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    <div class="moz-cite-prefix">Hello Marc et al,<br>
      <br>
      I mentioned DRM on AM because it would be easily implemented in a
      software box.&nbsp; I think the Talk 107 test used two programme
      channels on one FM carrier.&nbsp; In fact the main issue with medium
      wave is getting a stable earth system without ploughing a field!&nbsp;
      Antennas can be short (most RSLs use them) but they aren't very
      efficient due to being very small impedance compared to the
      ground.&nbsp; As has been pointed out this isn't a problem if you can
      site the antenna in (or on) water.&nbsp; I wondered if given that SDR
      requires an rf box maybe a clever designer could come up with a
      low impedance amp that could include matching directly connected
      to the vertical antenna sitting on a ground plane.<br>
      <br>
      Regards,&nbsp; Tony<br>
      <br>
      <br>
      On 14/09/15 22:37, Marc Steele wrote:<br>
    </div>
    <blockquote
cite="mid:CACHRDZDhVFQmamcWJSaYkijVtVP4v2EMQ_3ZXRHRPLirgmZzzA@mail.gmail.com"
      type="cite">
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      <div dir="ltr">Hello,
        <div><br>
        </div>
        <div>It's seems entirely feasible that you could build a basic
          AM transmitter with SDR technology. Even taking on DRM should
          be feasible.</div>
        <div><br>
        </div>
        <div>However, at the frequencies used, you still have the
          antenna problem (they need to be larger to match the longer
          wavelength) and tuning units to worry about. Well, that and
          all the other practical issues Ian mentioned earlier.</div>
        <div><br>
        </div>
        <div>Wasn't there some DRM experiments done a few years back on
          the old Talk 107 frequency in Edinburgh? IIRC, coverage was on
          a par with analogue FM but the quality wasn't great (it was a
          trade-off between the two).</div>
        <div><br>
        </div>
        <div>Regards,</div>
        <div><br>
        </div>
        <div>Marc.</div>
      </div>
      <div class="gmail_extra"><br>
        <div class="gmail_quote">On 14 September 2015 at 19:53, Tony
          Bailey <span dir="ltr">&lt;<a moz-do-not-send="true"
              href="mailto:ravensound@pilgrimsound.co.uk"
              target="_blank">ravensound@pilgrimsound.co.uk</a>&gt;</span>
          wrote:<br>
          <blockquote class="gmail_quote">
            <div>
              <div>Reading this thread may explain why none of the last
                London tranche AM licensees (new not existing) got on
                the air.&nbsp; There are a number of LRSLs around the country
                on AM although of course they only have to radiate 1
                Watt.&nbsp; Maybe it's a job for the SDR black box brigade to
                take on now that they've finished playing with DAB?&nbsp; DRM
                anyone?<br>
                <br>
                Regards,&nbsp; Tony Bailey<br>
                <br>
                <br>
                <br>
                On 14/09/15 15:11, Ian Hickling wrote:<br>
              </div>
              <blockquote type="cite">
                <div dir="ltr">Hi Shankar
                  <div>The point I am making is that in awarding an AM
                    Community Radio Licence, Ofcom should as a matter if
                    conscience and indeed good business practice make
                    sure that the Licensee is fully aware of the
                    additional costs and hazards over and above those
                    known and anticipated for the much simpler and
                    better-publicised FM platform.<br>
                    These are, I suggest:</div>
                  <div>
                    <ul>
                      <li><span>Few installation companies</span></li>
                      <li><span>Few experts with suitable knowledge and
                          experience</span></li>
                      <li><span>Poor listener acceptability</span></li>
                      <li><span>Poor licensing record - only 5 out of a
                          total of 274 UK awards</span></li>
                      <li><span>Low receiver availability</span></li>
                      <li><span>Lower audio quality</span></li>
                      <li><span>Subject to overseas interference outside
                          daylight hours</span></li>
                      <li><span>Unpredictable coverage</span></li>
                      <li><span>Very large and expensive antenna</span></li>
                      <li><span>Requirement for specific site size and
                          features</span></li>
                      <li><span>Low availability of UK-produced
                          transmitters</span></li>
                      <li><span>Low availability of suitable Aerial
                          Tuning Units.</span></li>
                      <li><span>Higher price for transmitters and
                          ancilliaries</span></li>
                      <li><span>Uncertainty as to CE-marking of imported
                          equipment</span></li>
                    </ul>
                    <div>Do I need to go on?<br>
                      Please - somebody correct me if you disagree?</div>
                  </div>
                  <div><br>
                    <div>
                      <div><b>Ian Hickling</b><br>
                      </div>
                      Partner<br>
                      <br>
                      <a moz-do-not-send="true"
                        href="http://www.transplanuk.com/"
                        target="_blank"><img moz-do-not-send="true"
                          alt=""></a>
                      <div><i>Office: 01635 578435&nbsp;&nbsp;(7am-11pm UK time)</i></div>
                      <div><i>Carphone: 07530 980115 (only responds when
                          driving)</i></div>
                      <div><i>6 Horn Street, Compton, NEWBURY, RG20 6QS</i></div>
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                    <br>
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    <br>
    <pre class="moz-signature" cols="72">-- 
Local Reports at <a class="moz-txt-link-freetext" href="http://www.ravensound.pilgrimsound.co.uk">http://www.ravensound.pilgrimsound.co.uk</a></pre>
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