I've been interested in LP AM since the day I first heard about it, which was quite some time ago. However, unlike certain other things I do, this is not something I want to put massive amounts of time into and money into, mostly money.
So, I figured I just needed to look around and somewhere the enthusiasts would have a neat summary of all the "good stuff" you needed to know. You know, summaries of the pros and cons of all the transmitters, the basics of deployment, the "cheapest way" to effectively transmit and then the more elegant and sophisticated ways - you know, the various steps upward on the food chain.
However, I've not found anything like this. I've subscribed to this forum for a long time, and I've read it off and on, I think I've got a few posts back in the history somewhere. I just haven't found that "in one place" summary I'm looking for so I can decide what my goals are money and time wise and how to go about doing this. Money is always an issue, of course, but I'd rather spend more and do things right the first time to get acceptable results, than to spend less and then re-do it. In other words, I'm not just trying to be a miser.
If there's nothing like that anywhere, why not? If you're trying to evangelize part 15 broadcasting and want to grow that venture.. This would be, I think, your first stop after you organize. In any case... Looking for relatively objective input.
My first impulse is to use an SSTRAN 3000, experiment with antennas to get the range I want, and then go from there. But I don't even know where to start, in terms of antenna.
Anyone got workable suggestions?
Best approach then is to select a kit and experiment with the antenna as you already planned. For tips on the antenna, there are tons of examples and plans over in the library and in several threads on the forum. The most recent and well documented outdoor antenna system is Neil's ground mounted 3 meter system which includes some detailed photos of the setup.
Neil's Outdoor Ground Mount Antenna
RFB
Are you the rf burns that used to hang around virtualnet and also later, on various tech channels in IRC?
I have no problem recommending either the Talking House or the I AM transmitters. They are essentially the same device where as the I AM is an updated version of the Talking House after it was bought out by Radio Systems.
If you can afford to buy the Talking House/I AM transmitter and their remote antanna (ATU) I think you'll get the same or better coverage than most. And, the package price for both brand new is not outrageous. For me it was more than I wanted to spend so I took my time and found them on Ebay. I paid less than $150. I got lucky.
The biggest advantage is the ATU. A "system" certified for use with a remote antenna. The only one I'm aware of. It's the simplest to setup and legal.
There has always been a rageing debate over placement of the ATU remote antenna. Some feel it must be ground mounted. The manufacturer discounts that flatly. Recent contact with the FCC regarding a roof mounted ATU with a separate ground attached was given their blessing.
You are not going to get a usable signal much beyond 1 or 2 miles from the best of systems and this one can do that with FCC blessings.
I agree with you in your thoughts. It would be tough for a newbee to gather information without days of reading. Many aspects of Part-15 AM are discussed here but nothing is put into a central area for someone with limited experience to read and learn, at least the very basics, to get some understanding of what is involved..
I joined ~6 yrs. ago and was fortunate to have some technical experience to be able to follow along. If I was just an interested person and came here to read without a technical background, I'd be lost many times! Most here are very technically inclined and talk way over the heads of many.. (No disrespect intended..)
The general public needs spoon fed with very small bites to get a grip on understanding the technical aspects of this venture. Without no electronics background, some of the topics discussed here would be like tryin' to read the front page of a Russian newspaper.. LOL
Quote..
"My first impulse is to use an SSTRAN 3000, experiment with antennas to get the range I want, and then go from there. But I don't even know where to start, in terms of antenna."
A couple of questions..
Do you have the ability to assemble such a kit? If so, I'll figure that you have some kind of background..
What kind of range do you want? If you just want to cover your house and back yard, the wire antenna with the kit will suffice. Without being highly technical, expect 1/4 to 1/2 mile with an outdoor set up. You may be in a good situation and maybe a little more range, who knows..
An outdoor set up starts to become more technical. The transmitter needs to be at the base of the antenna so weatherproofing becomes a big factor. Getting power and audio to the transmitter can be a science in itself. Proper grounding is a huge factor! An indoor set up using the supplied wire antenna is much more simple.. (With a large loss of range)
Any hobby has it's depth. You can do the basic version and just play or commit many hours into perfection. I suggest playing around with it for a while and get the fever. Once that happens, you'll be hungry and want more! My woman threatened to leave me more than once because I wanted to learn it all! I spent a whole summer experimenting and found the limits. I bought her a Jeep.. LOL
I'm here to help you if I can.. 😉
Are you the rf burns that used to hang around virtualnet and also later, on various tech channels in IRC?"
No sorry. 🙂
RFB
Discussions of certification belong in another thread. Let's keep this one on topic please.
Neil
I thought he wanted " summaries of the pros and cons of all the transmitters ".
I was giving some pros on the TH.
Part of that was my fault too so don't go try hogging all the stage mram!! 😀
RFB
There is no harm in mentioning the certification of a transmitter but what happened was that a back and forth discussion about this, which was already discussed in another thread, was getting off topic from answering the questions of the original poster. It appeared best not to confuse the topic and the OP with this.
The posts are still on the board but are unpublished. It is difficult to move posts but if I can figure out how to do so I will put them in another thread. Thanks for your understanding.
Neil
Thanks for the input.
My background is that I run a wireless ISP, when I was young I studied up to become a HAM operator, and then never did it. About 6 months ago, I went and took the practice tests online for the technician level and passed 5 of 6 tries. I haven't actually studied since the 80's.
But that's the limits of my rf knowledge, which is to say, not that great. I understand generalized principles of rf propagation, but I'm no engineer.
My long range intent for this is to build a "regional" radio network, that is, a few transmitters that cover a few small nearby communities, and are fed by streaming sound to them over my IP network.
It would be an automated system, a lot of old time radio, some other free content, and local advertising, announcements, public service, etc. Not really a commercial venture, just a community oriented broadcaster. If I can get people interested in local content production, I'd include that, as well. And yes, I'd transmit and stream. And see if I can get schools and whoever else to put on live hosted shows, if I can find a way to get enough audience.
If I can get a reliable 1 mile range in most places, then I'm good to go. I can cover every town and I have a couple of high ground spots that would, if I can propagate well enough, reach 2 or 3 miles.
I'd start in the town I'm in, and add additional transmitters as I find locations and have the funds to do so. Eventually, I'd probably end up with around 8 or so.
Is this a viable idea?
Yes it is !
I am doing a similar concept .
I am starting with a Talking House and it's ATU .
In range testing I got over a mile of good signal.
I plan to add an SS Trans 5000 for my second station with a home built antenna.
then as I add the third station , What ever one works the best is what I will fill out my network with.
Go for it mkoskenmaki and be sure to check out our Network.
I will be posting more information on the next meeting in a few hours.
I kinda like the idea of the TH, but I need to run my first one off of 12v power - I won't have AC there, and it looks like it uses a lot of power due to processor/display. Can anyone tell me if that's true?
I think a small solar power deal would work just fine. The talking house works at 18 volts .
The specs on the website say 12v, but how much power it takes is a big concern. Solar panels and batteries are VERY expensive.