Published today in Radio World is a HB guest commentary, Bill writes:
“Wannabes” Should Consider Part 15
https://www.radioworld.com/columns-and-views/guest-commentaries/wannabes-should-consider-part-15
Good article. It does of course include self promotion that includes the 'Transmitter Callenge' years ago, but what caught my attention is when he said:
"A new version of that challenge is planned for 2025 once several upcoming Part 15 broadcasting products have been released to the public."
That sounds intriguing but what I'm really wondering is what new part 15 products are about to be released to the public? What's he referring to? The fact that he connects it with a new transmitter challenge directly implies new Part 15 AM transmitters about to be released, but I havent heard wind of anything recent.. I wonder if Scholckood or Angry Audio about to release a part 15 AM transmitter?
Oops....posted this under the wrong catagory.
Shoot. A new transmitter would be great. I'd be interested in almost anything. An SSTRAN AMT3000 or 5000 replacement would be great, especially in kit form. Maybe a slightly updated version, with some extra features, like the Hurricane AM Modulator from 6V6 Electronics.
I mean, in the last few years, we've had a great audio processor (the SW200) and an AM Field Strength and Modulation Monitor (the SW300). The only other major piece of kit left is a new transmitter, right?
Shoot. A new transmitter would be great. I'd be interested in almost anything...
Have you ever considered the Sean Cubert kit? I've always been curious about them
$159.00 OBO $16.80 Shipping
From his Ebay description:
AM transmitter kit.
Crystal controlled PLL design for rock solid stability.
Easy operation with tune up and down buttons with auto memory!
For construction you will need a soldering iron.
For basic diagnosis if needed you will need a meter.
This kit is designed to give top quality features, power and sound yet is easy to construct.
Uses include broadcasting to all your vintage radios, Drive in movie theaters, Running your own neighborhood radio station etc...
Fully part 15 compliant so legal to use in the USA!
Just look at all these features!
PLL drift free transmitter with memory. No expensive crystals to buy. Just set the frequency and it stays there rock solid.
Built in audio compressor to keep volume constant and prevent over modulation.
Built in frequency display.
Built in antenna tuner
Built in power meter.
Ultra Hi-Q output stage for incredible spectral purity and maximum possible power to antenna.
Covers several hundred feet!
The frequency is simple to set using just 2 buttons for up or down tuning.
Covers 1024 to 1710KHz in 1 KHz steps for both US and Worldwide AM Bands.
Comes with Power supply, Antenna wire and a 3.5mm to RCA phono cable to connect to your music source.
Comes with FREE USB DRIVE (kit version only) containing step by step assembly instructions, Schematic diagram and an alignment video.
Unlike some other kits, all instructions are in beautiful high resolution color.
Components come taped to component cards for easy identification. Includes high quality lead free solder!
Ready assembled unit also available. Send a message for details and postage costs.
Full PCB supplied so you can add the extra components to upgrade to the c-quam version at any time.
RETURN POLICY.
Buy with confidence. Instructions also contains videos for technical support. Plus of course covered by ebay 30 day warranty.
UNIQUE BUILD GUARANTEE PROMISE!
If for any reason you build this kit and have difficulties, No problems!
Just send me a message and I will try and help, Or you may ship it back to me to diagnose and repair it. This will be done free of charge!
If you are in the USA I will also send it back free as well!
I always thought that the only Sean Cuthbert transmitters available were for AM stereo. I didn't know he sold a mono version too. I'm afraid the veroboard/stripboard construction is a deal killer for me. A PCB looks a lot neater and would make it more marketable, IMO. I don't like that type of stripboard for RF construction. If I'm going to prototype or make a one-off project, then constructing it ugly or Manhattan style over a ground plane is a better way to construct RF circuits. Personally, I think they look nicer too, but that might just be me.
I might consider buying the schematic and firmware (or a chip with the firmware loaded if he doesn't want to make it open source), but not a complete kit. I took one look at that stripboard construction and said to myself, "no thank you!"
@rugster The mono version was the original many years ago, the stereo version came later.
Cant comment about the PBC board, didn't know it was much of a factor, but since it is couldn't you just build it on the kind of board you prefer? - I really know next to nothing about building kits.
With your know-how, I'm surprised you've never attempted to build one from scratch or from existing plans.
@richpowers I didn't realize that there was a mono version of it. Interesting. I don't think he has a website does he? I see all sorts of mentions of his transmitters on various forums, and YouTube videos, as well as the eBay listings for his kits, but I don't see a website. If he had a website, it would tie things together nicely.
If I could find the schematic and circuit description, as well as the firmware, I might think about building one. I'm just not interested in the kit.
@rugster I dont think he has a website - seems he ought to. He does have a youtube channel https://m.youtube.com/@seancuthbert4587
I keep thinking about that transmitter "in the works" a few years ago "Parking Lot Radio" that was supposed to be hitting the market soon but then changed their mind due to logistics or something.
I was intrigued by their updates, via the archive many of the images dont show but if you click to open th hem in a new window it finds them..
https://web.archive.org/web/20200606202934/https://parkinglotradio.com/development-updates/
Be nice if they made those plans public since they have no longer have a plan to market it.
That's a shame they didn't get too far with the product development. It looks as if they only raised $240. I agree that a schematic would be interesting - and potentially useful to homebrewers. However, the majority of Part 15 broadcasters are not builders, so perhaps the plans would be of limited interest.
@rugster Maybe it would. My impression from watching the semi-detailed updates at the time indicated it was practically a finish product when they pulled the plug. I interpret it to mean they didnt want to pay for the Certification in fear of not being able to recoupe their investment.
I'm also still wondering over the Rangemaster site. I notice there have been some minor changes since the last time I looked but it's still in disarray. That indicates sales must not have been too good in recent years.. Need some kind of revival.. Maybe HBs' mentioned mystery part 15 "upcoming products" might cause a new spark.
When Jim Wood was developing the Schlockwood SW200 and SW300, he was sharing some information and taking feedback from HB forum members. They were the first to know about these products in development. One possibility is that it is Jim who is working on another Part 15 product. A transmitter would be grand, and would be my personal wish. My SW200 and SW300 are great products. Jim shares full circuit descriptions and schematics with owners, and they are built in such a way that lend themselves to easy repair by folk with electronic DIY skills. The SW200 is built with easily obtainable off the shelf parts. The only thing I can think of in the SW300 that would not be easy to obtain without Jim's help, would be the firmware. I'll take that chance! Besides, most of our electronic devices these days have some kind of firmware in them.
Anyway, guessing can be fun. I know this is a huge bit of speculation on my part (and I have NO inside information), but a Jim Wood Part 15 transmitter would be very interesting indeed. My gut tells me this is not in the works, but a bit of excitement and anticipation in the Part 15 community is always welcome.
Or perhaps the new Part 15 product is a set of hand warmers for those cold winter nights tending the transmitter 🤣
We'll just have to wait and see!
Published today in Radio World is a HB guest commentary, Bill writes:
“Wannabes” Should Consider Part 15
https://www.radioworld.com/columns-and-views/guest-commentaries/wannabes-should-consider-part-15
Good article. It does of course include self promotion that includes the 'Transmitter Callenge' years ago, but what caught my attention is when he said:
"A new version of that challenge is planned for 2025 once several upcoming Part 15 broadcasting products have been released to the public."
That sounds intriguing but what I'm really wondering is what new part 15 products are about to be released to the public? What's he referring to? The fact that he connects it with a new transmitter challenge directly implies new Part 15 AM transmitters about to be released, but I havent heard wind of anything recent.. I wonder if Scholckood or Angry Audio about to release a part 15 AM transmitter?
I have a hunch this is what he was tantalizingly referring to: https://www.hobbybroadcaster.net/community/index.php?topic=19040.msg82279;topicseen#msg82279
I'm not the least impressed. I had a hunch it was false hype.
BUT.. if I'm wrong I'll eat my words. I would really like it if it were something more significant.
I guess we'll just have to wait and see!