Can ham radio operators broadcast on FM frequencies (87.5-108.0MHz)?
I'm planning to get a technical class license so I can broadcast some music in my area, but after reading the Wikipedia article on ham radios and some stuff on the ARRL site, I'm still not sure if hams can broadcast on public FM frequencies.
By: hellothere.
About the Author:
By: hellothere.
About the Author:
Frequencies and Transmitting Modes
Hams use a variety of frequencies for communications. Non-hams can “listen in” via their own receivers or radio scanners. Hams are able to use many frequency bands across the radio spectrum — these frequencies are allocated by the FCC for amateur use. Hams may operate from just above the AM broadcast band to the microwave region, in the gigahertz range. Many ham bands are found in the frequency range that goes from above the AM radio band (1.6 MHz) to just above the citizens band (27 MHz). During daylight, 15 to 27 MHz is a good band for long-distance communications. At night, the band from 1.6 to 15 MHz is good for long-distance communications. These bands are often referred to historically as short-wave bands (as in “short-wave radio”). Unlike frequencies used by FM radio stations and TV stations, which are line-of-sight and therefore limited to 40 or 50 miles, short-waves “bounce” off the ionosphere from the transmitter to the receiver’s antenna. The higher the frequency is, the “shorter” the wavelength is.
Some ham radio operators use the very reliable Morse code, while others use voice. Morse code signals (beeps) often get through when voice transmissions cannot. There are also very many digital modes as well, and hams use radio modems to communicate in various networks.
Have a Good Day !
Don
Step one, Music or any other form of communications inteneded for a general audience is against the law on amateur radio. Been that way since the 1920s when many ham radio operators started broadcast stations and the FCC banned it afterwards.
Also the FCC and all other government agencies around the world don’t allow Amateurs to operate outside their assigned frequencies except during emergencies… So the ham radio license will be of no use.
Only part 15 (100 mw) FM broadcasting is legal in the US by anyone (including hams).. basically you have to get a station license from the FCC for more power than that, and involves thousands of dollars just for the studies they want to be granted a license (not counting the wait)