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FM Transmitter Question

D

dx7

Does anyone have any experience with the Broadcast Electronics FM-5C? Would you recommend it -- or are there problems?

We are in the process of replacing our old 5k McMartin transmitter and this is the one we're looking at.


Thanks,
dx7
 
if this will be a new replacement.i would also strongly consider the Nautel xmtr's.i've done alot of installs BE,Continental, the dreaded Harris, this Nautel product is super..
 
I have a 5C at a contract station.

All I can say is, out of the three boxes we have in the group, the 5C is the only one that to date that has given me the fewest problems.

It's survived lightning blasts, power surges, an overheated building, and still keeps ticking. Modules and power supplies are very easy to swap out, and you can run on as few as 2 modules and 1 power supply and stay on the air. I should also mention it's been on the air for over 10 years and still in this condition.

Downside is that it requires a 300 watt exciter. So if your exciter fails you can't throw a standard Harris, Bext, or other lower-powered exciter in and get full power.

Bottom line: I would highly recommend the 5C!
 
The 5C uses the same Power amp modules that the FMi series uses. I had an FMi 106 being used as a high level IBOC transmitter that would blow a PA card once a month or so.

I have to weigh in on the Nautel rigs. I recently installed a J1000 which has been a dream so far. I maintain three ND series AM transmitters, and one FM 5. I'm scheduled to install a V10 next year. Technical service has been knowledgable the few times I have called with questions. They may be a little more, but the are worth it. The ND and FM transmitters have never been off the air due to a failure of the transmitter. The J1000 was knocked down with a lightning strike, but was back up the next day with parts overnighted from Mouser.

I very strongly recommend Nautel, it's the only transmitter I'll spec anymore.
 
I had two of the FMi series, one low level combined and one high level injected. We had a problem with modules for a bit, and then realized that the default setup had the VSWR foldback point set too high. Lowered it and the troubles went away. I suspect in an analog transmitter, that wouldn't be such a bother. I'd put another in tomowwow, they're good radios.

I particularly like the BE exciter, and the Continental one. I haven't had a change to play with the new Nautel one, but it is getting good press.
 
I have a 1994 BE 2C that has been an absolute rock. The only problems I've had were caused by lightning - and as a previous poster mentioned, the PSU's and amps are easy to get at and work on. That said, my HD will be a Nautel due to the feature set, service, and reputation. The 2C will be the back-up, though.
-D
 
dtube1 said:
I have a 1994 BE 2C that has been an absolute rock. The only problems I've had were caused by lightning - and as a previous poster mentioned, the PSU's and amps are easy to get at and work on. That said, my HD will be a Nautel due to the feature set, service, and reputation. The 2C will be the back-up, though.
-D
Click to expand...

Don't get me wrong, late 80's VERY early 90's BE and Harris had pretty good rigs. However the recent efforts to cut costs have also caused them to cut corners. The transmitter is the linchpin of the radio station and I be damned if I'm gonna buy something this important just because it came in with the cheapest quote. I don't even consider Harris anymore since they are leaving us swinging in the wind by stopping support on the SX series (I have five of them in various places). Past experience dictates I only consider Nautel.
 
I have installed 3 of them in the past 2 years and only had one problem. The Motherboard was damaged in shipping and BE flew someone down and replaced it for no charge. I have seen one operating for 4 years and no one has touched it. It just keeps running and running and running..............................
 
Thanks to everyone for your input...very much appreciated!

Looks like I'll be getting a price quote on a Nautel V5 now.


dx7
 
(add to above message...I hit "post" too soon) --

If the Nautel is too pricey, looks like a good bet to go with the BE 5C.

Thanks again.

dx7
 
Been caring for a BE 5C and a Nautel V10 for almost a year each. Both have gotten air filter maintenance & nothing more. Either one's a winner in my experience.
 
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