How to Operate a Low Power FM Radio Station

Operating a low power FM radio station is rather simple. Small groups or individuals who would like the capability to broadcast and talk with the community can do so with a low power FM radio station. This is done by using waves from an FM radio that can be found by a FM radio receiver of any type. There are commercial radio stations that are considered low power FM radio station. However, the term of low power FM radio station generally means small-powered broadcasting. This is where the individual or small group can build their radio station on their own but it will only reach a small area of the community.

Usually, a low power FM radio station will be required to receive a license from the Federal Communications Commission (FCC). The license is required for the station to be able to broadcast. This pertains especially to those that broadcast commercially or if they are broadcasting in a range with a distance further than several meters. There are however, several radio hobbyists that can do this legally without a license only if they don't allow the output power of the transmitter to exceed the legal limit. If you would like more details on low power FM radio stations, obtaining a license or the rules and regulations of running a low power FM radio station, you should contact the FCC.

Starting your own low power FM radio station does not require you to use many devices. With the electronics of today, you will be able to start your own radio station with ease and reliability.

Here are the main items of equipment that you will need to begin broadcasting your own low power FM radio station.

You will need an antenna that can reach from 2 feet up to 30 feet in height. (Depending on the distance you want to broadcast, will decide the height of the antenna you will want to use.)

You will also need a transmitter. This is the actual device that will broadcast the waves from the FM radio on the frequency that you have set. You can get a transmitter in many different powers. The more power it has, the further your station will be broadcast. However, keep in mind that the better the transmitter, the more it will cost you.

If you want to broadcast music then you will need something such as a microphone, CD player or another music device.

You will need a coaxial cable that will transmit your signal from your transmitter to your antenna. The general cable to be used is RG-8 or RG-58/U (52-ohm coaxial cables).

The last of the most important things you will need is a compressor limiter that will even out the level of sound of your broadcast. This will keep your listeners from hearing some things in a low frequency and others in a high frequency. Therefore, this equipment will make your volume consistent.

The following is information on assembling your low power FM radio station. In general, no radio station has the same equipment. This requires each radio station to have individual installation instructions. Although, there are radio stations who buy all of their equipment in a kit. If this is the case, then the instructions are provided with the kit. For those who are new to this, you can speak with the manufacturer that made your equipment or contact another radio club to find out more information.

What distance can you transmit with a low power FM radio station? This is a very frequent question and the answer will vary depending on several different circumstances such as the quality and height of your antenna, how much power you have in your transmitter, where you are broadcasting from, what you are broadcasting, the listener's radio and if there are any structures that may be in the way of your signal.

How do you choose the frequency to transmit your low power FM radio station? Keep in mind that it is very important to be on the right radio frequency for your low power FM radio station. If you are on the wrong frequency, then your broadcast could get in the way of emergency services as well as air traffic controls that may use radio frequencies to communicate with each other.

In general, a low power FM radio station is broadcast on frequencies that range from 88.1 to 107.9 MHz. The stations are separated by .02 MHz frequency intervals. Keep in mind to contact your FCC or local government to determine what FM frequencies you are allowed to use.