Newb Canadian looking for FM transmitter help

[Tony Dew]

I’m brand new to Christmas displays, but have been doing a bunch of research waiting for everything I ordered to show up.

I live in Canada, and I’m wondering if anyone can offer advice on how to handle audio broadcast portion. I know Industry Canada has all sorts of rules, but it’s all way out of my league.

Is there some kind of “personal” FM transmitter I can use here in Canada? I don’t want any awkward visits from angry folks or associated fines. I live quite close to a small airport so I don’t want to end up messing with aviation communication.

If FM us out, what options do I have for audio that won’t drive my neighbors crazy?

[dirknerkle]

It would be worth your while to contact the appropriate department of the Canadian government for information about setting up a low power/hobbiest FM transmitter in the normal FM radio band when you are located to a nearby airport. I doubt that any of the members of this site or any other DIY site has the full and accurate information you seek.

[Tony Dew]

Thanks for the reply. I figured it would not be something simple. Any advice on other ways to have audio with the show without transmitting over FM? Or maybe a better sub forum to look in?

[angus40]

One option is to output from your pc directly , either use a good audio card like creative audio or a cheapy like >>> this

[Tony Dew]

Oh, sorry. I should have been more clear. I know how to have the system play the sound out loud through speakers. I’m trying to find a way that I can keep my neighbors happy without blasting the same few tunes over and over out loud.

[dirknerkle]

Put one or two speakers out by the street where your viewers would be instead of putting them up by the house. Then adjust the volume so that it doesn't carry back to the house or to the house across the street. You want a very low volume level so that one has to be near the speakers to be able to hear it. Put a few lights on the speakers so viewers can see them and therefore know to roll their car windows down a bit.

[MikeKrebs]

You could also run a Big button script to start the show but that would require someone to get out of their car and push it.

https://www.ic.gc.ca/eic/site/smt-gs...f02087.html#q8 looks like it answers the question but it doesn't help you find legal equipment.

[Tony Dew]

Thanks for all the responses. Looks like I’ll do outdoor speakers this year and just keep them on the quiet side.

[aknflyer]

Aircraft communications are 108-137 Mhz. Any FM radio transmitter would not interfere with that. I would not worry about the airport. Just worry about exceeding the Canadian rf output limits, I do not know those rules. But this looks like a good source of info to start: https://www.ic.gc.ca/eic/site/smt-gs...87.htmlhttp://
I use a 100mw transmitter that is too strong, there is a post here regarding the use of a homemade attenuator. He said 6db was about right.
http://doityourselfchristmas.com/for...503#post514503
That would make it 25mw. I do plan to implement that mod.

By the way, I live one mile from the airport. No issues.
I know there are a few canadians on this board, maybe they could chime in.

Pilot, FCC licensed 40 yr Telecom Tech.

[Stormyblade]

Thanks for all the responses. Looks like I’ll do outdoor speakers this year and just keep them on the quiet side.

For what it's worth, I use both an FM transmitter and an outdoor speaker (that has FM radio built in). I bring the speaker outside, set it on my porch, turn it on while my show is playing, then turn it off when the show is over and bring it back inside. I had a really small speaker at first, then upgraded to one of those ION brand speakers (one that does not have LED lights). I have not had any neighbors complain about the noise, and I have gone outside and checked to make sure I'm not being a nuisance.