150 Yard Transmitter

How to: 150 Yard FM transmitter

This year we wanted to be able to both advertise and broadcast the music and sound from out haunted display. I realized I had everything I needed to make a short range FM transmitter that would only have a range of around 150 to 200 yards. After testing the idea I was able to pick up the signal from my car a ways away, using nothing more then a big antenna and a cheap FM transmitter like the ones used to connect mp3 players to older cars.

Be sure to check with you local broadcast regulations before using this, I have provided this information as information only, and I am not liable if you violate the regulation in your area.

What you will need:
1. Small FM transmitter(the type used for a car)

2. Large antenna

3. Project Box

4. 5 volt power supply

5. MaleMale 3.5 mm Cable and an Audio source

6. Nuts, bolts

7. Super glue

The setup is very simple, I found that the antenna for the transmitter I had (pulled from a ipod car adapter) Was simple using the ground connector when it was connected to the rest of the unit, So All That was needed was a large antenna attached to the ground line and I could increase the signal range of this transmitter. To find the antenna in other units you just need to open them up and look for a single wire that is only attached at one in, typically it is coiled, or a very thick trace on a circuit board that is marked, usually you can find out where the antenna is by googling around alittle bit with you specific model of transmitter. I used a telescoping antenna pulled from an old RC remote. Then all you need to do is add a wall wart power supply so you dont need batteries, put it all in a nice enclosure, and connect it to you audio source.

The Basic steps for making one of these is to gather the parts, Dill the hole for the antenna in your project box and mount the antenna, Bolt or glue the transmitter to the project box, add a 5 volt wall wart power supply to power the transmitter, attach the antenna wire to you new larger antenna. add your audio source and your ready to broadcast.

This setup is more then enought to cover the block around out haunted yard, and will be used to advertise in the days before we open and then to broad cast music for our singing pumpkins, and to broadcast the sound tracks when we are open. When using this be sure to pick a radio station that has no broad cast on it so that you dont have to deal with interference.

After you check all the wiring and make sure everything is in place, you are ready to test the system. Connect it to power and connect an audio source and enjoy.

Any questions or comments email: joshua14ss@hotmail.com

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