How to Set Up your Own Fm Radio Station: Licensing and Start Up Issues

There are several ways to set up your own radio station. It depends on how serious you are about it. The single most important thing you should know before you get started is why would you need to start your own radio station?
Maybe, it's because you are a DJ or you have a band and want to reach an audience with your songs. Maybe, you have a huge collection of rock music and want to share it with the world. Maybe you are a member of club and want to make money by broadcasting a certain type of music along with commercials. Maybe you are a candidate and want to spread the word about your nomination and your speeches. Or maybe you are just person who is passionate about radio stations and always wanted to start your own FM radio station. Whatever the case, you need to know what you are doing.
Here are the basics of setting up a new radio station in a nutshell.
First you have to make decisions on two issues. You must choose the right place where your studio will be located. Also you must decide whether your radio transmitter will be placed at your studio or in a remote location.
Next, it's time to obtain a FM radio station license that will allow you to legally broadcast your signal.
There are two types of FM radio station license:
- The low power FM (Local)
- The full power FM (Commercial)
- License for Internet radio (Streaming Media)
You can start broadcasting your new radio station by obtaining at least one of the licenses mentioned. If you are serious about this then your goal should be to first acquire a low power FM license and then move on to the full power license. There's also the option to set up a radio station that streams sound on the internet which is the easiest way to go with, if you have no previous experience in FM radio stations.
Here are some issues you must consider after applying for the radio station license:
- How much money are you willing to spend for start up and ongoing costs?
- What type of equipment will you need? For example transmission equipment or a radio automation system etc. Do you know how to choose the best transmitter for your radio station?
- What is the process of getting in the air? Do you know how to use your equipment and go live? For example, do you know how many watts your broadcast equipment can handle?
- How will you deal with music licensing, royalties and copyright issues? Do you know that you actually have to pay for that too?
- How well informed are you on the subject of frequencies? Acquiring a license is one thing and obtaining a frequency for your radio station is a different thing. You have to fill and submit an application to request a new frequency.
- Do you know what kind of personnel you need? Do you have a plan to find the right people for the job?
The idea of broadcasting your messages to others through a radio station becomes more and more popular. These days, we are so empowered with communication possibilities than ever before. For very little money anyone can broadcast their messages to the world.

By Mary Mark

Create your Very Own In-house Micro Radio Station in 5 Easy Steps

Imagine ...
You're lying on your favorite sun lounger in your garden.
There isn't a cloud in the sky.
You can feel the sun's rays on your skin and there is a gentle breeze blowing through your hair.
There is a wooden table to your right. On the table is a tall glass. Inside the glass is your favorite ice-cool drink.
Next to the glass is a radio. From the radio you can hear your favorite music, old time radio shows, audiobooks, or whatever it is that tickles your fancy. When whatever you are listening to finishes another one of your favorites will start without you ever having to move a muscle.
Life is good!

Okay, you can stop imagining now and get back down to reality. The reason I asked you to imagine that particular scenario is that I wanted you to feel just how wonderful it is to have a little device called an FM transmitter. Some of you reading this will know what I'm talking about, but for those who don't let me explain.
An FM transmitter is a rather clever gadget that allows you to transmit sound directly from your computer to any radio in your house. It's completely wireless and works just like a normal radio station, but on a much smaller scale.

Here's what happens. It's really easy.
Step 1 - You plug the device into your sound card.
Step 2 - You select a frequency on the device that you want to broadcast at. For example you might select 92.5 FM.
Step 3 - You pick a radio show you'd like to listen to and start it playing on your computer.
Step 4 - You go to any FM radio in your house and tune it in to 92.5 FM.
Step 5 - You sit down and enjoy

The radio needs to be within a certain range, which will vary between 50 feet and 300 feet depending on the strength of the FM transmitter you are using and the number of walls and other obstructions the signal need to pass through to get to you.

The wonderful thing about FM transmitters is it allows you to listen to all the MP3 files you have stored on your computer or one of the online music services, whilst at the same time giving you the freedom to move around your house.
Luckily, the price of FM transmitters has dropped over the past few years and you should be able to pick up a decent FM transmitter that will work throughout a typical house for less than $100.

When purchasing an FM transmitter there are several things you need to consider before you make your decision to buy. Most important of all is the distance the signal covers. If you live in a tiny apartment there's no need to spend the extra money on a powerful unit that will transmit 1000 feet, unless of course you want the whole neighborhood to be able to tune in to your broadcast. On the other hand, don't buy one that will only transmit 10 feet if you want to listen at the bottom of the garden which is 150 feet from your computer.

A second thing to look out for is a digital display. Some units have no digital display telling you what frequency you are tuned into and require you to turn a screw on the back to adjust the frequency. This procedure can take quite some time as it requires a bit of trial and error. The end result is exactly the same, but with a digital display it is easy to set the FM transmitter to a specific frequency by reading the numbers on the display and then set the radio to exactly the same frequency.

Finally, some units require batteries whereas others run from the mains power supply. If the unit you buy runs off batteries make sure that it has an auto-off facility that will allow you to set a period after which the unit will automatically turn itself off. If you don't have this you'll find yourself wasting a lot of batteries.
FM transmitters are ideal for transmitting around your house, but the same technology can also provide an ideal way of listening to your MP3 player in your car without having to invest in an in-car MP3 unit. Just plug a battery powered FM transmitter into your MP3 player and then tune your car stereo into the same frequency.
So, now you know just how easy it is to set-up your very own micro radio station for your very own listening pleasure. It doesn't matter whether you are a music fan, an old time radio aficionado, or an audiobook lover, this is one little gadget that can really add to the overall enjoyment.

By Ned Norris

iPod Car Adapters - Getting the Best Sound From Wireless FM Transmitters

Wireless adapters are a good choice, particularly if you are looking for an affordable option.  However, it can be tricky figuring out how to get the best sound quality, because FM radio signals often interfere.  Using this type is super easy - simply plug in the iPod, turn the adapter on and tune your factory car stereo to the proper station.  Now, how do you get the best sound quality?
Locating an unused FM frequency is the best thing to do.  You can often find these located on the lowest end of the dial, or the highest.  While it is getting more difficult to find empty stations because of the increase in public, religious and college radio, you can often still find an unused frequency in most areas. 
Wireless iPod car adapters use FM transmitters that let you choose an FM channel to broadcast your iPod's signal on.  For the clearest, crispest sound with little to no interference, try to locate a channel that has no signals on either side.  For example, if you find an empty station such as 90.4, check on both sides to see if 90.2 and 90.6 have no or faint signals as well.  This will insure that you get the best sound quality, with very little interference so that you can enjoy your music.
Depending upon where you live, finding channels with no signal and empty channels on either side can be difficult.  If this is the case where you live, choose the stations with the weakest signals to get the most from your adapter.  If you still find that you cannot locate an area on your FM radio that provide satisfactory sound, you may want to consider a cassette adapter or built in jack.  Before you buy, check the return policy to make certain that if you cannot find enough empty frequencies, you can return the product for another option.

Joel Mclaughlin