Why Do You Need A Portable FM Radio Transmitter
Analogue FM radio might seem like old-fashioned technology in times of digital interactivity, but there are scenarios where FM radio is the easiest way to provide people with urgent information. When infrastructure falls apart, FM radio is the perfect alternative: it is a very robust technology that simply works and has been tried and tested for more than 100 years. And, radio receivers can be found everywhere. Roughly 80% of all feature phones and smart phones include an FM receiver, every car has a radio, and everyone can find a radio somewhere.
Pocket FM is an innovative, portable, lightweight, shoebox-size FM radio transmitter especially designed for scenarios with unreliable infrastructure, like crisis regions, refugee camps, remote areas, or areas hit by natural disaster.
In remote areas, Pocket FM is the tool that bridges the so-called ‘last mile,’in other words, areas that are so far off, TV and radio stations have no reach, GSM companies have not yet bothered installing transmission masts, and the lack of electricity infrastructure keeps most villages and households from having satellite receivers installed. Often, these areas are hard to reach for certain periods of the year due to natural circumstances, and the overall situation might even be paired with a high illiteracy rate. In this scenario, Pocket FM combined with a satellite dish and a solar power system is the perfect solution for providing the local population with access to information, education and entertainment.
In natural disaster scenarios, the given infrastructure (power, information, internet etc) might be temporarily destroyed and the fast establishment of information infrastructure is urgent. Here, Pocket FM is a perfect match, as it is mobile and transportable, can be operated from a car or a car battery, is ready to broadcast within minutes, and can, with a simple mixer or a USB microphone attached, be used for instant live broadcasting.
Crisis scenarios require certain security features whilst providing the population with urgent information. In these situations, a broadcasting device must be small, easy to transport, of low power consumption, remotely controllable and its infrastructure, (antennae and satellite dishes, for example) must integrate into set installations without disturbing them. Again, Pocket FM is the perfect solution, as it qualifies for all these specific needs.
Pocket FM features a 25W FM transmitter which can, with the included antenna system properly installed, reach out to a radius of up to 8km.
The device measures ca. 20x20x13 cm, is made from black aloxized aluminum, and the casing, without a fan, has a passive cooling design, which protects the box from dust and moisture.
The control interface is kept as simple as possible, so even with very little experience in using electronic devices, you will be able to get on air within minutes.
Pocket FM is powered with 10 up to 15V, so it can be used with the included power adapter as well as with a car battery or in connection with a solar system.
Furthermore, Pocket FM includes a satellite receiver, a Wi-Fi module, a GSM/3G module and a position tracker. Using radio over satellite as audio source is the easiest and most reliable way to provide live audio feed to Pocket FM, especially in remote areas without infrastructure, as no internet connection is required. Of course, the device can also be audio fed through standard RCA analog-in.
GSM can be used to remote control basic functions of the device via SMS commands. If Pocket FM is installed in a place with sufficient 3G network coverage, the device can also be remotely controlled via any smart phone. The included Wi-Fi module can also be used as an access point to locally access the device via a browser interface for advanced settings. The Wi-Fi module can also be used in client mode to connect to the internet (if installed within the reach of a given Wi-Fi access point).