In a message dated 9/18/02 5:18:34 PM Central Daylight Time, "Brian
Berryhill" <bikepoet@netzero.net> wrote:
<< What kind of FM transmitters do "they" use at Nationals? Any chance I
could
get in touch with "them" to ask some questions? I did some research a while
back trying to find one for our local club, but didn't get a lot of user
input. So, I assume I wouldn't go wrong with a system with the "good enough
for Nationals" seal of approval. >>
I am not sure what SCCA National uses, but here in Chicago the TSSCC club
bought a Ramsey FM25A a few years ago which puts out about 1/10th watt and
uses a PLL controlled oscillator to lock it on frequency. With a good antenna
on the roof of the van, we get well over 1/2 mile coverage and it is
basically legal under FCC part 15. Our field strength is probably just a
little over the true legal limit, but it is close. There is an adjustment to
lower the power if you have the proper test equipment and a desire to be
totally legal. We have not had any complaints yet. The sound quality is
excellent. Chicago Region SCCA just bought the newer version FM25B which is
actually a bit more powerful, and sounds even better, but they have not put
up a good antenna yet. With the tiny whip inside the timing trailer the range
sucks, even with nearly double the power out of the older unit. The legal
limit is based on actual signal strength in the air, so more power is okay
with a crappy antenna. We hope to have a good antenna on it soon, and then we
may have to dial down the power a bit to make sure we don't get complaints. I
tested it with a fair home built antenna and was able to get a full mile at
max power out.
If you don't care about FCC legality, Ramsey sells some "export only" kits
with true output power of 1 watt, 10 watts, 50 watts, and more. Their units
are covering complete islands in the Carribean.
Check out their web page
http://www.ramseyelectronics.com/
I have nothing to do with this company, except I have built and used 3 of
their transmitters now. They all work great, which is more than I can say for
some other units we have tried.
Gary M.
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