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newbie non-profit needs help purchasing radio equipment for FM station

M

Mama Jan

We are a small non-profit located in Atlanta, GA which works with marginalized women and children in W. Africa. We are so very new to this industry, we do not know what questions to ask. We desire to start an FM radio station in W. Africa. We have applied for the license for an FM station and it is in process. But, we need help in selecting the appropriate transmitter and antenna to purchase. We are looking for a 10,000 KW transmitter ? The more we read, the more confused we get. Can an engineer please help take the mystery out of this project for me? Thanks so much. Mama Jan
 
FM broadcast stations normally are licensed on their radiated power, which is a product of the power at the input connector of the transmit antenna and the peak gain (power multiplier) of that antenna.

Just guessing from your post, maybe you have applied for, or hope to use an FM peak radiated power of 10,000 watts. This radiated power is not uncommon for FM broadcast stations. However such a radiated power normally would not require a transmitter of "10,000 KW" (which equals 10,000,000 watts), but much less.

For better answers -- suggest you wait for the results of the application that you mentioned is in process, and then re-post the technical description for the facility that you are authorized to install/use.

RF
 
Some questions to explore while you wait:

What kind of electrical power is available? Unless it is an urban area, electric may be unreliable or spotty, a diesel generator maybe required to power the station.

Engineering talent available? A simple transmitter like the Energy-onix may be preferable over a more complex transmitter.

Many parts of West Africa still have ties to France--this may also dictate choice of equipment because of import preferences.
 
I strongly encourage you to hire a consulting engineer, especially one familiar with the region that you are planning to be in. A good consultant will cost some money up front, but will save you time, frustration and money in the long run. In addition to a host of technical considerations there are logistical issues that must be planned for, not the least is security. If you don't know where to start, contact transmitter manufacturers that do business in that region such as Bext and Energy-Onix. They may be able to suggest some people. Talk to references for whoever you plan to hire and, since you don't know much about broadcasting yet, ask if the consultant is good at explaining things. Be sure the consultant is impeccably honest and communicates well.
 
Give these guys a call...

www.broadcastworks.com

I know they have helped put together similar projects like this in the past.
 
Thanks so much everyone for the great input. I am following up on all your great ideas and contacts recommended.

Mama Jan
 
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