HobbyBroadcaster.net Breaking News
Illegal Part 15 Transmitters Blanket Marketplace
June 11 - August 29, 2010: Several hobbyists contacted us regarding alleged Part 15 transmitters flooding venues such as ebay. The one notable transmitter being marketed by PCS Electronics has gotten quite a bit of attention between the fact it is excessively priced, possibly has excessive output power and is not certified under FCC Part 15 regulations for a marketed transmitter. A forum thread regarding the illegal Cybermax Stereo FM transmitter discusses how the online merchant not only sells this non-certified transmitter publicly but also spreads misinformation regarding its legal marketing and certification status.
Canyon Community Radio Forced to Shutter Part 15 Station
July 8 - August 5, 2010: It appears that Ken Cartwright, the operator of Part 15 radio station KENC is slowly being forced to shutter his operation. Currently, two of his three transmitters have been dismantled as according to Binh Nguyen, the local FCC field agent, they did not meet Part 15.219 (even though there is no specification in that regulation for field strength). The FCC Office of Engineering and Technology (OET) has also gone on record stating that the Hamilton Rangemaster AM1000FIL filter is ineffective in performing satisfactorily to be considered a viable ground filter solution.
Ken is currently in negotiations to acquire a local 1000 watt AM station. The only question that remains is will Mr. Nguyen be as
hypercritical if Ken should be fortunate enough to acquire this terrestrial station? Stay tuned for more news as it develops.
Setting New Precedent for Outdoor Part 15 Radio
March 25, 2010: The new Hamilton Rangemaster ground lead filter, model AM1000FIL, had been put to some testing at the KENC Part 15 AM transmitter site by the FCC in Washington state . The results of the agent's testing are quite favorable, as the filter was found to be "very" effective. The agent will be forwarding his data to the DC Office of Engineering and Technology (OET). It does seem that the acceptance of this filter's operation for Part 15 radio answers the question of acceptable ground filtering techniques as deemed by the FCC.
HobbyBroadcaster.net Suspends FTA Show Segments
December 10, 2009: Due to production concerns we have suspended the regular segments airing on The FTA Show. While it is possible that occasional segments will be produced for the show it was decided to dedicate the time occupied for producing these segments for use in producing cotent for the HobbyBroadcaster.net YouTube video channel as well as to produce more product reviews and evaluations.
HobbyBroadcaster.net Introduces YouTube Video Channel
August 25, 2009: HobbyBroadcaster.net has introduced a new YouTube video channel which will present video versions of equipment reviews and will eventually contain video how-to segments, station profiles and other subjects of interest to Part 15 broadcasters.
If you have a subject of interest that you would like see or you would like to take part in a video featured on the channel please let us know. It's broadcasters like you that will make for an even better video library.
Video content related to product reviews, how-to's and station profiles will eventually be integrated into the associated pages on the HobbyBroadcaster.net site. You may also access the videos directly via this HobbyBroadcaster YouTube channel link.
HobbyBroadcaster.net Talks Part 15 on The FTA Show
August 14, 2009: Bill DeFelice of HobbyBroadcaster.net will be hosting a weekly segment discussing Part 15 radio on The FTA Show. The FTA Show is a weekly satellite radio program produced and hosted by Richard Buckner which deals with free-to-air satellite TV and radio as well as other topics including computers, amateur radio and the internet.
We'll be looking for experienced Part 15 radio station operators to be interviewed on the show. Details are available in this HobbyBroadcaster.net forum thread discussing the program.
The program airs Thursday evenings from 6pm to 10pm Eastern time and can be heard via satellite on Galaxy 19, Transponder 23. The satellite schedule includes times for encore airings of the show. The program is also available for on-demand streaming via the internet at TheFTAShow.com and is coming soon the the FTA Media Network.
The FTA Show is sponsored by DMS International, which is a manufacturer and global distributor of digital satellite equipment serving wholesale distributors, dealers and operators.
