PCS-Electronics

hi ever since i've seen how affordable it is to braodcast my own FM radio station I have been searching the web trying to educate myself on the necessary equipment that i would need to setup my own.

I am an international member, I live on a small island with only 3 fm broadcasters so there is alot of room on the dial. My community is about 2 miles wide and about 8 miles long and i am located pretty much in the middle. There are no tall buildings around (the tallest obstucales ar pine trees) and the landscape is very flat and i probably won't be able to get the antenna more than 50ft in the air.

Can you folk give me some suggestions on the types of equipment that is best suited for my stiuation. price is a factor with me but i would opt fro more "powerfull" equipment if they are'nt that much more expensive ($200-$400 more).

Start with one of the 5W models or 15/20W models, these might
even cover the island. If not, you can add an amplifier later to get
it at 100W or so. This way you spread your investment and can start
right away.

Your budget is tight so make your own antenna, designs are on our
webpage. J-pole is a good option.

Do you live in a US possession or territory? If so, you can also cover your island with Part-15 100 mw AM. You could augment your FM signal with the AM coverage

Frank

Thanks for replying to my question guys.........re-reading my original post i relized rhat i did not explain my situation too well (that and a million spelling mistakes). My budget for the broadcasting equipment is about $2000-$3000 (anttena, transmitter, etc). The audio equipment (mixers cd players, etc is not included in that amount. Building my own equipment would be a great experience but i fear that the kits would end up collecting dust in a back closet.

Than click "FM transmitters" on the left of the website.

The 15W rack mount - 19" units at the top are perfect for a start
with 15W. That might be enough for you, if it is a small island.

If it turns out you aren't getting the range required, purchase
a 100W amplifier later. Or 250W. That should probably do it.

You could try Comet or J-pole, if you're in the centre of the island.
If you're at the edge somewhere you could try using directional
antenna, one of the yagis from the website. RPL0205 is too weak
as it is only intended for low power setups and will definitely not
handle 100W, but there are others under products->antennas.

Short run of coax: RG213 or even RG58 will be ok.
Long run of coax: Get the best coax you can get (Belden, aircell etc).

Tower: Get your antenna as high as possible.