Choosing An Operating Frequency - Ramsey Electronics FM-100 Assembly And Instruction Manual

SOLUTION: Make sure it's not coming from your other components in combi-
nation with this unit. Some components don't deal with RF very well. We once
had a CD player that wouldn't even play with low power RF nearby. Try using
ferrite beads around the audio connectors. You can find the beads in com-
puter accessory magazines and electronic magazines.
PROBLEM: Unit doesn't store last frequency.
SOLUTION: Don't forget to get out of setup mode to set the frequency before
shutting off the power. If that's not it, make sure U1 has been installed cor-
rectly (check section I).
PROBLEM: Unit doesn't transmit very far, less than 100'.
SOLUTION: Try spreading out the windings of L2 and L3 a little. This will
lessen their inductance, changing the lowpass filter. Otherwise check assem-
bly in section G.
PROBLEM: I just can't get the @#*!%$@!! to work! It's Ramsey's fault.
SOLUTION: Give us a buzz at (716) 924-4560. While some problems can be
answered on the phone, others cannot. Read the warranty information in the
manual for information on how to send your unit in. Upon its return it will be
fully functional according to our specifications.

CHOOSING AN OPERATING FREQUENCY:

[A] It really is NOT sufficient to just "check" the FM band for an empty fre-
quency, using the FM portable radio closest at hand. It is your responsibility to
carefully research what FM stations can be listened to with a good system
within the transmitting range of your FM-100. This is especially important in
the low end of the FM broadcast band (88-92 MHz), where there are numer-
ous medium power National Public Radio stations. You may not be aware of
these stations but your neighbors may be receiving them, using a good re-
ceiver and outdoor antenna. Interfering with such reception is a direct violation
of federal law. The most reliable way of finding a truly open frequency on the
FM band is to check the band with a very good FM receiving system using an
external antenna. If you do not have access to such a radio, most modern car
radios (with exterior antenna) are very sensitive and usable to help you know
what stations your neighbors really can be receiving on a particular frequency.
[B] In choosing an operating frequency, remember that most "digital-tuning"
receivers, whether portable, mobile or hi-fi, are designed to tune in 200 KHz
increments and therefore might not receive well a signal operating between
these pre-tuned standard broadcasting frequencies. In order to comply with
Part 15 of FCC regulations, it is your responsibility to determine carefully that
your operation will not cause interference to broadcast reception. Please study
Appendix A of this manual before using your FM-100.
FM-100 Page 50