Anyone have any knowledge of a good (and reasonably priced) FM transmitter (assembled or kit) in the 3 to 5 watt power range ?
I'm looking for one to plug my XM output into so I can listen to it on any FM radio within a mile or so range.comitan - 11-26-2005 at 11:37 AM
Bill
I think they are called modulators, when I was last in costco San Diego they had them for $28.00 don't know the wattage.Bob and Susan - 11-26-2005 at 11:43 AM
RF Modulators from XM radio work well in the car, especially with the antenna removed to eliminate local station interference. But, these will
radiate a signal only 20 feet or so. Ramsey Electronics carries much more powerful FM transmitters. See http://www.ramseyelectronics.com/hk/default.asp?page=amfm
I hope you enjoy the same channels on XM that I do so I can tune in! My dockmate in Marina de La Paz tunes into my XM RF modulator with his regular
FM radio.wornout - 11-26-2005 at 05:58 PM
I have the iRock 300w and I see in the link below they have a newer model. If it is for XM, now matter which you buy, get the one with the 12v power
option. I have had iRock's for 3 years now, the first was only 2 AAA batteries and only lasted to 20 some hours. Now I have the 12v iRock and love
it. Mine broadcasts about 300' if outdoors (as in working in the garden and carrying a portable radio). Got my last one at Radio Shack for somewhere
around $30. My first one quit working (the battery kind) on one side and iRock sent me a replacement, after the warranty had expired, for free.
This was all done via email and the internet.
One other thing: On our last trip from San Felipe to Cabo, there were three vehicles in all. I was in the middle with one in front and one behind.
In the morning I put on the news and both cars received the signal while we drove down the highway.
[Edited on 11-27-2005 by wornout]
300 WATT ?
MrBillM - 11-27-2005 at 10:41 AM
What you're talking about is 300mW (3/10 Watt). With 300 Watts you'd have the capability to transmit as far as FM could be received in addition to
wiping out your neighbor's electronics. I have a couple of the Wireless Transmitters of the 300mW type and they do increase the range over the
built-in unit in the XM Roady 2, but the range is only a few hundred feet barring restrictions.
After I posted this thread, I started searching the Web seriously and have found a number of kit producers here and in Canada. All of the kits 1W and
above are noted as illegal without a permit in the U.S. (which I knew) and require a signed disclaimer from the purchaser. So far, the best deal I've
come up with is a 1W kit for $49.95 and a 4W kit for $59.95. One watt will probably be enough, but the 4W is probably enough to listen to in San
Felipe if I use an omni-directional antenna. I had been hoping to find a "kit" where the PCB components were all mounted, but it looks like I'll
have to get out the soldering iron.woody with a view - 11-27-2005 at 05:32 PM
you "electrons" drive me nuts....all i know about electricity is it's invisible and it hurts! musta been or will be an electrician/sparky in another
life.
but it all sounds great!wornout - 11-27-2005 at 05:59 PM
Quote:
Originally posted by MrBillM
As Johnny Carson would say to Ed in this situation, 'What are you talking about ole over Watts?'
I never mentioned 300 Watts, I said I had a 300W, that is their 'Model Number' not the watts.
BTW, I looked at that Ramsey site and they have an FM antenna for $69 but there is a lot of do it yourself soldering involved.
Good luck either way and when you get it done, let me know and I will turn on the radio on our trips to the desert that go south of town.
Speaking of Antennas
MrBillM - 11-28-2005 at 11:09 AM
Years ago, I had a neighbor who installed a substantial (probably 30 feet high) Ground-Plane antenna for a Base-Station CB. Because it was so
obvious, frequently the Army on their patrols through camp would stop and question him regarding the antenna.
Not wishing to draw too much attention to my antenna will be one of my considerations (beyond price) in making an antenna choice. There are some very
good deals on antennas that, unfortunately, are clearly Transmitting Antennas. Others are less distinguishable from CB, Marine, etc.
do they make a mobile FM transmitter set up?
BajaVida - 11-28-2005 at 06:14 PM
that way we can have a moving FM station so that I can broadcast music (and thebajarunner's opera) to the others in our Baja caravan
not only will they be able to hear me on the CB, but also the music
Mobile+Antennas
MrBillM - 11-29-2005 at 11:06 AM
Thus far I have not come across any commercially produced Mobile Antennas for use in the FM VHF radio band (88-108MHz) which is not surprising since
there would not be any significant "legal" purpose for one. There are, however, a number of stationary omni-directional antenna designs which could
be mounted on a vehicle and are about 4-5 feet overall. I don't know whether high-speed movement would effect the antenna's efficiency.
The nearest "Mobile" antennas available that I found are those for FM VHF Marine band (156-174MHz), but these are tuned for a range of 140-180MHz. It
is probable that the tuning difference would result in too high a reflected signal and result in poor transmission efficiency or, worse, damage to the
transmitter.
On the small FM transmitters legally available i.e. Belkin, the cable used to connect it to the Radio line out source is used as an antenna, but their
range is fairly short distance.
If you had a low-power FM Transmitter which had an Antenna out Jack, you could try connecting an FM radio receiving antenna and see how efficient it
might be. I haven't tried that, but the investment for the transmitter and antenna would only be around $25 so there's not much lost if it dies.wornout - 11-29-2005 at 11:21 AM
Quote:
Originally posted by BajaVida
that way we can have a moving FM station so that I can broadcast music (and thebajarunner's opera) to the others in our Baja caravan
not only will they be able to hear me on the CB, but also the music
YES, read the like above dated: posted on 11-26-2005 at 04:58 PM (The part about my trip to Baja that starts out, 'One other thing', that trip was
in a Vehicle).
