//360degree: A low cost community radio station with 5 KM radius coverage
What?
360 degree is a low cost (Rs.200 ~ $4) circuit which accepts input from a mic / computer / music player and broadcasts this information in the FM frequency. A yagi antenna is used for transmission - made from a empty Pringles can! Any average FM radio receiver can be used to receive the signal.The FM broadcasting frequency is adjustable so as to not interfere into other licensed bands. With the help of the powerful yagi antenna a coverage area of 5 KM radius is achieved.
Why?
Communication is what binds us humans together, and in rural / backward areas, areas with uneven distribution of population, rough terrain, tribal areas, relief / refugee camps, disaster struck areas - the ability for communities to interact, share information and real - time updates is a grave need. 360degree comes into picture - its low cost (Rs.200 ~ $4), single chip board, flexible inputs (computer / mic / music player), light weight and adjustable frequency proves to be a highly desired product.
Knowledge empowerment of such areas and the people was the prime motivation behind the project.
How?
The circuit is a basic low-power variable frequency VHF oscillator built around transistor T1 (BF494). To change the frequency if the transmitter and to provide frequency modulation to the audio signals, a variable capacitor diode is used. The output is measured at 50mW. To boost the oscillator's signal 4 to 5 times, Transistor T2 (2N3866) forms a VHF-class A power amplifier generating a 200-250mW of power. This signal is fed to the Pringles-can modded yagi antenna which gives a coverage of about 5 KM.
And..
However such transmission in the FM band is illegal in India. I have written letters to the concerned authorities in the government for allocating a fixed band for such community radios. The ones that are available still require to pay a fee to the government. Any help in this direction is appreciated!
//360degree: A low cost community radio station with 5 KM radius coverage
What?
360 degree is a low cost (Rs.200 ~ $4) circuit which accepts input from a mic / computer / music player and broadcasts this information in the FM frequency. A yagi antenna is used for transmission - made from a empty Pringles can! Any average FM radio receiver can be used to receive the signal.The FM broadcasting frequency is adjustable so as to not interfere into other licensed bands. With the help of the powerful yagi antenna a coverage area of 5 KM radius is achieved.
Why?
Communication is what binds us humans together, and in rural / backward areas, areas with uneven distribution of population, rough terrain, tribal areas, relief / refugee camps, disaster struck areas - the ability for communities to interact, share information and real - time updates is a grave need. 360degree comes into picture - its low cost (Rs.200 ~ $4), single chip board, flexible inputs (computer / mic / music player), light weight and adjustable frequency proves to be a highly desired product.
Knowledge empowerment of such areas and the people was the prime motivation behind the project.
How?
The circuit is a basic low-power variable frequency VHF oscillator built around transistor T1 (BF494). To change the frequency if the transmitter and to provide frequency modulation to the audio signals, a variable capacitor diode is used. The output is measured at 50mW. To boost the oscillator's signal 4 to 5 times, Transistor T2 (2N3866) forms a VHF-class A power amplifier generating a 200-250mW of power. This signal is fed to the Pringles-can modded yagi antenna which gives a coverage of about 5 KM.
And..
However such transmission in the FM band is illegal in India. I have written letters to the concerned authorities in the government for allocating a fixed band for such community radios. The ones that are available still require to pay a fee to the government. Any help in this direction is appreciated!
