Welcome To The World of Low Power AM and FM Radio
The mission of HobbyBroadcaster.net is to educate and inform those interested in harnessing the power of license-free low power AM and FM radio broadcasting, commonly referred to as Part 15 radio broadcasting.
You have discovered the web site that will allow you to get the most from your Part 15 radio experience. HobbyBroadcaster.net focuses on AM and FM radio for hobbyist endeavors such as neighborhood and local community radio. CampusBroadcaster.net spotlights the use of low power Part 15 radio for campus-limited radio stations such as those in K-12 schools, colleges and universities. BusinessBroadcaster.net targets business uses for micropower radio such as informational radio and talking signage applications. Recently, all three operating sectors have combined their valuable resources to provide the ultimate online reference for legal, low power radio broadcasting which complies with Part 15 of the Federal Communication Commission's regulations.
Legal, License Free Low Power Broadcasting
Did you know that under Part 15 of the Federal Communication Commission rules that citizens are allowed to legally operate certain low-power radio devices which allow you to transmit on the AM or FM broadcast bands? These rules allow you to do this all without a broadcast license! Potential users for these Part 15 low power AM or FM radio transmitters include schools and universities, campgrounds, parks, shopping malls, real estate agents and individuals just looking to broadcasting for fun and profit.
Businesses and merchants will often use Part 15 broadcasting to inform their customers regarding their product offerings. For many years, real estate agents have been informing potential home buyers about properties using an on-premises low power AM transmitter. While parked in front of a property using a Part 15 radio transmitter being operated for marketing purposes, all a prospective home buyer needs to do is tune to the appropriate dial position to hear details about the listing as well as obtain the agent's contact information.
Campus-limited broadcasting applications can be accomplished with a free radiating antenna transmission on AM or FM, carrier current AM transmission as well as leaky coaxial cable for AM or FM transmission. These systems can be engineered to provide coverage not only to a main school campus buildings but to other areas such as dormitories, athletic facilities as well as theatre and performing arts areas. The potential of providing a real-world broadcasting environment for teaching and learning is only limited by one's vision and available budget.
Hobby broadcasters will most often use a Part 15 complaint radio transmitters with a intentional radiator (i.e., antenna) since these self-contained transmitters simplifying installation and operation. Transmitters are readily available in both kit form as well as pre-assembled units. Pre-assembled low power AM and FM transmitters that have received certification assures you that the transmitter complies with the regulations set forth by the FCC. Kit transmitters allow the hobbyist or electronics enthusiast the opportunity for personal enrichment while they learn about electronics. Kit transmitters also offer a cost savings for the do it yourself broadcaster. While the Part 15 regulations cover many different portions of the radio frequency spectrum, the primary focus of this site is transmission on the AM or FM broadcast bands.
You've found the authoritative reference that will help you learn more about this exciting technology. Here's your chance to dabble in on-air radio, thanks to legal, license-free, low power AM and FM broadcasting with your own Part 15 radio transmitter. From around your house, up and down the street, around your school campus or around your local shopping center or merchant area - low power Part 15 broadcasting can be useful, fun and profitable. Simply put, it's radio YOUR way!
Part 15 Radio Can Be Fun
Low power radio broadcasting is something that can be enjoyed by anybody regardless of age. Imagine all the fun you can have with your very own, legal, hobby radio station. You can entertain your friends and family with your own neighborhood radio station. Great places for neighborhood radio stations include your own home, be it in an apartment building condominium complex or traditional dwelling. Others have used Part 15 broadcasting to play music at classic car shows and other outdoor entertainment venues. Some have already used it in elderly care facilties to entertain and inform fellow residents. Some hobbyists use Part 15 low power AM radio transmitters to play vintage programming to the antique radios they have lovingly restored. The fun of broadcasting is only limited by your own imagination.
Part 15 Radio Can Useful
Large venues such as shopping malls, parks, concerts and other tourist attractions have used Part 15 radio systems to inform motorists regarding parking availability, shuttle bus locations and other points of interests. Houses of worship have used low power AM and FM radio to allow visitors with hearing impairments to enjoy religious services by using their own personal radio to clearly listen. More and more people are harnessing the potential of these legal low power radio transmitters to provide others with helpful information.
Part 15 Radio Can Be Educational
Many educational institutions from your local elementary, middle or high school to colleges and universities would love to own and operate their own radio stations, but the regulations and expenses associated with full power broadcast facilities can present numerous technical and financial obstacles. Utilizing Part 15 low power radio broadcasting, schools can now have their own on-campus AM and/or FM radio station. Everything from morning announcements to school sports can be carried on these stations. Some of these stations have even been utilized as part of the educational curriculum to provide students with the opportunity to learn broadcast journalism, electronics and multimedia technology. An on-campus student run radio station can also make a great club addition for after school activities.
Part 15 Radio Can Be Profitable
Local businesseses has started to realize the power of of low power broadcasting. Auto dealerships are using Part 15 transmitters to advertise special incentives to those shopping after hours. Fast food establishments advertise to vehicle occupants waiting in the drive-thru lines. There have even been reports of mall merchants setting up radio transmitters blanket mall parking areas with merchant advertising. Local shopkeepers can even set up their street side "station" to target people in traffic while waiting for a traffic signal to change.
Do you sell equipment or services that would be of interest to Part 15 radio stations and broadcasters? You have the perfect opportunity to reach your target audience right here. Inquire on how you can affordably get your message out right here on the reference for the Part 15 low power broadcasting enthusiast.
