The Low-Power AM station hobby has become more popular over the past 2
years.
In the U.S, it is legal to broadcast over the AM band 540kHz-1700kHz
using a 3
meter antenna and a 100mW transmitter.
Until recently, building a small AM radio station was very complicated
and very expensive, until now.
Using a SSTRAN AMT-3000 transmitter, which comes as a kit for under
$100.00US, or a built version which comes assembled and tested for under
$200.00 US, and a 3 meter, coil loaded and tunable antenna for around
$225.00 US, anyone can get on the air right now!
I get questions about range: the system I am describing has had reports
from 1/2 mile to over 4 miles! Range totally depends on these factors:
location, scope of the land, conductivity, choice of
frequency/adjacencies, and use of this antenna.
If the transmitter and antenna are installed correctly in a proper area,
several miles are possible. Many people are interested in a good, solid
local signal and this system does it for a fraction of the amount of
money you will spend for a comparable system.
If you are interested in low power AM Broadcasting, I invite you to
visit this site:
http://antenna18431.tripod.com/antenna.htm
In this site you will find information on the 3 meter antenna, pictures
of it, information and pictures of the transmitter and a link to email
questions, comments and inquiries to.
If you would like to be on the air, this is an excellent choice to do it
well, and at a very affordable price!

WCRV WCRV wrote:
The Low-Power AM station hobby has become more popular over the past 2
years.
In the U.S, it is legal to broadcast over the AM band 540kHz-1700kHz
using a 3
meter antenna and a 100mW transmitter.
Until recently, building a small AM radio station was very complicated
and very expensive, until now.
Using a SSTRAN AMT-3000 transmitter, which comes as a kit for under
$100.00US, or a built version which comes assembled and tested for under
$200.00 US, and a 3 meter, coil loaded and tunable antenna for around
$225.00 US, anyone can get on the air right now!
I get questions about range: the system I am describing has had reports
from 1/2 mile to over 4 miles! Range totally depends on these factors:
location, scope of the land, conductivity, choice of
frequency/adjacencies, and use of this antenna.
If the transmitter and antenna are installed correctly in a proper area,
several miles are possible. Many people are interested in a good, solid
local signal and this system does it for a fraction of the amount of
money you will spend for a comparable system.
If you are interested in low power AM Broadcasting, I invite you to
visit this site:
http://antenna18431.tripod.com/antenna.htm
In this site you will find information on the 3 meter antenna, pictures
of it, information and pictures of the transmitter and a link to email
questions, comments and inquiries to.
If you would like to be on the air, this is an excellent choice to do it
well, and at a very affordable price!



The antenna mentioned is most likely illegal. If you have a 3 meter antenna,
it must be connected to the transmitter without the benefit of a
transmission line and ground lead. Don't take my word for it, ask the FCC. I
did. Here is my question and their reply (note the 3 meters includes
antenna, connecting lead (transmission line) and ground lead):

"Question:

Concerning the 3 meters maximum length for antenna, transmission, and
ground, would a capacitance hat at the top of a vertical radiator be
included in the 3 meter limit?

For clarification: Suppose I put a 3 meter vertical monopole on top of
an existing structure which has a metal roof. The transmitter would be
located at the base of the monopole, so it would require no transmission
line. Would I be allowed to install a 3 meter diameter (or more) top
hat? The top hat would be shaped like a spoked wheel and would serve the
purpose of increasing the current in the monopole through capacitive
coupling to the metal roof ground.


Answer:

The intent of Section 15.219 is for a maximum 3 meter wire antenna.

The total length of the antenna plus ground lead plus connecting lead
must not exceed 3 meters. The rule doesn't permit a 3 meter diameter
"top hat" but should be applied to the combined length of each radial.
If the combined length of each radial added to the length of the antenna
vertical structure added to the length of the ground wire exceeds 3
meters, it would not be permitted."


John