Hi, I'm in charge of finding a legal way to broadcast information to families at our swim team events. We set up easyups in the parking lot and can not hear which event is swimming next on the PA system. It would be great if there was a way to broadcast on AM or FM and plug it into the line out on the PA system and as parents we could listen to the announcements of next evens on either a cheap radio or our smart phones. the 200 foot distance wont reach the parking lots. Some thing around 150 yards or so would work great. the fidelity of the sound isn't really important like it would be for musice etc.. any ideas? thanks a lot you guys!! Dave
For the distance you mentioned an AM transmitter would seem to be the best choice. It is doubtful that reception at that distance will be suitable on a "cheap portable" receiver but if it is a parking lot then presumably car radios would be able to be used. Car radios usually have better antennas and receivers than portables.
For FM 150 yards would be a stretch even on car radios but it could work.
It would help if you position the transmitter as close as possible to the parking lot by running an audio line. Of course, if you can run a line to the lot you could use it to drive PA speakers in the lot.
You might consider a Talking House transmitter which has a built in antenna tuner which would make the setup simpler than doing this with other transmitters which require some form of manual tuning of the antenna.
You won't know until you try it if a radio link will work but if there is not a lot of electrical noise in the parking area then AM has a chance of working at that distance.
Neil
Probably the quickest band for your buck would be the Talking House. Operate it on the high end of the band. 1610 to 1700. Unless you are close to a Traveler's Advisory Station, 1610 should be open. Hope this helps.