Home Hacking Projects for Geeks

194

Part II: Home Entertainment

FM transmitters generally include either stereo RCA connections or a head-

phone jack. If your audio source has a different type of connector, head

down to an electronics store and pick up an adapter, such as the one shown

in Figure 9-11.

Once you get the transmitter connected to your audio source, you need

to tune both the transmitter and your radio to an empty station. Grab the

radio with the best reception and tune it to a frequency with nothing but

static, as far from licensed radio stations as possible. For example, if you

find radio stations at 94.5, 98.1, 101.9, and 104.1, your best choice would be

a frequency in the 88-89 MHz range. You don’t want to choose a frequency

within .5 MHz of another station, because you will cause interference.

After you find a station, go to each of the radios in your house and listen

for other stations. I checked five radios around my house, and each received

slightly different signals. In fact, I couldn’t find a single station that didn’t

have an audible signal on at least one radio. I chose the frequency with the

lowest cumulative interference: 88.5 MHz. Because of the way the FCC

distributes licenses, you’ll probably end up with a frequency at the bottom

of the scale.

Once you find an empty station, turn up the volume and listen to the static

for a moment. Then, start up your ...