Looks like a great project, but he states that it compares favorably in cost to the Ramsey kit that sells for $45. His costs $35 (15 for FM module, 15 for arduino, and 5 for LCD module), not $80.

Posted at 10:58 am on Oct 14th, 2008 by Squinch

“Arduino + NS73M = ARRRduino!”

I love it!!!

Posted at 10:59 am on Oct 14th, 2008 by keystoneclimber

@squinch
thanks for the heads up. I must have added the cost of the two together.

Posted at 11:14 am on Oct 14th, 2008 by Caleb Kraft

This is a very nice project for arduino users, because it combines several important aspects into a real product:
- LCD
- Saving settings across reset
- Encoder (nice!)
- Talking with another device

Examples of using each of these pieces can be found in various places on the net, but this is a good example of tying them all together with a concrete example.

Posted at 12:09 pm on Oct 14th, 2008 by nathangray

Thanks. Wow, I made Hackaday…

Yes, no new ideas here; just integrating a bunch of things I’ve learned from others out there.

There are two versions of code (.PDE) there. The original uses up and down switches, plus an off/on-air toggle. The most recent version is compatible with the latest Arduino 0012, and uses a single rotary encoder for change frequency and toggle on-air. Photos of the finished item in an enclosure hopefully this week.

Posted at 1:23 pm on Oct 14th, 2008 by Mike Y

Wouldn’t it be awesome if you could combine this with a parabolic microphone and transmit random conversations on top of local radio stations ;P

Posted at 3:32 pm on Oct 14th, 2008 by ben

Hey Mike Y:

Can you use the rotary encoder from an old PC mouse?

I have one tied to a VCR head to make a huge aluminium knob :)

Would it be possible to use an Atmega8 16PU ? that is what I have on hand.

What kind of range do you get from 2mw?

Posted at 8:16 pm on Oct 14th, 2008 by nubie

Follow up, if the Atmega8 16pu will work with 3.3v I/O can I run the whole thing on 3.3v?

I don’t need a display, just pure functionality.

Posted at 9:23 pm on Oct 14th, 2008 by nubie

I wonder if I could put one of these in my Acer Aspire One?

Posted at 10:37 pm on Oct 14th, 2008 by Edward Nardella

> Can you use the rotary encoder from an old PC mouse?

I’m sure; I’ve tried constructing one of these for a ham project, but it’s too dang difficult to get everything lined up. But, you get the same quadrature signal as a mechanical encoder (without the bouncing signals!). I need to do an EagleCad schematic for this, as I’ve added 74HC14 and an RC debounce circuit for the cheap, $1.70 Bourns encoder. Works fine.

Would it be possible to use an Atmega8 16PU / 3.3V ?

Heck yes, and no translation from 5V to 3V I2C signals. On the breadboard, I used just a resistor pullup to 3.3v, but in the final version, I’m using a SparkFun 5V to 3.3V board.
If you don’t need the LCD, I think you could get by with 2 pins (I2C), so an ATTINY85 might do; just re-flash it to change the frequency.

What kind of range do you get from 2mw?

I can go about 65 feet with it. After that – pretty sharp drop-off. Drive is with about 60% volume on an iPod nano, no input amplification needed. I was going to add compression/limiting, but that’d probably be ‘gilding the lily’.

Mike Y
KM5Z
Dallas, Texas

Posted at 7:19 am on Oct 15th, 2008 by Mike Y

@ben

Point it at a radio, tune to their station, and give ‘em a nice feedback squeal.

Good way to get people to stop blaring that hip-hop crap :P

Posted at 8:03 am on Oct 15th, 2008 by draeath

this is the key ingredient to an fm radio station too, if sufficiently augmented on both the audio and RF sides.

check your local laws kids, and don’t rebroadcast.

come up with your own original content or don’t bother. :p

Posted at 10:29 am on Oct 15th, 2008 by strider_mt2k

Federal, state, and local laws.

Don’t be a jerk.

Posted at 10:30 am on Oct 15th, 2008 by strider_mt2k

ok, i want to make something like this with the least amount of supplies and the least sophisticated parts. while making a strong signal that might break the fcc’s signal strength rule, but stay within their distance regulations, does anyone think this is possible?

Posted at 9:35 pm on Oct 15th, 2008 by ||philly||

Hello,
Good job for this transmitter. ;)

Someone know a same DIY for transmit video and audio on UHF or VHF ?

I would like to transmit video on a tv in my house. :)
Thanks

Posted at 2:53 am on Oct 16th, 2008 by YanK (développeur web)

@yank

I think this might be what your looking for.

http://www.electronickits.com/kit/complete/video/ck2100.htm

Posted at 8:59 pm on Oct 17th, 2008 by kurf

Thanks kurf, but electronickits don’t ship in France. Thanks for the link. ;)

Posted at 6:54 am on Oct 19th, 2008 by YanK (développeur web)

||philly||, did you get something about your question?

I would like to know about a high power FM transmitter. It would be nice to be able to hear my ipod in my car, but commercial FM transmitters don’t have enought power…

Anyone has any clue about this?

Posted at 2:45 pm on Oct 20th, 2008 by ktech123