Setting up a radio station

by Tugicom

First, you need to establish what kind of an area you need to cover. What range will my fm transmitter have, how much power do I need? We are all limited by laws of physics. Range is thus limited by several factors: Optical visibility.
This can sometimes be up to 40 miles, if you are looking out from a mountain top. Interference from other stations on the same or close-by frequency. Receivers are not ideal and are even becoming more crappy in this modern age of crappy chinese dollar radios. Such receivers have difficulty discerning your signal while there are other strong signals close by. Transmission power. Even if optical visibility is 20 miles, 1W probably won't get you more than a mile. If 50 Watt ERP is used, it's very likely that 20 miles of range will be achieved.
This is because 50 Watt ERP is ample power to propagate a strong signal 20 miles. If 1 Million Watts of power is used, it is very likely that signal will only propagate just over 20 miles. This is because the range is limited as described in point a) above(optical visibility). Assuming the antenna has a clear view, the frequency is clear and an average (poor) quality portable receiver is used, typical transmission power vs range figures are as follows:

It is not possible to have hundreds of miles of range on FM broadcast band (87.5MHz to 108MHz), even if terrain is perfectly flat and you have your antenna on the top of the mountain and you're using killowatts of power.

It is occasionally possible due to special atmospheric conditions, such as inversion etc. Such special conditions happen rarely and only last for a very short time so it is not possible to rely upon them in any way. 

In order to cover so many square miles it is necessary to setup a grid of transmitters and link them via wireless audio links, making sure they do not transmit at the same frequency as they could interfere.

Complete low powered AM Radio Transmitter System in a Box!

Anyone interested to broadcast live using low powered AM transmitter? Enter The Procaster™, Hassle free AM transmitter installation and it sound great as well due to it built in audio processor. You are able to broadcast any contest you wish for your listeners, be it music, talk, information, advertising etc. It only limitation is your imagination and creativity.

Basically you can typically reach listeners in a 1/2 to 2 mile radius, which is sufficient for many applications such as Local community radio, retirement communities, churches, schools, marinas, campgrounds, businesses, builders, historic sites, hobby broadcasting, emergency broadcasts and many more.
Anyone who has the keen, determination and interest can setup the Am transmitter. Best of all, it's simple to set up with no technical knowledge required.

Nevertheless, if you feel uncomfortable and need professional to install them, you can count on ACE to do a good job and you will feel confident and your mind is free from unnecessary CATASTROPHE. Put your trust on ACE to setup your AM transmitter.

Is this legal?
In USA and Canada, Yes, In Malaysia not sure, You may need to apply for radio license through MCMC (Malaysian Communications And Multimedia Commission).  Anyway, short range broadcasting is legal in the USA and Canada (in Malaysia, short range broadcasting or low power transmitter is governed by MCMC - a government authority that control and regulate all commercial and non commercial radio/tv frequency range used for legal broadcasting) for specially certified devices, which means all you have to do is install it and use it!

So, how is it setup?
The outdoor-mounted weatherproof transmitter can be flat-mounted or clamped to a standard pole. Everything you need is included in the package including a sturdy 3-section 102 inch aluminum antenna that side-mounts onto the transmitter casing.

A 50 ft (or optional 100ft) shielded cable connects the outdoor transmitter to an indoor studio interface where power and audio connect.

The entire system runs on 12 volt power and only uses 1.2 watts and can be easily powered by a small 12 volt solar panel/battery setup when AC power is not available.

The Procaster™ AM Transmitter

Sturdy construction
Boxed in rigid welded aluminum enclosure with stainless steel hardware for a long corrosion-free life and it lightweight design permits for an easy install and light mast loading. Hence the transmitter is built t last.

Great performance
Low distortion, hi-fi audio frequency response delivers excellent low bass response and BIG sound just like commercial broadcast stations. Performance exceeds most AM radio receivers.

Built-in Audio Processor
No need to purchase additional complicated and expensive audio processors and signal conditioners - the Procaster™ includes built-in audio processing and limiting, Saving you hundreds in additional equipment costs and saving you install space. Sound dynamics can be easily tailored to suit your listening preference and best of all, it's simple to set up with no technical knowledge required.

Complete AM Transmitter System
It include everything in the box - you just supply a ground and mast if you choose to pole mount. Here is what you get...

• Procaster™ Transmitter
• Studio Interface
• 50ft or 100ft shielded 4-conductor connecting cable
• AC wall adapter
• Tuning tool
• Mounting hardware
• Easy to follow instructions

Procaster™ AM Transmitter with Standard Studio Interface and 50ft cable

This standard version have the features where you can any audio source: iPod™, computer, mixer, tape deck etc. via a standard 3.5mm stereo jack.  Now that what I call Simplicity at it best.

Now, everyone can afford to broadcast Live Radio with minimum budget.