OK folks, we have a newbie here who knows just enough to get in trouble, so please bare with me.
I'm using a Ramsey FM30B with a mast antenna.. I read one review where a unit like this is covering 40 acres, I've got 10 and I'm barely getting 50% coverage.. I'm ready to invest in their Tru-Match TM100 antenna to cover the full 10 acre coverage..
#1; does the length of the coax cable from the antenna to the transmitter play a role in signal strength? I want to mount the antenna on the side of the house, run the coax down the side into a connection where the coax runs through the house to a connection where I can connect it to the transmitter...
#2; I've connected the transmitter to the sound card of my computer to broadcast Internet radio.. Can this or does this audio signal play a different role, then something like plugging it into an ipod or different audio signal source? The reason I ask, is because twice in the last 8 months I've had to have it repaired at Ramsey Electronics for parts failure.. They can't seem to tell me what is causing the problems..
Length of coax does make a difference. More length = more signal loss. This is why it's a good idea to get the best least loss cable your money can afford. At the bottom of this page there is a calculator to give you an idea of loss you can expect... www.ocarc.ca/coax.htm This is why real radio stations use coax that is as thick as a soda can. Thicker coax cable, or cable that is well known to have low loss is best. I use RG8U and even that has a bit of loss after 50 feet. My power in is around 5 watts and power out is almost half that! What kind of coax are you using?
The type of audio source shouldn't make any difference as long as it's not distorting which would be obvious when listening to your signal on a radio. What parts had to be replaced? The FM30 is notorious for burning out the RF output transistor if even a slightly mismatched antenna is connected. Some people had it burn up for no reason at all. It's a well known problem and searching ramseys forums will show you this.
use good coax. on a budget? 9913 is not too expensive. have more cash? LMR400 is nice too! you want your coax to be as short as practical. more coax means less power to antenna.
that fm30b is really low powered. you need a high gain antenna to really "get out".
Thanks guys for the heads up.. I sorta' figured the more coax the more of a signal drop, I just need a conformation was all..
I haven't hooked up an external antenna yet, I am considering to, having to to reach out to the back five where I work the fields..
Yup, I've smoked 2 monolithic RF Amplifiers now.. With no suggestions or reasons as too why, from Ramsey Electronics..
This is a low powered off the self unit rated @ .25mW which I assume means a 1/4 watt which isn't getting it.. It works well out to the barn, but beyond that it drops in a big hurry..
Ramsey offers an RF Amp which will boost it up to 1 watt.. anyone know or has heard anything about this?
Again, I am considering their antenna kit, "Tru-Match FM Antenna" which is suppose to be designed for this particular unit..
What I'm trying to accomplish here is to reach out about a 1/4 mile with a clear signal..
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