FM part 15: an UNREAL experience.

[carlvanorden]

I recently purchased a EDM transmitter.Yes, I am testing it this evening.This is FM stereo for a killer affordable price that is absoulutely unreal in it's ability to put out a commercial grade signal over a larger than required area.>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>I'll be honest; the tx arrived today and it comes with a simple wire antenna. I live in a mobile home (all metal!) and all I did was hook up the tx and tape the wire antenna to a window.Stereo all around!!!!!!>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>I didn't do anything to make the signal more clearer or boost it at all.......but what I did do was search to find the clearest FM frequency that I could find.The wire antenna is in fact lower than some of the houses in the area; and we are surrounded by trees.>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>This signal is so strong,I'm not too sure how to bring it in, but it covers the small area I hoped it might.And it is killer: it sounds like a commercial FM without doing anything to it. In fact, as excellent as the sstran is for AM, this unit is just as good for FM.................I drove this signal and ....again, this is a wire antenna taped to a window....I got out a full 1/2 mile in every direction, including the back of the mobile home! The way it is it is with nothing done to it, it is maybe doing a mile in total circle. No matter where I drove, I heard the signal loud and clear..............Should also say I chose the clearest frequency I could find.If I put an antenna to this unit and even pushed it up high, I'd have what could be considered a class A. It is that good.>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>So I am going on record to recommend the EDM..both the 10 and 100mW units.It is scary how excellent this unit sounds.....not for nothing, ......it has it's range, and it is limited like all tx's are, but for it's simplicity, the EDM is a totally complete, easy to hook up FM part 15 tx, stereo, and sounds excellent....I'd back it 100%.Antenna Guy Carl<P ID="signature">______________
[email protected], [email protected],[email protected]</P>

 

[wikhradio]

> I recently purchased a EDM transmitter.Yes, I am testing it
> this evening.This is FM stereo for a killer affordable price
> that is absoulutely unreal in it's ability to put out a
> commercial grade signal over a larger than required
> area.>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>I'll be honest;
> the tx arrived today and it comes with a simple wire
> antenna. I live in a mobile home (all metal!) and all I did
> was hook up the tx and tape the wire antenna to a
> window.Stereo all around!!!!!!>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>I didn't do
> anything to make the signal more clearer or boost it at
> all.......but what I did do was search to find the clearest
> FM frequency that I could find.The wire antenna is in fact
> lower than some of the houses in the area; and we are
> surrounded by trees.>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>This signal is so
> strong,I'm not too sure how to bring it in, but it covers
> the small area I hoped it might.And it is killer: it sounds
> like a commercial FM without doing anything to it. In fact,
> as excellent as the sstran is for AM, this unit is just as
> good for FM.................I drove this signal and
> ....again, this is a wire antenna taped to a window....I got
> out a full 1/2 mile in every direction, including the back
> of the mobile home! The way it is it is with nothing done
> to it, it is maybe doing a mile in total circle. No matter
> where I drove, I heard the signal loud and
> clear..............Should also say I chose the clearest
> frequency I could find.If I put an antenna to this unit and
> even pushed it up high, I'd have what could be considered a
> class A. It is that
> good.>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>So I am going on
> record to recommend the EDM..both the 10 and 100mW units.It
> is scary how excellent this unit sounds.....not for nothing,
> ......it has it's range, and it is limited like all tx's
> are, but for it's simplicity, the EDM is a totally complete,
> easy to hook up FM part 15 tx, stereo, and sounds
> excellent....I'd back it 100%.Antenna Guy Carl
>

FM Part 15 is a nice thing to have! I have a Veronica transmitter, that is usually 50 mW, but due to the antenna and other stupidness with the transmitter, it is down to part 15 specs. I think it is awesome, even though I lose the signal just down the road.

Right now, I am working on getting an SSTRAN off of Ebay. I hope I get lucky, and pick this thing up for a cheaper price than brand new. This will allow me to cover a nice area then, and maybe get listenership. I however am fine with my FM transmitter for now, and have been for 5 years.
<P ID="signature">______________


Moderator, Community Radio board</P>

 

[RADIOBRANDY]

Carl I'm glad you are pleased with the EDM transmitter. Like i said you will have more listeners with FM covering 1/2 mile than AM covering 3 miles especially if you live in a community like yours where allot of metal surrounds the home add EMI & RFI it makes it hard enough to hear full power AM let alone a .1 watt. For those like Carl with cranky landlords Maxrad has a magnet mount antenna model number:"MLB-6600" the 1/4 Wave FM Antenna is perfect for those who have to hide their antennas, the element (rod) would be hard to see if its was placed on a metal storage shed. You can also place it on your Car. What can the landlord do about that?. I use the Maxrad when I'm on the road with great results, while it lacks gain its low SWR will assure your signal gets out.
Progressive Concepts has it priced at $90, an E-bayer has it for under $60 with shipping and your choice of connector. I will e-mail the seller to see if he will relist them, he also has extra rods for $10. www.progressive-concepts.com/info/item.html?id=46
Part 15 FM broadcasters who keep a low profile and have a clean signal enjoy broadcasting with less hassels than those who cause trouble on the air and careless about their signal.
Steve
www.radiobrandy.com

> I recently purchased a EDM transmitter.Yes, I am testing it
> this evening.This is FM stereo for a killer affordable price
> that is absoulutely unreal in it's ability to put out a
> commercial grade signal over a larger than required
> area.>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>I'll be honest;
> the tx arrived today and it comes with a simple wire
> antenna. I live in a mobile home (all metal!) and all I did
> was hook up the tx and tape the wire antenna to a
> window.Stereo all around!!!!!!>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>I didn't do
> anything to make the signal more clearer or boost it at
> all.......but what I did do was search to find the clearest
> FM frequency that I could find.The wire antenna is in fact
> lower than some of the houses in the area; and we are
> surrounded by trees.>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>This signal is so
> strong,I'm not too sure how to bring it in, but it covers
> the small area I hoped it might.And it is killer: it sounds
> like a commercial FM without doing anything to it. In fact,
> as excellent as the sstran is for AM, this unit is just as
> good for FM.................I drove this signal and
> ....again, this is a wire antenna taped to a window....I got
> out a full 1/2 mile in every direction, including the back
> of the mobile home! The way it is it is with nothing done
> to it, it is maybe doing a mile in total circle. No matter
> where I drove, I heard the signal loud and
> clear..............Should also say I chose the clearest
> frequency I could find.If I put an antenna to this unit and
> even pushed it up high, I'd have what could be considered a
> class A. It is that
> good.>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>So I am going on
> record to recommend the EDM..both the 10 and 100mW units.It
> is scary how excellent this unit sounds.....not for nothing,
> ......it has it's range, and it is limited like all tx's
> are, but for it's simplicity, the EDM is a totally complete,
> easy to hook up FM part 15 tx, stereo, and sounds
> excellent....I'd back it 100%.Antenna Guy Carl
>

 

[carlvanorden]

Jake, don't forget

> > I recently purchased a EDM transmitter.Yes, I am testing> it> > this evening.This is FM stereo for a killer affordable> price> > that is absoulutely unreal in it's ability to put out a> > commercial grade signal over a larger than required> > area.>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>I'll be honest; > > the tx arrived today and it comes with a simple wire> > antenna. I live in a mobile home (all metal!) and all I> did> > was hook up the tx and tape the wire antenna to a> > window.Stereo all around!!!!!!>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>I didn't do> > anything to make the signal more clearer or boost it at> > all.......but what I did do was search to find the> clearest> > FM frequency that I could find.The wire antenna is in fact> > > lower than some of the houses in the area; and we are> > surrounded by trees.>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>This signal is so> > strong,I'm not too sure how to bring it in, but it covers> > the small area I hoped it might.And it is killer: it> sounds> > like a commercial FM without doing anything to it. In> fact,> > as excellent as the sstran is for AM, this unit is just as> > > good for FM.................I drove this signal and> > ....again, this is a wire antenna taped to a window....I> got> > out a full 1/2 mile in every direction, including the back> > > of the mobile home! The way it is it is with nothing done> > > to it, it is maybe doing a mile in total circle. No> matter> > where I drove, I heard the signal loud and> > clear..............Should also say I chose the clearest> > frequency I could find.If I put an antenna to this unit> and> > even pushed it up high, I'd have what could be considered> a> > class A. It is that> > good.>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>So I am going> on> > record to recommend the EDM..both the 10 and 100mW> units.It> > is scary how excellent this unit sounds.....not for> nothing,> > ......it has it's range, and it is limited like all tx's> > are, but for it's simplicity, the EDM is a totally> complete,> > easy to hook up FM part 15 tx, stereo, and sounds> > excellent....I'd back it 100%.Antenna Guy Carl> > > > FM Part 15 is a nice thing to have! I have a Veronica> transmitter, that is usually 50 mW, but due to the antenna> and other stupidness with the transmitter, it is down to> part 15 specs. I think it is awesome, even though I lose the> signal just down the road.> > Right now, I am working on getting an SSTRAN off of Ebay. I> hope I get lucky, and pick this thing up for a cheaper price> than brand new. This will allow me to cover a nice area> then, and maybe get listenership. I however am fine with my> FM transmitter for now, and have been for 5 years.> I build the antennas and ground systems for SSTRAN, so if you need any of the components for it, shoot me an email at [email protected]he coil is usually what is most difficult for people who aren't used to building them.Best of luck with the sstran; it is pure quality..you will love it!!!Carl<P ID="signature">______________
[email protected], [email protected],[email protected]</P>

 

[JeremyAndrews]

> I recently purchased a EDM transmitter.Yes, I am testing it
> this evening.This is FM stereo for a killer affordable price
> that is absoulutely unreal in it's ability to put out a
> commercial grade signal over a larger than required
> area.>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>I'll be honest;
> the tx arrived today and it comes with a simple wire
> antenna. I live in a mobile home (all metal!) and all I did
> was hook up the tx and tape the wire antenna to a
> window.Stereo all around!!!!!!>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>I didn't do
> anything to make the signal more clearer or boost it at
> all.......but what I did do was search to find the clearest
> FM frequency that I could find.The wire antenna is in fact
> lower than some of the houses in the area; and we are
> surrounded by trees.>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>This signal is so
> strong,I'm not too sure how to bring it in, but it covers
> the small area I hoped it might.And it is killer: it sounds
> like a commercial FM without doing anything to it. In fact,
> as excellent as the sstran is for AM, this unit is just as
> good for FM.................I drove this signal and
> ....again, this is a wire antenna taped to a window....I got
> out a full 1/2 mile in every direction, including the back
> of the mobile home! The way it is it is with nothing done
> to it, it is maybe doing a mile in total circle. No matter
> where I drove, I heard the signal loud and
> clear..............Should also say I chose the clearest
> frequency I could find.If I put an antenna to this unit and
> even pushed it up high, I'd have what could be considered a
> class A. It is that
> good.>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>So I am going on
> record to recommend the EDM..both the 10 and 100mW units.It
> is scary how excellent this unit sounds.....not for nothing,
> ......it has it's range, and it is limited like all tx's
> are, but for it's simplicity, the EDM is a totally complete,
> easy to hook up FM part 15 tx, stereo, and sounds
> excellent....I'd back it 100%.Antenna Guy Carl
>
I had used Ramsey FM10 with plans of buying an EDM but settled with Ramsey because I wasn't too sure about the company. Now I feel dumb. Ramsey gets good signal but loves to drift. I was planning on resuming Part 15 but I'm not going to because the BMI keeps contacting me about my old Part 15 AM and I don't want to risk getting sued.<P ID="signature">______________

AIM: JeremyA1069</P>

 

[radiomike]

Which unit did you buy? The 10MW or 100MW? The 100mw will not be part 15 legal.

 

[wernerradio]

EDM Transmitter

The EDM transmitter is awesome, I have had one for well over a year. The audio quality, and the signal are solid! It took a little work to get it down to part 15 acceptable levels, but it is also very easy and tempting to let it broadcast out 2 miles (which is pretty easy to do, but ILLEGAL!).

If you are looking for a GOOD fm transmitter, EDM is the way to go.

Total Cost:

Transmitter (10mW) around $80
(100mW) around $100
Power Supply $12 for the one I got from bgmicro.com
RCA to 1/8 cable $8

A lot cheaper and better than the comparable Ramsey models.
<P ID="signature">______________
Joshua Werner
http://www.wisconsinbroadcasting.com
90.3 WRST-FM Oshkosh
Station Manager & Webmaster
http://www.uwosh.edu/wrst
[email protected]</P>

 

[carlvanorden]

Tell em you went all talk.

> > I recently purchased a EDM transmitter.Yes, I am testing> it> > this evening.This is FM stereo for a killer affordable> price> > that is absoulutely unreal in it's ability to put out a> > commercial grade signal over a larger than required> > area.>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>I'll be honest; > > the tx arrived today and it comes with a simple wire> > antenna. I live in a mobile home (all metal!) and all I> did> > was hook up the tx and tape the wire antenna to a> > window.Stereo all around!!!!!!>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>I didn't do> > anything to make the signal more clearer or boost it at> > all.......but what I did do was search to find the> clearest> > FM frequency that I could find.The wire antenna is in fact> > > lower than some of the houses in the area; and we are> > surrounded by trees.>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>This signal is so> > strong,I'm not too sure how to bring it in, but it covers> > the small area I hoped it might.And it is killer: it> sounds> > like a commercial FM without doing anything to it. In> fact,> > as excellent as the sstran is for AM, this unit is just as> > > good for FM.................I drove this signal and> > ....again, this is a wire antenna taped to a window....I> got> > out a full 1/2 mile in every direction, including the back> > > of the mobile home! The way it is it is with nothing done> > > to it, it is maybe doing a mile in total circle. No> matter> > where I drove, I heard the signal loud and> > clear..............Should also say I chose the clearest> > frequency I could find.If I put an antenna to this unit> and> > even pushed it up high, I'd have what could be considered> a> > class A. It is that> > good.>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>So I am going> on> > record to recommend the EDM..both the 10 and 100mW> units.It> > is scary how excellent this unit sounds.....not for> nothing,> > ......it has it's range, and it is limited like all tx's> > are, but for it's simplicity, the EDM is a totally> complete,> > easy to hook up FM part 15 tx, stereo, and sounds> > excellent....I'd back it 100%.Antenna Guy Carl> > > I had used Ramsey FM10 with plans of buying an EDM but> settled with Ramsey because I wasn't too sure about the> company. Now I feel dumb. Ramsey gets good signal but loves> to drift. I was planning on resuming Part 15 but I'm not> going to because the BMI keeps contacting me about my old> Part 15 AM and I don't want to risk getting sued.> I have a report written by what you may call a critic about the Ramsey and it is not a nice report.I can say, as I have said about the sstran AM that the EDM FM is as good and as well built as the Sstran. No drift, solid signal, 5 seconds to hook it up and let it fly. Excellent transmitter and excellent price. I love it!!<P ID="signature">______________
[email protected], [email protected],[email protected]</P>

 

[carlvanorden]

Re: EDM Transmitter

> The EDM transmitter is awesome, I have had one for well over> a year. The audio quality, and the signal are solid! It> took a little work to get it down to part 15 acceptable> levels, but it is also very easy and tempting to let it> broadcast out 2 miles (which is pretty easy to do, but> ILLEGAL!). > > If you are looking for a GOOD fm transmitter, EDM is the way> to go.> > Total Cost:> > Transmitter (10mW) around $80> (100mW) around $100> Power Supply $12 for the one I got from bgmicro.com> RCA to 1/8 cable $8> > A lot cheaper and better than the comparable Ramsey models.> 100000% correct with everything you said.You will not believe how excellent this little inexpensive tx is<P ID="signature">______________
[email protected], [email protected],[email protected]</P>

 

[hangbush]

> Which unit did you buy? The 10MW or 100MW? The 100mw will
> not be part 15 legal.
>
Christ, I can't tell you how I was waiting for the legal question. Thank you Radio Mike for being as predictable as sunrise.

 

[radiomike]

As posted in other posts on this thread, both of the EDM transmitters are not Part 15 legal, unless modified. 10 MW is likely still too much power for LEGAL part 15FM. The EDM website cautions that their transmitters might not be legal. And not to burst Hangbush's bubble, but most of the participants on this board are comitted to keeping it legal.


> > Which unit did you buy? The 10MW or 100MW? The 100mw will
> > not be part 15 legal.
> >
> Christ, I can't tell you how I was waiting for the legal
> question. Thank you Radio Mike for being as predictable as
> sunrise.
>

 

[wcummings]

I agree that the EDM unit is a very high quality transmitter. Acutally I think that I was one of the first here to recommend it.

However let's not go overboard and let the device transmit at distances greater than Part 15 dictates.

If your line-of-sight signal is reaching more than approximately 600-800 feet then you are most definitely not Part 15 compliant.

A 10mw transmitter coupled to about fifty feet of co-ax cable and unity gain antenna should be about right.




> > Which unit did you buy? The 10MW or 100MW? The 100mw will
> > not be part 15 legal.
> >
> Christ, I can't tell you how I was waiting for the legal
> question. Thank you Radio Mike for being as predictable as
> sunrise.
>

 

[radiopilot]

> As posted in other posts on this thread, both of the EDM
> transmitters are not Part 15 legal, unless modified. 10 MW
> is likely still too much power for LEGAL part 15FM. The EDM
> website cautions that their transmitters might not be legal.
> And not to burst Hangbush's bubble, but most of the
> participants on this board are comitted to keeping it legal.
>
>
>
> > > Which unit did you buy? The 10MW or 100MW? The 100mw
> will
> > > not be part 15 legal.
> > >
> > Christ, I can't tell you how I was waiting for the legal
> > question. Thank you Radio Mike for being as predictable as
>
> > sunrise.
> >
>

Radiomike...

I'm curious... do you have am FM transmitter? How do you have it set up? Is it part15 legal? Give us your experiences about the transmitter and it's setup, how far the signal is getting out at part15 levels, etc.

I've been reading this and other forums on the FM part15 transmitter and may get one, whether it's part15 or not is really up to the person transmitting and the FCC inspector... most people that buy a transmitter will either be acknowledged about the part15 rules or they go slightly 'pirate' and hope that the FCC does not notice!

I plan on getting either the Veronica PLL 100mw or 1 watt version and then tone it down to part15 levels... reason is the tranmitter wattage is not important but 250uV/3 meters is the real strength one must strive for... so that said a 10mw transmitter after all the feed line losses may not even put out 250uV/ 3 meters....

I hope someone disputes the above if I'm wrong. Looking to get more info before I buy the EDM or the Veronica model.

Radiopilot

 

[RADIOBRANDY]

The Veronica PLL 100mw should be your last choice in a transmitter for a number of reasons. You would be better off with a Ramsey 35 padded down.
My first choice is the EDM, second would be Wavemach's 100 milliwatt unit.
The Panaxis would also be ok if equipped with the new stereo generator. Panaxis does have better documentation and is easily configured to different output levels. The Panaxis FMX can be topped out at about 350 milliwatts, if sound quality matters to you avoid the Panaxis if you plan on operating in mono; audio quality leaves allot to be desired "Bass rolls off at 100hz". The new Panaxis stereo generator bypasses the mono audio section providing much audio quality.
The EDM is my first choice because the transmitter offers the most bang for the buck, another plus EDM provides outstanding customer service. The 100 milliwatt version has additional filtering, padded down its very clean.
At one time the FCC entertained bumping up the max power for part 15 to a watt on FM, as you might of guessed that ideal was quickly killed off by our friends at the N.A.B..

Steve
Radio Brandy


> I'm curious... do you have am FM transmitter? How do you
> have it set up? Is it part15 legal? Give us your experiences
> about the transmitter and it's setup, how far the signal is
> getting out at part15 levels, etc.
>
> I've been reading this and other forums on the FM part15
> transmitter and may get one, whether it's part15 or not is
> really up to the person transmitting and the FCC
> inspector... most people that buy a transmitter will either
> be acknowledged about the part15 rules or they go slightly
> 'pirate' and hope that the FCC does not notice!
>
> I plan on getting either the Veronica PLL 100mw or 1 watt
> version and then tone it down to part15 levels... reason is
> the tranmitter wattage is not important but 250uV/3 meters
> is the real strength one must strive for... so that said a
> 10mw transmitter after all the feed line losses may not even
> put out 250uV/ 3 meters....
>
> I hope someone disputes the above if I'm wrong. Looking to
> get more info before I buy the EDM or the Veronica model.
>
> Radiopilot
>

 

[iowegian2]

> The Veronica PLL 100mw should be your last choice in a
> transmitter for a number of reasons. You would be better off
> with a Ramsey 35 padded down.
> My first choice is the EDM, second would be Wavemach's 100
> milliwatt unit.
> The Panaxis would also be ok if equipped with the new stereo
> generator. Panaxis does have better documentation and is
> easily configured to different output levels. The Panaxis
> FMX can be topped out at about 350 milliwatts, if sound
> quality matters to you avoid the Panaxis if you plan on
> operating in mono; audio quality leaves allot to be desired
> "Bass rolls off at 100hz". The new Panaxis stereo generator
> bypasses the mono audio section providing much audio
> quality.
> The EDM is my first choice because the transmitter offers
> the most bang for the buck, another plus EDM provides
> outstanding customer service. The 100 milliwatt version has
> additional filtering, padded down its very clean.
> At one time the FCC entertained bumping up the max power
> for part 15 to a watt on FM, as you might of guessed that
> ideal was quickly killed off by our friends at the N.A.B..
>
> Steve
> Radio Brandy

With these barely above legal xmtrs, is it possible to put in a signal
attenuator between xmtr and antenna?...for example, one of those 6dB
attenuators that are used to prevent overloading with strong received
signals. Would it make unacceptable SWR?

 

[carlvanorden]

> > As posted in other posts on this thread, both of the EDM> > transmitters are not Part 15 legal, unless modified. 10 MW> > > is likely still too much power for LEGAL part 15FM. The> EDM> > website cautions that their transmitters might not be> legal.> > And not to burst Hangbush's bubble, but most of the> > participants on this board are comitted to keeping it> legal.> > > > > > > > > > Which unit did you buy? The 10MW or 100MW? The 100mw> > will> > > > not be part 15 legal.> > > > > > > Christ, I can't tell you how I was waiting for the legal> > > > question. Thank you Radio Mike for being as predictable> as> > > > > sunrise.> > >> > > > Radiomike...> > I'm curious... do you have am FM transmitter? How do you> have it set up? Is it part15 legal? Give us your experiences> about the transmitter and it's setup, how far the signal is> getting out at part15 levels, etc. > > I've been reading this and other forums on the FM part15> transmitter and may get one, whether it's part15 or not is> really up to the person transmitting and the FCC> inspector... most people that buy a transmitter will either> be acknowledged about the part15 rules or they go slightly> 'pirate' and hope that the FCC does not notice! > > I plan on getting either the Veronica PLL 100mw or 1 watt> version and then tone it down to part15 levels... reason is> the tranmitter wattage is not important but 250uV/3 meters> is the real strength one must strive for... so that said a> 10mw transmitter after all the feed line losses may not even> put out 250uV/ 3 meters.... > > I hope someone disputes the above if I'm wrong. Looking to> get more info before I buy the EDM or the Veronica model.> > Radiopilot> Well I've been a bit quiet about this, so I'll fill ya in a bit.>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>my thing is to test small transmitters and antennas, to see the quality. I can dismiss several, but I'll add that for AM, sstran is superior; for FM, EDM seems superior......for all the reasons important: sound, range, price......................There has always been the 500 foot rule with FM; in fact most legal part 15FM's do about 200 foot, or a decent back yard and part of your neighbors' property...........Like AM, choosing a frequency is really important; the clearer, the better......and if you live in Oklahoma where there isn't a mountain in sight, any of these FM's may go a lot farther than 200-500 feet naturally.......................If you take the EDM 100 (not the lower power version) and put it in the worst possible enviornment.....metal house, no antenna, facing a mountain or in a valley, you will still hear a superior signal of the quality of most FM stations.....how far your signal gets out will depend on your height. But lets say you have several clear frequencies, and use nothing but the 4 foot long wire as an antenna......the possibility for a clear community station comes alive.....it is not that the range is going to put your nearby FM neighbor out of business, but the signal is solid enough to cover a small community......as long as there is no interference at all, I see no rules broken. (please reread what I said; NO INTERFERENCE TO ANYONE IN ANYWAY).Interference begats complaints and complaints infer an investigation. If you have a signal where there is no other, and obey the basic rules of fair broadcasting, most of the part 15 transmitters and antennas will give you what you are looking for and still live within the basics that the rules were meant to enforce.<P ID="signature">______________
[email protected], [email protected],[email protected]</P>

 

[Scott1]

I use a 1 watt transmitter made by Broadcast Warehouse in the UK. In series with the output I've inserted a Tektronix 5X 2 watt 50ohm oscilloscope pad, then I go through 100' of RG8X feedline to a j-pole antenna on the roof of a one story house on a 10' mast. Full quieting car coverage is 5 to 7 blocks, with the signal pretty much disappearing at about 20 blocks in all directions. The signal can be received well on just about any receiver within about 1 1/2 blocks. The coverage would be better on a really clear frequency, but I have second adjacent local signals running IBOC on either side of me. All the IBOC hash is really a blessing though, as it covers up my signal out beoynd its primary coverage area. I know this is a bit more than part 15 really allows, but it certainly isn't hurting anyone. Processing consists of an old Audimax/Volumax combination and an old RCA BTS1-B stereo generator, and I run the levels conservatively so I know it's not over deviating. I sure can't see the harm the way I'm running it. I really think the part 15 FM limits are unrealistic. Heck, you could shout as far!

 

[RADIOBRANDY]

Re: FM part 15: With Broadcast Warehouse.

I also have two Broadcast Warehouse 1 watt transmitters, I was going to include B-W but was pulled away from the computer. I built some of the last kit versions of the 1 watt B-W transmitters, The B-W not only offers outstanding audio, its harmonics & spurious surpass all other transmitters in its class. The mono version is priced at around $200 for the board alone. If you have the bucks and want the best B-W is an excellent choice. For Part 15 FM you will have to pad it down a bit. Those in band pads used for cable tv will burn up in a few seconds with the 1/8 watt resistors inside.
Like Carl said if you keep it very clean and respect your fellow broadcaster you are not likely to have a visit. Keep your programming clean, don't try to go head to head with your local station. Check your signal often to make sure it's clean and not taking out a tv station your neighbor enjoys.
I know many so called legal broacasters who have no clue what a neighbor is. I have worked for several broadcaster who broke every rule in the book and got away with it with the help of the N.A.B.

Steve
www.radiobrandy.com


> I use a 1 watt transmitter made by Broadcast Warehouse in
> the UK. In series with the output I've inserted a Tektronix
> 5X 2 watt 50ohm oscilloscope pad, then I go through 100' of
> RG8X feedline to a j-pole antenna on the roof of a one story
> house on a 10' mast. Full quieting car coverage is 5 to 7
> blocks, with the signal pretty much disappearing at about 20
> blocks in all directions. The signal can be received well on
> just about any receiver within about 1 1/2 blocks. The
> coverage would be better on a really clear frequency, but I
> have second adjacent local signals running IBOC on either
> side of me. All the IBOC hash is really a blessing though,
> as it covers up my signal out beoynd its primary coverage
> area. I know this is a bit more than part 15 really allows,
> but it certainly isn't hurting anyone. Processing consists
> of an old Audimax/Volumax combination and an old RCA BTS1-B
> stereo generator, and I run the levels conservatively so I
> know it's not over deviating. I sure can't see the harm the
> way I'm running it. I really think the part 15 FM limits
> are unrealistic. Heck, you could shout as far!
>

 

[radiopilot]

> Well I've been a bit quiet about this, so I'll fill ya in a
> bit.>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>my thing is to test
> small transmitters and antennas, to see the quality. I can
> dismiss several, but I'll add that for AM, sstran is
> superior; for FM, EDM seems superior......for all the
> reasons important: sound, range,
> price......................

There has always been the 500
> foot rule with FM; in fact most legal part 15FM's do about
> 200 foot, or a decent back yard and part of your neighbors'
> property...........Like AM, choosing a frequency is really
> important; the clearer, the better......and if you live in
> Oklahoma where there isn't a mountain in sight, any of these
> FM's may go a lot farther than 200-500 feet
> naturally.......................

If you take the EDM 100 (not
> the lower power version) and put it in the worst possible
> enviornment.....metal house, no antenna, facing a mountain
> or in a valley, you will still hear a superior signal of the
> quality of most FM stations.....how far your signal gets out
> will depend on your height. But lets say you have several
> clear frequencies, and use nothing but the 4 foot long wire
> as an antenna......the possibility for a clear community
> station comes alive.....it is not that the range is going to
> put your nearby FM neighbor out of business, but the signal
> is solid enough to cover a small community......as long as
> there is no interference at all, I see no rules broken.
> (please reread what I said; NO INTERFERENCE TO ANYONE IN
> ANYWAY).

Interference begats complaints and complaints infer
> an investigation. If you have a signal where there is no
> other, and obey the basic rules of fair broadcasting, most
> of the part 15 transmitters and antennas will give you what
> you are looking for and still live within the basics that
> the rules were meant to enforce.
>

Carl... Thanks for the input... i'm running the SSTRAN and it's getting the range I wanted... but nightime skywave REALLY kills it here. Like you said the signal is great... during the day...

What I wanted was an FM small community radio earlier (LPFM), of course that is an impossibilty here in my neck of the woods...

I would like to use any FM transmitter even at power levels of 50mw... but even at that power level, the FCC has a legal standing to shut you done if one were to call you in, anybody!

I'd like to hear stories of the FCC coming to the door of anybody using an FM transmitter 1 watt or less... What was the experience with the FCC with low power levels... sure they'd break the door down for anything over 5 watts or more.... but what do they say for someone with 100mw - 500mw's FM? Do they just chuckle and say... 'turn the power down some' or fine you or confiscate the equipment? I'd hate to use a $100.00 transmitter and have the FCC fine you $1000-$10,000 or worse confiscate $5000 worth of computer/radio equipment!

I like the sound of FM and it has it's merits but illegaly broadcasting 1/4 mile or less is not worth it for me unless the FCC is a little more forgiving on FM. Interference is not the issue but more the fact that people may like your station or programming better that the million dollars boys and get you turned in! Such is the jealous, greedy folks at the NAB and the corporate radio bunch.

Some small pirate broadcasters have got several years broadcasting with levels over part15, too risky...but to have a stand alone station without FCC fears is much, much better.

Radiopilot

 

[radiopilot]

Re: FM part 15: With Broadcast Warehouse.

> I also have two Broadcast Warehouse 1 watt transmitters, I
> was going to include B-W but was pulled away from the
> computer. I built some of the last kit versions of the 1
> watt B-W transmitters, The B-W not only offers outstanding
> audio, its harmonics & spurious surpass all other
> transmitters in its class. The mono version is priced at
> around $200 for the board alone. If you have the bucks and
> want the best B-W is an excellent choice. For Part 15 FM you
> will have to pad it down a bit. Those in band pads used for
> cable tv will burn up in a few seconds with the 1/8 watt
> resistors inside.
> Like Carl said if you keep it very clean and respect your
> fellow broadcaster you are not likely to have a visit. Keep
> your programming clean, don't try to go head to head with
> your local station. Check your signal often to make sure
> it's clean and not taking out a tv station your neighbor
> enjoys.
> I know many so called legal broacasters who have no clue
> what a neighbor is. I have worked for several broadcaster
> who broke every rule in the book and got away with it with
> the help of the N.A.B.
>
> Steve
> www.radiobrandy.com
>
>

Steve,

Thanks for the info... I wrote a response to Carl's post...

Yes, as I stated earlier... I'd like to use the FM transmitter as a compliment to my AM transmitter to pull in as many listeners to my 'community' setup.

My real opposition is getting out with 100mw and getting too much flack from the NAB/local broadcasters or over inflated jealous listeners who think 'they' should be the ones broadcasting or envious of your success!

I know that interference would not be an issue if all means are taken to insure this does not happen... this may happen to inexperienced non technical operators, but if all is well and the signal is clean... what happens when the FCC comes to the door? Do you show him a simple 100mw transmitter barely a toy and they scoff it off or do they give you an order to shutdown... over a miniscue signal?

I would buy any good FM transmitter and the best would be a high quality exciter, but again they put out too much power and even if run at very low power level.. to the FCC you have a 10-25 watt transmitter and are operating it!

What should I do... I want the FM but need more encouragement...

Anybody selling a LPFM license?????

Radiopilot