The most favorably priced certified AM transmitter is the iAM from I.S.S., but I haven't noticed anyone talk about having or using an iAM Transmitter. Does anyone have anything to report?
And one of the world's last kitmakers, Sean Cuthburt, seems to be out of sight. He produced a C-QUAM and Mono version of his AM transmitter kits, but is not heard from anymore. Will he be back?
Sean Cuthburt was moving last Fall and he said would be back sometime after the new year, guess he's not back yet.
Carl: I have a iAM transmitter with the upgrades. Waiting for the remote antenna coupler that I plunked down as my advance order.
Just to clarify.. the most favorably priced certified AM transmitter is actually the Talking House 5.0 from I.S.S. (at $95), and their iAM is a hundred bucks more.
" A.M.Radio is identical in every way.. plus enhanced dynamic range and clarity.. higher modulation.. It also includes a hand-held microphone.."
<span class="auto-style46"> See and hear results of a real-world comparison of the Talking House and i A.M.Radio Transmitters.</span>
Now here's the thing.. I can't tell the difference! (can you?) I see it on their chart, but I can't hear any difference when I listen to it. I'm not sure I would pay and extra $100 for it.
I more likely would just buy two of their 5.0 units at $100 each, instead of just one iAM for $200
I listened to the improved IAM radio transmitter audio on the web link, sounded bit muffled to me, I don’t know, could been the bass boost they incorporated- I use an equalizer to kick up the bottom end on my TH transmitters, but most of the time I go back to the standard response the TH 5 gives me.
There is nothing I have built, tried, or used comes close to having the same low end as broadcast stations. Maybe the Allied Radio broadcaster but I don’t use mine for daily use, might get 110 V crossed with an RCA ground you never know!
I always think that if a small transmitter was made with true high level modulation using a transformer for varying the Vic to the final output would be all that is needed to get good low level response. All the stuff I have seen use’s a transistor in the emitter circuit of the tiny RF stage varying the Vic as audio goes into the “modulator transistor “it seems to make the sound like it’s not smooth or something. It should work, and should have low end response; I mean no transformer to hold back the low frequencies. I always wanted to try this concept maybe one of you have.
"I listened to the improved IAM radio transmitter audio on the web link, sounded bit muffled to me, "
To be honest, I thought the same thing, the iAM actually sounded a little worse to me but I didn't wasn't to say that! But really my point is I rather have two (5.0) transmitters for the price of one (iAM), since they're essentially identical units. You could serve two different areas that way (dead space in between), so in that respect achieve more range with the 5.0 for the same price.
Sure wish this secret was available to tinkerers. I've tried all the known mods, and still, it just doesn't compare to my SStran. But, the SStran isn't as good as many local AM stations. Even with Stereo Tools, and a few other dsp's. Still like My FM sooo much better, but that unit has a hard time getting into older radios. LOL 🙂
I happen to have the Golden Jewel very sought after ISS TR 6000 10 watt am broadcast transmitter. I came across it when a road construction site ordered it and never used it. I picked it up at a equipment auction brand new in the box with the remote message recorder. There is a jumper for either TIS or regular broadcast mode . Frequency adjustable via dip switches from 530 to 1710, adjustable wattage for zero to 30 watts. I run it legally with a legit length antenna and ground . It covers about a few miles and thats all i want . As for Sean last I heard he moved and has been putting a few together here and there. If I hear anything i will definately inform the group.
adjustable wattage for zero to 30 watts. I run it legally with a legit length antenna and ground . It covers about a few miles and thats all i want
Very cool find Tim, but you realize you have to have it set at a maximum of 100mw to operate it under part 15 - which means, if the adjustments are properly set, it's highly unlikely to be capable of achieving "a few miles" at that setting.
Rich Powers beat me to it but you have to know if you are at or near the 100mW. Getting range that is too good is an indication that you are quite a bit over especially if you have the right ground and antenna length.
Here's a picture of this transmitter......... https://www.transmittersrus.com/shop/iss-tr-6000-15-73/
Certified for Part 73 licensed service.
Is there a way of knowing what your operating power is? Seems from the picture there's no way to tell what your actual operating power is if I am correct. Check and see if this can be used at 100mW. It may not go down to that level.
By the way Sean Cuthbert is back and building again and has some stuff on Ebay.
I would be curious as to your antenna and ground system. Since this is clearly a large, rack mount, indoor mount transmitter, exactly how much cable is there between the rf output jack and the antenna? Do you have this installed near a window with a 3 meter wire going out the window as an antenna? The legal limit is three meters TOTAL which includes the antenna, the feed line to the antenna, and the ground lead - if used. Most Part 15 AM transmitters are designed to be mounted outdoors with the antenna directly attached to the transmitter to maximize available antenna length, not using up any of the allowed 3 meter total in a feed line. And if a ground is used, most ground mount to waste none of the available 3 meter limit on a ground lead. I don't see how it's possible to use this unless you have a 3 meter indoor antenna affixed.
TIB
According to this.... https://www.transmittersrus.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/11/ISS-tr6000-15.73-transmitter.pdf
It does say designed for unlicensed part 15 use as well as part 73. So maybe there's a way to adjust to 100mW?
"adjustable wattage for zero to 30 watts" - Just set it to zero.01 I guess.
But notice it says Part 15.221 and specifically states for carrier current or educational campus uses.
Although, I'd way 0 output would likely meet the rules, but does it really go down to zero? And it would have to be measurable.
Seems to me, for sale as a Part 15 transmitter it must be certified for such use? I know FM transmitters must be certified to be legally sold in the USA.
I'm still wondering how, with such a device, a legal antenna and/or ground is setup. The lead from the unit to the antenna counts as part of the allowable 3 meters total.
No one is likely to install this outdoors.
TIB