AM and FM radio (Full Version)

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GrahamCracker -> AM and FM radio (9/2/2008 10:09:01 PM)

Where I work, I like to listen to commercial AM radio. However, there are some industrial appliances that broadcast static on the AM band. I can pick up FM radio but I am not interested in the programs. So I wondered if I could find something to receive the AM radio stations away from the range of the hardware in my work area---and then rebroadcast it in the FM range. Is this possible?

I know there are some mp3 players that broadcast data and content for your car radio on the FM band. So why not the AM signals?

The other possibility is to hook up a cable, the speaker/earphone plug of one radio to the antenna plug of another radio. It would probably involve 50 feet of cable because that's probably how far my AM receiver would have to be away from those appliances.

Any ideas?



InfoCentral -> RE: AM and FM radio (9/3/2008 1:36:03 AM)

I have a transmitter for my mp3 player but I don't think it would broadcast 50 feet away. What your talking about technically should work. You just plug the transmitter into the audio out of the device and put the FM radio on the selected frequency and you should hear it.



GrahamCracker -> RE: AM and FM radio (9/3/2008 7:42:35 AM)

I have never heard of a audio out cable that long. I suppose someone would make if there was a market.



figmentPez -> RE: AM and FM radio (9/3/2008 7:02:35 PM)

quote:

ORIGINAL: GrahamCracker

I have never heard of a audio out cable that long. I suppose someone would make if there was a market.


There are some some really long audio cables on the market. You'll pay a lot for most 50"+ audio cables (some of the prices I'm seeing are $100+ for cables that long, although some cables are under $20). I'm pretty sure the headphone output of just about any system wouldn't be able to get good sound quality at that distance.

You'd probably be better off running the speaker cables all that distance, if you don't need control of the volume or anything. As long as you've got a stereo with speakers you can use your own wire with, then you can get 100' of speaker wire from Home Depot for ~$10-15.

There are wireless audio systems that work at that type of range (not FM, usually 900Mhz or over WiFi), but those systems seem to be pretty expensive and focused on getting computer audio to home stereos.



GrahamCracker -> RE: AM and FM radio (9/5/2008 1:05:19 PM)

I talked with a salesman at Radio Shack the other day. It was hard to explain what I wanted because he kept trying to anticipate my questions.

He claimed that most radios don't have the wattage to run a speaker at that kind of distance. He suggested that I get some sort of stereo AM/FM receiver and run speaker wires to my listening location. That sound a little drastic for something that may not work for certain.

I know what's causing the interference but I cannot do anything about it.



netstroller -> RE: AM and FM radio (9/5/2008 10:13:54 PM)

If you have somewhere to put the AM radio undisturbed and a way to run the wire, there's an easy way to get the sound to you. Just connect the headphone output, or some other audio out from the AM radio or receiver, to a set of amplified speakers such as those for computers. You'll probably have to make your own connect cable since this is unusually long. But it's pretty simple and parts should be under $20 or so at Radio Shack.

If you're in an environment equipped with computer network jacks, like most office buildings, there might be another way. What I've done is use the network cabling to connect my audio source to the amplified speakers. It's simple to do if you know how or know someone who can help you, and have access and permission to use the network wiring. Will also need to make audio-to-RJ45 patch cables--can be relatively easy and cheap parts wise. It doesn't hurt the network, as you're only using the connecting wiring and not connecting to any of the networking electronics--if you're doing it correctly.
Even the tiny wires in Ethernet cables can easily carry long distances since you don't need much power for your purposes, and common AM is not hifi.



GrahamCracker -> RE: AM and FM radio (9/6/2008 4:55:12 PM)

quote:

ORIGINAL: netstroller

If you have somewhere to put the AM radio undisturbed and a way to run the wire, there's an easy way to get the sound to you. Just connect the headphone output, or some other audio out from the AM radio or receiver, to a set of amplified speakers such as those for computers. You'll probably have to make your own connect cable since this is unusually long. But it's pretty simple and parts should be under $20 or so at Radio Shack.

That sounds like a good idea! Can I patch the cables together with some sort of series of connection plugs?

quote:

If you're in an environment equipped with computer network jacks, like most office buildings, there might be another way.....


I don't have anything like that.



Bettawrekonize -> RE: AM and FM radio (9/6/2008 5:20:15 PM)

quote:

ORIGINAL: GrahamCracker
Where I work, I like to listen to commercial AM radio. However, there are some industrial appliances that broadcast static on the AM band. I can pick up FM radio but I am not interested in the programs. So I wondered if I could find something to receive the AM radio stations away from the range of the hardware in my work area---and then rebroadcast it in the FM range. Is this possible?


This sounds like an FCC nightmare. Before you do anything, you better make sure that you will not violate any FCC (or other) laws. Good luck with that one.



iluvatar -> RE: AM and FM radio (9/6/2008 9:43:38 PM)

quote:

ORIGINAL: netstroller
If you're in an environment equipped with computer network jacks, like most office buildings, there might be another way. What I've done is use the network cabling to connect my audio source to the amplified speakers. It's simple to do if you know how or know someone who can help you, and have access and permission to use the network wiring. Will also need to make audio-to-RJ45 patch cables--can be relatively easy and cheap parts wise. It doesn't hurt the network, as you're only using the connecting wiring and not connecting to any of the networking electronics--if you're doing it correctly.
Even the tiny wires in Ethernet cables can easily carry long distances since you don't need much power for your purposes, and common AM is not hifi.


What happens if those jacks are connected to a switch?

I agree with the recommendations of putting the receiver outside of the interference zone and running speaker cable to the listening area. Even a cheap home theater receiver should have no trouble at all with 50' of cable hanging off its speaker outputs. If you try using the headphone outputs to run speakers, who knows.

-Dan.



InfoCentral -> RE: AM and FM radio (9/7/2008 9:32:09 AM)

I'd check to see if the radio station your listening too has a web site. Most radio stations do and they provide their broadcasts via computer for those who are in your situation; can't listen to the radio but can access it through the computer.



netstroller -> RE: AM and FM radio (9/7/2008 9:34:20 PM)

quote:

That sounds like a good idea! Can I patch the cables together with some sort of series of connection plugs?

Here's a list of what's available at RS web depending on what exactly you're connecting and their jack and plug size(s). This is the most common. You can connect multiple extension to get the needed length. RS also has the plugs, jacks, and wire (not 100% sure about special purpose wire, but you only need 3 conductors for common-ground stereo and 2 for mono, phone wire will work in a pinch) to make your own if wanted to make a project of it.

quote:

What happens if those jacks are connected to a switch?

Bypass all electronics, including switches and routers, use custom made Cat 5 to connect separate circuits as needed.



GrahamCracker -> RE: AM and FM radio (9/8/2008 5:03:08 PM)

quote:

ORIGINAL: InfoCentral

I'd check to see if the radio station your listening too has a web site. Most radio stations do and they provide their broadcasts via computer for those who are in your situation; can't listen to the radio but can access it through the computer.


I listen to the radio via the computer occasionally at home. In this situation it's not an option since I don't have internet access at work.



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