a little help please

[RadioKid]

I was wanting to broadcast a radio station in my small town. It's only about 15 miles from one end to the other. I was wondering what combination of transmitter/antenna would be best for this (if its possible.) Any suggestions or help would be greatly appreciated. Also I would also like to know about FCC regulations and how much it would cost to make it legal and such. Thanks a lot.

[wade]

If you're in the US, you are probably out of luck. You can try reading up on getting an LPFM license; fcc.gov has this information for you. If you somehow get one, our PX1 transmitter is perfect for your application.

If you're trying to do some microbroadcasting on a budget; I'd just go with our FM100. It will cover 1/4 mile for you.

Basically, as far as getting a license, it's up to you and www.google.com!



[ March 15, 2002: Message edited by: Wade Bowman ]

[nickeaston]

I don't understand why Ramsey doesn't market a 10w transmitter upgradeable to 100w for lpfm license hopefuls... Is this really an insignificant market (probably)?

[Chris Hughes]

<BLOCKQUOTE>quote:</font><HR>Originally posted by NickEaston:
I don't understand why Ramsey doesn't market a 10w transmitter upgradeable to 100w for lpfm license hopefuls... Is this really an insignificant market (probably)?<HR></BLOCKQUOTE>

The PX1 was designed specifically for the new LPFM market. The 35 Watt rating in conjunction with typical antenna run cable loss, antenna gain, height above average terrain, etc …, covers most of the licenses granted so far for both the 10 Watt and 100 Watt categories. It is not uncommon for a 100 Watt category license holder to only need 25 to 30 Watts of RF output to meet the ERP granted by the FCC. On the other hand, a 10 Watt license holder may need 20 Watts or so if they have a long cable run to their antenna or other high loss conditions.

Applications requiring more then 35 Watts to meet the FCC’s ERP output level for a particular applicant would require using our 250 Watt PX250 series (also Verified for compliance with Part 73).

Either way, the unit that is used must be Part 73 Verified in order to be used for LPFM applications. The current PX series really fit the bill for anyone considering an LPFM license.

[nickeaston]

I overlooked ERP; as a ham I should know better.

What's the rule of thumb for clear lpfm line-of-sight reception for 10 and 100 w erp using, say, the recommended Ramsey antenna?

[Brian Smith]

The following was taken from the FCC Website:

These stations are authorized for noncommercial educational broadcasting only (no commercial operation) and operate with an effective radiated power (ERP) of 100 watts (0.1 kilowatts) or less, with maximum facilities of 100 watts ERP at 30 meters (100 feet) antenna height above average terrain (HAAT). The approximate service range of these stations is 5.6 kilometers (3.5 miles radius). LPFM stations are not protected from interference that may be received from other classes of FM stations. A construction permit is required before a LPFM station can be constructed or operated.

This and more information can be found at www.fcc.gov.

There are really too many factors to put into an equation that figures distance from your transmitter and antenna. I have heard of ERP's as low as 1 Watt up to 100 Watts, it really depends on the geography around the transmitter site.

Give me a call at 800-446-2295 to talk about more specific information. Ask for Brian in the Sales Dept.

Hope this helps.

[Bill Anderson]

I use a fm transmitter for firework shows. In the past it has been a ramsey 1w unit but it did not have the range for larger shows my new transmitter is a fm100 that was purchased from another company and a new antena that I purchased from ramsey my problem is the 100w is more likely to step on someone else than the 1w. I always research the frequency before using it but is there any way to be legal.

[kc8gpd]

a constellation of part 15 fm tx's about 20ft AGL in weatherproof box. they could be wifi linked, solar/battery powered. place them about 1000ft apart.

also supplement with part 15 am in both carrier current neautral loaded and part 15 ota am.