Part 15 Radio How-to: Advanced Live Broadcast Setup
This simplified overview shows the required connections for the advanced live broadcasting setup. This setup allows multiple audio sources including CD players, computer-based audio as well as microphones to be connected to a transmitter. This configuration differs only slightly from the basic live setup with the only change being the addition of audio processor equipment (compressor-limiter and/or automatic gain controller) for the transmitter audio.
Be sure to consult the instructions for your transmitter for any special requirements for connecting audio equipment.
Required Items
You will need the following for the advanced live Part 15 radio broadcasting setup:
- One or more microphones
- Other program sources such as CD players, mp3 players, etc.
- An automatic gain controller audio processor (optional)
- An audio compressor / limiter
- A Part 15 AM or FM transmitter with antenna
- Any required connecting cables
- An AM or FM radio to monitor your station
The pictorial below depicts the connections required for the advanced broadcast setup:
Connecting The Equipment
This is a simplified overview of the advanced setup for Part 15 broadcasting.
- Set all level controls to minimum minimum level
- Connect all audio sources to appropriate inputs on audio mixer
- Connect mixer's audio output to input of audio processor*
- Connect audio processor's audio output to input of transmitter
- Set the transmitter to an clear and vacant frequency
- Tune monitor radio to your transmitter's frequency
- Power on all equipment
- Start playback of one of your sources and adjust audio levels for undistorted sound on monitor radio
*If you decide to use the optional automatic gain controller (AGC) along with a compressor-limiter you would connect the audio output of your audio mixer to the input of the AGC unit and then connect the output of the AGC directly to the input of the compressor-limiter. The output of the compressor-limiter would then be connected to the input of the transmitter. If you intend on only using a compressor limiter you would connect the output of your mixer to the input of the compressor-limiter and the output of the compressor-limiter would connect to the input of your transmitter
If is strongly advised that you review the documentation for your equipment to avoid accidental damage due to improper connections or incorrect operation.
If you are attempting to feed a stereo AGC or compressor-limiter into a Port 15 AM transmitter with only one audio input jack you may need to use a passive mixing adapter (i.e., "Y" adapter) or a powered audio summing amplifier to convert the stereo audio to mono audio.
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