Axiom Home Page Forums General Discussion The Water Cooler slightly off-topic: FM transmitter question

I just ordered an FM transmitter because I really didn't want to buy outdoor speakers, purchase a speaker switch box, and run wire from my living room to the back yard. I'll just set a boom box up in the yard and tune it to the right frequency.

Anyone familiar with FCC rules in California care to make any comments on how I could get in trouble?

Wow... 300-feet range? That's impressive, and simultaneously worrisome. At the very reast I would use a frequency right in the middle of the LARGEST gap between your local FM stations.

i dont think i would worry about laws. Myself personally, i couldnt care less what the FCC says about me using my fm transmitter.

Sushi,

Naturally I'd broadcast smack in the middle of the largest gap. Not because I don't want to interfere with my neighbors' radios, but because it would give ME the best signal.

Peter, a few minutes after you turn on that transmitter you'll have black helicopters as well as speakers in your back yard....Just kidding(I hope), but although the FCC doesn't license FM transmitters under 1 watt, part 15 of FCC Regs does restrict very low power FM transmitters(47 CFR Sec. 15.239)to certain field strength levels which in effect limit these devices to a 100 foot range. It isn't clear from the ad, but it appears that the one in question won't have a sticker on it certifying that it meets the FCC Reg. As sushi suggested, if you can find a "dead" FM frequency in your area at least 0.4 Mhz and preferably 0.6 Mhz from a licensed station, there may be no problem, but the thing probably isn't in compliance.

which is why the vendor required me to fax in a signed statement that I understand the FCC regulations and I will use it accordingly.

Blah blah blah. I'm not really worried. As I will only use this occasionally.

Now if only I could find a device that would override all car stereos (even the ones listening to tapes or CDs) with the material of my choice. I live near a gas station and all those late night trunk rattling Hip Hop fans could do with a nice dose of Mozart!

pmbuko,

And when the black choppers do arrive on your backyard, at least you have one trusty defence lawyer behind you. Right, John?

Not exactly, masa( criminal prosecution, estate planning, investments, taxation).

C'mom... What's your problem, John? Just an easy-piesy moonlighting...

Masa, I don't know how easy it would be; Peter sounds pretty guilty to me.

Guilty as sin. Trust me on this one. I'll be a character witness, though! Or maybe I watch too much Law and Order.

If anyone is intersted, I got the transmitter in time to set it up for my 4th of July BBQ and it worked perfectly. I've got it connected to Tape Out on my receiver, so it will broadcast whatever input I happen to have selected.

I still haven't tested the extent of the broadcast range, but the signal is clear eveywhere in the house and even a little ways down the block!

Ken (kcarlile) was at the party and scoffed at the little boom box I had set up in the backyard. He suggested I get one of those "executive" mini-shelf systems and replace the stock speakers with M2tis. Not a bad idea....