Hello all, first time posting here. I have purchased both a SStran Amt3000 for AM transmitting to my old Tube Radios, I also purchased a Whole House FM Transmitter 2.0 to Transmit FM to my mp3 players, so I can listen to internet radio while out at my detached garage or in the basement where computers are not available.
They both work perfect, currently I have them both sitting in the far corner of my bedroom away from power lines,power supply's, other devices that will cause issues. I tacked the wire to the ceiling then down the wall back down to the basement hole thats for the audio cable feed to the transmitters from the mac mini in the basement sending the audio to the transmitters upstairs. All to avoid interference in the signal. Im using 100.1 Fm and 1200 Am frequency's which appear to be unused.
My problem is I have 4 cats, they love to chew on wires smaller then network cable. So the wire antenna is very attracting to them, and they already chewed a chunk of the extension wire from the Whole House Fm transmitter. It still appears to work but I can see this default antenna will be a problem. They both appear to have the same antenna wire the SSTran and Whole house, so I would assume they both could share the same antenna. (I only use 1 transmitter at a time if the AM is on the FM is Off.
Is there a cat proof antenna that both these devices can connect to and still give me the same or better signal then I already have? so I dont have to worry about the cats chewing it to a nub. Id like to keep it inside since I don't have a outside TV antenna on my house to attach a outside antenna. A ground Plane antenna would fit nicely in the corner by my nightstand and the corner wall but I don't know how I would attach it to both these devices or if it works as good as the default wire. Any advice would be greatly appreciated before my cats destroy the current antenna's. Thanks in advance.
I have in my left hand a spray bottle of a product that may help. I am typing on the keyboard with right hand alone.
Hello, bbeecsupport:
Before business, let me express admiration that you've gotten to a successful stage so quickly with your two transmitters. I also use those same transmitters, and am completely satisfied.
This product from a garden supply store is named NIMBY, which stands for "Not In My Back Yard". It is safe to use and is not poisonous nor toxic, but is a concentrate from hot peppers.
Let me quote the application note: "Helps keep squirrels, rabbits and chipmunks from damaging ornamental plants and flowers and helps repel squirrels, chipmunks and dogs from garbage cans and areas around bird feeders."
I think you could squirt your antennas with this stuff and the cats would avoid contact without being harmed.
Even if this exact product is not available in your area, there may be similar products.
Hold on. I see a CAUTION down at the bottom......
FOR OUTDOOR USE ONLY.
That sort of kills my whole pitch, but it might give you a starting clue for seeking a product safe to use indoors.
If you do find such a product please let us know.
At the low power levels these transmitters operate at, you probably would not damage them by connecting to a common antenna.
However, they most likely will not provide the same range as each would load down the others output depending on the individual output coupling each uses.
There are devices that will allow using a common antenna with two transmitters but would be cost prohibitive for this application.
The solution is to close your bedroom off and get the cats out of there.
I don't find RF radiation a good addition to my sleep state or bedroom environment. Perhaps a relocation of the antenna up to the attic would be better?
Perhaps replace the antenna wires with solid #14 wire. If the insulation still attracts them then use bare wire.
Squirrels can chew through #12 solid wire (learned that the hard way) so since I am not a cat owner I don't know what they are capable of doing so my suggestion may not work.
"My problem is I have 4 cats, they love to chew on wires smaller then network cable. So the wire antenna is very attracting to them."
When pets such as cats or dogs start to chew on things like wiring or other objects, it usually means their teeth and/or gums are bothering them. I would suggest taking the kiddy kittys to a kitty dentist.
Another suggestion is to enclose the wire or relocate as suggested by other members. Using the solid copper wire is another good suggestion. However I would be concerned about them moving up in gauge and start chewing on power cords, where the zap from that will be more than the result of curiosity.
"At the low power levels these transmitters operate at, you probably would not damage them by connecting to a common antenna. However, they most likely will not provide the same range as each would load down the others output depending on the individual output coupling each uses. There are devices that will allow using a common antenna with two transmitters but would be cost prohibitive for this application."
The suggestion to combine the AM and FM into a common antenna without a proper combiner is not recommended no matter the low power levels of the transmitters. Without proper combining and isolation, no telling what kind of inter-mix products will be produced or what kind of internal inter-mixing ailments will develop inside either transmitter. With the right know how a combiner could be constructed pretty easily and use of typical junk parts. Key is to provide isolation and coupling transfer effectiveness.
RFB
At THIS site is a price list of various items including two that would be of interest in combining an AM and FM low power transmitters.
The AFBC1 is similar to a 3 way splitter, but is specifically for the AM and FM bands. Simply use it in the opposite direction..ie instead of two antennas combining to feed one coax to a receiver, tie the AM and FM TX's into AFBC1 and the combined signals will output on the single output port..feeding your common wire antenna.
The AFMBS1 is similar in function to the combiner, with the exception that it actually separates the two bands. Connection would be the same as with the AFBC1.
Using these would be the way to go to combine your AM and FM TX's into a single antenna.
RFB
Why not use pvc to protect the wires? You wouldn't necessarily have to buy the 1/2 inch pipe but rather the grey pvc tubing that plumbers use to feed cold water to the tank on a commode. It is small and can be bought in different lengths. A plus? It can be painted the same color as the wall or it's surroundings.
"Why not use pvc to protect the wires?"
Small diameter "pvc" like tubes can be found at hobby stores and used to protect the wires.
RFB