LRN.FM - The Liberty Radio Network > Free Radio Forum
Step-by-step for the clueless (Part 15)
sillyperson:
I may well set up a transmitter or two if I had a nice, simple, step-by-step cookbook to follow.
To that end, I request a set of instructions.
Assume I have about zero time, but do have some extra money to invest in this. Give me a list of specific things to buy -- preferably with direct links to where I can buy them. Make it as no-hassle, "plug-and-play" as possible.
Assume I have no intention of paying a fine or going to jail over this -- I want a strictly legal "Part 15" thingy.
If you can provide a few alternate cookbooks, for different amounts of capital outlay, that would be ideal. Presumably doing it "on the cheap" involves more time investment & fiddling around, which may be appealing to lots of people looking to pick up a hobby. As for me -- my barrier to entry is time. Lower that barrier and I am more likely to jump in.
Thanks!
FTL_Ian:
For Part 15 AM, you can go the hobby route, or you can go with the Rangemaster:
http://www.am1000rangemaster.com/
The testimonials are pretty amazing. The good news is it looks like they've lowered their price. These used to be $1,000. Either way, it's a lot of money for 1/10 of a watt.
More info on getting started:
http://www.am1000rangemaster.com/intro.html
Don't even bother with Part 15 FM.
FTL_Ian:
Kdus may have more suggestions on how to set up the antenna, but for AM, you need some height and a ground:
http://www.am1000rangemaster.com/hints.html
sillyperson:
Indeed, AM makes the most sense. I'm vaguely toying with the idea of putting one up in a spot I'd have permission to put the antenna -- it'd be on the flat roof of a 2-story building, that just might have coverage out to a main road in Manchester. Actually I just checked Google Maps and it's 2700 feet from I-293, and about the same distance from Queen City Avenue.
Is 2,700-3,000 feet a reasonably likely range?
The idea is that I could then put up a sign on each road saying "TUNE TO 1590 AM" (or whatever). A lot of people would come across it.
Hmmm... $795 for the antenna. That's outside of what I was hoping for in terms of price range. I was hoping for like half that price.
Says it has an audio input. That's cool. What I really want is a setup than will broadcast the FTL stream (that replays the most recent show). I have (several) old, underpowered PCs with internet access that can suck down the stream... presumably it would be easy to set one up and plug the PC audio output into the RangeMaster audio input. Analog quality, but who cares on short-range AM.
Hmmm.... I suppose another possibility would be to put up a chip-in. I'd toss in the first few hundred bucks and invite FTL fans and Porcs to contribute what they could.
I'm just noodling with the idea at this point.
Comments?
FTL_Ian:
I have no idea what you can expect in your terrain. Check their testimonials to see what others have gotten.
There are cheaper AM transmitters - that's just one with a fair amount of "buzz" in the Part15 world. I haven't really been watching the message boards, so maybe there is a new competitor around.
-googles-
Yep. This is why Rangemasters are no longer $1,000. Competition in the form of another FCC certified part 15 transmitter, the Procaster, which apparently has internal audio processing:
http://www.chezradio.com/
detailed review
http://www.hobbybroadcaster.net/reviews/Procaster_05_2008_P01.html
Navigation
[0] Message Index
[#] Next page
Go to full version