Top Questions Asked
Audio Questions
Power Questions
Transmitting Questions
Technical Questions
How Far Does The Whole House FM Transmitter Go?
We guarantee 150 feet in all directions for a typical family home, that's over 70,000 square feet of coverage.
Since the average home is around 2,000 square feet, according to National Association of Home Builders, it shouldn't be a problem to cover your entire house.
Even Bill Gates' home is "only" 48,000 square feet!
How Many Frequencies Do You Offer?
Keeping with the spirit of the K.I.S.S., principle we made the frequency selection via 3 switches to allow a selection of 7 frequencies (106.7 to 107.9) to pick from. Don't worry, this still isn't a problem for those living in big cities like New York, Chicago, L. A., Philly, etc. We've sold to many customers in large cities and they report that they have no problems in finding a station that works for them.
Also, upon request, we do offer a low bad FM Transmitter too (88.0 to 89.2) for those who will be using multiple FM Transmitters near each other. For example Fitness Centers and Correctional Facilities quite frequently have multiple TV's with each one having the audio being broadcasted in its own frequency in a single room. (If you feel this may be your situation just let us know and we will be happy to make the necessary arrangements for you.)
Will It Work With My Audio Source?
The quick answer is, YES! We'll put it this way we have never run into an audio source that it can't work on. Since it doesn't need any software or downloads to operate its compatible with anything. Some of the most popular audio sources are iPod, other MP3 Players, TV (including HD), DVD & VCR Players, Computer (PC and Mac), Satellite Radio (Sirius and XM), and Home Stereo Systems just to name a few.
Audio Questions
What Is The Cable With The Red & White RCA Jacks For?
This is a special custom made cable enabling you to broadcast from devices like DVD & VCR players that do not have an earphone jack but only RCA jacks. You can also use it to broadcast from a home theater or stereo tuner and some satellite radio units. The in-line volume control allows you to adjust the output volume into the FM transmitter. If you were to plug a RCA jack line out directly into the FM transmitter it would over power the audio and sound distorted. You can purchase this cable from us so make sure you keep it in a safe place when not in use.
My Retractable Cables Got Tangled Up, What Do I Do? Make sure you pull from both ends of the cable at the same time when you want to extend them.
My Audio Source Doesn't Have A Volume Control, What Do I Do?
Does it use an RCA plug? If so, use our custom RCA Jack with Volume Control included with your FM transmitter.
Power Questions
Will Leaving My Whole House FM Transmitter On 24/7 Harm It?
No, it won't. We didn't want an FM Transmitter that was so delicate that we had to remember to turn if off or else it would fry some circuitry or melt something so we built it to last, you can run this thing 24/7 without ever having to shut it off. We have a few of our FM Transmitters that have been running for several years now non-stop and not one moment of trouble.
And yes, even when running it in a hot car during summer won't hurt it... just don't leave it in direct sunlight like on your dashboard.
I Lost My 110/220V AC Adapter, Can I Use Some Other One?
NO, using a power supply other than the one included with the FM transmitter WILL damage the unit and void the money back guarantee.
Visit our accessories area to purchase another one.
Why Doesn't My FM Transmitter Turn On?
• If the red power indicator LED is on, your FM transmitter should be working.
• Are you aware that there is a power switch on the front just below the red LED?
• Is the power cord firmly attached to the FM transmitter?
• Is the AC adapter plugged into the wall?
• Have you tried another power source? Like use batteries or the USB Power cable with your computer to power it instead of the AC Adapter (or vice versa)?
• If the power light is on but you hear no audio, click here for more help
Transmitting Questions
I Think All Of The FM Frequencies Are Used In My Area?
Some people report that all 7- transmitter channels are being used. This is not possible since the FCC requires blank channels between commercial stations. What they are hearing is bleed-over noise from a commercial station. When you select one of these blank channels the FM transmitter will broadcast over the noise.
It is best to listen for open stations from a digital radio like your car radio for example when determining the frequency to use.
For more details about this or if you still feel it may be a problem see the question "How Many Frequencies Do You Offer?" for more details and helpful information.
What Is The Maximum Distance An FM Transmitter Can Go Without A License?
The quick answer is approximately 200 feet for an FM Transmitter Covered under Part 15 (Read FCC Public Notice dated July 24, 1991). The correct answer is much more complicated than that. Which is 250 µV/meter @ 3 meters (also measured as 48 dBuV/m)
Is This FM Transmitter Designed To Comply With FCC Part 15 Rules And What Exactly Are The FCC Rules?
Yes, the Whole House FM Transmitter complies with Part 15 of the FCC Rules, Section 15.239(b) which states:
The field strength of any emissions within the permitted 200 KHz (88 - 108MHz) band shall not exceed 250 microvolts/meter at 3 meters. The emission limit in this paragraph is based on measurement instrumentation employing an average detector.
Since this is a question the FCC receives a lot they have also issued a Public Noticed dated July 24, 1991 to help clarify any questions.
Why Does the FCC use Microvolts(µV) to Determine the Power Output (Field Strength) of a FM Transmitter And Not Watts?
Great question, the best source we've found to help explain that is at Ramsey Electronics.com. Below is a copy of what they say:
The new FCC Part 15 Rules specify a maximum "Field Strength" of your transmitted signal. Since it is unlikely that you have the equipment to carry out accurate field strength measurements in microvolts, it is useful to understand at least the theory of field strength so that you can understand both what you can expect from such transmitters, and what limits the FCC intends. Previous limits on nonlicensed FM-broadcast band devices were defined as a maximum field strength of 40µV per meter measured at a distance of 15 meters.
The June 1989 revised rule specifies a maximum of 250 µV per meter, but measured at 3 meters from your antenna. The term, "250µV per meter" means that an accurate field-strength meter with a calibrated and scaled 1-meter antenna may indicate a maximum signal field strength of 250µV (In contrast, non-licensed operation from 26.96 to 27.28 MHz, your standard CB walkie-talkie, is limited to a field strength of 10,000 µV per meter at 3 meters).
In all cases, the field strength of a signal decreases in direct proportion to the distance away from the antenna. Power decreases by the square of distance: for every doubling in distance, the signal power is quartered, but the field strength voltage is only halved. Using this theory, we can construct a simple chart to show the maximum permitted performance of a non-licensed FM band transmitter. The theoretical figures assume a simple 1 meter receiving antenna in all cases and do not take into consideration that reception can be greatly enhanced with larger, multi-element antennas and preamplifiers on the receiver. In the following chart, the field strength (theoretical minimum) gets stronger as you move from the edge of these circular boundaries toward the antenna:
Distance From Transmitter Antenna |
METERS |
FEET |
FIELD STRENGTH (µV) |
TOTAL AREA RECEIVED |
3 |
10 |
250 |
314 FT |
6 |
20 |
125 |
1256 FT |
12 |
39 |
63 |
4800 FT |
24 |
78 |
31 |
19113 FT |
48 |
157 |
15 |
1.8 ACRES |
96 |
315 |
7.5 |
7.2 ACRES |
192 |
630 |
3.8 |
28.6 ACRES |
384 |
1260 |
1.9 |
11.4 ACRES |
768 |
2520 |
.95 |
458 ACRES |
1536 |
5036 |
.5 |
1830 ACRES |
This "exercise in meters and microvolts" demonstrates that the FCC clearly intends to limit the theoretical range of non-licensed devices operating in this band. It also shows the potential for causing interference at a home down the street from you. But it also shows that you can legally put out quite a good signal over wider areas than you might have imagined.
For other kinds of radio services, the FCC restricts such factors as transmitter power or antenna height, which cannot really limit the possible "range" of a transmission under good conditions. By restricting the maximum field strength at a specific distance from your antenna, the FCC clearly plans for your signal to "die out" at a specific distance from your antenna, no matter what kind of transmitter power or antenna you are using. On the other hand, the FCC standards do make it legal and possible for you to broadcast on a school campus, campground or local neighborhood, as long as you remain within the field strength limitations and do not cause interference to broadcast reception.
Technical Questions
I'm Having A Little Trouble Can Someone Help Me?
Absolutely! The easiest way is to call us at (888) 674-6226 (we are open M-F 8-5pm EST) and we can walk you through a few steps to pinpoint the problem. Most problems can be resolved in about 5 minutes.
If you are more of the hands on type, go to our Technical Support Page for a basic step-by-step guide to fix most of the issues you may run into.
Why Don't I Hear Anything On My FM Radio?
- Is the audio cable firmly attached to the Whole House FM Transmitter and your audio source?
- Is the volume turned up on your audio source? We suggest you start with a medium level of volume
- Is the volume turned up on your FM Receiver source?
- If you are using the RCA jack adapter make sure the volume is not all the way down on the RCA adapter itself
- If you are using it for a TV, DVD or VCR make sure you are using the audio OUT not the audio IN ports
- Make sure your audio device is working properly
If this doesn't solve your problem please call us at (888) 674-6226 (we are open M-F 8-5pm EST) and we can help. If you want to try and solve the problem yourself please see the Technical Support Page for a basic step-by-step guide to fix most of the basic issues you may run into.
What Are the Warranty Terms for the Whole House FM Transmitter? Please visit our Warranty Terms page for more details.
I’m Still Not Sure What Else To Do, Who Can I Call?
Feel free to call our technical help line at (888) 674-6226 (we are open M-F 8-5pm EST) we will be happy to assist you in fixing the problem or go to our Contact Us Page.
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