Rangemaster $1200, Procaster $700, DecadeMS-100 $525 mono model, Broadcastvision FM $300, Schlockwood processor $440, and so on.
Here's a bit of it. While part 15 is a hobby a hobbyist still wants quality not junk. Other hobbies can be very expensive also.
First of all the makers of our transmitters do this as a home business on the side. A one person show. They don't engage in the hobby themselves usually. I know Gerry at Procaster, Keith Hamilton at Rangemaster, Michel Carrier at Decade don't. They also have their "day jobs"
This a "niche" market. There is the expertise needed to have the engineering ability to design these things knowing not many will be sold. Gerry at Procaster told me he only sold 2 to 4 Procasters last year! So you see when I say a "niche" market. But again you can't have quality and something that will last a long time and have it cost $29.95! Consider the cost in time, expertise, trial and error, it's an undertaking that for a side venture is very painstaking and time consuming knowing you won't sell many.
Then there's certification. The labs charge $1000 per hour to do the testing! The certification labs work only for the government...AT THEIR EXPENSE! All they do is certify products for the government but are a private entity. They have to have $100s of thousands worth of equipment test gear and they have to make a living and pay the bills to be there, to lay out the money for the test equipment. To get a certification and if you have to go back a few times as it didn't pass the first time it adds up to $1000s ... $7000.00 to $8000.00 and up in lab fees to finally get a pass!! The individual has to recoup the expense of everything and just for selling a few of these to a few hobbyists. Then there's the cost of the parts, circuit boards, everything, done by a person in his/her house as a side venture so we can have a hobby.
That's why it costs so much. The designer also has to have the knowledge of the rules and how to make it comply....power, field strength, harmonics, everything.
The Schlockwood is again similar...the same thing by a retired person on his own time and you want a quality piece of gear so you can sound like the commercial stations and be up to a standard of performance it can't cost $39.95! It's not a massed produced item where millions will be sold.
Our hobby can only exist because of a few people...literally....that make this stuff for us out of the goodness of their heart from their house basically and need to just recoup their cost.
And when the makers of the transmitters...3 people....pack it in who will follow? I know about this as I am friends with Gerry at Procaster and was at the lab here and saw how it all worked. Jim Wood didn't have to design and build us a processor for the part 15 hobby. It's a big undertaking and a very tiny micro market. And it's not like something that needs replacing every few years.
Now all this being said the Rangemaster is considerably overpriced. Example, why does he use a special cabinet material that has to be made in Germany?, that is twice the cost of a normal aluminum enclosure like the Procaster. That is overkill.
A "normal" enclsure would be just fine.
All that I explained about the cost of things also has to balance with what someone can or will pay. In the case of the Rangemaster I think he knows that he could cut a few corners like the cabinet as it is out of reach of a lot of hobbyists.
So now you have a better grasp as to why it's so expensive for part 15 gear.
As for the Chinese illegal transmitters they are massed produced in China by factories and are not the same quality, certified, and not even legal in China where they are made. And arguably was a bogus certification for the CZH 05B up to 1/2 watt!, that claims to have an FCC part 15 number. The Hurricane, Spitfire, etc from the guy in Britain that was discussed here again are not certified to be legal so he can sell them much cheaper. He just sticks them on Ebay ships them anywhere and you are at your own risk.
I conclude, I was at the lab here near Toronto and I know what is involved with certification and the expense involved. You want legal, quality, be like a commercial station, be done by an individual who does this as a side venture knowing he/she won't sell many with little turnover in sales it has to cost more.
Thanks for this @mark, and I agree with very nearly everything you said. The only thing I wanted to question was your statement about the Rangemaster enclosure. It's made by Hammond, and can be purchased in the US for around $52, though the mounting hardware costs extra. I do seem to remember Bill over at HB saying something about a special EM coating. My Rangemaster does seem to have what looks like some kind of extra slightly yellowish translucent coating on the inside of the enclosure. Perhaps that's what he's talking about. Otherwise, it's a Hammond 1590ZGRP123.
That leads me onto something that is not related to your post but that, if you don't mind, I'll bring up here. Talking of enclosures, this is something I like about the Rangemaster that I'm not so keen on with the Procaster. If my Rangemaster enclosure is damaged, I can purchase another one from Mouser or Digikey. Same thing with the antenna - it's just a standard 102" CB whip. Those two parts for the Procaster are custom made, and not readily replaced if damaged, other than from Gerry. What does a Procaster owner do if and when Gerry decides to step back from the business? However, I'm very glad that he is doing this. If I owned a Procaster and needed a new enclosure, I'd find a way to fabricate one, but it would take more time and effort than doing the same thing for a Rangemaster.
Yes, these gentlemen (the big 3 - Gerry, Jim, and Keith, in no particular order) do a great deal to support our hobby. Without them, we'd be mostly on our own - and probably will be at some point.
Another related thought. I wish that Part 15 broadcasting was a lot more popular, and we had more inventors, designers, and maverick types contributing. I come from a background of ham radio homebrewing and we are spoiled for choice in that regard. There are thousands and thousands of articles in many different publications on how to build your own ham transmitting and receiving equipment, and pieces of test gear - and more coming out all the time, in addition to lots of kits available at many different skill levels. This has been going on since the early 20th century so by now, we have a treasure trove of technical information to benefit from. If all the amateur radio equipment manufacturers went out of business tomorrow, us homebrewers would be OK. If I wanted something, I'd just build it. Unfortunately, I am not good at designing circuits from scratch, so I rely on the brilliance of others, many of whom are happy to contribute their knowledge and expertise to the ham radio hobby. I wish it was the same with Part 15 broadcasting, but that's just not the case.
Yes, the Rangemaster is pricey. Even given the costs of certification and manufacture, the prices do seem rather high. I got very lucky with mine. Around the time I was getting interested in a Rangemaster, Keith was selling a version of his transmitter, the AM1000E, that didn't have the circuitry necessary for synchronizing multiple units. It was significantly cheaper than the standard Rangemaster. I forget the exact price, but I ended up paying only a little more than the price of a Procaster, for a brand new Rangemaster kit, with all the mounting hardware, studio interface, 2 frequency modules, and the manual and installation video, and whip antenna. I didn't have any plans to run multiple transmitters, and the lower price was the deciding factor. If it weren't for that, I may never have bought one. I have discretionary income, but at the higher price points, it becomes increasingly difficult for me to justify a purchase.
PS - I figured that the higher end Part 15 transmitters don't see a large sales volume, but 2 to 4 Procasters in one year is lower than I would have guessed.
@mark Very well reasoned comments about the niche factor and high cost of producing part 15 equipment.
I believe even if we have limited income, it is in our best interest to find a way to invest in these rare devices as a way of keeping the hobby alive for the future.
Although I was very satisfied with my 3 SSTran transmitters, I purchased a Chez Procaster based on so much praise given to it by fellow hobbyists.
Order yours by the end of the year.
I'm going to have to comb through the last couple post again because a lot was said.. but something that jumped out was when Mark said "The certification labs work only for the government.."
I dont think that's correct at all, it does have to be an accredited laboratory, but doesnt matter if it's a government operation or not. Technically an individual can pursue a part 15 certification for their product on their own, providing they have the equipment to do so.
Maybe I'm wrong, I'm half talking off the cuff, but something I noticed in the 1950s and 60s is references of the manufactures doing the certification test themselves and simply filing test results with the FCC.
And another thing.. I'm only cheap when I'm broke. I dont expect something for nothing, and certainly expect to pay more for a device than what the sum of its parts. But paying over $700 for a specialized part 15 AM modulation monitor sounds extreme - but what do I know? When the Schlockwood proccessor first came out I initially balked at the price, but after considering it I realized I had spent FAR MORE on the array of separate compressors and limiters and adapters I originayl had amassed from second hand ebay. So I dont think the Schlockwood proccessor is so expensive anymore, in fact its probably a bargain.
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Now all this being said the Rangemaster is considerably overpriced. Example, why does he use a special cabinet material that has to be made in Germany?, that is twice the cost of a normal aluminum enclosure like the Procaster. That is overkill.
A "normal" enclsure would be just fine."
Oh that's something I meant to comment.... Quality is why he has it. I wouldnt want an aluminum box myself. Why does the Rangemaster employ "inductors in the output wound on a large iron powder toroidal core, include extra circuitry to allow the transmitter to be fed with balanced audio" (quoting something Rugster said), also circuitry to allow for asymmetrical 125% positive peaks, also circuitry to employ multiple transmitters which lessens possibilities of hetrodining(??spelling?), and I dont know what else -- but yes he uses high end parts and it reflects in the price. I have no objections. I would prefer to pay the extra than to settle for one that uses lower quality parts anytime...
By the way Keith originally designed and built the Rangemaster for Highway Dept. use, not the hobbiest... the Rangemaster is but a single product. He's manufactured all kinds of things from underwater transmitters for the Navy to toy electronics. PBC Electronics I think he's called. Hamilton Rangemaster was but one of its devices
But today, if I didnt already own a transmitter? Who knows, I might have to settle for a talking house, and what a downgrade that would be... but as you so clearly pointed out, you get what you pay for. You want quality you generally have to pay for it (which I think was your primary point)
You have to take my complaints about cost with a grain of salt.. I speaking more in disappointment that I cant afford it - not that anybody's overcharging.
Anything is only worth what the public is willing to pay. So often the price reflects the demand more than the cost of manufacturing.
These comments only really relate to AM band broadcasting.
FM is another matter. There are several high quality certified (in both Canada and the U.S.) transmitters available at reasonable prices - the Broadcastvision (BVE) AXS-FMT is one. The Decade MS-100 is another. The former can be purchased new on e-bay for several hundred dollars. While the latter is about double the cost new, used ones are abundantly available and I've seen one go for as little as $10 (in an e-bay auction).
Then there was the Decade CM-10, which was a CZE Chinese transmitter modified for North American rules (and certified). It went for several hundred dollars and you can still pick them up on e-bay once in a while.
As for AM, the Talking House is the closest thing to being mass produced; there are a lot of them out there. It wouldn't take much to vastly improve the audio on those things (and in fact ISS does have a version that does that precise thing). Why aren't those versions more popular? Is it aesthetics? Status?
I do think that the other transmitters are over engineered for what they are and what they do. With them, you're transmitting maybe 1/4 mile or so static free, with static being introduced after that and increasing until you can't make out the signal. AM itself is not the greatest fidelity. So really, what does using the best parts available give you? Maybe a few extra feet of listenable range? Or the status of using the best?
It's really like the audiophile argument. You can spend a relatively small amount of money to get decent sounding equipment and have fun. Or you can spend astronomical amounts of money to get supposedly great sounding equipment, but only if you have the room acoustics and the ears to hear it. Which is better? If you have the money and inclination, then the latter, of course. But there's nothing wrong with the former choice. And, in fact, for what most people do, it's the most reasonable one.
@rugster I read from Rangmaster's site that about the enclosure. That it was special materials that was made in Germany. Maybe that has now changed and for the better but as for the Procaster that is quite durable and other than replacing the weather stripping on the enclosure once and a while that will last forever. Just don't torque the hold down screws on the lid too much so they don't get stripped. Same as the Rangemaster. Also, the enclosure is needed for the certification reference. If you replace an enclosure that has to have the certification info and if you get a visit how can you show the certification info to the agent? You would have to explain what you did and hope they accept you just had to change an enclosure.
Same for the Decade MS-100. The original label has to be there on the bottom.
As for AM, the Talking House is the closest thing to being mass produced; there are a lot of them out there. It wouldn't take much to vastly improve the audio on those things (and in fact ISS does have a version that does that precise thing). Why aren't those versions more popular? Is it aesthetics? Status?
I do think that the other transmitters are over engineered for what they are and what they do.
The Talking House began manufacturing in 1985, though they were not called that, it was the "Realty Radio AM transmitter" which ha been modeled based on the Radio Realty transmitter by New Pilot Communications" which got its idea from the Info Systems transmitters used at Yellowstone 10 years proir..
The phrase "Talking House" was a name the mass media dubbed "the talking house concept". There were numerous part 15 AM transmitters manufactured in the 1980s known as "Talking House trasmitters.
The current version with the actual name of "Talking House" that has the auto'-tuning mechanism came out in 1990 I think, but otherwise its identical to the original transmitter as 1985 version, and carries the same certification
I disagree on some part 15 transmitters quality of components and engineering as overkill. I think the better a transmitter is designed and constructed is always a positive, even if the final results is minimal in regard to capabilities of a more budgetary designed one.
Always. I dont usually beleive that something can be designed "too well".
Oh, and I think the reason the TH "improved audio circuitry" isnt very popular is because their audio samples online that allows you to compare the two versions.. the "improved" one actually sounds more muddled to me.
@richpowers About the labs. You can't certify anything yourself. It has to be done by an government approved certification lab, not someone at home with the equipment to do it. No way you can have the equipment to do it.
The lab is privately run and not an arm of the government but has to have all necessary gear that costs 100s of 1000s of dollars and techs with the know how to get approved as a certification lab by the government....ISED Canada or FCC USA. One lab in one country can do both countries certifications. The one here in Toronto can do BETS, RSS-210, and FCC part 15. The cost of the equipment and everything is borne by the lab owner. I was at the lab here and watching a certification process for a transmitter and the one piece of gear measuring signal strength and harmonics is $100,000.00 for just that one piece of gear. There is a compartment that measures stability for frequency accuracy that is an oven and freezer in one to demonstrate frequency stability at all temperatures and that equipment is close to $200,000.00!! And it cycles through the temperature extremes automatically and alone is an hour or more test. Internal temperatures and frequency readout are displayed on the go. This is why certification costs so much. The lab owner has to lay out the money for this. This is all the lab does. There is also the special chambers in the rooms(forget the technical name for this) where the transmitters are so there is no reflected signal. $$$$$. You have no idea unless you have been there and seen it. No one can certify something by themselves, no way. And, the lab has to have the ability to have whatever set up that is demanded by the rules by the authorizing government(s).
@rugster Just looked at Rangemaster's site and got this about the enclosure
"The outdoor box is 1/4 inch fiberglass (better then metal) wall, made in Germany, designed for many years of service."
That's interesting @mark. Keith told me it is a Hammond 1590ZGRP123. I'm looking at the email right now. I've looked at the datasheet for it. It has the exact same measurements as my Rangemaster enclosure, and looks the same too. According to their profile on LinkedIn, Hammond have major facilities in the US, Canada, and Europe. Perhaps that particular enclosure is indeed manufactured in Germany? I don't know - I'm just going off what Keith told me.
I agree with you that having the original enclosure with the certification label is the best way to go. If I owned a certified transmitter without the original certification label, I'd print out a copy of it to show in case of inspection. I'd also get to know the circuit, and be prepared to explain how the DC input power to the final stage is kept to 100mW or below.
As for the Spitfire or Hurricane from 6V6 Electronics, I think the majority of owners are using them with an indoor antenna, to broadcast to radios on their property. The SSTRAN AMT3000 was popular with vintage radio enthusiasts, and I suspect it's the same with folk who own a Spitfire or a Hurricane. That's the impression I get from reading the various forums. That sort of usage is unlikely to achieve the kind of signal and range that will draw any unwanted attention. I do remember reading about someone with a Talking House (an FCC Certified transmitter) who was using it in accordance with the instructions, and received an NOUO anyway. The AC wiring in his house was acting as rather effective antenna. Apparently, he was radiating quite well. The TH is a curious case. As I understand it, it's design doesn't prevent RF from flowing into the house AC wiring. Despite that, it has an FCC certification to be operated under the Part 15 regulations, which specify a maximum transmission line, antenna, and ground lead length of 3 meters. That's a bit of a head-scratcher for me.
Maybe the materials used to produce it come from Germany.. or maybe he used a different box originally and then switched to Hammond somewhere down the line.
The Talking House set up per instructions with the NOUO was a 8 story apartment building, I'm guessing an old one. But yeah the wiring of the bldg did it.
@rugster I agree with you about the Talking House. That is a strange case. We don't know all the details of what happened there. Could be if the building was radiating that good it now came under carrier current which is a different part of the rules and I believe, don't know for sure, that with carrier current there is a field strength stated. There is in Canada.
Could have also been causing interference to things in the building like peoples TVs or landline phones coming through the grid in the building and someone called.
There could have been stuff we don't know about. We have to know all the facts.