DiyLightAnimation
Hardware => Other Projects => Topic started by: BryanV on March 25, 2009,
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Has anyone used a reliable transmitter for your displays. I would like to run something that has about 200-300 ft range and isn't too expensive.
Let me know.
Thanks,
Bryan
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Check out this web site. I haven't tried them but I have built a couple of their other kits.
http://www.canakit.com/fm-transmitters
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Bryan:
On the Canakit -- I've built others of their kits, though not an FM transmitter -- I would only consider a phased-locked loop (PLL) stereo version, which when you go for "isn't too expensive" pretty much puts you with the CK555 or UK555 (and they're out of CKs and if you're buying it assembled anyway, then I'd spring for the extra $5 and get a UX555 with case and antenna).
If you're ambitious (your own etching, etc.) you could go with a Pira.cz design, which TimY (wvengineer) has documented over at DIYC -- http://www.doityourselfchristmas.com/forums/showthread.php?t=6523 -- that's going to cost you about $80 when you're done too.
\dmc
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Why not just do something like this?
http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&ssPageName=STRK:MEWNX:IT&item=160320935718
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Why not just do something like this?
Well, that auction ended, but here's the current one:
http://cgi.ebay.com/1MW-Digital-PLL-stereo-power-FM-transmitter_W0QQitemZ160324581337QQihZ006QQcategoryZ4675QQssPageNameZWDVWQQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem
It looks pretty good, but people have reported problems with some of the transmitters purchased from HK via eBay.
Last year at this time the milliwatt Vastelec transmitters were deemed unworkable, though the 1-watter was OK (that's the one I got). Personally, I wouldn't buy a transmitter from HK on eBay unless somebody else had bought the same model from the same seller and told me it worked, but that's just me.
Then again, it's $42 (with shipping), versus the Canakit, which would be $80 with shipping (also, the Canakit is limited to transmitting on only one of 14 presets, while the HK can be set to any freq on the band).
Tough call. Glad it's not mine ;-) ...
\dmc
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I have one of the vastelec 200mw from last year. It worked great, I'd be happy to have another one.
I have not seen anybody test the one you have listed though.
Ron
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Why not just do something like this?
http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&ssPageName=STRK:MEWNX:IT&item=160320935718
I've got one of these, as well as the 5 watt from them, I used (basically tested with my dipole) for about an hour. I went a different direction, so would let you have them for the cost, and I'll pay shipping to lower 48 - $54 for .5 watt, $55 for 5 watt (SWR meter shows about 2 actual watts).
They're not bad although a little noisy, I just decided to go with a home-made transmitter, just cuz I like the "DIY" side of the hobby. I also recommend a dipole, as opposed to the antenna that comes with the .5 watt. MUCH better.
my email is rcav8or@sbcglobal.net
R
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Sorry to chime in late, but I'm surprised nobody suggested the Belkin Tunecast II. I think they're still available at Walmart for around $20. If not, they're available on Ebay for $10-$20. There's a popular mod you can do to extend the range by adding a piece of wire as an external antenna. I've been using one for several years now, and it reaches about a block in each direction - more than enough for my little yard.
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Sorry to chime in late, but I'm surprised nobody suggested the Belkin Tunecast II. I think they're still available at Walmart for around $20. If not, they're available on Ebay for $10-$20. There's a popular mod you can do to extend the range by adding a piece of wire as an external antenna. I've been using one for several years now, and it reaches about a block in each direction - more than enough for my little yard.
Could you provide some details on this? I am needing to get a transmitter and am researching options.
Thanks,
-Keith
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Found a pretty good how-to here:
http://www.instructables.com/id/Belkin-Tunecast-II-FM-Transmitter-Mod/
Brian
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The tunecaster with the mod seem to work well for some and not for others. It really is a hit and miss. I myself tried that route early on and with all my knowledge for radios and antennas (K4ROB advanced class) I never got it to work well. On the other hand I have found people who have and who also were not able to get good results.
I ended up going with a Ramsey FM25B and while it is more money you can not beat the solid performance of it. That is another option.
RJ
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Here's another link for the Belkin mod:
http://www.christmasalabama.com/index.php?link=belkin (http://www.christmasalabama.com/index.php?link=belkin)
As RJ said, not everyone has had good luck with the Belkin so your mileage may vary, but it's worked fine for me. One thing to keep in mind, is that the wire should be cut to the proper length so your new antenna is tuned for the frequency you want to use. Longer isn't better. Here's a link that will help you figure out the correct length:
http://www.csgnetwork.com/antennagenericfreqlencalc.html (http://www.csgnetwork.com/antennagenericfreqlencalc.html)
edit: Found another link you might be interested in. This isn't my video, but it's about the same reception I get:
http://www.christmasdisplays.net/videos/fmtrans.wmv (http://www.christmasdisplays.net/videos/fmtrans.wmv)
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Has anyone tried modifying any of the other Tunecast models (original or III)?
steve
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I got the EDM LCD transmitter (http://www.edmdesign.com/) - worked perfectly for me. A bit pricey perhaps but it had a super clean stereo sound and it covered my area great (and that was at the lower power settings). The power is adjustable from 1 - 100mW (!) so you have to watch you're not going overboard. It comes as a "kit" but really it's only like 2 parts to install (probably some customs thing as it comes from South Africa as "electronic parts").
Brian
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I am using a commercial FM modulator used for cable TV systems. They can found on ebay from time to time for about $100. I run mine into a J-pole antenna that I made with 1/2" copper pipe. My antenna is up by my house about 200ft from the road. It works real good across my 200ft of frontage.
good luck!
KEN
Link to manual. I have also modified it to use the pz RDS encoder.
http://200.78.236.213/specs/PCFM.pdf
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Maybe this is a dumb question but... What's the difference between a modulator and transmitter?
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Has anyone tried modifying any of the other Tunecast models (original or III)?
steve
I used to have one of the originals. I believe the antenna mod should work the same, but the original didn't have a jack for an external power supply. I haven't seen a Tunecast III yet.
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Has anyone tried this 30mW transmitter board - $36 on ebay?
http://cgi.ebay.com/30mW-FM-RADIO-STATION-TRANSMITTER-Circuit-Board_W0QQitemZ400058398076QQcmdZViewItemQQptZLH_DefaultDomain_0?hash=item5d2556b57c&_trksid=p3286.c0.m14&_trkparms=65%3A12%7C66%3A4%7C39%3A1%7C72%3A1234%7C293%3A1%7C294%3A200 (http://cgi.ebay.com/30mW-FM-RADIO-STATION-TRANSMITTER-Circuit-Board_W0QQitemZ400058398076QQcmdZViewItemQQptZLH_DefaultDomain_0?hash=item5d2556b57c&_trksid=p3286.c0.m14&_trkparms=65%3A12%7C66%3A4%7C39%3A1%7C72%3A1234%7C293%3A1%7C294%3A200)
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There's discussion about (and avaiilability of) the Vastelec 30mW xmtr board here:
http://doityourselfchristmas.com/forums/showthread.php?t=7564
It appears to be the same board (with the brand name blacked out) as in the above post. I plan on getting one from ukewarrior who has a number of boards coming in from China.
John
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I bought my second one of those from China this year before ukewarrior started offering them over at DIYC. I had one last year that I used in my display and it still works great. I wanted a second one just as a backup at that price. They are a nice little inexpensive radio. I made a dipole antenna for mine and it gets plenty of distance as far as I am concerned.
Ron
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Thank you John and Ron for the pointer to the other thread. That is good info, and makes me more comfortable trying one. I can get one on ebay with more confidence if I can't get one from ukewarrior.
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Ditto on the pointer. I have a tunecast that I haven't hacked yet that i can use, but wanted one of these Vastelec's as they were highly recommend by ukewarrior at LUO 2009. Always good to have options. :)
-Keith
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If anyone is interested, ukewarrior has sold out a couple of batches of the Vastelec transmitter board, and is judging interest in another order. See http://www.doityourselfchristmas.com/forums/showthread.php?t=7564 (http://www.doityourselfchristmas.com/forums/showthread.php?t=7564) for details.
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It doesn't appear as though the Vastelec can accept an RDS encoder. Anyone know if that's true or not?
--Ron
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I know the current thread says no, but I thought somebody got it working last year. I have a RDS module and a spare transmitter so it is on my list to try, I just haven't had time yet and probably will not for another week or two.
I'll post here when I try though.
Ron (the other one)
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It doesn't appear as though the Vastelec can accept an RDS encoder. Anyone know if that's true or not?
--Ron
I thought I read in that post that the older ones did have RDS while this newer one did not appear to have that capability. Tim (wvengineer I think) provided some explanation. Maybe I am remembering a different post, but I think it was in the one referred to above.
-Keith
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I think there are actually two versions of the Vastelec controller. The single board version is what I have and what they are selling over on DIYC. I know that Kevin over at DIYC got the RDS working on the two board version of the transmitter. I think however, that there was a post last year that said somebody got it working on the single board version. At least they showed how to connect it.
The boards from last year look identical to the ones from this year. Since I have an extra I figured I'd just try it and see. If it doesn't work like they now say it shouldn't, no big deal.
Ron
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let us know how that works out Ron!
mine is in hand... well it will be when Bill ships the Wireless parts ;-)
John
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Anyone wanting to try the Belkin Tunecast mod talked about earlier, Tanga has them today for $12 shipped.
http://www.tanga.com/products/belkin-tunecast-ii-mobile-fm-transmitter-for-iphone-3g-ipod-mp3 (http://www.tanga.com/products/belkin-tunecast-ii-mobile-fm-transmitter-for-iphone-3g-ipod-mp3)
Also, Meritline has a similar looking item for $8 shipped if someone wanted to try and see if it would do the same thing.
http://www.meritline.com/white-wireless-digital-display-fm-transmitter-modulator-for-ipod-mp3-pda---p-33396.aspx?source=nl090717&emc=el&m=1742773&l=41&v=83e074a5af
(http://www.meritline.com/white-wireless-digital-display-fm-transmitter-modulator-for-ipod-mp3-pda---p-33396.aspx?source=nl090717&emc=el&m=1742773&l=41&v=83e074a5af)
There was a coupon code that brought the price down to $6 (Coupon Code: MLC401264N) but I'm not sure if it still works or not.
-Keith
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I live on a hill and have had trouble locating the test antenna that came with my transmitter in a location that works for the 2 streets that my houe can be seen from. The signal from teh free antenna goes quite far on level ground.