question about an fm transmitter.

Category: Broadcaster's Lounge

Post 1 by radiotorrey (Generic Zoner) on Sunday, 30-Dec-2012 21:25:58

I was wondering does anybody know if it is illegal to increase the power on the ccrane fm transmitter and then broadcast your own radio show? I'm worried that I will get in trouble with the fcc because I was transmitting.

Post 2 by LeoGuardian (You mean there is something outside of this room with my computer in it?) on Monday, 31-Dec-2012 15:25:10

FM transmission? At what frequency? And what license do you have? And what part number license is the device you're using?
I know nothing about broadcast of radio shows, and truth be told, pretty limited on the amateur radio but there are tables in the Internet that show you the frequency allocation for the Amateur radio bands and their spectra.
There is also business band, I believe that is GMRS and you have your emergency frequencies for police and fire.
You won't be able to broadcast music on amateur radio with one exception, and that is those who send music to the Space Station. All of this information is on the IRS website.
If your power output is low enough and the neighbors don't get upset when their favorite FM radio station gets interference from you, the IRS probably wouldn't know. But the odds of you getting caught and punished probably far outweigh any potential benefit. Not sure I understand what benefit you would get from doing this. Then again all I know is the limited amount a technician ham knows and especially as it relates to cooperation with emergency communications and the like.
Sounds like you need to do a bit of research on the FCC website. They function as the air traffic controllers to prevent frequency interference for stations that pay for the space, and to some extent regulate the amateur radio spectra used by emergency services and other hams. It's parceled out this way, to my understanding, just as lines delineate lanes on a highway preventing pileups.
I personally Brailled out all the frequency spectra I am elligible to use for myself with my own license so as to remain in compliance and not "create a pileup".

Post 3 by LeoGuardian (You mean there is something outside of this room with my computer in it?) on Monday, 31-Dec-2012 17:26:45

Oops I said IRS there, and I meant FCC. Must be the end of the year hahaha

Post 4 by radiotorrey (Generic Zoner) on Monday, 31-Dec-2012 18:26:14

I don't have a licence. I was transmitting on a ccrane transmitter. I don't think i'm going to get caught because the transmitter is licenced by the fcc.

Post 5 by LeoGuardian (You mean there is something outside of this room with my computer in it?) on Tuesday, 01-Jan-2013 19:12:54

All depends on the frequency, and the content you were transmitting. If it transmits on CB or FRS (Walkie talkie) frequencies, you can do about anything but music. If it's on any other frequencies you will have to have the relevant licenses and abide by the rules for those licenses. Google is your friend, the FCC website is your friend.

Post 6 by JH_Radio (I've now got the silver prolific poster award! wahoo!) on Thursday, 03-Jan-2013 20:20:19

were you doing part15 broadcasting which the FCC doesn't care about?
be sure to use an open frequency.
what moddel is the transmitter? are you useing the manufactured antenna? or did you design/build your own and put it on the transmitter?

Post 7 by mistervera (the Zone BBS remains forever my home page) on Wednesday, 16-Jan-2013 20:55:28

I have a transmitter, as long as you use it for part 15, don't worrie if you modify it from part 15 regulations, then its of concern.

Post 8 by JH_Radio (I've now got the silver prolific poster award! wahoo!) on Wednesday, 16-Jan-2013 23:26:40

uh, if you do modify it you might wanna worry.

Post 9 by LeoGuardian (You mean there is something outside of this room with my computer in it?) on Thursday, 17-Jan-2013 17:49:17

What is Part 15? I'll have to look at that for curiosity I guess. I know nothing except what I learned to pass the Technician test as a amateur radio operator, and what the Coast guard teaches, but they don't really teach the electronics mainly disaster response Maydays and such.

Post 10 by JH_Radio (I've now got the silver prolific poster award! wahoo!) on Thursday, 17-Jan-2013 21:04:31

Part15 is very small scail broadcasting (such as a station that reaches around your house), or an FM transmitter that one might use in there car to listen to an external sorce.
The FCC doesn't care about a station like that (IE if you put one on, they wont come knocking on your door.
Use an open frequency though.
Radio-locator.com has a feature ware you can find any vacant frequencies.
http://radio-locator.com/cgi-bin/vacant