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Post by Deleted on Aug 8, 2016 16:11:31 GMT
I'm really impressed with the Transmitter Range Test Form that has been put up on the ALPB website (accessible from the home page). There has been discussion in a previous thread about testing FM transmitters installed at various heights - I'd suggest that any such tests be accompanied by a suitably filled out form - and the results posted with the form as an Attachment. I intend on doing this from now on.
One comment, though. I'd like to see an area in the signal reception section to report field strength in the event that one has a FIM.
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Post by Deleted on Aug 8, 2016 16:54:50 GMT
It Is Good
It was the idea and good work of Jeff Station 8 who designed the Transmitter Range Test Form.
Jeff invited me to proof read and make suggestions and he incorporated a suggestion I made.
I will e-mail Jeff a link to this thread so he can see your suggestion, Artisan.
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Post by thelegacy on Aug 9, 2016 5:39:15 GMT
I think that would make him feel better as things started to get dicey around here for a bit. Its a very important thing as we show that different heights, setup, and rather or not you have metal around your transmitter does effect range.
A member of The New Radio Revolution has found that weather DOES effect compliant FM Transmitters as I have suggested way back when the New Radio Revolution was starting to become an idea.
This could show that range can be improved to a point. I'm sure there is a point where getting the transmitter too high can start to decrease the range. I did like Bruce's kite experiment that he did with a FM Transmitter (too bad it ended up damaging the transmitter in the end) but it did show that getting it high up did make a range difference.
Since then it has been on my mind and I would like to see experiments done with this. You don't need to go past the 15:239 rule for this as the sole purpose it simply to prove the height can make a difference. Also temperature, moisture and other things need to be entered into this experiment to make it more accurate.
Also AM should be tried at different heights as well keeping compliance too as again the sole purpose is to see if height can make a difference under the same or similar power output and ground or most likely lack of. Is there a way to get an AN transmitter to go further by having it at a certain distance from power lines so as to have the power line act as a piggy back capacitance sort of antenna or signal booster.
Yes experimentation is a good thing and doing things as a group can help the hobby.
Antennas should be experimented with for AM maybe try and come up with a better low profile antenna for apartment dwellers as well so they can enjoy the hobby better. We have to think about our fellow hobbyists who don't have the wonderful resources such as their own land to erect huge 10 foot antennas. And lately these resources are less and less. So we have to adapt and experiment to help those people too.
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Post by MrBruce on Aug 9, 2016 12:25:23 GMT
I like the idea as well.
Speaking briefly about AM.
I have not messed with AM, being that, the Chris Cuff AM C-Quam AM stereo transmitter I have, has absolutely NO usable RF carrier, as Jeff Station8, will agree with me on this, since we both have one and can't get a signal for more than 10 feet from a 10 foot antenna.
We have both been attempting to redesign the final output stage, but the total transmitter design is the whole problem here, that makes this a challenge from the get go.
I would like to be able to experiment with part 15 AM Stereo and also with Jeff's antenna designs and post my results, but alas, I am still pondering on how to get this thing UP TO part 15 AM power levels, then I can participate in the AM experimentation part of things.
This transmitter has nice AM stereo sound, I'd like to continue working with it because of that.
Bruce.
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Post by Druid Hills Radio on Aug 9, 2016 14:49:40 GMT
I'm really impressed with the Transmitter Range Test Form that has been put up on the ALPB website (accessible from the home page). There has been discussion in a previous thread about testing FM transmitters installed at various heights - I'd suggest that any such tests be accompanied by a suitably filled out form - and the results posted with the form as an Attachment. I intend on doing this from now on. One comment, though. I'd like to see an area in the signal reception section to report field strength in the event that one has a FIM. Agreed. Also maybe even a relative indication if one is using a receiver with an S-Meter. |
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Post by thelegacy on Aug 22, 2016 15:35:24 GMT
I think it is safe to say that the Chris Cuff transmitter is pretty much useless for any extended range. Even trying to put some sort of amplifier on the back end is moot for the power is so low that it most likely won't drive an amplifier.
I'd look at the Sean transmitter as a possible choice for AM Stereo. Unfortunately there is not many manufactured AM Transmitters that produce AM Stereo without purchasing something way over the limit (I'm talking 10+ Watts). Good luck.
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Post by MrBruce on Aug 23, 2016 1:44:03 GMT
I plan on getting a tecsun PL880 portable radio next month off of an ebay seller and start doing tests with my Chris Cuff AM C-Quam Stereo Transmitter.
Since the PL880 has an "S" meter as well as digital tuner and LCD display, it will make it easier to do some distance tests. All I have is analog tuner (Needle and scale) portable radios. Can't do much with those and besides, those tuners are not very tight and get intermod very easily.
BY the way, Chris Cuff is very active in a facebook page related to AM C-Quam Stereo, he said that it was no longer cost effective for him to produce the printed circuit boards and the parts, in kit form, for him to continue making the kits. Just figured I'd share that piece of info with you all about the production of the Chris Cuff C-Quam AM Stereo transmitters.
To be continued......
Bruce.
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