Satellite Radio Boost

The Shadow · Post by **The Shadow** » Sat Sep 08, 2007 7:34 pm

My satellite radio receiver has an "FM out" which I have connected an inexpensive set of rabbit ears to boost the output for around the house. I was wondering if this could cause any damage to the unit, or endanger myself with the stray RF? Also, while thinking about that, is there any way to predict the RF pattern coming from the antenna?

Tom Taggart · Post by **Tom Taggart** » Sun Sep 09, 2007 8:04 am

So you're the idiot who has been jamming NPR with Howard Stern?

Your satellite receiver obviously does not comply with Part 15 specs.

But, then, none of the computer geeks at the Commission can comprehend the concept of "interference."

lastone · Post by **lastone** » Sun Sep 09, 2007 9:57 am

Your satellite receiver obviously does not comply with Part 15 specs

Not necessarily. Most anything is allowed to radiate about 100 mw on FM. Just remember the 100 ft test. If you can hear it loud and clear more than 100 feet away form the antenna, you are most likely in violation. ($10,000 fine and they take the unit)

On the other hand, an FM radiator should be about 18 inches in length. Play with the length while someone listens at the 'fringe' to get it right.

is there any way to predict the RF pattern coming from the antenna?

You could, buy why bother? Just walk around with a portable to find the "pattern".

Have fun

AmpedNow · Post by **AmpedNow** » Sun Sep 09, 2007 4:59 pm

Tom Taggart wrote:Your satellite receiver obviously does not comply with Part 15 specs.

Actually, it probably does, which is why he needs an FM out extension. The "non-compliant" radios have been off the market for over a year now.

The "compliant" radios have been weakened to the point of uselessness in most large markets, since there are no quiet frequencies left.

Line in is the way to go.

But anyway, the receiver shouldn't be damaged. That's what the FM out jack is for in the first place.

Tom Taggart · Post by **Tom Taggart** » Sun Sep 09, 2007 5:08 pm

It has provision for an external antenna...

Hence it possible for a consumer to extend the field beyond part 15 limits.

Verboten.

AmpedNow · Post by **AmpedNow** » Wed Sep 12, 2007 10:46 pm

God forbid he gets a 9 foot range instead of a 5...

Why, that might wipe out every B within 30 miles.

FM modulators will slowly be phased out anyway because line in jacks are pretty much becoming standard equipment (finally) in car stereos. The newest radios by XM don't even have modulators at all.

The marketplace is catching up.

Hoosier Daddy · Post by **Hoosier Daddy** » Thu Sep 13, 2007 9:52 am

K-Rock wrote:God forbid he gets a 9 foot range instead of a 5...

Why, that might wipe out every B within 30 miles.