Part 15 Radio How-to: Basic Live Broadcasting Setup
This simplified overview will review the connections required for the a "basic" 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.
Be sure to consult the instructions for your transmitter for any special requirements for connecting external audio equipment.
Required Items
You will need the following for the basic live Part 15 radio broadcasting setup:
- A suitable audio mixer
- One or more microphones
- Other program sources such as a CD players, mp3 audio players, etc.
- A Part 15 AM or FM radio transmitter with antenna
- Required connecting cables
- An AM or FM radio to monitor your station
The picture below depicts typical equipment connections required for the "basic" live broadcasting setup:
Connecting The Equipment
This simplified overview will get you started with this equipment setup.
- Set level controls on the transmitter and mixer to minimum.
- Connect all audio sources to appropriate inputs on audio mixer.
- Connect mixer's audio output to input of transmitter.
- Set your transmitter to a clear and vacant frequency.
- Tune your monitor radio to the transmitter's frequency.
- Power on all equipment.
- Start playback of one of your sources and adjust audio levels for undistorted sound on monitor radio.
It is suggested you familiarize yourself with your equipment and associated manuals to become acquainted not only with all the features but to insure proper connections are made to avoid any possibility of accidental damage.
If you are attempting to feed a stereo audio mixer 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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