DC Kits - FM Transmitter Kits

There are several photos on this page, slower internet connections may take a minute or two to download. These kits are all our own "in-house" designs. They go through extensive testing (that includes randomly selected customers building beta versions) to ensure each design is reliable, stable and repeatable before it is released. Once in production, we do the parts bagging and packaging in house - these are not items we order from somewhere else for resale, they are produced and supported here. If you need "factory assistance" with one, we are who you call.

	New PLL-SFM3 TRANSMITTER KIT at $129.95 This one has all the features - PLL tuning, LCD display, eeprom memory (no more re-tuning after power has been disconnected), "telephone dial" type keypad tuning, and 5K steps for fine-tuning. In addition, we have added an "auto-repeat" function to the fine tuning keys. This latest kit is a two-board set with all the control functions on a board designed to become the front panel of Philmore's PB-170 plastic box (not included), the second board has all the RF circuitry. We are now in production and shipping.
	PLL-SFM STEREO TRANSMITTER KIT This one gives outstanding performance at a competitive price - rock solid PLL tuning, hi quality stereo, easy keypad tuning and/or "tweaking". Designed to transmit around the house and yard, this kit requires no winding or fooling with coils, no alignment procedures and no hassles with "peaking" to get top performance. Features an improved loop filter and buffering for reduced noise, ideal for broadcasting CDs or MP3 files. Designed for 12VDC power supplies, it will work with as little as 9VDC or as much as 15VDC. It uses a PIC ucontroller to handle the keypad and the MC145170 PLL chip, the NJM2035 stereo generator, and an RF amplifier stage. For those who might require it, fine tuning is available in 10K steps. Not recommended for a "first project", but suitable for the novice with decent soldering skills and the ability to follow placement diagrams, identify parts and read schematics. Order PLL-SFM at$79.95 each.
	STEREOCASTER FM Stereo Transmitter Kit Our "old standby", this entry-level kit offers outstanding performance and stability for a transmitter that does not have PLL or crystal controlled tuning. Although it will drift with temperature changes, normal indoor environments allow stable, reliable reception on digitally tuned radios. The spacious layout makes it easy for the novice to assemble, there are no hassles with tweaking, winding or fussing with coils. Features front panel tuning and hi quality stereo sound. Uses the NJM2035 stereo generator with a special stabilized Colpitts Oscillator and RF amplifier stage to reach around the house and yard. Catalog number Stereocaster, at $29.95 each
	Internet Broadcaster Kit This kit makes a small FM Stereo transmitter to plug into your sound card and listen to MP3 or other digital audio files without being tied down to your computer or its sound system. It will stay on frequency for days in a temperature-stable environment such as an office or living room, and will easily transmit to digitally-tuned FM receivers. Although any of our stereo FM kits can be used to broadcast sound from your computer, the IBC kit has the smallest footprint and features a hard-wired cable with 3.5mm stereo plug to fit sound cards and most small headphone jacks on personal CD players, tape decks and the like. Catalog number IBC, only $29.95....Best for intermediate builders, good soldering skills are necessary due to tight spacing around many of the components.

ACCESSORIES

POWER SUPPLY KIT PS-3 -- $9.95
Originally designed for use with the Stereocaster, this power supply kit is the perfect companion for any of our transmitter kits. It provides a clean +12VDC at up to 300 mA. In addition to good filtering and regulation, we include supression capacitors to bypass the bridge rectifier diodes. This eliminates hum and stray modulation noise that can come from an otherwise well-filtered supply and drive you nuts when you start transmitting hum along with your music. At this low price there is no case, but it does include the pc board, transformer, line cord and all other small parts needed.

HOW TO DECIDE WHICH KIT

All our stereo transmitter kits offer similar audio performance and similar range. At the "entry level" are the IBC and Stereocaster. The greatest effective differences between them are size, cabling and convenience/access to the tuning pot. If you need small size and convenient cabling, go with the IBC. If you need easier construction and "front panel" tuning go with the Stereocaster. If you are in a hurry, go with whichever one we can ship the soonest. Once you go above the entry level kits, the PLL-SFM is one of the most inexpensive PLL-tuned stereo transmitters on the market. The telephone dial type tuning makes it easy to use, PLL frequency control makes it stable and accurate in spite of temperature changes. The PLL-SFM3 offers even more features such as an LCD readout, finer (5K rather than 10K) steps on the fine tuning and eeprom memory to restore tuning if power is interrupted. It can drop right into Philmore's case PB-107.

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