Hello,
Hello,
I am really enjoying my new hobby of LP broadcasting. As I'm sure you already know from my previous posts with problems, I own a Ramsey AM25 transmitter which I am still experimenting with. What I would like to do is add an FM transmitter to my "collection". I am wondering which kind of FM transmitter can give me about 1 block (about 500 - 600 ft) of coverage without breaking the law or the bank.
I was looking at some products from PCS Electronics. One transmitter claimed to be Part 15, with up to 500 meters of coverage. This seems to be breaking the law being that it can be 1500 ft or more.
But I'm just curious, thanks for all suggestions.
The best approach to staying within the law would probably be to buy an FCC certified FM transmitter, operate it in its fully certified state and try to maximize range by getting the transmitter and antenna high and in the clear.
A short list of inexpensive FCC Certified (as in FCC certification clearly provided by the manufacturer - not "compliant" or "compatible" - but really, actually certified with an FCC number) is:
C Crane Digital FM Transmitter at $69.95
UX300 USB FM Transmitter at $99.95
ACC100 Part 15 FM Transmitter at $199.95 in mono or $399.95 in Stereo
Info Radio, priced at $499.95
The other way to go would be to buy one of the dozens of other transmitters on the market (the PCS unit is certainly a good choice in the "not certified" category) and roll the dice. With a good faith effort to stay within the rules you would likely do pretty well, worst case scenario might be an NOUO by mail if there was complaint made by someone.
In reading over the FCC Field Citations you can see that most folks who get pinched are in the thousands in uV/m so you would probably not be in that category - just be ready to turn it off if asked 🙂
What about the FM30B from Ramsey?
Has anyone used this before?
What is the range expected?
The Decade MS-100, I believe, is also FCC Part 15 certified. It is a professional quality, mono FM transmitter, but does tend to be on the pricey side. I've used one in Canada (the West Coast, equivalent to Pacific Northwest weather) in a weatherproof box for over 2 years (running basically 24/7) and it's still going strong.
Here I use an older model Ramsey FM25 and it covers my house and yard quite nicely using the supplied whip antenna. I believe the 30 has some other features which are nice such as digital display of frequency, audio filtering to prevent stereo pilot problems, and other goodies.
Regarding range, on FM this is very much dependent on the antenna, receiver, and path for the signal. Realistically, if you are running a legal part 15 FM system the range is going to be a few hundred feet given "normal" conditions including the receiving equipment. The range for a car radio my be greater but don't expect your audience to be listening while mobile since they will be out of range in tens of seconds.
Ramsey Corp. has a site which you might visit and search for user comments about the FM30. Link is:
http://www.ramseyelectronics.com/forum/forumdisplay.php?f=3
Neil
I've got a Ramsey FM25B -- (stereo and PLL, very low THD) -- running only the manufacturer antenna. It covers house and yard very nicely.
I think you're somewhat asking a "How long is a string?" question since the receiver/antenna combo is a pretty big component of your equation.
With the built-in FM on my MP3 player I can pick-up all around my house and yard. In my car -- that's another thing altogether. The transmitter could easily, very easily, blanket a drive-in theater or large school campus.
Tweak to a 5/8s wave antenna on the roof and . . . I'm pretty sure I'll be having visitors.
Thanks for dropping and and for sharing that info!
The EDM LCD transmitter, walks circles around the Ramsey transmitters, both in terms of RF and audio performance. The LCD is capable of 100 milliwatts but a switch and a trimmer pot allow output powers down to 1 milliwatt. Audio wise; it as close to audiophile quality as you are going to get from an FM transmitter.
It is also one of the easiest transmitters to assemble of all the kits available: 20 minutes tops if you are really slow.
For under $200 delivered and a three year warranty, plus outstanding customer service you can't beat it.
If you want to save a few bucks, the LED version is available and also outperforms the Ramsey's. I have had one on the air 24/7 for nearly five years now, its only downtime came when rain leaked in and soaked the board. The transmitter was dried out and went right back on the air for another year of continues service.
The Ramsey's are not bad, just poorly designed and way overpriced for what you get.
There is a review of the EDM's on our site under transmitters.
Steve
www.radiobrandy.com