FM Microtrasmitters for neighborhood use.

Factual Questions
1

A little while back, I thought I recalled seeing something somewhere on the 'Net some discussion about 1 - 10 Watt FM transmitters cropping up in neighborhoods for minor use.

Questions:

  1. Am I correct in my recollection that the FCC actually authorized these little transmitters?
  2. Is there a commercial source, or plans for 'em somewhere?
  3. Does anyone else remember this, or has someone actually tried this?

Why do I ask? I’ve got a ton of my old CDs burned into MP3 format, and I think it would be a cool idea if I could hook up my old computer to a little transmitter out of my garage, so I could take my radio with me when I do yardwork around the house or when I help my neighbors build a deck (think of a several-hour customizeable jukebox). I could have sworn this was being done legally, but I can’t find sources. . .
Tripler
Pioneer of “Radio Cecil”.

2

Tripler - it’s only legal if the transmitter is putting out 100 milliwatts or less of power.

1/10th of a watt is not going to get you far.And by the FCC’s rules, it can’t go over 100 feet.

The 1-10 watt kits you speak of are designed to be licensed under the FCCs LPFM (Low Power FM) rules.

Low Power FM at www.fcc.gov

The fines for an offense can be rather steep - the first is usually a warning, based on what I’ve seen, but the second offense can lead to $10,000 - $75,000 fines for unlicensed broadcasting.

3

I thought it was something like this. I just couldn’t remember the specifics. To be honest, 100 feet would suit me just fine.

Thanks, Rico!

Tripler
Trip-“1.21 Gigawats!!!”-ler

4

What’s wrong with 900MHz wireless speakers? Much better quality audio, better range, and stereo sound plus no worries about breaking any FCC regulations. Can’t beat that.

5

I’ve seen in stores like Beast Buy a little device that you plug into your stereo that rebroadcasts on an FM channel, whatever your stereo is playing. Plugs in like headphones. Cost around $20 from what I remember. Been a while.

6

I never did think about the 900MHz band, but then again, I can’t wire up a 900MHz system with either the cost-efficiency or technical knowhow like I can with an FM TXr. Hell of a lot cheaper too, since I can take my walkman and use it as a reciever. . .

Tripler
Besides, it gives me a new project to work on.