Transmitters R Us...
Now you'll need a transmitter. You can buy a kit, or a preassembled unit, or a whole "ready-to-go" package. For kits and units check out Ramsey Electronics (http://www.ramseyelectronics.com/hk/hkamfm.htm); or the similar Hobbytron (http://www.hobbytron.net/R-AM-1.html); North Country has one too: (http://www.northcountryradio.com/am88.htm). Another link: ( http://www.oldtimeradioprograms.com/transmitter.html). Try this link for a list of manufacturers: (http://www.transmitter.be/transmitters9.html ). A really good one for is at (http://www.eastcoastcomms.com/amtrans/am100.html). For packages see: (http://www.lpbinc.com) & (http://www.actradio.com/schools/schools.htm) & (http://www.theradiosource.com/products_infomax.htm) & (http://hampcb.home.mindspring.com/page22.html) & (http://www.wblq.org/diponti.htm) & (http://www.transmittersrus.com).

Antennas...
Next you'll need an antenna and a way to make sure it's working properly. The antenna is the most difficult aspect to LPAM and discourages most people from using AM. There are many ways to make an AM antenna. And lots of people have different ideas about AM RF propagation. The big question to ask yourself is: 1. How far do you want to broadcast? and 2. How much room (land) do you have? Let's assume that you want to get the furthest distance with a generally legal antenna. I say "generally" because it's up for legal debate as to just what constitutes a legal part 15 antenna.

In any case, here's what I suggest. The antenna has four parts: 1. a whip, 2. a loading coil, 3. a ground, 4. a connector cable to your transmitter. For the whip, I recommend a 9.8 foot 1/2" copper pipe. Near the top of the whip, place 2 pie plates, or 3 radials made out of thick copper wire. You can use grounding clamps to attach your radials. For the loading coil, #12 or #14 solid insulated wire, cut to the length that matches your wavelength/frequency (or 1/4, 1/8 of that) and wrapped around a PVC pipe 2 or 4" in diameter and 15 or 10" in length, respectively. PVC may absorb some of the RF energy, so try to use something else if you can. You want to create at least four "tap points" on your coil for maximum resonance capability. Use a 4 to 5 foot EMT pipe for your mast and for the main leg of your ground. Mount the loading coil pvc on to the EMT pipe and the whip onto the loading coil pvc. Now for the ground. I recommend ... oops out of space. I will put up more info on the photo page. I now have 2 designs to recommend!

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