Part 15 Radio Transmitter Review - Maxell FMT-1 Certified FM Transmitter

Equipment Review

Maxell FMT-1 Part 15 Certified FM Transmitter

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On The Dial:

The FMT-1's audio was disappointing. While it sounded good with a low input level, any attempt to make the transmitter as loud as commercial stations on the dial fell short. For our tests we used a Belar FMM-2 FM modulation monitor and companion FMS-2 stereo modulation monitor connected to a Belar RFA-4 frequency agile RF amplifier to receive the off-air signal. The highest modulation level that was measured with approximately 75 percent, and this was with significant distortion. Decreasing the audio input for clean acceptable modulation yielded a level of only 45 to 55 percent.

Coverage Area:

We again pressed into service a variety of receivers which included two Sony portable walkabout radios, a Sony boombox as well as several automobile stock receivers. The furthest we were able to get a signal was about 620 feet away from the transmitter using the car radio and about 210 feet with the handheld radios. Audio was noticeably softer, even when compared to the local non-commercial stations that use conservative processing.

A Few Limitations:

Besides the soft audio, the transmitter isn't designed to be permanently mounted outdoors. Running on batteries without any sort of method of using a power supply can be a detriment to those wishing to use the transmitter 24 hours a day. We suppose you could modify the transmitter to use an external power supply in spite of the warning on the package stating that modifications "... may void the user's authority to operate this equipment."

The Verdict:

The FMT-1 is a nice inexpensive transmitter that will provide you with a low cost method to venture out on to the FM dial. It won't cover a town by any means but will do an adequate job for a small apartment building or other area with a high density of residents. This sub $25 category transmitter is a great first step to get into the FM band.

Attention: The FMT-1 appears to have been replaced with the P-13 transmitter, which appears to be the same transmitter with an updated model number. We can only assume similar results from this new model as well. As of the date of publication we were unable to confirm the FCC certification ID of the P-13 transmitter.

Product Capsule

Maxell FMT-1 Part 15 Certified FM Transmitter

Thumbs Up: Compact Size; Low Cost; FCC Certified

Thumbs Down: No external power supply connection; Low audio modulation; Only four transmit frequencies; Not made for outdoor use

Price: $19.95

FCC Certification: SCZPSLFMTX1

CONTACT: Visit Maxell USA