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The show is broadcasted on...
FM 93.7  
 
Radio Stuff
After I decided to animate my Christmas lights, I had to come up with a FM transmitter so the viewers can listen to the music the lights are synchronized to. I did a little research. I went to a couple Christmas web sites to see what other people using for a transmitter. I ended up at the Ramsey Electronic web site. I looked at the FM stereo transmitter kits that Ramsey offered. I had just spent a lot of money on light controllers and did not want to spend a lot more on a transmitter so I made a decision that I would later regret (more on that later). I ordered the FM10C - FM Stereo Transmitter Kit.
 
Here are some pictures of assembling the Kit:
 

 
Partially assembled transmitter
 

 
 The completed FM10C - FM Stereo Transmitter
 

 

I mentioned above that I would regret the decision to purchase this kit. Here is why, this is a crystal controlled transmitter with a tuning coil (old technology). This type transmitter has a tendency to drift off frequency. So for the light shows I would turn the transmitter on, then tune the radio to 93.7 and it would be good for the night. I would repeat this each night. Since then I have learned that if I leave this transmitter powered on, it stays on frequency with little adjustment. I now use it to transmit XM radio through the house.

 
 

The story does not end here. After I found that this transmitter did not meet my expectations.  I started looking around for a new transmitter. My requirements are:

 

1. Low power transmitter.

2. The transmitter must have a digital display.

3. The transmitter has to have a Phase Lock Loop (PLL)

   circuit to keep the transmitter on frequency.

4. Most of all, a transmitter that would not break the

    bank.

 
This is the transmitter that I decided to set up my low power radio station with.
 
 I Purchased this FM transmitter off of Ebay for a great price.

 

  The above circuit card and a few parts from Radio Shack
 
This is althoselights.com's low power radio station
 
 
The secret to allthoselights.com's FM radio signal is the antenna.
 
 This is a Dipole antenna. It is a half wave antenna cut to 93.7 mhz. This antenna does a great job at getting the music out to viewers watching the show.

This page was last modified on 20 Dec 2008