I'm in the market for a waterproof *tape player* that I can put in my
shower.  The Sharper Image and sevearl other companies offer shower
*CD players* and shower *radios* but nobody seems to make one with a
tape player.  I have a bunch of tapes that I need to listen to for
some classes I'm taking and it would be great to have an extra 10
minutes or so each day to do so.  Ideally I'd like a combination CD
Player/Tape Player but beggars can't be chosers so I would settle for
just a tape player.  Thanks!

---

Clarification of Question by jpbischke-ga on 01 Jul 2003 18:51 PDT

The Walkman type devices don't do me a lot of good.  It has to be
something with speakers.  I have found at least a half-dozen CD
players but nothing with cassette yet.  I have to think something like
this exists or at least existed and might still be available through
some type of channel.

---

Clarification of Question by jpbischke-ga on 02 Jul 2003 15:51 PDT

arcadesdude-ga, that would do the trick and you can put that down as
an answer so I can close this.  Essentially what I want is to be able
to listen to audiotapes anywhere in my house.  This FM transmitter
would allow me to go from room to room and have the tape "follow" me
so long as an FM radio was turned on in the room.  As long as the
range is fine for a two-bedroom apartment this would be perfect.  If
you have any more information on whether this is the best of these
type of devices and if the range is sufficient, please let me know. 
Regardless, consider the question answered!

Jpbischke, I'm glad my comment answered your question. Since the FM
transmitter idea seems to be want you want here is some more
information to help you in buying the right FM transmitter for your
two-bedroom apartment.

The basic FM transmitter plugs into the headphone jack (minijack) of
the audio device (in this case the cassette tape player) and then
sends that audio output to the FM radio. The radio will be able to
pick up the sound without any wires to the radio itself from the tape
player.

The FM transmitters vary in price from about $10 to $80 depending on
the range of the device. The smaller (less expensive) ones transmit
about 10-30ft from the receiver.

The cheapest FM transmitter I found is here:

ARKON SF-120 Wireless FM Sound Transmitter
http://store.yahoo.com/efunctional/sf-120.html

(11.96 USD as of July 2, 2003).

It does not list the range but I would not expect it to be much
farther than 20ft.

The most expensive FM transmitters are like the one seen here:

Professional 35 Watt Radio Station In A Box
http://store.yahoo.com/electronic-kits/prof35watrad.html

are extremely expensive and are thousands of dollars. I would expect
something like this to have as large a range as possible under FCC or
other local laws allow.

Now that the extremes are out of the way I would guess you require
something with about 40-50ft of range to cover your entire area. That
should be plenty (with a bit extra range since walls and other metal
objects might lower the range of the transmitters). You may require
more or less range than that and there are various type of FM
transmitters could work at different ranges if you needed them to.

If you would like a small compact FM transmitter with a short range
(up to 30ft or so) then these might fit your needs:

FM transmitters $0 - $100
http://froogle.google.com/froogle?q=fm+transmitter&cat=0&price1=0&price2=100&price=between&btnP=Go

These are the consumer grade 'portable' and mid-quality-range FM
transmitters. They would have less range than their professional (but
expensive) counterparts but would save you alot of money if the
broadcast range of these type of transmitters is sufficient for your
needs. All of the consumer grade models have the minijack (fits
headphones or line out plug) which makes them compatible with any
audio device that uses a headphone or line out jack.

The average price for these seems to be about $30 USD.

Above the consumer grade transmitters are the models meant for use in
cars (or any automobile) which have extra features like interference
shielding for noise reduction.

This transmitter:

C. Crane Digital FM Transmitter
http://www.ccrane.com/fm_transmitter_in_radio_accessories.asp

says it can transmit up to 70ft away from the source (but it costs
about $80).

Another way to extend the range of these devices would be to use a
minijack extension cable. (One end plugs into the headphone plug, and
the other end accepts a headphone jack). If a minijack extension was
used it can only go so far to extend the distance of player to the
transmitter. The transmitter's range is still fixed but this could be
used to get the transmitter closer to where it would be used if you
use a short range transmitter. The minijack cable can only be extended
so far before the signal would have to be amplified (in an amplifier
of course :) for it to work properly.

So first you would need to know approximately how many feet you would
need to transmit the audio signal and then go about 5-10ft above that
as your range for the FM transmitter you want (for any objects that
might be blocking the signal).

Then you can find the transmitter you want using a shopping bot such
as http://froogle.google.com/. Then you could use any tape player that
may or may not be waterproof. The tape player could be anywhere
connected to the transmitter and would work in about a radius (circle)
of the transmitter's range.

You would only be able to control (play/stop/fast
forward/rewind/pause) the tape on the tape player itself unless the
tape player comes with a remote of some kind (which might be worth
looking into).

Hopefully all of the above will be helpful to you in choosing to
purchase an FM transmitter that works for you. If anything is unclear
or needs clarification, please "Request Answer Clarification" before
you "Rate this Answer" and I'll be glad to help in any way I can.


Search Strategy:

personal knowledge

"fm transmitter"
://www.google.com/search?q=fm+transmitter

"fm transmitter"
http://froogle.google.com/froogle?q=fm+transmitter&cat=0&price1=10&price2=20&price=between&btnP=Go

Great answer.  I've ordered the Soundfeeder device through the Akron
website.  I'm assuming this will do the trick and if not, it looks
like there are some other devices that will.  Thanks!

Here's a waterproof cassette player (rather pricey):

http://www.waterworkout.com/walkman.html

Here's a waterproof Sony Sports Walkman cassette player offered at
eBay:

http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=3032543057&category=15053

I haven't found any units that are specifically designed for shower
use. CD seems to have taken over completely.

Here's a suggestion that might work for you:

You could get a waterproof shower cd/radio player and play cd's when
you want or the radio when you want and as for the tapes you could buy
an FM transmitter like this:

SF120 FM Stereo Transmitter
http://www.welovemacs.com/sf120.html

Which just plugs into any headphone/line out jack. That could be
plugged into your tape player (which may or may not be waterproof
depending on how close to the water you want it) and it will send the
sound output of the tape player to the FM radio on a channel you
specifiy. So you could just set the transmitter and the radio to the
same station, have the radio on that station and the tape player
plugged into the transmitter and then play tapes as normal (but you'd
have to control the tape on the tape player...)

That probably not your ideal solution but it is an idea that might be
worthwhile to consider.

-arcadesdude-ga Google Answers Researcher

Dear jpbischke,

I know this may be a little old fashioned, or low tech, but...
have you thought of just putting a cassette player OUTSIDE
the shower, on the bathroom counter, and turning it up
loud enough to hear?

That may be your cheapest and lowest maintenance solution.

Another thought might be to put the cassette player in a
zip locked baggie, upside down, and bring it into the 
shower with you. (Test it with a tape you don't mind
ruining. )

Just some thoughts, from your li'l ole

TaxMama-ga

Thank you, Jpbischke, for the rating and the tip. :)