Memorial City microcaster

[Mediafrog+]

Memorial City Mall is running a microcast signal on 89.1 which has the soundtrack for their Christmas lights show. Signage inside the mall indicates it is active between 6pm and 11pm, although I heard an open carrier there during the afternoon.

If you're in the area during those evening hours, it might be interesting to see how far the signal goes.

 

[Gridlock Joe]

I hear nothing at Gessner and Briar Forest.

 

[FilioScotia]

If they're running it as a Low Power FM, it may be illegal. I just checked the list of all the current LPFM stations in Texas, and it doesn't have one in or anywhere near Houston on that frequency.

Is an LPFM different from a "microcaster"? If so, how?

 

[Holstead]

You'd be AMAZED at how far the 1/10th of a watt rig will carry with the right antena and height. Houston Raceway Park has the greatest use of those of anybody I have ever seen.

My wife uses the stand alone box for Real Estate stuff and it has about a 250 foot range.

 

[FilioScotia]

List of Texas LPFM's

Here's a link to the FCC website list.
http://www.fcc.gov/fcc-bin/fmq?state=TX&serv=FL&vac=3&list=2

 

[Mediafrog+]

If they're running it as a Low Power FM, it may be illegal. I just checked the list of all the current LPFM stations in Texas, and it doesn't have one in or anywhere near Houston on that frequency.
Is an LPFM different from a "microcaster"? If so, how?

Microcasters are flea-powered stations that are unlicensed but legal under Part 15. Power limit is expressed as 250 microvolts per meter, which means they will only go a few hundred feet in theory. Such stations I've heard in the past might go half a mile or so, given a well placed antenna and no intervening obstructions. Much different than LPFM's, which can be several hundred watts and get out 15-20 miles under good conditions.

You should be able to pick up the Memorial City signal if you are driving past the mall on the Katy freeway.

 

[ascottgil]

Re: Memorial City microcaster (To Mediafrog)

Mediafrog posted this: Much different than LPFM's, which can be several hundred watts and get out 15-20 miles under good conditions.

To correct that: LPFMs have a limit of no more than 100 watts, but can still be heard as much as 20 miles from their transmitters, depending on conditions and terrain.

 

[stan]

If they're running it as a Low Power FM, it may be illegal. I just checked the list of all the current LPFM stations in Texas, and it doesn't have one in or anywhere near Houston on that frequency.
Is an LPFM different from a "microcaster"? If so, how?

Microcasters are flea-powered stations that are unlicensed but legal under Part 15. Power limit is expressed as 250 microvolts per meter, which means they will only go a few hundred feet in theory. Such stations I've heard in the past might go half a mile or so, given a well placed antenna and no intervening obstructions. Much different than LPFM's, which can be several hundred watts and get out 15-20 miles under good conditions.

You should be able to pick up the Memorial City signal if you are driving past the mall on the Katy freeway.

My little Part 15 transmitter I bought to listen to music when I'm outside in the yard doing work, etc. (I know an Ipod is a lot easier, but it was before they were as popular as they are now) On a good day, I can hear it about a block down the street.

 

[radioatlantis]

Where does one get a "part 15" transmitter and what is allowed to be broadcast on micro broadcast frequencies? Do you have to register these?

 

[stan]

Where does one get a "part 15" transmitter and what is allowed to be broadcast on micro broadcast frequencies? Do you have to register these?

Here is one such transmitter - http://www.ccrane.com/radios/fm-transmitters/fm-transmitter.aspx. Of course, this can be used for people with Ipods who want to play music in their cars. There are other solutions like this as well.

 

[DJboutit3]

Max range of part 15 fm is about 100ft car radio driving on I 10 you should not be able to pick it up if you do they are running 1 to 3 watts I would say. LPFM max is 100 watts with the right antenna setup range can be 20 to 30 miles easy.

 

[CW]

Max range of part 15 fm is about 100ft car radio driving on I 10 you should not be able to pick it up if you do they are running 1 to 3 watts I would say. LPFM max is 100 watts with the right antenna setup range can be 20 to 30 miles easy.

Actually, LPFM is 100watts ERP, not transmitter power...most LPFM may be running more than 100watts output but feedline loss and use of only one bay antenna (which is -3db gain at worst and -1db at best) knocks them down to around 100w ERP (noone is exactly that).

As to microcasters, the Part 15 250microvolt/m level is a fixed value....IF you raise your unit in height, you must lower your output to be compliant...NO microcaster should get more than a block or so at most..and most 100mw units (and car FM modulators) are illegal under the field strength rule...Schools can run more power BUT their signal must be at a certain level at the campus edge...Somehow I fail to see how RF knows when/where it should stop!

The closest LPFMs to Houston would be 105.3 in Cleveland and 107.9 in Brookshire...there is one in Port Arthur on 107.1, 1st adj to The Point.....I have driven to the water tower they are on and can ALMOST still hear 106.9..get 1/2mile away and I can hear The Point (75 miles distant) with no problem (luckily they are not running stereo and dont overdeviate..but then their audio leaves a little to be desired)..so much for the NAB's complaints..