Hello all,
Hello all,
My name is Sean Dever and I attend Shorecrest High School. For my Senior Project, I hope to install and broadcast from a Part 15 FM transmitter during my schools lunch break. My budget right now has a maximum of $200, but that can be exceeded to a reasonable level. I was wondering if anyone had any suggestions or info about what brand of transmitter or antenna I should consider?
Thanks,
Sean
H S Radio
Hi Sean,
Welcome aboard.
Whatever FM transmitter you choose make sure it is crystal controlled (synthesized). Some of the $20 range kits are not and they are not worth spending money or time with.
The Ramsey kits are popular and work reasonably well. Check into the FM-25 or FM-30 lines though your budget may not allow these.
Another alternative which is workable is mentioned in this thread: http://part15.us/node/2006 This is a long thread and is old but it is worth reading to learn what is possible.
The down side of these transmitters is that they offer only limited operating frequencies but if one of the frequencies is clear in your area this would not be a problem. Try this site ( http://www.radio-locator.com/cgi-bin/vacant) to find a vacant frequency.
For legal operation money spent on a transmitter does not equate to range. Even the $10 to $20 units mentioned in the thread above can achieve legal radiated field strength limits with good audio quality.
I am not as well up to speed on audio sources but maybe someone else can offer help on this. You could consider using a laptop with a microphone as a start with the music stored on the laptop.
As more questions develop feel free to post here.
Neil
Transmitter suggestion
As an add on thought click on the Whole House Xmitter link to the left here. I have no personal experience with this but it may work for you.
Neil