I'm currently starting the process of putting another transmitter on the air to cover parts of the east side community. It'll be linked to studio via Barix streaming boxes at each end over fiber connection. Also expanding into more news/public affairs/talk programming. Current situation in the state and country requires it at this point.
Yup, there's a lot to be talked about now. Expanding is good.
Have you gone the Barix box route before? Is this to synchronize? - will the signals overlap at all, or will there be a null between?
@richpowers Studio to transmitter link. To get the audio from studio to transmitter since they won't be co located. Most likely different frequency, probably to close for same frequency.
@wefr Well in that case, since synchronization isnt a issue, Im guessing you already had the Barix boxes on hand, otherwise I reckon you would have used a less expensive method.. like maybe as regular ole internet connection.
Im just talking speculation here, but I dont see what benefit Barix Box systems are unless the primary goal is synchronizing signsls.
@richpowers I'm not sure there would be another way to send audio over a fiber internet connection that'll be stable and constant. it'll be close to 2 miles as bird flies from studio.
@wefr I dont know either... I just always considered the Barix expense to be a justification for it synchronicity capabilities.
I dont know enough about it to say much, but it seems (to me) that there's got to be a cheaper way of getting your audio to a remote transmitter than purchasing Barix Instreamer and Outstreamer hardware.
Regardless, all the best with your station expansion
@richpowers - I thought you'd found a way to do it with Roku devices some time back?
@rugster Yeah, I started to mention that but dont know how much the Roku have changed since then. ( https://part15lab.blogspot.com/search?q=Roku ), Essentially what I did was use the Roku box as an internet radio. That was back when you could set up a free Shoutcast stream, there were also (probally still is) apps for additional capabilities.
The Roku received the stream and fed it the transmitter. It was quite simple setup really and seemed to work like it should though sometimes it would pause to buffer but wifi dependability has vastly improved since ten years ago. I never did go further with it. Remote installs would require solar and battery, and of course access to a wifi signal - at least that was the way I thought would be most convenient and self contained. But of course you could always make arragements to install on-grid at a friend's home or business or some other means of power and wifi..
Same thing could be done with an old laptop or something though it would use a lot more power than a Roku These are just simple inexpensive alternatives to Barix, which I suppose most hobbiest cant afford.
As you say @richpowers, it shouldn't be all that complex or expensive to set up an internet stream for remote transmitters. Barix seems to be just about the only off-the-shelf solution, so they kind of have the corner on the market. Maybe there are other readily available products that aren't as well marketed?
@rugster Well the way I understand it the Barix boxes have a lot going for them in respect to the quality and reliability of providing the kind of synchronous signals required for multiple transmitters serving the same general area, but if its just for a single transmitter outside the range of your primary transmitter then it makes a Barix an unneccessary expense (afaic) - UNLESS it so happens you already had one on hand anyway, or purhased it at a bargain on ebay or something.
@richpowers Studio to transmitter link. To get the audio from studio to transmitter since they won't be co located. Most likely different frequency, probably to close for same frequency.
Your response didnt register entirely with me the first time I read it.. Im a little confused actually.
Where exactly does the Barix installation take place in route of your STL? Does it involve multiple units (instreamer and extreamer)?
@richpowers Would need both. Exstreamer at the studio I believe and Instreamer at transmitter. I may have that backwards though. It's still being worked on. People wants this but not many coming for with donations to fund it. Which is understandable considering all the job loses over 2,000 in this area the past couple months, do to...I don't need to say...
I've always been curious about the Barix system — glad Rich is confirming my suspicion that they're really more of an enterprise solution, and probably overkill for most hobby stations.
I'm assuming one could do something similar by setting up an icecast/shoutcast stream and picking up the feed at the transmitter using a low powered mini PC, or a Raspberry Pi?