I’ve been able to spend a little time reading and downloading Part 15 related music and info these past few weeks, as well as upgrading the audio and file management. I finally have figured out that despite the presence of what looks like an external antenna jack on the Sainsonic, it was meant only for the stock whip! I’d previously thought the reverse threads were some oversight on my part. It had been easy to get the adapter to fit despite it, by using a file on the threads.
Anyhow, the external antenna and attenuator are history, stock whip back in place, filed threads did not hurt the fit, low power setting engaged, and, coverage is now only about 125′ instead of the solid 200′ I had set up for.
I’d thought about building an attenuator into the transmitter shell, but, I think it’s time to set up for a move to the A.M. band anyhow. 1700 KHz is open here. And I have ideas for a poor man’s synchronized transmitter setup.
I saw the comments in the news this week about the FCC moving to make it even easier for A.M. stations to put up translators on F.M. It’s probably too much to ask that 106.5 in Souderton / Telford will remain unoccupied for much longer, though I know of no such pending action.
I also followed a link to the FCC enforcement actions page. I found it interesting that almost ALL recent FCC enforcement is related to F.M. I didn’t even see ONE A.M. enforcement action!
I’m thinking of using a “spitfire” transmitter, modified to act as a synchronizing oscillator / exiter, to feed a pair of closed cables, connecting to the oscillator stages of a pair of free running Ramsey transmitters I have. I should be able to inject a signal into the free running Ramsey oscillators and get them to “lock” on to the synchronizing signal. I did something very similar, with regenerative receiver circuits, back in the day. I was able to use a crystal oscillator to force the regenerative detector to “lock”, and, could copy CW, SSB, etc, with no drift.
I plan for the audio to be routed to the Ramseys by seperate audio cables, taken together with eack one having it’s own osclillator, thereby maintaining their identity as seperate transmitters, each with 100 MW into an integral antenna. The spitfire would just be creating the R.F. needed to synch the two carriers. One transmitter would be in the southeast window, the second would be in the northwest window. I’ll be happy to create about a 300′ radius coverage. maybe a tad more with a car radio.
Considering the ten square mile coverage that part 15 operator WNAR in Lansdale is getting, I think my goal may be realistic.
Time will tell!
SignalGuy says
Whoops…
… right after posting this, found TheLegacy’s post about a N.Y. AM enforcement! Still, seems most are for FM…?
RichPowers says
What you have to keep in mind
What you have to keep in mind about WNAR is that article was written over ten years ago, and around or just prior to the “ground lead war”. During that time period there were several part15 stations acheiving even greater ranges than that.. it’s not difficult to do 10 miles range in a prime location and an elevated install with an extended ground. During that time period the FCC cast an apparent blind eye towards part 15AM stations breaking the 3meter rule, but when the hammer came down, it came down.
The point is that a 6 mile range is not a reasonable hope to ever be able to legally acheive under 15.219.
A more feasable hope might be, at the very most, might be a 3 mile radius – only if your extremely lucky in a prime loaction and having minimal interferences, with a well constructed ground radial system and a ground mounted install, but even that may be wishful thinking. What is actuallyb realistic is if you can legally acheive a mile radius with a single transmitter, then you would be doing pretty damn good, and better than most.
The key word is ‘legally’. If your intentions are outside that, well, then it’s all open game.
SignalGuy says
Thanks, Rich..
Thanks, Rich, I’m in the WNAR listening area. I can currently enjoy him all the way to and from my workplace in Souderton, all the way back to Telford, and quite a bit beyond. It’s some of the best radio out there. As for me, I’d be thrilled if I find my upcoming 1700 KHz attempt goes 300 to 400 feet radius. That would give me the train station parking lot, the two bars, the two restaurants, and about 150 households. I can be VERY happy with that!
RichPowers says
Oh, I’m not familar with your
Oh, I’m not familar with your area, but with a good install it sounds as if you could very well end up being pleasently surprised with the final results. Wish you the best of luck and hope your expectations are exceeded.
And sorry if I came across wrong, it sometimes gets to the point that I begin to feel guilty for desiring the discussions to maintain a legal stance.
SignalGuy says
No problem…
No problem, I understand this board is for 100% legal hobbyists. I do support the idea of politely reminding the FCC that there are microbroadcasters out here who would like a bit more legal privlege, but, am resigned to the fact that it’s likely to go no further than what we have. I do also have to try to be extra careful, as I have a HAM ticket, and, would probably be automatically held to a higher standard. But then, I jump in my van, and tune in the old time radio programs from WNAR, and I get him for MILES! It thrills me, because it makes me believe that even with a much smaller budget, and a lesser quality site, I could come up with a technical solution that would give me the two or three borough blocks I’d like, and pass an inspection as well. One thing for sure, pending unforseen changes in the microbroadcasting scene, I need to go AM to get the range I would like. Thanks for the well wishes & all tbe best!
RichPowers says
Just to be clear less you get
Just to be clear less you get the wrong impression, I am not a moderator here, nor do I particularrly care if someone pirates, it’s none of my business and I’m not offend by them. I’m just a long time member here who prefers that this forum which specializes in legal part 15 broadcasting adheres to it’s own pupose.. that is my preferance. But of course the owners of this forum have every right to moderate and run it anyway they please. — —
SignalGuy says
Community.
Understood. Nonetheless, you are a part of this community, and your opinion carry some weight, as does the Legacy, and all other longtimers here. I can detect that there has been controversy, intense discussion, etc, Free speech is a beautiful thing … to a point. Change and tolerance has a chance when the various parties communicate their needs or desires, but, at the end of the day, it’s a hobby that needs to stay within the law of the land. I may make some honest mistakes, and be willing to push up against the limits, but, I will respect the laws, and politely work for change where there is hope for it. I will be a part of this. My best to you all!