Pocket Wizard FlexTT5 Transceiver For Nikon TTL Flashes and Digital SLR Cameras Review

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(More customer reviews)Bottom line - Cream of the Crop
I've been using this miniTT1 and FlexTT5s with my D90 and D200 for several months now. To say that they are perfect would be an overstatement. To say they work every bit as well as if they were hard-cabled is pretty much dead on. And with these things you don't have the challenges of tripping over or getting twisted in long wire runs.
As a simple example, I can set my flash (Nikon SB-800 AF Speedlight for Nikon Digital SLR Cameras - Old Version) with a Gary Fong Lightsphere Universal System Cloud attached on a stand in the middle of a large room. I have my camera (Nikon D200 10.2MP Digital SLR Camera (Body Only)) set to manual exposure, 1/30 @ f5.6. Pictures I take anywhere in the room are perfectly exposed.
They also work perfectly, albeit without the TTL functions, with the original PocketWizard Plus II Transceiver 801-125 Relay Radio Slave Transmitter Receiver 2-piece w/ PockeWizard Case for 2 in the mix.
There were some issues with the Canon version of these controllers and that was attributed to both the Mini/Flex and Canon "natively" using radio signals to control things. Nikon took a different approach, using light instead of RF signals for their Creative Lighting System (CLS) commands As a result there is no interference with the latest equipment from PocketWizard.
There are a flood of flash controllers available these days. Some cost a fraction of what these do and if you are only needing them to go short distances and can tolerate the occasional failure they're OK. PocketWizard, with the miniTT1 and FlexTT5, along with their continued support for the other equipment in their product line, caters to a more demanding user with far greater performance and reliability requirements. For me, anyway, it didn't make sense to take a chance on reliability or performance, or give up the capabilities provided here, just to save some on a one-time expense.
BTW, I feel that honest, effective reviews can take the place of first-hand experiences that are lacking in online shopping. I've always appreciated the help I've received from other reviewers and work hard to return the favor as best as I can. I hope you found this review helpful and if there was anything you thought was lacking or unclear leave a comment and I'll do what I can to fix it.



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Power Acoustik WLHP-100 Wireless Infrared Headphones Review

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(More customer reviews)We bought these headphones for our 2007 Dodge Grand Caravan and they work perfectly. The dealership wanted $70 a pair for factory headphones and these work perfect. I highly recommend!

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Audiovox FM100A FM Modulator with IST2 Isolation Transformer (Grey) Review

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(More customer reviews)If you have any other option besides an FM modulator to do what you need to do, do it. An FM modulator should be a last resort. That being said, I don't think I could be happier with this product, given the fact that I had no other options.
First, note that this is a WIRED modulator. Wireless modulators are worthless in the US because of the FCC mandated limitations of their broadcast range. Wired modulators like this one tap directly into the antenna in your car and send FM signals directly to your head unit. As such, you don't have interference from other FM transmissions--like radio stations.
As far as wired modulators go, in the same system I tried a Kenwood FM modulator and one from Metra. Both sounded horrible for anything but audio books. I added a ground loop isolator to the Kenwood setup, and it sounded better, but it was still too painful to listen to music through the modulator.
This Audiovox system comes with its own ground loop isolator, and together they sound far better than any other combination I had tried. Everything about this setup is a little smaller than other options I've used, so they fit behind the dash better.
All in all, if you're looking for the best FM modulator on the market, I believe you've found it. AudioVox makes a bad situation tolerable, and in fact, quite enjoyable.

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Boss BV7HIR 7" Widescreen Headrest TFT Monitor Review

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(More customer reviews)It's not an easy thing to cut into your new vehicle headrests, but with a significant amount of work, the result is great. Much more attractive than cheap strap-on screens with cords hanging everywhere. Also, probably not as much temptation for theft since it's thoroughly embedded. Installed two monitors with two DVD players (also from BOSS). Perfect for two kids in the back seat. With dual channels and wiring included, they can watch separate videos or tune in to the other's player. Only problem was the two players and two monitors took so much power a direct connection to the fuse panel (40 watts) was required.

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New Motorola 89423n Roadster Dual Microphone Noise Cancellation Technology Multipoint 2w Speaker Review

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(More customer reviews)It is clear & crisp. The most comfortable convenience is the fact that it connects & disconnects automattically when you enter the vehicle without having to turn it on or off. It even tells you the battery level. I haven't tried the texting option yet as my current phone is not of the Android type. With all the hype of cancer by having a bluetooth in your ear this trumps that by being a speakerphone capable of playing through the autos stereo system.
Getting it through Amazon saved me the shipping cost ... Sweet!!

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Pyle PL102PHRB Pair of Adjustable Headrests with Built-In 10.2-Inch TFT Monitor and IR Transmitter (Black Color) Review

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(More customer reviews)Bought these for my son's SUV. Staff at Best Buy, Frys, car audio stores couldn't get them to fit or work. Big mistake buying this product. Don't buy something like this online. Get them at a store and be sure they fit. These don't fit most vechiles.

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AutoPage C3-RS1100 6-Channel Vehicle Security System and Remote Car Starter w/ Full Color OLED Remote Transmitter Review

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(More customer reviews)I've never seen a product more innovative when it comes to remote starters/car alarms, than the AutoPage C3-RS-1100.
Points to remember;
-This system offers capability to not only GPS track your car REAL TIME, but to remotely disable the engine.
-works with ALL cell phones allowing INFINITE range to track it, start it, stop it, lock it, unlock it, and more.
-BEAUTIFUL color OLED display.
-Driver paging (innovative feature that allows a valet, or anyone else to "page" you by lightly knocking on the lower left corner of your windshield. Your fob will then vibrate and ring, while displaying a graphic message informing you that someone has paged you.)
and thats just the above and beyond.
It does those things ON TOP of everything you'd find in higher priced, products like the Viper 5902.
Including;
1 mile range on fob,
valet mode,
remote start,
works on auto AND manual transmission,
2-way communication (your fob confirms that your car receives commands as well as informs your of alarm triggers)
and SO MUCH MORE
Check out this YouTube video [...]

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XO Vision GX1047 10.4-Inch Enhanced Resolution TFT Overhead Monitor with Built-in IR for Headphones Review

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(More customer reviews)For $100.00 you get what you pay for. The dome lights are too dark. The cable going into the monitor at the pivot point was all torn up when I got it, and I had to repair it. The hinge area needed to be adjusted as well. It seems to be somewhat cheaply made. It's not too bad otherwise. I haven't finished the installation yet, so I don't have any input on the picture quality.

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Alfa AWUS036H 1000mW 1W 802.11b/g USB Wireless WiFi Adapter With Original Alfa Screw-On Swivel 9dBi Rubber Antenna and Suction cup Window Mount dock Review

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(More customer reviews)This is a good little USB network adaptor and works as advertised.
Background: I have a Dell laptop with an internal network card. I travel a lot and use it in hotels and hot spots quite a bit. The signal I was getting on the internal card with its two internal antenna's was weaker then I would like and usually doesn't get a strong enough signal to maintain 54 Mbps speed. I was usually down around 11 Mbps in a hotel room. Sometimes I have had to move to a different room, move to a balcony, or a certain point in the room to get a signal at all. In one hotel room I checked signal right after checking in and I could only get a usable signal near the door holding the computer up near the ceiling. I had to walk around the hotel to find a group of rooms that I thought would work and then coordinate with he front desk on availability and change rooms.
I researched many options, reading reviews, etc. Most other options were more expensive or problematic, including modifying my computer to install an external antenna. I looked at USB cards with the mail plug that plug into the computer without using an extension, pcmcia cards with external antenna's, directional antenna's, etc. Most of the reviews I read were from kids "War Driving" but still shed some light on how well this card works.
What I got: I went with the Alpha because of good reviews I read, and the fact that I can remote locate it using an extension giving more options then one mounted to the computer. The unit looks pretty cheap being plastic. Nothing special. It came with the two antennas. I ordered the two extension cables. One is passive and one is active (active is required for longer extensions).
Functionality/Results: It works well. So far I have not been in a Hotel where I didn't get an 88% or better connection (signal strength) with 85 or 90% link quality or better, and more importantly a link with 54 Mbps speed. I get many more signals too, but that is not what I was looking for in most cases. I have tried it in a dozen or so hotels and played with outside signals a bit. There are a lot of them out there.
The ability to move the antenna 10 to 25 feet away could be useful to get it on a balcony, outside a window, get around a concrete wall, etc. but I haven't had to do that yet with the Alpha. Once in the Bahamas, using the computers internal card, I had to get out on a balcony with a 40 mph wind coming off the ocean that would knock over the laptop if I didn't hold on to it, to get a clear shot to the hotel main building where the router was located. I had to weather the salt spray and either had to hold the computer screen to keep it from swaying so I could see it or hold my wine glass to keep it from tipping over. I needed three hands and it was a tough decision as to which two things to hold. That is when I decided to order this card. I read about folks on sail boats running the Alpha up the mast and getting a signal 4 or 10 miles off shore and putting the unit in a zip-loc bag to keep it out of the elements.
If I had modified my computer for an external antenna, or gotten a pcmcia card with external antenna, I could have run coaxial cable to a remote antenna to get the same position benefits, but the signal losses are large that way and signal cuts in half with every few feet of coax. With this adapter the antenna is run right into the transmitter/receiver and there is no loss, however you still have the ability to remote locate it up high in a room, outside a window, on a balcony, etc. without the loss. You don't get the signal loss from a USB cable, although you do run out of power if run too far. 25 feet with the two supplied cables is plenty for me.
Power: The high power is meaningless and probably a lie. I think they are claiming equivalent radiated power with a good antenna to some poor antenna standard like the antenna's printed on a pcmcia adapter card circuit board or something. Anyway it is not really a 1000mW adapter, but it does work well. The allowable power output is somewhat complicated but is based on radiated power (the combined effect of the transmitter and antenna). Anyway a balance of output power, receiver sensitivity, and selectivity is what is important and this one does a good job. It gets quite warm too only having passive cooling (vents).
Antenna's: Like many folks have reported, the big antenna doesn't seem to work any better for me then the little one. Sometimes it will get a slightly stronger signal and more signals with it, but the link quality (signal to noise ratio) is worse. The little antenna has worked fine in all cases so far and just as well as the big one on comparison.
Software: The software installed easily for me with Windows XP and I have had no problems. The software is between OK to fairly nice. I can still enable my internal card and use it when the signal is strong and I don't want to carry the Alpha. I disable it when using the Alpha.
Works great. Hope it last a long time.
If you are looking for solutions for your home (or work) because of problems with range on your Wifi you might also try one of the homemade paper directional parabolic antenna's that you print off from the internet. They really work and also increase security if positioned properly by directing coverage to within your house and decreasing coverage outside. They work will with this unit too. Requires a router with external antenna(s). You can also put one on the antenna of the Alpha and beam signals between the router and the Alpha. Quite effective. You print out a template from the internet, cutout a couple pieces of paper, cover one with foil or aluminum tape, stick the parabolic template together to the flat sheet to form the shape, and position the unit on the antenna of your router. Just do a search on "DIY windsurfer parabolic WIFI antenna" as Amazon doesn't' allow links. Also watch one of the Vid's on it.

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StarTech.com 2 Port Low Profile RS-422/485 PCI Serial Card (PCI2S485LP) Review

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(More customer reviews)I have over 4 hours trying to get this to work. I have XP, finally got the drivers loaded. Tried to use my app for using it, could not get to work. Had a professional help, he couldn't do it.
Installed my USB to serial unit in less then 5 minites, worked great.
No drivers for this unit, went to their web, said to go to netmoss.com to get the drivers, need a password to get into. Sent the info to them, never got a password back, sent an email to support, never got a reply.
I guess I will eat the $65 for this, maybe get my money back for the hardware but never the time. One would be a fool to buy this, maybe works for other windows but not XP

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Scosche iPod/MP3 Bluetooth Home Kit Review

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(More customer reviews)I should preface this by saying I know what I am doing when it comes to A/V equipment and accessories. I am not some AV-challenged idiot who simply did not know how to use this product. Amazon.com should be embarrassed to even have this product listed on their site.
1.) The sound quality was TERRIBLE. I nearly blew my speakers when I turned it on as the volume and EQ was WAY off. Even after tweaking, it was lousy.
2.) The range was nowhere near 30ft. My FM transmitter for the iPod has a much better range.
The FM transmitter is a better solution, but still doesn't have the range. If someone actually comes up with a BlueTooth or RF transmitter such as this that actually works, I'll buy it. This product simply does not work and is not worth buying.

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Play your iPod or MP3 player wirelessly through your home stereo speakerswithout settling for the uneven quality of an FM transmitter with this ScoscheBluetooth home kit. The kit is simple to use: just plug the Bluetooth transmitter into themusic player's 3.5 mm headphone jack, then connect the receiver to a set of empty RCAinputs in your home stereo. Once you're plugged in, you can enjoy a wireless digitalstream of your entire iPod library in the living room without the hassle of multiple cables.The transmitter boasts a wireless range of 30 feet, letting you carry the player around theroom without losing the signal. Best of all, the system delivers CD-quality sound, so youneedn't suffer through a hiss-filled performance.
Other details include auto pairing, which automatically links the receiver's unique ID tothe transmitter the first time you activate the devices; a built-in rechargeable battery inthe transmitter that lasts for roughly 15 hours per charge; and a universal mounting clipthat fits several iPod models. The Bluetooth 1.2-compliant transmitter can also be pairedwith multiple receivers, so you can listen wirelessly through the car stereo or officestereo as well as the living room stereo. The home kit, which comes with a double-sidedcarrying case for your iPod/MP3 player and a receiver stand, is backed by a 90-daywarranty.
What's in the Box Bluetooth receiver, Bluetooth transmitter, universal mounting clip, receiver powersupply, transmitter charger, 18-inch RCA patch cord, double-sided carrying case,receiver stand, user's manual.

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PDA/PDA Phone/Smartphone/Cellphone: HP iPAQ, iPhone, iTouch, iPod, PALM Treo ... Review

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(More customer reviews)I got this for my ipod about two months ago and it works better than expected. Only complaint is that there are no directions. So you have to 'guess work' it out on how to use the vent attachment but it can be done. Also rattles a little when empty but that could be easily addressed by putting a piece of card in it if no ipod or PDA. I haven't bothered. It really is a great item for the price. My iPod didn't get hot using the vent attachment with the heat on either. The section cup was pretty strong too. I would recommend buying this little widget.

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PYLE PLRD133F 12.1-Inch Roof Mount TFT LCD Monitor with Built-In DVD Player Review

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(More customer reviews)i bought this item and was pleased with the screen size. once i installed it, it worked great other than a few things. the speaker is not very loud, and the remote is very odd. no matter where you point the remote it only works part time. the speaker has to be all the way up to hear over road noise. other than thatit worked great....until we were about to leave to come home. no the unit will not play the dvd in it,eject it or anything. its like a dvd is not even inserted. we were watching this movie the day before it messed up. so not only do i have a junk dvd player, but i also am out of a dvd because of this. i will give them a second chance, if they reply to my email quick. maybe i recieved a bad unit? all the other reviews were great for this product.

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Pyle's PLRD133F offers an affordable way to add a flip-down, roof-mount monitor to your vehicle, complete with an on-board DVD player. Connect to your receiver, to external devices, or enjoy your media directly.

12.1-Inch Display Enjoy your video on the flip-down 12.1-inch TFT LCD screen. With a 1280 x 800 resolution and widescreen format, it'll look great no matter the source.
Front push-button controls give you easy access to unit functions, or you can use the included remote.
The monitor will automatically switch to accommodate either NTSC or PAL video formats.
DVD Playback and More Play back DVDs, CDs, and MP3s burnt to disc, for a variety of entertainment options.
IR Transmitter The on-board IR transmitter lets you send a signal to wireless headphones (not included).
A/V Input Easily connect external A/V devices such as cameras or video game systems with the A/V input.
Easy Integration The PLRD133F's low profile and built-in twin LED dome lights make for a clean and functional install in your vehicle.
Built-In Speaker A built-in speaker lets you broadcast the sound throughout the vehicle if desired.
Remote Included A full-function wireless remote control lets you stay put while accessing unit functions.
One-Year Warranty This unit is covered by a one-year warranty for added peace of mind.
What's in the Box Pyle PLRD133F Main Unit, Remote Control, Installation Hardware, User's Manual

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Griffin AirClick Remote Control for iPod Review

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(More customer reviews)Ok! Here's the bottom-line first: (a) It's MEANT to be a remote-control for your PERSONAL use, not for placing the iPod connected to your $800 stereo-system and then trying to play music from another room. (b) It's handicapped by the availability of options of the iPod. What I mean is iPod gives you the options like pause/play/rew/fwd. Now, if someone is thinking why it doesn't allow (Alas - read such reviews); it will mean that GOING OVER what iPod allows. This means someone has to mysterically put the wires INSIDE iPod, reconfigure it to allow such options.
Now - what I felt. Being in New York and travelling daily to office in subway and later a long walk; I needed the ipod to be safely tucked away in my backpack with my Shure (excellent product, isolates sound completely. The iPod earphones are essentially junk) providing me the music and this remote giving me the flexibility to jump songs/replay a song/increase the volume or a simple pause. That - it does immaculately. Perfect. Being in RF range, I CAN place the iPod in my backpack. The previous remote of mine forced me to have the iPod in line of the remote (IR they called it..;) .. rather stupid. NEVER ONCE did the remote miss a beat, did ANYTHING horrible. Best part, they have the hold switch too. That means I can safely chug it along and not fear the buttons getting "accidentally" depressed. Built: Very solid and sturdy.
All in all - a good product. The main unit's connection points are gold-plated, so they are extremely reliable.

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The Griffin AirClick for iPod lets you hook up your iPod to your sound systemand wander through the house while in full control of your tunes. Pause youriPod to answer the door and then crank it up without even going in the room.

AirClick uses RF signals that travel through walls for control anywhere inyour home or outside, up to 60 feet away. The five button remote allows forplay/pause, next track, previous track, and volume up and down. A hold switch onthe side prevents accidentally disturbing your musical nirvana.

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JVC KV-K1017 Professional Car Installation Kit for KT-HDP1 Transportable HD Radio Tuner Review

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(More customer reviews)I bought the HD tuner in a package that included the DIY car kit (KV-K1018). Reception was poor and would fade in and out especially when travelling into a new area that had strong FM stations near the broadcast frquency I had the HD tuner set to. This then necessitated changing the frequency setting on the HD unit to reduce interference. Overall I was unhappy with the experience and didn't think the HD tuner was going to work out.
Then I got this kit, marketed as the Professional kit. If you can get to your car radio, you can do it yourself. I had to google to find out how to get to my radio. It was simple from there.
The difference with this kit and the DIY one is that this kit uses your car's existing antenna for a signal and uses your car radio's antenna input to feed that signal in. Of course if your lucky enough to have an aux-in jack on your car radio, better yet. Conversely, the DIY kit uses a separate antenna for reception and another antenna (if you don't have an aux-in jack) to broadcast the signal wirelessly to your radio. Both of those antennas must be adhered to your windshield or rear window. A windsheild antenna does not get as good reception as the external antenna installed on my car.
The biggest advantage with this setup, in addition to a stronger signal by using your car's antenna, is that by intercepting the antenna signal to your car radio, your car radio receives only the HD unit's signal thereby eliminating interference which in turn means never having to adjust the HD unit's broadcast frequency. And when you turn off the HD unit, your car radio will receive the same reception it always did.
As for the HD tuner, I wish it had an aux-in jack for an MP3 player like some other brands have.

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Sirius SDST5V1 Starmate 5 Dock and Play Radio with PowerConnect Review

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(More customer reviews)This little unit is a great item. I bought it for two reasons, first, it is plug-n-play, and second, it offers ala-carte selections.
What is ala-carte? For a cheaper monthly satellite bill, you can select up to 50 channels (minus the premium channels). I went for it, and actually struggled to find 50 channels I liked. Other channels such as Margaritaville are designated as premium, so they are a small add on cost. But all in all, expect to pay from 60% to 75% for the ala-carte cost than the full package.
Admittedly the ala-carte price has risen over the years, but its still cheaper than the full package.
I use this unit in 4 locations; which required the purchase of a couple of docking stations.
My boat. I have an Alpine iDA-x100 head unit with a compatible satellite interface so I can use this unit on the boat. Since the Starmate 5 is controlled by the head unit, the logical choice was to mount it inside a hanging locker in the rear cabin so it was out of the way. The unit hangs on the locker's wall; safe and secure. And the unit is locked onto the docking station. Depressing the docking station release, and the unit pops off.
My car. I also have a docking station in the car, so it can be plugged into the car's stereo system. You really need an upgraded stereo system for this, as an FM modulator is not a good alternative - regardless of whether you are trying to listen to an iPod, satellite receiver, or any other audio device. The idea is that the FM modulator will play through an unused FM channel. But as you travel along the highway, stations come and go, which constantly interfere with the "unused" channel.
Some FM setups are capable of disabling the antenna for the car stereo, and that is the only solution I see as working. However, even if such as setup is used, the audio quality is suspect. Therefore, I would recommend a "proper" configuration, meaning low level RCA inputs. This may mean replacing your stereo, or buying a 3rd party adapter designed for your factory radio.
Ironically, I already have a factory XM satellite receiver in my car, which I used for awhile. But for billing purposes, Sirius and XM are still considered separate companies, so you do not get a multi-unit discount if you have one Sirius and one XM unit.
And I have found that the car's XM receiver, due to the geosynchronous satellite orbits, is prone to dropouts when you do not have a clear sky, such as driving behind a hill, in a city with nearby large buildings, or even a tree-lined boulevard.
Consequently, Sirius uses 3 polar orbiting satellites, and one of them is always in the neighborhood, which results in fewer dropouts. You can still get a dropout or two with a Sirius system, for instance you are downtown with high buildings, you may lose signal. But it is much less of a problem than XM as one of the satellites is generally at a higher overhead angle.
Perhaps the most difficult decision in the car is where to mount the satellite unit. I use a RAM-Mount cup holder setup which works great. Since the use in the car is temporary (when the unit is not home or in the boat), I simply pop the mount in the cup holder and plug the wires in when needed. This also allows me to easily and quickly remove the system when I park the car so it is not tempting to thieves.
Fortunately, my car has a set of RCA level aux inputs - conveniently hidden in the arm rest, so I can connect the Starmate to those and the cables are not hardly noticeable. But since I remove the whole shebang when not being used, this is not an issue.
Installing the antenna and docking station in the car was not even as hard as installing a car stereo. You do need some basic skills, and may need to figure out how to remove a panel or two along the way. But it is not difficult.
My home. I also have a home docking station that I can use the Starmate to listen to satellite at home. I even bought the remote antenna setup to attach to my house exterior. You'll find that most houses have some trouble with the proper reception of the signal, and the best advice if you want a home system is to buy a external antenna.
All of these solutions require plug-n-play docking stations, which are also available from the manufacturer of the Starmate 5.
Finally, I also have a portable "boom-box" adapter for the Starmate 5.
The best attribute of this unit - other than the ala-carte feature - is that it is portable, and the station ID is part of the unit itself. And with plug-n-play, you can move the unit from docking station to docking station and have satellite in your home, car, and boat without having to pay for multiple receivers.

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Sony LAV Microphone w/Bodypack Transmitter & Portable Wireless UHF Receiver (CH 66-69) Review

Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)I purchased this microphone just prior to taking off on a two-week video shoot in SE Asia. I was a bit apprehensive about relying so heavily on a mic about which I wasn't able to get much information before purchasing. After having used the mic quite extensively for a couple of weeks, I can now breathe a sigh of relief and report that overall this is a very good microphone for the price. Its selection of frequencies and other user-changeable features are good, though its menu system is not intuitive and requires keeping the manual close by.
My main criticism is its cheap plastic construction, typical with Sony products at this price point. It only took a few days to break the "foot" on the shoe mount.
Overall, I am relatively happy with this purchase and would recommend this mic, but I would also strongly recommend a good hard case in which to store it (no case is included).

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