Small FM Transmitters

hmburg52 · 28-02-2015, 09:41

Hi, could anyone please advise on what sort of thing could be used in the UK for having music for Xmas light displays so people can hear it on their car radio when they come to see.? Looking at about 50 -75ft range so an ipad type transmillter is far too small. Any ideas? Thanks.

Nigel Goodwin · 28-02-2015, 10:09

It's HIGHLY illegal, and you could be fined, equipment confiscated (including EVERYTHING even vaguely relevant - such as your CD collection and stereo!), and even jail time.

So don't even think about it.

technologist · 28-02-2015, 10:21

The law .. WT act 2006
Is very clear

Quote:

8Licences and exemptions

(1)It is unlawful—
(a)to establish or use a wireless telegraphy station, or
(b)to instal or use wireless telegraphy apparatus,except under and in accordance with a licence (a “wireless telegraphy licence”) granted under this section by OFCOM.

See http://www.legislation.gov.uk/ukpga/2006/36/contents
And chapter 4 tell you of the penalties ..
And they can be vast.... And involve a lot more people than just you....

JamesE · 28-02-2015, 10:26

But you can buy little transmitters, legally, to play music from a device (e.g. mp3 player) which can be picked up on your car radio. They have enough range that someone outside your house could pick it up. I've used one, coupled up to a sat receiver in a French gite, to play Radio 4 all around the house so that I could listen on the landlord's various radios.

technologist · 28-02-2015, 10:53

But to operate a transmitter as you have just stated is an offence under section 8
The use of deregulated short range FM transmitters is very strict.... And fir connecting to car radios only and certainly not for broadcasting to recievers you do not own and or to other people.

wavy-davy · 28-02-2015, 11:12

To do what you want you'd need to put a sign up in your window with the frequency on it which is pretty dodgy imo.

Deacon1972 · 28-02-2015, 11:18

Get a small brass band playing outside, will draw more people to the area than some random music playing over the airwaves with no guarantee everyone passing will hear it.

oilman · 28-02-2015, 13:26

You can actually create an fm radio transmitter with a raspberry pi and a single piece of wire.

It works well. Range is around 20m.

I leave it to you to judge legality, and risk.

Winston_1 · 28-02-2015, 14:38

Quote:

Originally Posted by hmburg52

Hi, could anyone please advise on what sort of thing could be used in the UK for having music for Xmas light displays so people can hear it on their car radio when they come to see.? Looking at about 50 -75ft range so an ipad type transmillter is far too small. Any ideas? Thanks.

The ipad type transmitter is probably just right and the only legal way to do it. I have one on a satellite receiver at home and can certainly here it on a car radio outside. A few doors down though it disappears.

Winston_1 · 28-02-2015, 14:52

Quote:

Originally Posted by technologist

But to operate a transmitter as you have just stated is an offence under section 8
The use of deregulated short range FM transmitters is very strict.... And fir connecting to car radios only and certainly not for broadcasting to recievers you do not own and or to other people.

As far as I know they are not restricted to car radios only.

chrisjr · 28-02-2015, 15:02

Quote:

Originally Posted by Nigel Goodwin

It's HIGHLY illegal, and you could be fined, equipment confiscated (including EVERYTHING even vaguely relevant - such as your CD collection and stereo!), and even jail time.

So don't even think about it.

And to add to this. If the music being played is subject to copyright then you need a PRS licence to play it legally for reception by members of the public. And the PRS has form for going after anybody playing music to the public without a licence, even playing a radio in your office can attract their attention if there is more than one person in the room!

Mark C · 28-02-2015, 16:25

Quote:

Originally Posted by technologist

The law .. WT act 2006
Is very clear

See http://www.legislation.gov.uk/ukpga/2006/36/contents
And chapter 4 tell you of the penalties ..
And they can be vast.... And involve a lot more people than just you....

Indeed, though Ofcom can't be arsed (or afford) to enforce the law, the FM band in London and many other cites is full of illegal junk. Folk with tiny FM Txs are way off the radar. I've had one running for 15 years now, about a 20m range, no knock on the door yet.

max_db · 28-02-2015, 18:47

I think the small iPod type transmitters were legalised in 2007 to transmit around 10nW or something like that. You do not need a license to operate one and can use it as you wish.

Shimano · 01-03-2015, 08:07

Quote:

Originally Posted by Nigel Goodwin

It's HIGHLY illegal, and you could be fined, equipment confiscated (including EVERYTHING even vaguely relevant - such as your CD collection and stereo!), and even jail time.

So don't even think about it.

Bull. And unnecessary scaremongering.

OP should just go for it - 75ft range isn't causing ANY problem to man or beast and Ofcom are hardly going to know it's going on from that distance, not exactly county-wide coverage is it.
As someone else in this thread has already mentioned, it's way off the radar so I'd just go ahead. I know someone who ran a decent, popular and clean FM station a couple of years back broadcasting a radius of about 12 miles for pretty much 3 years and only stopped due to personal circumstances changing. It will likely return again at some point in the future.

I'm sure the whiter-than-white do-gooders in this thread have never exceeded 30mph in a 30 limit, never used a phone whilst driving, never littered in public etc....

Nigel Goodwin · 01-03-2015, 10:33

Quote:

Originally Posted by Shimano

Bull. And unnecessary scaremongering.

Not at all, it's a fairly serious offence, and easily caught - particularly as any affected neighbours are likely to report your illegal transmissions.

max_db · 01-03-2015, 11:08

Quote:

Originally Posted by Nigel Goodwin

Not at all, it's a fairly serious offence, and easily caught - particularly as any affected neighbours are likely to report your illegal transmissions.

Not if you are using an FM transmitter like the iPod type, they are no longer illegal in this country and haven't been for getting on 10 years.

Thine Wonk · 01-03-2015, 11:10

Quote:

Originally Posted by Shimano

Bull. And unnecessary scaremongering.

OP should just go for it - 75ft range isn't causing ANY problem to man or beast and Ofcom are hardly going to know it's going on from that distance, not exactly county-wide coverage is it.
As someone else in this thread has already mentioned, it's way off the radar so I'd just go ahead. I know someone who ran a decent, popular and clean FM station a couple of years back broadcasting a radius of about 12 miles for pretty much 3 years and only stopped due to personal circumstances changing. It will likely return again at some point in the future.

I'm sure the whiter-than-white do-gooders in this thread have never exceeded 30mph in a 30 limit, never used a phone whilst driving, never littered in public etc....

Yeah sod it, let the chap have his FM transmitter running, who cares about the broadcasters who've paid good money to use that band and have professionally set up licenced equipment.

Who cares about the fact that aircraft navigation beacons are used just above the FM band, so what it if interferes.

Let's not bother to apply for an RSL licence. After all the OP could only end up being fined and have all his equipment confiscated if somebody does report him Ofcom certainly won't have far to look will they as it'll be obvious which door to go to.

http://stakeholders.ofcom.org.uk/enf...egalbroadcast/

Here are the enforcement statistics http://stakeholders.ofcom.org.uk/enf...rcement/stats/

Quote:

3. What are the offences and the penalties?
Anyone involved with illegal broadcasting is committing a criminal offence and may be arrested by the police and end up in court. Offences are punishable by an unlimited fine or up to two years’ imprisonment, or both.
Offences include using or installing equipment, allowing premises to be used for illegal broadcasting, and advertising on unlicensed stations or offering any other services to them.
Please see the Wireless Telegraphy Act 2006 for more details.
4. What does Ofcom do about illegal broadcasting?
Ofcom has powers to investigate unlicensed broadcasting stations and to prosecute those involved. We have powers to seize evidence, including wireless telegraphy apparatus, enter and search premises.
Ofcom will offer advice and assistance, and where appropriate investigate, where we receive reports of harmful interference by illegal broadcast stations from consumers and citizens. For obvious reasons, we take particularly seriously complaints of interference caused by illegal broadcasts which affect critical or emergency services.

chrisjr · 01-03-2015, 11:13

Quote:

Originally Posted by max_db

Not if you are using an FM transmitter like the iPod type, they are no longer illegal in this country and haven't been for getting on 10 years.

That is true. However their primary use is to connect an iPod or similar device to an in car stereo that has no auxiliary audio connection for your own personal use. Not to broadcast your music to all and sundry which would require appropriate licences.

Mark C · 01-03-2015, 11:37

Quote:

Originally Posted by chrisjr

That is true. However their primary use is to connect an iPod or similar device to an in car stereo that has no auxiliary audio connection for your own personal use. Not to broadcast your music to all and sundry which would require appropriate licences.

There are plenty for sale that have a 3.5mm input plug, so you can connect whatever you like, but yes, anything that involves 'broadcasting to others' is a no no.

Mark C · 01-03-2015, 11:43

Quote:

Originally Posted by Thine Wonk

Yeah sod it, let the chap have his FM transmitter running, who cares about the broadcasters who've paid good money to use that band and have professionally set up licenced equipment.

Who cares about the fact that aircraft navigation beacons are used just above the FM band, so what it if interferes.

Let's not bother to apply for an RSL licence. After all the OP could only end up being fined and have all his equipment confiscated if somebody does report him Ofcom certainly won't have far to look will they as it'll be obvious which door to go to.

Well, I do hope you do not have any extraneous random RF being emitted from your house at present, but I'm sure you've conducted a proper test with a spectrum analyser ?

Thine Wonk · 01-03-2015, 11:56

Quote:

Originally Posted by Mark C

Well, I do hope you do not have any extraneous random RF being emitted from your house at present, but I'm sure you've conducted a proper test with a spectrum analyser ?

No not at all, however I haven't set up my own FM transmitter which could cause interference with licensed broadcast services for my neighbours or other radio services like VOR beacons which broadcast from 108, just from the top end of the FM band, which is why Ofcom restrict power and location at the top end of the dial.

If I did, I would expect a chance of a complaint being made to Ofcom (especially if I was making a noise about a radio broadcast publicly and posting details about it telling people).

If Ofcom do investigate (as they do over in nearly 400 cases of illegal broadcasts a year), then I would expect a knock at the door. If as I'm not a trained broadcast engineer I screw up and cause interference or issues, that knock at the door might be with the police in the form of a raid. I could face criminal charges, fines and have all my equipment taken.

Luckily I am not knowingly running any illegal services, the only RF I'm running is at 2.4Ghz or 5.0Ghz in the form of Wifi (unlicensed spectrum), and 2100Mhz and 1800Mhz transceiver in the form of my mobile phone, that is unless a dodgy switch mode power supply is kicking out a bit of noise.

Nigel Goodwin · 01-03-2015, 12:13

Quote:

Originally Posted by max_db

Not if you are using an FM transmitter like the iPod type, they are no longer illegal in this country and haven't been for getting on 10 years.

We know, but we're not discussing those - we're discussing a far higher powered device which a much greater range (although we're still talking pretty low power, it's still just as illegal as a high power device).

Shimano · 01-03-2015, 13:27

Quote:

Originally Posted by Nigel Goodwin

We know, but we're not discussing those - we're discussing a far higher powered device which a much greater range (although we're still talking pretty low power, it's still just as illegal as a high power device).

The OP quoted a miniscule desired coverage of approx 50-75ft in his original post which does not constitute a 'far higher powered' device. Certainly nowhere near enough power to block out aviation comms or interfere with a modern TV set.

Thine Wonk · 01-03-2015, 14:41

Quote:

Originally Posted by Shimano

The OP quoted a miniscule desired coverage of approx 50-75ft in his original post which does not constitute a 'far higher powered' device. Certainly nowhere near enough power to block out aviation comms or interfere with a modern TV set.

Will the OP be buying a good quality transmitter? presumably he'll be able to check the frequency it is broadcasting this 75ft range is correct and that the ariel used is correct, that the frequency is actually the correct one and that there's not a fault somewhere that would cause interference?

What wattage is the OP going to use for that 75ft range? just a guess?

If the OP is going to promote it publicly, isn't that a risk?

I'd recommend if they want to do it, then they do it properly and apply for a 30 day RSL licence and have the transmitter hired and set up by a professional company.

SRSL cost is £400 for the application, then further licencing costs. You'll need to then get the equipment and it'll need to comply with the conditions of the licence, you'll need to record all output for the days broadcast and keep it on file for 42 days afterwards.

All of these rules are in place to make sure that public broadcasts do not interfere with other services and are used responsibly, suitable for broadcast.

Thine Wonk · 01-03-2015, 15:42

To the OP, just to say I think it's a lovely idea by the way, it is just not legally possible unless you're going to pay out hundreds of pounds for an RSL.

The only other thing I can think of is 1 of those ipod FM transmitters, but maybe a foil dish or some way of making it transmit more outwards to the street, maybe even running one outside on a battery from a tree or something?

28-02-2015, 09:41	#1
hmburg52 Forum Member Join Date: Apr 2006 Posts: 14	Small FM Transmitters Hi, could anyone please advise on what sort of thing could be used in the UK for having music for Xmas light displays so people can hear it on their car radio when they come to see.? Looking at about 50 -75ft range so an ipad type transmillter is far too small. Any ideas? Thanks.

28-02-2015, 10:09	#2
Nigel Goodwin Forum Member Join Date: Apr 2006 Location: North Derbyshire Posts: 41,789	It's HIGHLY illegal, and you could be fined, equipment confiscated (including EVERYTHING even vaguely relevant - such as your CD collection and stereo!), and even jail time. So don't even think about it.

28-02-2015, 10:21	#3
technologist Forum Member Join Date: Feb 2004 Location: London Posts: 7,519	The law .. WT act 2006 Is very clear Quote: 8Licences and exemptions (1)It is unlawful— (a)to establish or use a wireless telegraphy station, or (b)to instal or use wireless telegraphy apparatus,except under and in accordance with a licence (a “wireless telegraphy licence”) granted under this section by OFCOM. See http://www.legislation.gov.uk/ukpga/2006/36/contents And chapter 4 tell you of the penalties .. And they can be vast.... And involve a lot more people than just you....

28-02-2015, 10:26	#4
JamesE Forum Member Join Date: Dec 2002 Location: Hibaldstow, N. Lincolnshire Posts: 5,985	But you can buy little transmitters, legally, to play music from a device (e.g. mp3 player) which can be picked up on your car radio. They have enough range that someone outside your house could pick it up. I've used one, coupled up to a sat receiver in a French gite, to play Radio 4 all around the house so that I could listen on the landlord's various radios.

28-02-2015, 10:53	#5
technologist Forum Member Join Date: Feb 2004 Location: London Posts: 7,519	But to operate a transmitter as you have just stated is an offence under section 8 The use of deregulated short range FM transmitters is very strict.... And fir connecting to car radios only and certainly not for broadcasting to recievers you do not own and or to other people.

28-02-2015, 11:12	#6
wavy-davy Forum Member Join Date: Nov 2006 Location: NW England Posts: 6,792	To do what you want you'd need to put a sign up in your window with the frequency on it which is pretty dodgy imo.

28-02-2015, 11:18	#7
Deacon1972 Guest Join Date: Feb 2008 Posts: 8,103	Get a small brass band playing outside, will draw more people to the area than some random music playing over the airwaves with no guarantee everyone passing will hear it.

28-02-2015, 13:26	#8
oilman Forum Member Join Date: Dec 2002 Posts: 3,854	You can actually create an fm radio transmitter with a raspberry pi and a single piece of wire. It works well. Range is around 20m. I leave it to you to judge legality, and risk.

28-02-2015, 14:38	#9
Winston_1 Forum Member Join Date: Oct 2007 Posts: 5,008	Quote: Originally Posted by hmburg52 Hi, could anyone please advise on what sort of thing could be used in the UK for having music for Xmas light displays so people can hear it on their car radio when they come to see.? Looking at about 50 -75ft range so an ipad type transmillter is far too small. Any ideas? Thanks. The ipad type transmitter is probably just right and the only legal way to do it. I have one on a satellite receiver at home and can certainly here it on a car radio outside. A few doors down though it disappears.

28-02-2015, 14:52	#10
Winston_1 Forum Member Join Date: Oct 2007 Posts: 5,008	Quote: Originally Posted by technologist But to operate a transmitter as you have just stated is an offence under section 8 The use of deregulated short range FM transmitters is very strict.... And fir connecting to car radios only and certainly not for broadcasting to recievers you do not own and or to other people. As far as I know they are not restricted to car radios only.

28-02-2015, 15:02	#11
chrisjr Forum Member Join Date: May 2004 Location: Reading Posts: 27,916	Quote: Originally Posted by Nigel Goodwin It's HIGHLY illegal, and you could be fined, equipment confiscated (including EVERYTHING even vaguely relevant - such as your CD collection and stereo!), and even jail time. So don't even think about it. And to add to this. If the music being played is subject to copyright then you need a PRS licence to play it legally for reception by members of the public. And the PRS has form for going after anybody playing music to the public without a licence, even playing a radio in your office can attract their attention if there is more than one person in the room!

28-02-2015, 16:25	#12
Mark C Forum Member Join Date: Dec 2001 Location: Hampshire Posts: 8,102	Quote: Originally Posted by technologist The law .. WT act 2006 Is very clear See http://www.legislation.gov.uk/ukpga/2006/36/contents And chapter 4 tell you of the penalties .. And they can be vast.... And involve a lot more people than just you.... Indeed, though Ofcom can't be arsed (or afford) to enforce the law, the FM band in London and many other cites is full of illegal junk. Folk with tiny FM Txs are way off the radar. I've had one running for 15 years now, about a 20m range, no knock on the door yet.

28-02-2015, 18:47	#13
max_db Forum Member Join Date: Jan 2009 Location: Sussex UK Posts: 3,651	I think the small iPod type transmitters were legalised in 2007 to transmit around 10nW or something like that. You do not need a license to operate one and can use it as you wish.

01-03-2015, 08:07	#14
Shimano Forum Member Join Date: Jun 2013 Posts: 394	Quote: Originally Posted by Nigel Goodwin It's HIGHLY illegal, and you could be fined, equipment confiscated (including EVERYTHING even vaguely relevant - such as your CD collection and stereo!), and even jail time. So don't even think about it. Bull. And unnecessary scaremongering. OP should just go for it - 75ft range isn't causing ANY problem to man or beast and Ofcom are hardly going to know it's going on from that distance, not exactly county-wide coverage is it. As someone else in this thread has already mentioned, it's way off the radar so I'd just go ahead. I know someone who ran a decent, popular and clean FM station a couple of years back broadcasting a radius of about 12 miles for pretty much 3 years and only stopped due to personal circumstances changing. It will likely return again at some point in the future. I'm sure the whiter-than-white do-gooders in this thread have never exceeded 30mph in a 30 limit, never used a phone whilst driving, never littered in public etc....

01-03-2015, 10:33	#15
Nigel Goodwin Forum Member Join Date: Apr 2006 Location: North Derbyshire Posts: 41,789	Quote: Originally Posted by Shimano Bull. And unnecessary scaremongering. Not at all, it's a fairly serious offence, and easily caught - particularly as any affected neighbours are likely to report your illegal transmissions.

01-03-2015, 11:08	#16
max_db Forum Member Join Date: Jan 2009 Location: Sussex UK Posts: 3,651	Quote: Originally Posted by Nigel Goodwin Not at all, it's a fairly serious offence, and easily caught - particularly as any affected neighbours are likely to report your illegal transmissions. Not if you are using an FM transmitter like the iPod type, they are no longer illegal in this country and haven't been for getting on 10 years.

01-03-2015, 11:10	#17
Thine Wonk Forum Member Join Date: Mar 2009 Posts: 14,577	Quote: Originally Posted by Shimano Bull. And unnecessary scaremongering. OP should just go for it - 75ft range isn't causing ANY problem to man or beast and Ofcom are hardly going to know it's going on from that distance, not exactly county-wide coverage is it. As someone else in this thread has already mentioned, it's way off the radar so I'd just go ahead. I know someone who ran a decent, popular and clean FM station a couple of years back broadcasting a radius of about 12 miles for pretty much 3 years and only stopped due to personal circumstances changing. It will likely return again at some point in the future. I'm sure the whiter-than-white do-gooders in this thread have never exceeded 30mph in a 30 limit, never used a phone whilst driving, never littered in public etc.... Yeah sod it, let the chap have his FM transmitter running, who cares about the broadcasters who've paid good money to use that band and have professionally set up licenced equipment. Who cares about the fact that aircraft navigation beacons are used just above the FM band, so what it if interferes. Let's not bother to apply for an RSL licence. After all the OP could only end up being fined and have all his equipment confiscated if somebody does report him Ofcom certainly won't have far to look will they as it'll be obvious which door to go to. http://stakeholders.ofcom.org.uk/enf...egalbroadcast/ Here are the enforcement statistics http://stakeholders.ofcom.org.uk/enf...rcement/stats/ Quote: 3. What are the offences and the penalties? Anyone involved with illegal broadcasting is committing a criminal offence and may be arrested by the police and end up in court. Offences are punishable by an unlimited fine or up to two years’ imprisonment, or both. Offences include using or installing equipment, allowing premises to be used for illegal broadcasting, and advertising on unlicensed stations or offering any other services to them. Please see the Wireless Telegraphy Act 2006 for more details. 4. What does Ofcom do about illegal broadcasting? Ofcom has powers to investigate unlicensed broadcasting stations and to prosecute those involved. We have powers to seize evidence, including wireless telegraphy apparatus, enter and search premises. Ofcom will offer advice and assistance, and where appropriate investigate, where we receive reports of harmful interference by illegal broadcast stations from consumers and citizens. For obvious reasons, we take particularly seriously complaints of interference caused by illegal broadcasts which affect critical or emergency services.

01-03-2015, 11:13	#18
chrisjr Forum Member Join Date: May 2004 Location: Reading Posts: 27,916	Quote: Originally Posted by max_db Not if you are using an FM transmitter like the iPod type, they are no longer illegal in this country and haven't been for getting on 10 years. That is true. However their primary use is to connect an iPod or similar device to an in car stereo that has no auxiliary audio connection for your own personal use. Not to broadcast your music to all and sundry which would require appropriate licences.

01-03-2015, 11:37	#19
Mark C Forum Member Join Date: Dec 2001 Location: Hampshire Posts: 8,102	Quote: Originally Posted by chrisjr That is true. However their primary use is to connect an iPod or similar device to an in car stereo that has no auxiliary audio connection for your own personal use. Not to broadcast your music to all and sundry which would require appropriate licences. There are plenty for sale that have a 3.5mm input plug, so you can connect whatever you like, but yes, anything that involves 'broadcasting to others' is a no no.

01-03-2015, 11:43	#20
Mark C Forum Member Join Date: Dec 2001 Location: Hampshire Posts: 8,102	Quote: Originally Posted by Thine Wonk Yeah sod it, let the chap have his FM transmitter running, who cares about the broadcasters who've paid good money to use that band and have professionally set up licenced equipment. Who cares about the fact that aircraft navigation beacons are used just above the FM band, so what it if interferes. Let's not bother to apply for an RSL licence. After all the OP could only end up being fined and have all his equipment confiscated if somebody does report him Ofcom certainly won't have far to look will they as it'll be obvious which door to go to. Well, I do hope you do not have any extraneous random RF being emitted from your house at present, but I'm sure you've conducted a proper test with a spectrum analyser ?

01-03-2015, 11:56	#21
Thine Wonk Forum Member Join Date: Mar 2009 Posts: 14,577	Quote: Originally Posted by Mark C Well, I do hope you do not have any extraneous random RF being emitted from your house at present, but I'm sure you've conducted a proper test with a spectrum analyser ? No not at all, however I haven't set up my own FM transmitter which could cause interference with licensed broadcast services for my neighbours or other radio services like VOR beacons which broadcast from 108, just from the top end of the FM band, which is why Ofcom restrict power and location at the top end of the dial. If I did, I would expect a chance of a complaint being made to Ofcom (especially if I was making a noise about a radio broadcast publicly and posting details about it telling people). If Ofcom do investigate (as they do over in nearly 400 cases of illegal broadcasts a year), then I would expect a knock at the door. If as I'm not a trained broadcast engineer I screw up and cause interference or issues, that knock at the door might be with the police in the form of a raid. I could face criminal charges, fines and have all my equipment taken. Luckily I am not knowingly running any illegal services, the only RF I'm running is at 2.4Ghz or 5.0Ghz in the form of Wifi (unlicensed spectrum), and 2100Mhz and 1800Mhz transceiver in the form of my mobile phone, that is unless a dodgy switch mode power supply is kicking out a bit of noise.

DS Forums

Small FM Transmitters

01-03-2015, 12:13	#22
Nigel Goodwin Forum Member Join Date: Apr 2006 Location: North Derbyshire Posts: 41,789	Quote: Originally Posted by max_db Not if you are using an FM transmitter like the iPod type, they are no longer illegal in this country and haven't been for getting on 10 years. We know, but we're not discussing those - we're discussing a far higher powered device which a much greater range (although we're still talking pretty low power, it's still just as illegal as a high power device).

01-03-2015, 13:27	#23
Shimano Forum Member Join Date: Jun 2013 Posts: 394	Quote: Originally Posted by Nigel Goodwin We know, but we're not discussing those - we're discussing a far higher powered device which a much greater range (although we're still talking pretty low power, it's still just as illegal as a high power device). The OP quoted a miniscule desired coverage of approx 50-75ft in his original post which does not constitute a 'far higher powered' device. Certainly nowhere near enough power to block out aviation comms or interfere with a modern TV set.

01-03-2015, 14:41	#24
Thine Wonk Forum Member Join Date: Mar 2009 Posts: 14,577	Quote: Originally Posted by Shimano The OP quoted a miniscule desired coverage of approx 50-75ft in his original post which does not constitute a 'far higher powered' device. Certainly nowhere near enough power to block out aviation comms or interfere with a modern TV set. Will the OP be buying a good quality transmitter? presumably he'll be able to check the frequency it is broadcasting this 75ft range is correct and that the ariel used is correct, that the frequency is actually the correct one and that there's not a fault somewhere that would cause interference? What wattage is the OP going to use for that 75ft range? just a guess? If the OP is going to promote it publicly, isn't that a risk? I'd recommend if they want to do it, then they do it properly and apply for a 30 day RSL licence and have the transmitter hired and set up by a professional company. SRSL cost is £400 for the application, then further licencing costs. You'll need to then get the equipment and it'll need to comply with the conditions of the licence, you'll need to record all output for the days broadcast and keep it on file for 42 days afterwards. All of these rules are in place to make sure that public broadcasts do not interfere with other services and are used responsibly, suitable for broadcast.

01-03-2015, 15:42	#25
Thine Wonk Forum Member Join Date: Mar 2009 Posts: 14,577	To the OP, just to say I think it's a lovely idea by the way, it is just not legally possible unless you're going to pay out hundreds of pounds for an RSL. The only other thing I can think of is 1 of those ipod FM transmitters, but maybe a foil dish or some way of making it transmit more outwards to the street, maybe even running one outside on a battery from a tree or something?