I run a part 15 station, usually FM sometimes also on the AM.
I use an FCC certified Maxell FMT1 on FM and a SStran that I built myself. The SStran I tested using directions given for the asking by Phil B, who sells the kits. I know for a fact that there isn't more than 100 milliwatts into the rf amplifier stage and can show that with a multimeter and a calculator. I know that the combined antenna and ground wire (when I use one) are 3 meters or less. I have experimented with loading coils on the AM, but ended up restoring it to the original circuit configuration because I like the *sound* better that way and it gets a good signal to the neighbor across the street who is the only AM listener I am aware of.
I bought the FMT1 and built the SStran while engaged in regular reading and posting on boards Richard Fry frequents and sometimes debating points with him or asking questions. So, obviously I have built and bought transmitters and did not give up on part 15 BCB as a hobby. I also have conducted experiments with my gear to see how far it can get and etc. My station is not "24/7" but it is on the air regularly and has been for over 2 years now.
HOWEVER.. The original transmitter for this station was built from a very cheap Hobbytron kit. I highly doubt if it was part 15 compliant for FM when built as per the instructions. As a result of listening to Richard Fry (and others too!), and asking questions and getting answers, and going from that to doing research, I built and added to the original circuit to add things like a low pass filter, rf attenuation, a regulator so the "drift" on it's tuned tank oscillator was less affected by the battery voltage. I'm pretty sure that by the time it was done it was compliant, because it actually had a bit less range than the Maxell when I bought the Maxell for some experiments. The Maxell also sounded better, and since it is FCC certified and there is really no user/hobby level way of accurately measuring a part 15 FM for compliance, I took my much revamped kit transmitter off the air.
The decision to go to a certified transmitter *for FM* was very much influenced by talks with Rich and many others on the part 15 board. I have never regretted it. It sounds better, doesn't drift on frequency, etc. Now for AM, I enjoyed building the SStran, there *are* a set of guidelines within the part 15 rules that are realistic for a hobbyist for determining if it is compliant, and I have fun experimenting with antenna variations and tinkering with the audio controls and outboard audio gear to see just how good I can get the sound. For AM, the sound is far better than I expected. But I digress..
The point is, Rich didn't stop or discourage me from part 15 FM or AM. Neither did the many other people on the assorted part15 boards who gave advice and sometimes encouragement. I'd lived through many of Rich's rants on ground lead length and etc before I finally decided to buy and build the SStran kit. I don't have a lot of budget to work with, so the SStran was the option I felt I could afford.
I *do* feel that the work of Rich and others was helpful and their willingness to answer questions and explain technical matters and theory did more to encourage me than any of the attractive ads I saw for assorted gear. It got me thinking, calculating, building, testing and experimenting. While that's not all of the fun that part 15 has to offer as a hobby, I have been finding it very enjoyable.
Do I get frustrated or annoyed with Rich (and others) sometimes? Well sure. I am also sure that sometimes I have been quite a pain in their neck with my questions and arguments. I even would disagree on some relatively minor points where I feel the predictions based on theory do not line up precisely with results of actual physical experiments with real gear. But those differences would be measured in feet, not in miles, and as such it's not worth arguing over beyond a reasonable point.
I was not dissuaded from building *and* buying transmitters and I have not stopped putting my station on the air.
In all fairness, though.. if some people have been dissuaded or left the air, then why would they still be here reading these forums to answer the question? So it may happen, but I can say it didn't have that effect on me personally.
Daniel
