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Boosting FM Transmitter


captainron19

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I have a Ramsey FM30 - anyway to boost the signal on it a bit? I heard of a switch to hit with the whole house transmitter so I was wondering if anyone else was using a Ramsey and if they have any tips to increase the signal a bit

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captainron19 wrote:

I have a Ramsey FM30 - anyway to boost the signal on it a bit? I heard of a switch to hit with the whole house transmitter so I was wondering if anyone else was using a Ramsey and if they have any tips to increase the signal a bit


Did you increase both the power and volume via the setup button?

I can go over 1/2 mile with mine turned up.
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I did notice that the power was only set at half way so I moved it all the way up to the max. Seemed to help a bit but still losing signal about a block away - might need to move the unit closer to my window but then it wont reach my laptop unless I look in to a extended antenna to make

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captainron19 wrote:

- might need to move the unit closer to my window but then it wont reach my laptop unless I look in to a extended antenna to make

putting it right next to the window will help a lot...at least it did for me...
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i'd love to put it next to the window bu impossible because of computer running the show.... unless I can figure a way to extend the antenna or even the audio cable (that is as long as I dont lose any quality)

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taybrynn wrote:

Get an antenna, try repositioning the existing antenna or consider an upgrade to an EDM.


Not to sound stupid but what is an EDM?
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captainron19 wrote:

taybrynn wrote:
Get an antenna, try repositioning the existing antenna or consider an upgrade to an EDM.


Not to sound stupid but what is an EDM?

brand name of another fm transmitter
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I actually just saw 30 feet of cable with the same connector as the current antenna online and was thinking about using that to have the antenna put hear the window..... think that will work?

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captainron19 wrote:

I actually just saw 30 feet of cable with the same connector as the current antenna online and was thinking about using that to have the antenna put hear the window..... think that will work?


I think if you look in the manual, it will tell you what length of antenna would be for optimal performance...

Page 30 actually:

ANTENNA IDEAS
A simple, yet very effective, antenna for the FM30 consists of a "dipole", set
up either horizontally or vertically, and connected to the transmitter output jack
through a few feet of coaxial cable (either RG-58, RG-59 or miniature RG-174,
available at Radio Shack and other sources). Correct dipole lengths for major
sections of the 88-108 MHz band are:
88 MHz, each side: 2.7 feet; 5.4 feet total
98 MHz, each side: 2.4 feet; 4.8 feet total
108 MHz, each side: 2.2 feet; 4.4 feet total
You can see that there’s not a great difference in antenna length from 88 to
107 MHz. Some antenna designers have the view that an "approximate" dipole
such as 2.5 ft. on a side will do fine, while others believe it is worth the
effort to calculate the length for your exact frequency, using the simple formula
of Length (of one side, in feet) = 234/Frequency in MHz.
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If your antenna cable is too long, that will lower signal strength dramatically.

Now, if you use the really good cable ($$ expensive $$) ... then it won't reduce signal nearly as much.

Describe where you are operating the transmitter now, proximity to computer or other electronic devices, where you antenna is and distance and type of cable being used.

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taybrynn wrote:

If your antenna cable is too long, that will lower signal strength dramatically.

Now, if you use the really good cable ($$ expensive $$) ... then it won't reduce signal nearly as much.

Describe where you are operating the transmitter now, proximity to computer or other electronic devices, where you antenna is and distance and type of cable being used.


Right now front room of my house I have a small table set up with laptop and fm transmitter is to the left of it - it has the factory antenna connected directly into the back. The entire setup is about 12 feet from front window of house. It is within 2-3 feet of wireless router and external hard drive
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Went to Radio Shack yesterday (yes on Black Friday and I am nuts) but I picked up a 20 foot audio cable extension.

Went out front in my truck and pulled away from the house just where static began then I called my wife on the phone and had her connect the extension cable and move my transmitter to the opposite end of the room (the front wall of my house in front of a window) and it made an extremely noticeable difference

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I was having trouble with static with my Whole House Transmitter. I moved it reduced the gain and everything I could think of. I finally found a place standing it upright that worked perfect. I tried changing that little switch and it was not any different. I will up grade next year and give this one to the ebay bidders.
Terry

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