I was pointed this way by a someone and it looks like the place to get my answer. I am starting a webcasting business doing sports broadcast for high school and college sports. One of the things I would like to do is a "stadiumcast" of the feed to the web. Can someone recommend a good Part 15 FM Transmitter? I had someone recommend the Decade MS-100. Thought? Suggestions?
Thanks.
Terry
I was pointed this way by a someone and it looks like the place to get my answer. I am starting a webcasting business doing sports broadcast for high school and college sports. One of the things I would like to do is a "stadiumcast" of the feed to the web. Can someone recommend a good Part 15 FM Transmitter? I had someone recommend the Decade MS-100. Thought? Suggestions?
Thanks.
Terry
Hi,
I am not familiar with this unit but I looked at the description. It seems OK but it is rather expensive.
If you are able to handle kit building, you might look at the Ramsey FM-25b or EDM.
Neil
Not a kit builder, but I did find a used Ramsey unit assembled for about the price of a new one. For that price, I think I would be willing to take the chance. I am assuming (I know the cliche) that this is FCC Part 15 compliant if assembled according to instructions etc.
Hi,
There are two Ramsey units. FM-25A and FM-25B.
I have the A unit and it is difficult to get this to work well without hum. Mine is just fine after I enclosed it an a metal box. I don't have a B but from what I read it is better than the A.
As far as compliance goes, the rules set a limit on the field strength. It is impossible for a user to measure this so you have to rely on the manufacturer's guidance, especially on the antenna to use.
The Ramsey unit is not certified but that doesn't mean it is not compliant when used with the correct antenna. Even if you get a certified transmitter it has to be used with a particular antenna which the manufacturer provides to insure compliance. Use of any other antenna voids certification.
If you do get the used unit, the FM-25A has a jumper inside which will have to be removed else you will be way over the legal limit. I don't know if the B has the same jumper, just be aware of it. The manual will tell you about this.
With all that said, practically if the transmitter can be heard about 200 feet away, and not much more, then it is probably compliant and you won't have problems. Trouble happens when people extend their range using high power or long antennas and greatly exceed the FCC limits.
Sorry if this seems complicated. Just limit your range as mentioned, don't cause interference and you will be OK.
Neil
Thanks for the comments. It is indeed an FM-25B. I am hoping the effective range in a small football stadium is good. If it will indeed reach up to 1/16 of a mile as the manufacturer states, then I should be in good shape.
I have a 25b and its a pretty decent exciter for the price it has a digital tuner so your not playing with a tuning pot to get tuned onto the broadcast frequency. The unit also has a jumper so you can force the exciter into mono if you don't want stereo.
The only complaint I have with it is when its finding lock you can be listening to any station on your receiver you will here it sweep (which produces momentary interference on the station your listneing to). Once its locked though its rock solid with practically no drift. The other thing is the hum I am using a regulated power supply on mine and it still hums its not very noticable when music is playing but its annoying to know its there I'm going to attempt to get a metal case for mine and see what happens.
Most likely most of the hum is due to the plastic case a metal case blocks the RF waves from re-entering the circuit which causes most of the humming this is called RF feedback.