# FM Microtrasmitters for neighborhood use. **URL:** \ **Category:** Factual Questions\ **Created:** [April 12, 2003, 7:16pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/fm-microtrasmitters-for-neighborhood-use/168308 "2003-04-12T19:16:48Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 6\ **Page:** 1
**Author:** ![Tripler](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/tripler/32/21807_2.png) [@Tripler](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Tripler)\ **Post date:** [April 12, 2003, 7:16pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/fm-microtrasmitters-for-neighborhood-use/168308/1 "2003-04-12T19:16:48Z")
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”. ---
**Author:** ![Rico](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/rico/32/3582_2.png) [@Rico](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Rico)\ **Post date:** [April 12, 2003, 7:34pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/fm-microtrasmitters-for-neighborhood-use/168308/2 "2003-04-12T19:34:12Z")
**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](http://www.fcc.gov/mb/audio/lowpwr.html) 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. ---
**Author:** ![Tripler](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/tripler/32/21807_2.png) [@Tripler](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Tripler)\ **Post date:** [April 12, 2003, 7:41pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/fm-microtrasmitters-for-neighborhood-use/168308/3 "2003-04-12T19:41:47Z")
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 ---
**Author:** ![Q.E.D](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/q/51bf81/32.png) [@Q.E.D](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Q.E.D)\ **Post date:** [April 12, 2003, 8:04pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/fm-microtrasmitters-for-neighborhood-use/168308/4 "2003-04-12T20:04:11Z")
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. ---
**Author:** ![Phnord\_Prephect](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/p/df705f/32.png) [@Phnord\_Prephect](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Phnord_Prephect)\ **Post date:** [April 13, 2003, 12:51am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/fm-microtrasmitters-for-neighborhood-use/168308/5 "2003-04-13T00:51:59Z")
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. ---
**Author:** ![Tripler](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/tripler/32/21807_2.png) [@Tripler](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Tripler)\ **Post date:** [April 13, 2003, 1:29am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/fm-microtrasmitters-for-neighborhood-use/168308/6 "2003-04-13T01:29:42Z")
> [@](#): > > \*Originally posted by Q.E.D. \* > \*\*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. \*\* 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.