About The HobbyBroadcaster.net Web Site
The mission of HobbyBroadcaster.net is to provide individuals, educational institutions and commercial entities with the highest quality available resources to allow them to legally broadcast on the AM and/or FM radio broadcast bands by utilizing legal and license-free Part 15 radio technology. The site focuses on hobby radio broadcasting or hobby broadcasting / micro broadcasting for individuals and hobbyists, school campuses as well as business entities.
This inspiration for HobbyBroadcaster.net occurred during the construction of a campus radio station project for a local high school. During the project it was discovered that there was little quality information available online for those wishing to take on a similar project. This was the motivation for creating HobbyBroadcaster.net.
The use of low power Part 15 radio in an academic environment became the focus for sister site CampusBroadcaster.net while BusinessBroadcaster.net came online to support business-class use of Part 15 broadcasting used by real estate agents, automobile dealerships and in similar commercial applications. These three operating sectors were eventually combined into the main HobbyBroadcaster.net web site to provide the ultimate reference for those wishing to use Part 15 radio.
HobbyBroadcaster.net is an online information resource. We do not sell equipment or services for starting your radio station. The information contained on this site is organized and designed to allow you to determine what you need to operate a Part 15 low power radio station including equipment and installation servicing contractors. This information is equally beneficial for schools, universities and college campuses all the way through to hobbyists and small businesses that wish to utilize this low power broadcasting technology.
Why trust this site?
The main objective of HobbyBroadcaster.net site is to provide accurate information to allow those interested in low power Part 15 radio broadcasting to do so while maintaining legal compliance with applicable Federal Communications Commission regulations. The founder, operator and support personnel of this site possess extensive hands-on experience in commercial radio broadcast engineering - no "wannabe" radio types, but seasoned broadcast professionals with proven engineering experience in the broadcast industry.
In addition, this site does not in any way promote, advocate or endorse unlicensed operation of any AM or FM broadcast band transmitting equipment operating in excess of FCC Part 15 regulations for power and field strength levels. Illegal, or "Pirate" radio, is outside the scope of discussion of this site.
Who started these sites?
HobbyBroadcaster.net and its associated web sites were developed by Bill DeFelice, a Connecticut broadcast engineer of more than 37 years. His background includes terrestrial AM and FM broadcast engineering in addition to television, web streaming and computer technologies. DeFelice first became active in broadcasting at the age of 13, becoming involved at radio station WMNR-FM (88.1 MHz), then a 330 watt community station located at his hometown high school. Serving as the station's student chief engineer, he learned about the many aspects of broadcasting including audio production techniques, engineering as well as FCC law. He also assisted in a major studio relocation as part of the high school's 1976 building renovation. He went on to serve as Director of Engineering for Minuteman Broadcasting's WMMM & WCFS 1260 AM Stereo in Westport, Connecticut and has provided contract engineering services for many stations including WREF AM 850 KHz in Ridgefield, Connecticut, WGCH-AM 1490 KHz in Greenwich, Connecticut and WEBE 108 FM in Westport, Connecticut. A member of the Society of Broadcast Engineers, he served as a past secretary and newsletter coordinator for SBE New York Chapter 15. He currently provides freelance engineering and consulting services for commercial broadcasters in addition to his computer and electronics technologist role in the field of education.
What about licensed broadcasting?
HobbyBroadcaster.net only provides information for Part 15 low power license-free radio broadcasting, as applicable to the laws and regulations of the United States. Due to the complex nature of facility design and the licensing, engineering and legal requirements involved with full power broadcast stations this site does not provide specific information about constructing or operating broadcast facilities that are required to be licensed under the FCC regulations. It is strongly advised that you contact qualified engineering and consulting services should you wish to construct a full power broadcast radio station or low power FM (LPFM) radio station which requires licensing under Federal Communications Commission regulations.
How about online streaming and internet radio?
While some Part 15 operators may choose to make their programming available online with streaming audio, there are many issues to be addressed. Internet bandwidth for any appreciable number of listeners is very expensive. In addition, keeping an online radio stream legal includes payment of music royalties and maintaining related documentation, as royalties are calculated on a "per song/per listener" basis. The high cost of both bandwidth and music royalties makes streaming radio unattractive as either a hobby or as a business venture unless the operator is fortunate to have substantial funds available. While some of the technical aspects discussed on this site may be applicable to the would-be internet stream operator, such as studio construction and operation, specific technical and legal information regarding starting or maintaining an internet radio station is outside the focus of this site.
