DiyLightAnimation
Fun => The Porch => Topic started by: rrowan on April 18, 2011,
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Hi Folks,
Looking for information to help build a wiki FM transmitter page.
Please state: Transmitter Make and Model - Do you like it or not - Any mods or add ons - Antenna type - Would you buy it again - any other comments
Many Thanks
Rick R.
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I have a Ramsey FM25B. Using a homemade antenna that I won at a Christmas mini that was made by a ham radio operator. I get way better distance than I need. I bought the Ramsey off ebay already assembled.
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EDM-LCD-RDS-EP
http://www.edmdesign.com/orders.html
Fantastic transmitter, used for 2 years, this year will be number 3, I leave my transmitter on 24-7 during the season, when the show isn't playing, the frequency is dead silent. Easy to "assemble", solder the power connector, install the chips, and you are done. They are pricey, but if you want a bulletproof transmitter, spend the money. I am using the provided "test" antenna. I would highly recommend this transmitter.
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thanks guys for the feedback
I will assume you both like your transmitters and would recommend them to fellow members
If anybody got a bad transmitter please let us know so we can tell people to avoid it it possible.
Cheers
Rick R.
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I have a Vastelec FM02 that I picked up during a group buy last November. I don't transmit music for my Christmas display so I haven't tried it out long term. I got it because I do transmit sound for my Halloween display and I wanted something better than my modded Belkin. Short term tests I ran using a homemade dipole antenna had amazing results. I think I paid somewhere around $35. Comes as two boards and a couple of ribbon cables to connect them together.
As for the Belkin, it worked great when the receiver was a car radio. I could get about half a block away before it started to drop out. But the range was less than 30 ft when I was using a portable stereo, which was what I needed to use for my Halloween display.
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I purchased one of each, the Vastelec FM01 and a Vastelec FM02. I built dipole antennas using RG-58/U (left over from the ol’ 10Base2 Ethernet days) and both transmitters work flawlessly.
It is extremely critical that exactly 12VDC of perfectly regulated power feeds a Vastelec transmitter, a lower quality regulated wall-wart won’t do - the hum will drive you crazy. It’s also very important to use a shielded stereo cable between the computer sound card and the Vastelec transmitter, using a standard speaker cable will pick up noise from Mars. I have balun chokes on the power lines and on the antennas.
At one house, I use the FM01 transmitter almost year round, playing my own tunes a good .5 mile in all directions. The FM02 runs at my other house nearly every day of the year but with its elevation I can pick it up nearly a mile away. Stereo separation is excellent with either transmitter.
Neither transmitter offers RDS, which is fine with me, I’d rather have folks watching the blinky-flashy and not reading their radio.
:) joe
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I used the EDM transmitter with a RCA to BNC converter and a BNC swivel mount antenna.
Transmitter: EDM-LCD-CS-EP
RCA to BNC: MCM 33-510 Female BNC to Male RCA Adaptor ($1.79)
Antenna: MCM 72-6601 Swivel Base BNC Antenna ($12.79)
I mounted it to a PVC stand that I made and used a twist tie to make the antenna close to verticle.
Even with the transmitter set for about 2 mw, the sound was crystal clear ~1000 ft away. No hum, no noise - just nice and clean audio in stereo.
The antenna collapses to about 6 inches for storage.
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EDM-LCD-RDS-EP ... using LOR command option to send RDS data via. .bat batch file and
miniRDS running in background to convey RDS to Tx everytime the rds.dat changes.
Using a $5 rabbit ears antenna (ebay) adjusted to length per FM frequency selected,
$2 rca F-conn adapter (ebay). Included test antenna likely to work for many. Using a
better antenna may result in excessive range. Power adjustable between 1mW and 100mW (1/10 of 1 watt).
Running through Breakaway Audio Enhancer 1.30.02, in FM Mode, 'Eruption' preset,
breakaway volume adjusted to desired loudness in car tuner. Previously used Behringer
DSP1424P and find Breakaway to be similar and easier to use.
Beside very slight hum from power supply between songs, sounds like a powerful professional radio station.
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I also using the EDM transmitter ;D
Astron RS7A 7 Amp Regulated Power Supply like this one in the link
http://www.wearecb.com/store/astron-rs7a-7-amp-regulated-power-supply-p-2247.html
there no hum from power supply 8)
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I use a Mobile Black Box Eclipse 4000 with a 1/4 wave ground plane antenna. I can broadcast about 3 tenths of a mile with no static. Sound quality is excellent. The only thing with a MBB unit is you have to be aware, if you shut it down you have to wait 10 minutes for it to discharge before you can repower it. It has something to do with a built in compressor.
I tried a J-Pole antenna - it does not broadcast as far as it does with the 1/4 wave ground plane antenna.
I have also found that sending the sound through a Behringer Compressor/limiter greatly increases sound quality.
If I have to buy another transmitter I will get an EDM.
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I use this transmitter. It transmit in fine quality stereo and from inside my home. I use it year round for the house and I have one for the gym we own. Very easy to control for the FCC minded people.
http://www.elecsky.com/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=4&products_id=7
100mW/ 500mW (Power adj.) 76-108Mhz Home FM TRANSMITTER (Black) + Antenna+Power Supply
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The EDM EDM-LCD-CS-EP is a budget buy for $159 shipped.
The next step up is model EDM-TX-LCD-EP for $205 shipped.
The mac daddy is the RDS model EDM-LCD-RDS-EP for $249 shipped.
You can't find anything at this price that sounds better or is more reliable, IMHO.
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I used the Whole House Transmitter for the 1st and 2nd year shows. It was painfully bad sound and static. If you were parked in my 25' driveway, it was tolerable. But out in the street - bad. I do not recommend the WH transmitter.
Then I bought the EDM LCD RDS unit. It is great. Easy to assemble and setup. I use rabbit ears left over from an old TV set at the right length for the frequency, and lashed to a PVC pipe. I highly recommend this unit. I used it for 2 years now, and in off season, I have it connected to my receiver and broadcast my music to radios in our home.
Craig
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My first year just like everyone else is a major learning curve. The transmitter selection was one I took months researching. The internet was my resource and and went to forums of professional and amateur audiophiles.
The one thing that kept coming up was the flea powered personnel transmitters everyone uses and why.
The winner by a wide margin was the EDM LCD models. Looking at the technical data of the specified and actual operation the EDM by far outperformed the competition.
I have used my EDM for 3 years and never had an issue in my display. The transmitter is actually mounted outside in my display on my front porch. Has operated down in the mid 20F degree range with out any drift.
just my 2 cents.
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I have the EDM-TX-100 and it has seen service for 2 years in my show without any problem. I created an antenna using TV rabbit ears. Your antenna length is dependent on the channel you are broadcasting on. Simply adjust the rabbit ears and tape them for the frequency you are broadcasting on. I get good solid reception for about 300 yards and people can pick it up and listen for about 1/2 mile.
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I also use the rabbit ears solution. It approx. doubles the high-quality range I was getting using the included "test antenna" (a 1m wire).
Can be mounted a variety of ways, which is up to to you.
I have FOUR of the those kits I was going to sell as EDM antenna upgrade kits but never got around to it.
Its the rabbit ears antenna, a 6' 1/8 (headphone/audio line out) male to dual RCA male cable/cord and a female F-conn to male RCA antenna adapter.
Will sell to anyone interested for $20 (shipping incl. to domestic lower 48).
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I use a EDM-TX-LCD-EP it includes the following. 10/100mW PCB, Parts, LCD display,Antenna, Regulated 12V PSU,Metal enclosure RF adjustable (1-10mW and 2-100mW)
I used it last year for my first year bradcasting my show and i am real happy with it. I have a compressor in line for a even better sound quality( sound is outstanding without it). I use a home made ground plane antenna made out of a old cb antenna with the insides out for the frequency im running on, with antenna rods off a tv antenna running 4 ways. I also have a power meter for it inline so i can see how much power im pumping out.
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I have a Vastelec FM02 that I just got from group buy from another site. For the price ($36ish) it appears it will work fine for my show. It came with an antenna and transmits about 200 feet in the testing I have done. From the reading I have done, it is my understanding that in order not to violate the FCC rules, the reception should start to drop off at that distance. The only downside to the FM02 is it does not come with a case and requires a regulated 12 VDC source of power.
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Been using a Vastelec FM02 now for 2 years on a folded dipole antenna and can get clear sound out to near 1/4 mile line of sight. Have to agree on the downside of not having a case however there are several polycase's that fit it nicely and the need for a regulated power supply. It's a really good starter transmitter until you feel the need for an EDM (just can't qualify the cost).
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I picked up a CZH-5C from ebay the other day, its been plugged in and running since I got it and I'm able to hear the music I'm broad casting throughout my whole neighborhood.
Works well with the antenna that came with it.
http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=300508644171&ssPageName=STRK:MEWNX:IT
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I picked up a CZH-5C from ebay the other day, its been plugged in and running since I got it and I'm able to hear the music I'm broad casting throughout my whole neighborhood.
Works well with the antenna that came with it.
I hate to sound like a broken record, but a 1-watt transmitter that can be heard "throughout my whole neighborhood" is clearly in violation of Part 15. If you're stepping on someone's favorite far-away legitimate broadcaster, the guys in the suits and dark sun glasses will be making an appearance on your doorstep.
I'd add an attenuator to that rig to get it down so that it can only be heard for 200 feet ... if you live in a suburb, that probably means no further than three or four houses away.
Again, what I'm trying to avoid is creating a perception that Christmas-lights people violate Part 15 and that a memo gets sent out to all FCC offices, telling them to shut down all Christmas-lights shows.
Please follow the rules.
Thanks.
\dmc
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I picked up a CZH-5C from ebay the other day, its been plugged in and running since I got it and I'm able to hear the music I'm broad casting throughout my whole neighborhood.
Works well with the antenna that came with it.
http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=300508644171&ssPageName=STRK:MEWNX:IT
Sweet! I got the CZH-5C also. It is a 5 watt transmitter (watt meter says 7+). It does not have the switch for the low power option on it. They did not offer them when this one was bought. I built 7 foot J-Pole antenna and put it on my roof. It transmits a solid 2+ miles in all directions. >.d9
http://www.kb3kai.com/j-pole-calculator.php
Shoot.... I can light my lights on my roof without evening plugging them into my lynx.
<la..
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Woah guys,
DMACCOLE has it right. This is one area where bigger is not better. If you start causing interference and someone complains, the FCC will come looking for you. The larger an area you cover, the greater the probability that you will either cause interference or some Christmas hating grinch will pick you up on their radio and then seek to shut you down by complaining.
I'm only putting out about 2 mw and I'm covering the entire block surrounding my house and thinking maybe I need to trim my power down a little... 7 Watts is asking for trouble...
RM
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I really only use a 500mw transmitter. 200 feet will not even get to the street on my 2.5 acres. I could not resist the fun. In my yard I can burn trash, shoot off fireworks and shoot my guns. I can add on to my house without getting permits. It is nice here out in the country side. I am not in any city limits ;D I know it can be serious trouble using stronger transmitters.
Ron
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LOL, I though that's what you were doing. I also live on a large lot outside of the city limits and 200 feet would also either not get past my property lines or if I set the transmitter at the street it would not clear my next door neighbors property on either side. The thing is that you have to use common sense wen setting up your transmitter. The law is the law but the FCC has neither the desire or the resources to hunt down everyone who is a few mills above the legal limit but if they start getting complaints, then they are obligated to investigate and take action if required.
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I have the vastelec and the EDM LCD with RDS. I used the Vastelec FM02 for 2 years with good sound. I used a homemade dipole the first year and a ground plane from Dennis the second year. Sound and range were good. Last year I upgraded to the EDM LCD with RDS. I used the same ground plane antenna for the same frequency and sound was clearer than with the Vastelec. I also got RDS which while not necessary, was way cool.
I'm very happy with the EDM LCD RDS version. It only requires soldering on the power connection, which is three solder joints. Very easy to setup.
Ron
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I have 3 transmitters, none of which I consider perfect. I guess I will just have to fork over the $$ for an EDM unit someday.
1) A modded Belkin which I used for two years with good results.
2) A 1W/5W switchable unit purchased off eBay. Obviously non-compliant, but wow, the sound is crystal clear. However, even at 1W and with lots of obstructions (houses), it will transmit more than a mile, which is way too far in my case.
3) A Vastelec FM02 which I run with the ground-plane antenna that came with the eBay unit. Sound quality is better than the Belkin, but nothing close to the eBay unit.
I've run Breakaway with all of these, and I highly recommend it.
Matt
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2) A 1W/5W switchable unit purchased off eBay. Obviously non-compliant, but wow, the sound is crystal clear. However, even at 1W and with lots of obstructions (houses), it will transmit more than a mile, which is way too far in my case.
...snip ...
I've run Breakaway with all of these, and I highly recommend it.
Matt:
A comment and a question:
*I was able to take an out-of-spec FM transmitter (1w) and get it into spec by using an inline attenuator. Much about the cost depends on the type of connectors you use, but I was able to find one for my RG58 BNC connectors (20db) for $10 on eBay. In addition, while I use a vanilla dipole, it is below grade on the street side of my house (in the basement), which is a good attenuator in its own right.
*Do you use the $30 Breakaway or the $200 Breakaway?
Thanks.
\dmc
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Thanks for the suggestion!
I use the $30 version of Breakaway.
Matt