Mark, they actually sell (or sold) some built transmitters and they are, or at least were, certified. I owned one at one point. They are in the IC database as being certified under RSS210.
I assume the Unikit or Kanikit is a variable transmitter. Problem is is that it uses dip switches which makes it very limited in frequency.
The USA is a little different than Canada here. Part 15 has a section on kits and you can use them as long as it meets the rules....but only a factory made transmitter can be certified.
In Canada, NO transmitter can be used unless it's approved by Industry Canada. Any kit you build yourself like Ramsey or from Canakit here in Canada, or sstran, whatever, can't be used without approval from Industry Canada.
Why? I can take a guess....Because a kit designer can get a certification on a working assembled model but can't guarantee what you build will be the same as the one submitted for testing. No kits here or in the US are ever certified.
You just have the advantage of being able to use one.
Mark
Decade is also dip switches but covers the whole band. So do the AM transmitters also.
Mark
I went to the Industry Canada Equipment List Database earlier today to get the specifics on the Unikit transmitters, but it was down for maintenance.
When it comes back up (and if I remember), I'll post the info.
I was going to say there are even a few Part 73 transmitters that use dip switches as well.
When TheLegacy said, "I assume the Unikit or Kanikit is a variable transmitter. Problem is is that it uses dip switches which makes it very limited in frequency," I think he probably had in mind the several smaller type FM transmitters with DIP switches that only provide a small selection of frequency choices.
But Mark and Retro remind us that most full sized Part 15 FM transmitters use DIP switches and provide every frequency on the band.
Going farther, I think DIP switch frequency setting is the standard for most small transmitters.
There is the GOgroove FlexSMART line. They run on 12V and have cigarette lighter plugs. They have a feature to scan for an open channel.
mark said: There is a BNC connector for a remote antenna
Ding, Ding, Ding , We have a winner 🙂
that is exactly why it can't be certified in the USA, it uses a standard RF connector for an external antenna. not legal under part 15 in the usa.
stvcmty posted: "GOgroove FlexSMART line. They have a feature to scan for an open channel."
That's EXACTLY what TheLegacy has been promoting! A built-in scan that would seek an open frequency.
Yup exactly!! The Belkin does as well. See it can be done and would help prevent Johnny Punks and people who just don't know any better.
As far as frequency choice? I read somewhere on the KaniKit or Unikit site that the USB transmitter does not cover the whole band. If that is so it makes that transmitter limited. I actually thought about buying that one before I finally chose the Whole House 3.0. It also is veriable as far as its output. I think it can do 500 mW (or at least BETS-1 lefel) with its telescoping antenna it comes with. And yes it can do 1,000 feet. Pretty nice transmitter except only a few frequencies and that made that one a deal breaker for me.
What happens if the transmitter picks up noise and decides it cannot broadcast there? I don't like the idea of a transmitter where I can't pick whatever frequency I want.
The receiver shall have the same sensitivity and selectivity as receivers built in the 70s and very close to a Car Radio. It can be done. Just look at the pocket Radio's with high sensitivity and selectivity.
We have to show the NAB and the FCC a way to stop the interference so that they won't be concerned about it and maybe won't harass Hobby Broadcasters.
"The receiver shall have the same sensitivity and selectivity as receivers built in the 70s and very close to a Car Radio. It can be done. Just look at the pocket Radio's with high sensitivity and selectivity."
That just increases chances of hitting false positives and could cause the unit not to operate at all. Increasing the sensitivity and selectivity won't remove the noise on the band. The FM Band is NOT the holy grail of noise free broadcasting its made out to be. In Fact, VHF as a whole is clogged just as bad as Medium Wave is. (AM Band)
Its a good spirited idea, but if an operator is too stupid to find their own open frequency they do not deserve to operate at a higher power level. Neither the FCC nor the NAB is going to want Johnny Dumb Dumb playing radio with a lot of power. Anybody that wants higher power needs to prove some level of compentence in RF for the band they operate in.
Mighty1650 said "Anybody that wants higher power needs to prove some level of compentence in RF for the band they operate in."
That statement is right on the money. It's why unlicensed Part 15 operation is so limited today. It's why Amateur Radio has an exam to prove competence, and it's also why it's licensed, so that they can track down Johnny Problem Child if there is an issue.