Just to clarify one point of yours, the RSS-Gen document is actually part of the RSS rules, not an overview or summary, and is quoted in RSS210 (and in other RSS's).
My SDR experimentation actually was launched to investigate alternative methods of distributing radio signals over the internet as opposed to streaming.
Streaming is regulated, at least in terms of copyright, whereas radio is not (at least right now). If you own a business, you're allowed to play the radio for customers in the store. But you have to have a license if you generate your own music (such as playing a CD). And what is an SDR but a radio (delivered by the Internet)?
At the time, I hadn't considered Canada's broadcasting vs non broadcasting ramifications. But they're certainly there.
My FM signal is BETS. My AM signal is RSS210 (since there are no BETS transmitters). I am not allowed to use the same programming for 2 BETS transmitters, but there's nothing to say that I can't use the BETS feed for an RSS210 transmitter, particularly when that latter transmitter's signal is not going out directly to the general public (and is not supposed to).
All that being said, the Talking Sign that I'm using is starting to have the same problems with muddy sound that Mark alluded to in a previous thread, particularly on frequencies below 1600 Khz. It's probably 20-25 years old, and even though it was sitting unused, the components have obviously aged. I've moved the transmit signal back to 1660 Khz (which appears to be the clearest during day and night, with the most space between interfering signals at night) and we'll see what happens. Right now, the move appears to have temporarily resolved the issue.
Another interesting point. There are, like, 3 U.S. stations per frequency in the AM X Band, with maybe one or 2 Mexican stations, and a South American flamethrower (I can't remember exactly what frequency that occupies). A scattering of Canadian stations, but they're mostly out East. Overall, the band is almost empty.
I moved to 1570Khz temporarily, which appears open during the day, but there are dozens of stations occupying that frequency (and virtually all frequencies below 1610 Khz). A lot are relatively low powered, but still. You'd think there would be more at the upper end of the AM band to relieve congestion.
@artisan-radio Sorry we have had so much problem with the Talking Signs and I know it is old electolytic caps that need replacing. Only those, nothing else. But they are all small surface mounts and hard to do and I can't be bothered. There's also many of them in the audio section. I already gave them to a second hand electronics store and I was not going to let Gerry take time to try to fix and then I would have to have him do for you but it was nice of him to offer. Best is just get a Procaster. And after 25 years there is only 4 electolytics between the Procaster and the studio interface and they are regular ones not surface mounts and easy to DIY. Decade MS-100 is all regular components and easy to replace the capacitors if performance degrades.
I just looked up the radio stations in BC and the Vancouver/Pitt Meadows and Victoria area.
98.5% of them are all FM and between Vancouver, Victoria, and the ones coming from other places and the US I don't know how you can find space! Virtually every frequency has something from somewhere. Even if weak. The AM band is empty, well close to it.
Here's the rundown.... https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_radio_stations_in_British_Columbia
I keep getting confused about the "Talking Sign", on if it's an AM of FM transmitter.. Your references in this conversation do allude to it being AM, but I'm almost positive there were also "Talking Signs" for FM..
Anyway, in the 1990s the top of the ine premium FM part 15 transmitter was the DX-1050 which I recently bought up at https://www.part15.org/community/general-discussion/the-dgx-1050-part-15-fm-transmitter/ (You remember, the one WVRM used to broadcast the same song over and over again for 15 years).
Anyway the DX-1050 is a BETS certified transmitter, it would have to be, because they were most certainly in use in Canada. It's not uncommon to see these turn up on ebay, and occasionally occasionally unused in their original packaging. If I were you I'd keep out an eye to get one. I dont guess BETS certifications run out.
@artisan-radio By the way, I was just kidding about your motivation being to explore a loophole.
Oh almost forgot, I had asked ChatGPT if it could create a chart on RSS210 vs 15.209:
And heres BETS vs 15.219 (it's easier to see if your right click and open in a new window)
