Raspberry Pi as an FM Transmitter

[CJHeiser]

I have my pi set up so it can broadcast FM radio, however it only works within a few feet, any ideas on how to make it stronger? I did try a little tin foil but that did't work very good, any antennas that I could buy? No need to worry about the FCC regulations or any laws like that, I live in the middle of nowhere! Thanks in advance!

[Davespice]

Hmm... there are a few other amateur radio people here more knowledgeable than I so wait for a second opinion before you follow my advice.

You could adapt the input to your current aerial to a pl259 connector -> a short piece of coax -> into a linear amplifier
Like this maybe; http://r.ebay.com/KRNwQ1
And then into a proper FM yagi aerial...

[CJHeiser]

Thanks a lot! I will try it out when I get it!

[Jim Manley]

If you're in the U.S., make sure you're not violating the FCC regulations for Low Power Broadcast Radio Stations (there are equivalent laws in the UK and most other countries). Basically, as long as your signal can't be received beyond 200 feet (61 meters), you won't be violating 47 CFR (Code of Federal Regulations) Section 15.239, also known as a Part 15 device. See:

http://www.fcc.gov/guides/low-power-bro ... o-stations

If anyone complains about your operation, you must cease transmitting immediately. Per 47 CFR, if you violate this law in terms of range, the maximum penalty for operating an unlicensed or "pirate" broadcast station (one which is not permitted under Part 15 or is not a Carrier Current Station) is set at $10,000 for a single violation or a single day of operation, up to a total maximum amount of $75,000. Adjustments may be made upwards or downwards depending on the circumstances involved. Equipment used for an unauthorized operation may also be confiscated. There are also criminal penalties (fine and/or imprisonment) for "willfully and knowingly" operating a radio station without a license.

So, not only could you wind up in prison, you could lose your Pi! While the former is easily doable if you fabricate a shiv from a toothbrush and a razor blade, doing so without a Pi would be considered by us here a violation of the English Bill of Rights, the Eighth Amendment to the United States Constitution, the British Slavery Amelioration Act, and Article Five of the United Nations' Universal Declaration of Human Rights. However, courts of law might not see it that way ...