY Hacks

Having reception problems with your Itrip or another FM transmitter? Well you are not alone! Jojoskarr (Joe) came up with an interesting idea that uses items that you probably already have collecting dust in a closet. A USB cable, small transformer and come Coax cable is what he used to solve his iPod Nano reception woes.

“After experimenting I stumbled across the wonders of how coaxial cable works great for an antenna. I noticed that the bottom of the Itrip Nano offers a usb connector, actually a usb mini b connector. I noticed that holding a coaxial cable up to this usb jack that the reception was awesome”

Once you gather the parts, putting it together should take a few minutes. Joe has spoken to Griffin about the idea and was told that FCC regulations would not allow them to create such a device. So if the FCC police come after you don’t say you weren’t warned

“She doesn’t look to pretty but works, major. I tested this antenna extension and made it two blocks from my house while still transmitting…”

Think this is cool? Then Digg it!

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9 Responses to “Griffin Itrip Nano Antenna Hack”

JJ Says:
April 16th, 2006
Nice hack!

Is the transformer needed? Or is it just a way of connecting the USB to the Coax cable? So it goes 2 blocks now, how far did it go before?
Joe Says:
April 16th, 2006
Hi,

Thanks JJ, No need for the transformer.. just a cleaner way to get from coax to usb :).. only transmitted a few feet from the stereo b4 antenna add on. A simple test with these transmitters is just to hold up a coax cable to the unit and you will hear the improvement. jojoskarr
Googler Says:
April 17th, 2006
Nice simple design. People are always bitchin about poor quality with those things. This is a nice simple and cheap solution! One question though, does it pickup engine electrical noise or is the sound clean?
Joe Says:
April 17th, 2006
Hi, thanks again,.. totally clean..
D.Dub Says:
September 11th, 2006
Hey cool idea. Unfortunately I dont have any of those parts lying around. I guess next time I go to an electronics store I’ll have to take a look around.
Venkitachalam Says:
July 6th, 2007
hey joe,
is it possible to use a similar setup as an external antenna for a mobile handset?
Alan Parekh Says:
July 7th, 2007
That should work Venkitachalam, just look up how long the antenna should be (wavelength) for optimal performance.
Griffin Itrip Nano Antenna Hack « Mods Says:
October 16th, 2007
[…] read more | digg story […]
Brett Says:
April 26th, 2008
A great 1/4 wave length calculator (1/4 of the ACTUAL FM wave length in feet/inches) is at http://www.crompton.com/wa3dsp/hamradio/antcalc.html

I.e. 98 Mhz is about 28.65 inches. I used 98 b/c it is the middle of the FM band.

Cheers.