HobbyBroadcaster.net Breaking News
Part 15 "AM Loophole" Discussion
December 14, 2011: In response to consulting engineer Robert Gonsett's discussion of what he percieves as an AM loophole in his September 12 letter in Radio World's Reader Forum HobbyBroadcaster.net webmaster Bill DeFelice responds to Gonsett's comments in his December 14th Radio World's Reader Forum response, bringing up some interesting points.
ebay Consumer Advisory
October 8, 2011: Recently brought to our attention was the fact that some ebay sellers are misrepresenting older versions of the Talking House transmitter as the newer, enhanced i A.M. Radio version. Some sellers have even used HobbyBroadcaster.net copyrighted materials, such as our product reviews, to legitimize their own auction. We have also posted this ebay Used Talking House Transmitter Advisory as part of our forum community discussions.
New Transmitter Reviews
September 5, 2011: Reviews of the C. Crane FM Transmitter 2 as well as the Whole House FM Transmitter 2 make their print debut for members only access in the Lab Reviews area. The video reviews are currently in production and will be released soon.
More Press Coverage For Part 15 Radio
September 1, 2011: The September issue of Monitoring Times magazine features HobbyBroadcaster.net webmaster Bill DeFelice discusses low power campus-limited broadcasting along with other aspects of Part 15 radio. The article titled "Micro-Broadcasting: Getting The Most Out Of Part 15 Radio" not only provides an overview of Part 15 radio but also provides a recap of popular Part 15 AM and FM transmitters.
The September issue of Popular Communications magazine features Broadcast Technology Editor Bruce Conti discussing Part 15 radio. HobbyBroadcaster.net along with student operated campus station McMahon FM, the inspiration for the creation of the HobbyBroadcaster.net web site, as well as a variety of topics related to Part 15 radio are discussed.
HobbyBroadcaster.net Featured in Radio World
June 1, 2011: HobbyBroadcaster.net webmaster Bill DeFelice discusses the buildout of his high school campus radio project as well as various aspects of low power Part 15 radio in the June 1st edition of broadcaster trade paper Radio World. The article titled Low Power Radio Takes On Many Forms can be read on the Radio World web site.
Video Equipment Evaluations Delayed
December 20, 2010: Some of the upcoming video reviews planned and/or partially in-progress will be delayed for a period of time yet to be determined. Our partnership with Radio Systems Inc concluded on Monday, December 20th, 2010. Part of this partnership included some video equipment loaned to HobbyBroadcaster.net by Radio Systems. With the return of said equipment video production will be halted temporarily.
HobbyBroadcaster.net is currently in negotiations with another vendor that will either provide us with equipment or will underwrite the costs in acquiring the necessary equipment to produce future video equipment review segments for our YouTube channel.
Legal Issues with Internet Radio Streaming
September 18, 2010: While HobbyBroadcaster.net does not specifically cover the topic of online radio streaming, recently some Part 15 operators had inquired on how to take their programming and stream it to an online audience. Many of these operators were not aware that the Digital Millennium Copyright Act (DMCA) requires that public internet streaming perform specific record keeping and payment of music royalties as prescribed under the act. Forum thread Part 15 Stations and Public Internet Audio Streaming addresses these facts and specifically warns those considering online streaming that they open themselves up to potential penalties and liabilities by streaming illegally.
The law firm of David Wright Tremaine LLC, publisher of the excellent Broadcast Law Blog, recently posted a blog entry of interest to anyone considering online radio streaming. The Broadcast Law Blog post A Guide to the Basics of Internet Streaming and Digital Media Legal Issues highlights the presentations by David Oxenford and Chris Dusterhoff to the Texas Association of Broadcasters convention. While Dusterhoff discussed the technical and business aspects, Oxenford focused on the legal considerations of starting an online radio station. Links to their Powerpoint presentations as well as additional legal information are provided within the blog entry.
Illegal Part 15 Transmitters Blanket Marketplace
June 11 - August 29, 2010: Several hobbyists contacted us regarding alleged Part 15 transmitters flooding venues such as ebay. The one notable transmitter being marketed by PCS Electronics has gotten quite a bit of attention between the fact it is excessively priced, possibly has excessive output power and is not certified under FCC Part 15 regulations for a marketed transmitter. A forum thread regarding the illegal Cybermax Stereo FM transmitter discusses how the online merchant not only sells this non-certified transmitter publicly but also spreads misinformation regarding its legal marketing and certification status.
