Jump to content
Light-O-Rama Forums

Choosing a FM Transmitter

Scott T

By Scott T
in General LOR Questions

 Share

Recommended Posts

Scott T Member

Scott T

Posted
Posted

I know we have all talked about this and I'm sure there are a lot of threads about FM Transmitters, but I'm going to buy a new transmitter so I have a back-up if anything was to go wrong. THINKING AHEAD!

I have been using the CC Cranes transmitter without problem, but there are a few things I don't like. You can't add an external antenna and if you lose power, you must manually turn it back on. Range was very good and sound was OK.

http://www.ccrane.com/radios/fm-transmitters/fm-transmitter.aspx

I was considering the NEW WHT 2.0.

http://store.lightorama.com/whhofmtr20.html

Before I saw this I was considering the Ramsey 30B.

http://www.ramseyelectronics.com/cgi-bin/commerce.exe?preadd=action&key=FM30B

I AM NOT INTERESTED IN VIOLATING THE FCC PART 15, so I don't need to know about high powered, dirty harmonics devices.

KISS, Keep it simple stupid!

What have you used and tell me about:
1) Price
2) Brand / Model
3) Range
4) Antenna Type
5) Sound Quality
6) Mono / Stereo
7) Comments:



.

Link to comment
Share on other sites
Don Member

Don S5/S6 Experienced

Posted
Posted

I've used a Ramsey FM25B since 2005, and have not had one person complain about the sound coming out of their radio.

I do have a Ramsey FM30 that I want to get up and running for the display, just never seem to get to it before the display goes up.

I don't know about the WHT, but I don't think you'll have any problems with the Ramsey line.

Link to comment
Share on other sites
jimswinder Member

jimswinder

Posted
Posted

What have you used and tell me about:
1) Price - $188.00
2) Brand / Model - Ramsey FM30B
3) Range - Had mine almost 3/4 of a mile in a residential area
4) Antenna Type - 50 ohm BNC connector
5) Sound Quality - EXCELLENT
6) Mono / Stereo - Stereo
7) Comments: Bought a complete kit...first time I ever soldered anything. Had it done in a few nights and to my surprise worked first time!!


EDIT:

But I have no experience with any others, other than the Full House Transmitter (junk in my opinion).

Link to comment
Share on other sites
Guest wbottomley

Guest wbottomley

Posted
Posted

If I was starting over or new...

I would get the HLLY XMitter 

http://www.hllyelectronics.com/html/fm_transmitter_1_43.html



It seems to have a good response.

But, given the sound quality and warranty of the EDM 

http://www.edmdesign.com/

I would go after one of them.

I've been running a Ramsey 35B for 5 years. 35B's are no longer available since the FCC fine them for carrying 1W xmitter. I don't run it at that power but it's available if needed.

The EDM has much better sound quality than the Ramsey. I ran both after Christmas and was impressed.

That's my 2 cents worth.

Link to comment
Share on other sites
jerrymac Member

jerrymac

Posted
Posted

Scott T wrote:



What have you used and tell me about:
1) Price 129.00
2) Brand / Model Eclipse 4000
3) Range up to 1600 ft
4) Antenna Type telescopic or remote
5) Sound Quality excellent
6) Mono / Stereo stero
7) Comments: see below



.

I started with the hole house gold and was not very happy with either quality or range. I purchased the Eclipse 4000 last Halloween from mobileblack box, I could not be happier, (not to powerfull wala no FCC issues), great quality reasonable coverage and very easy to use. see at mobileblackbox.com I used it for halloween, christmas and this 4th with same great results. (only suggestion is to keep the box a couple of feet (2') from your compute, I found if it is to close you may get some RFI.
Link to comment
Share on other sites
JoelSturman Member

JoelSturman

Posted
Posted

1) $100ish
2) Ramsey 25B
3) 1500 Ft
4) Telescopic
5) Good to Excellent
6) Stereo
7) Comments: Have loved this transmitter with no problems. Probably do not know what I am Missing


1) Someone else paid WAY too much
2) WHT Gold
3) Completely Useless
4) Propped up wire
5) Sound Quality is poor
6) Stereo
7) Comments: Don't like the company much either.

Link to comment
Share on other sites
Dale W Member

Dale W

Posted
Posted

What have you used and tell me about:
1) Price - $300
2) Brand / Model - FM Experts 110L (100 mw - not the 10 watt blowtorch for outside the USA)
3) Range - It will push to 1/2 mile at 100% power and exterior antenna
4) Antenna Type - built by FM Experts - the circular Polarized FM antenna
5) Sound Quality - A+++++++++++++++++
6) Mono / Stereo - Stereo
7) Comments:

Built by John Ramsey (yes, that one). I used it to replace my Ramsey FM100. I like it ALOT.

http://www.FMExperts.com

http://cgi.ebay.com/FM-Stereo-Transmitter-Commercial-Quality-100-mW-power-/190396433726?cmd=ViewItem&pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item2c5483053e

Link to comment
Share on other sites
Tim Fischer Member

Tim Fischer

Posted
Posted

Another vote here for the Ramsey FM25B (which I use) or the FM30B (which is similar, but has a few more features that don't affect broadcast quality)

Link to comment
Share on other sites
Steven Member

Steven

Posted
Posted

1) $195 (including shipping); $235 for the RDS version
2) EDM-TX-LCD-EP
3) Up to a mile. I keep the power turned down to a range of a block.
4) A quarter-wave vertical I built and installed on the (metal) roof. Nearly invisible.
5) Excellent sound quality!
6) Switchable. I leave it on stereo.
7) I have also used the Ramsey FM25B, which works well, but the EDM sounds better. The EDM comes in a very impressive black metal case with mounting holes. I use the RDS version, but I also have a backup unit without RDS.

The RF power adjustment is accessible only with the top off.
The audio gain adjustment is accessible with a tiny screwdriver, so I use an external volume control.

Link to comment
Share on other sites
Scott T Member

Scott T

Posted
  • Author
Posted

Well, based on the comments here and in other threads, I have chosen to go with the EDM-LCD-RDS-EP by www.edmdesign.com I was a little concerned about spending $240 with a company in South Africa, but I have read nothing but great comments about their customer service.

Ordered on Saturday morning @ 9:30a (est) and received a notice by 7:30p Sunday that my order was processed and on it's way. WOW.

Goody Goody, a new toy!

Link to comment
Share on other sites
  • 2 weeks later...
Scott T Member

Scott T

Posted
  • Author
Posted

My EDM transmitter arrive today via US Priority mail from CA.
I ordered on July 18th and received on July 31st.

I wanted to give others a point of reference on shipping time.

Scott

Link to comment
Share on other sites
  • 2 weeks later...
Sparky Griswold Member

Sparky Griswold

Posted
Posted

Hi Scott,



Saw the thread and wanted to comment. I also just purchased the EDM-RDS unit and am very pleased with its performance. I also built an antenna to spec that I run with a cable adapter to the unit and I reach the distance I need with great reception. I'm still working out the kinks regarding the RDS feature. Have you been successful with the RDS feature? Thanks for any feedback.

Bryan

Chandler, AZ

Link to comment
Share on other sites
Scott T Member

Scott T

Posted
  • Author
Posted

I'm still fine tuning my antenna. Using a Di-pole with RG-8 low loss cable: 50 feet.

Bought a Vanco SWR-1 meter from AEC in Cleveland (a lost cost meter that covers the FM band $29.00) and RG-8 Low lost cable (#3030 ~$1.00 per ft) - http://www.aesham.com/


Bought a RCA Male to UHF Female Adapter from KV connection.
http://www.kvconnection.com/

I'm currently at 1 : 1.1 on the SWR meter - ROCK'N - Almost 2000 feet.

You need to have the most out of your antenna before attempting you getting good range with RDS. Once I have the best range, I will test RDS and turn down the power output to balance it with RDS reception.

So, I'm not there yet. I will post an update later this week.

Link to comment
Share on other sites
Sparky Griswold Member

Sparky Griswold

Posted
Posted

Thanks Scott. There are a few ways to set up the RDS feature through the LOR windows command file. I have found it a bit tricky and still coming up short on having the song titles appear. The Dynamic PS is working fine just can't get the song titles to show let alone change with the play list. Love to find out how you get yours working. Thanks again.

Bryan

Link to comment
Share on other sites
jeffl Member

jeffl

Posted
Posted

Scott T wrote:


Bought a Vanco SWR-1 meter from AEC in Cleveland (a lost cost meter that covers the FM band $29.00) and RG-8 Low lost cable (#3030 ~$1.00 per ft) - http://www.aesham.com/


Scott,

Is there a link to AEC or did you just call them. I'd like to buy an inexpensive meter to setup my new antenna.

Thanks Jeff
Link to comment
Share on other sites
Max-Paul Member

Max-Paul

Posted
Posted

Scott,

As discussed in earlier post by another member. This is a C.B. or Ham 10 mtr SWR meter. You can use it as a field strength meter 3.5-150 Mhz But the SWR part of the meter is only good for 3-50 Mhz if I remember correctly. It does not come anywhere near the 100Mhz range (ok not even 80 Mhz range) to be reliable to use to tune an antenna for our purpose (FM broadcasting).

Need to read the specs.

Disclaimer, I believe your intent is to use to tune antenna via SWR readings. I retract if your plans are to use the Field Strength function.

Link to comment
Share on other sites
Guest
This topic is now closed to further replies.
 Share
Go to topic listing
×
×
  • Create New...