Digital radio threatens my valve radio

[koopkooper]

Guys,
in your neck of the woods is there much talk about digital radio.
In Australia there are plans for conversion inside 10 years however people aren't to interested in it yet. The radio station I work at is currently broadcasting in digital and terestrial technology as they plan to continue market dominance by getting on the Digital bandwagon before everyone else.

Personally I don't see the point of digital...sure better quality audio than FM...ok yeah slightly, I've heard my AM station on digital and I didn't think that the old records we play sound better,same really.

I think it is re-inventing the wheel...radio is a simple concept and putting album and news information on the radio screen is not necessary and is making it more like TV.

I don't want to buy a digital radio when I've already got plenty of radios and valve ones at that!

Anyway, I personally hope it doesn't catch on...is it talked about where you live?

Kooper

 

[Absinthe_1900]

The cure for the digital disease.

http://www.ontheair3.com/AMT3000_am_transmitter.htm

 

[Sefton]

The cure for the digital disease.

http://www.ontheair3.com/AMT3000_am_transmitter.htm

I was trying to win a nice old 50s German Hi Fi recently and mentioned that to a friend who (accurately) said "There's nothing good on radio now,why do you want it with a radio in it?" It looks like I'm going to have to start my own broadcast. Thanks for the link!

 

[Hawkcigar]

The cure for the digital disease.

http://www.ontheair3.com/AMT3000_am_transmitter.htm

Hi everyone, it's my first post here.
It sounds like digital radio is here to stay. Some broadcasters say it will help bring music back to AM due to better sound quality. I still prefer the sound of my tube radios.

I just ordered an AMT-3000 transmitter and I'm hoping it will be delivered this week sometime. I've heard nothing but good things about them. This should make it a lot more fun to listen to my OTR shows and big band music.

 

[Hamandbacon]

Which AM Transmitter is a good performer?

Hawkcigar, Absinthe_1900, others...

Do you have any suggestions or reviews of these AM transmitters for those of us considering a buy? The one linked here looks like a good, well-made brand. They also sell a lesser-featured model on this web site. Do these work as well as they look? Thanks for the help.

 

[Hawkcigar]

Hawkcigar, Absinthe_1900, others...

Do you have any suggestions or reviews of these AM transmitters for those of us considering a buy? The one linked here looks like a good, well-made brand. They also sell a lesser-featured model on this web site. Do these work as well as they look? Thanks for the help.

Hamandbacon,
I received my AMT-3000 and have been using it for about six weeks. I am very impressed with the quality and performance. I hooked it up to my computer and am able to transmit mp3 files, cds, XM radio, and other internet radio. It has good coverage and I am able to tune in any radio in the house as well as the garage. All in all I am very pleased with the quality of the assembly as well as the transmitter itself. Glenn Miller and Duke Ellington just sound better through an old tube radio.

I can't speak to the quality of the other transmitters offered for sale because I have no experience with either of them. If you are handy with a soldering iron and feel comfortable with electronics you can also buy the AMT-3000 in kit form and assemble it yourself. My meager soldering skills won't allow me to work on something small and confined like this.

BTW, being from Iowa I like the name Hamandbacon!

 

[Absinthe_1900]

Hawkcigar, Absinthe_1900, others...

Do you have any suggestions or reviews of these AM transmitters for those of us considering a buy? The one linked here looks like a good, well-made brand. They also sell a lesser-featured model on this web site. Do these work as well as they look? Thanks for the help.

The one I use is a custom built transmitter that I got quite sometime ago, if I was in the market I'd probably go with the AMT-3000 like Hawkcigar mentioned, that unit seems to get the best reviews.

 

[Hamandbacon]

Thanks! I appreciate your help

I had been leaning toward these anyway, but hadn't heard anything from someone here on the forum.

Hawkcigar, my username was one I created because of another hobby of mine, amateur radio (ham radio). I first used it on their forums since it hadn't been taken and was easy to remember.

I did find a kit of the transmitter mentioned on the FL. I will probably buy it assembled, since I don't do as well with tedious projects any more.

Thanks again!

Jeff

 

[Fred]

If your going to build an AM transmitter from a kit avoid the Vectronics one. It sounds great & has fantastic range for such a little rig but its as stable as a jelly.

The ramsay electronics kit not only sounds awful, drifts & has very poor range.

I've had the VCOMP gizmo http://www.vcomp.co.uk/gizmo/gizmo/gizmo_uk.htm for a year or so now & since I've built a crude loading coil for the aerial it covers where I need it too.

I'm all excited at the moment. FINALLY here in Blighty on the 8th of December we will get the right to use a low power (50 nanowatt) fm transmitter (similar to your Part 15). They are intended for connecting MP3 players to your car stereo, but as a point of principle I'm going to put one on air full time playing OTR programs.

Just wish I could use an AM transmitter legally now.