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InfOspot is a FCC-certified professional,
license-free radio station available for government, nonprofit and
individual applications. It is the most affordable solution for
local area broadcasting, offering the widest latitude in frequency
flexibility, audio quality, broadcast content and programming
convenience.
Designed to operate under FCC Part 15
Rules,
InfOspot is capable of up to 100 milliwatts of power,
yielding a typical outdoor range of 1/4 to 1/2 mile, based on
mounting height, operating frequency and local environment.
depending on mounting height when mounted 20 feet above
ground. The
InfOspot System offers unprecedented flexibility and
affordability when compared to higher powered, licensed systems:
- No
FCC license is required. It is certified under FCC Rules Part
15.219.
- Any program content may be broadcast, including information,
music or commercials.*
- Any AM frequency 540-1700 kHz may be utilized.
The frequency is easily changed using front panel controls.*
- InfOspot
Systems utilize the most trusted, time tested Part 15
Transmitter to generate the broadcast signal.
- The system’s
Range Extender Outdoor Antenna and Tuner may be
mounted at any height above the ground, due to the
exclusive coaxial transmitter-to-antenna linkage.
- Integral 5-minute / dual message digital voice
recorder / player for simplified message creation.
- Security key
prevents unauthorized transmitter control tampering.
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The Basic InfOspot System |
The
basic InfOspot AM Radio System consists of a transmitter with
line conditioner plus a range extender outdoor antenna and
tuner with 25’ of coaxial cable. Order
from Amazon at the link box on the right. Or, order
directly from
us by
sending us an email
or calling 616.772.2300 x102 - 9 to 5 Eastern. |
The Industrial Series |
The Industrial Series consists of the basic InfOspot system
with special options for industry, such as 19" rack mounts
to drop into existing rack rails or a rack frame that we can
provide. Email us to
learn more and get a quote. |
Custom
Add-On Options |
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Additional Coaxial
Cable in various standard lengths.
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Drive-Thru Package
Deploy without delay.
Add a rolling carry case with a power strip to
incorporate your InfOspot
options.
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Audio Management Software for message
creation, processing and for upload to one or multiple
stations via network / wireless.
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External Digital Audio Player
for
operation via USB / Flash drive for best quality and
convenience.
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Dynamic Voice
Microphone XLR for live broadcasts and
recordings on optional digital audio player. Mic Cable (XLR-3.5mm) for direct
source input to InfOspot Transmitter.
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Headphones
to monitor recordings and / or mixer output
broadcasts.
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Mixer with EQ to mix multiple
sources and/or for automatic mic override of
background program.
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Wall-Mounted Rack Frame Kit for
indoor mounting of InfOspot components; includes
mounts and hardware
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Signal Measurement
Radio Receiver for FCC compliance
tests. Includes batteries and correlation chart.
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Indoor /
Outdoor Cabinet to house transmitter
and audio components. Includes 19” rack rails.
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Quick-Setup Stand
deploys Range Extender quickly. Lightweight and
portable, it includes a fiberglass mast that
telescopes 19’ for max range.
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FASTrack Custom Quick-Erect Portable Sign
FHWA / NFPA-approved for use on streets, this sign and stand stow together as a unit
and are available in 3 colors with custom
text and optional text overlays.
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Transmitter Only If a signal range
of up to 250' is required or operation is indoors,
you can order the transmitter without the range
extender. A 3-meter wire antenna is included that
works in conjunction with the transmitter’s internal
auto-tuner.
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Range Extender Only If you already
own an InfOspot transmitter and want to convert it
to enhance quality and range, order the range
extender separately.
See recommended antenna setup styles.
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(*) FCC rules do not allow the broadcast of objectionable
content or the use of a frequency that causes interference to other
radio stations. |
Who operates InfOspot
systems? |
- Airports for parking and construction
information; for tower-pilot communications at
landing/take-off observation areas.
- Audio Visual/Production Companies that
work with sound systems for auditorium and outdoor
productions.
- Auto Dealers to speak to shoppers in their lots
when sales representatives are not present.
- Banks, Pharmacies and Restaurants
to promote
specials to patrons in drive-thrus.
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Historical Sites and Societies
to tell visitors about area history and
interpretation of sites and buildings.
- Churches
for parking and patron information,
schedules of programs and events, drive-in
services.
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Departments of Transportation
at rest areas,
toll collection areas and weigh stations.
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Drive-Ins.
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Events,
such as concerts, graduations, drive-in movies.
- Funeral Homes / Cemeteries.
- Historic Sites.
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Hospitals & Public Health
to broadcast
at PODs (Points of Medicine Distribution), updates
on health status, procedures and patron
information.
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Industry/Military
to get critical information to
visitors or truckers at loading docks, facility
gates, weigh stations or check points.
- Microbroadcasters
to
provide radio formats to specialized
listening audiences.
- Outdoor Advertising
in association with
billboards along highways and in cities. See
"Billboard Use," in the far-left column.
- Outdoor Recreation
for interpretation and visitor information at parks and
recreation areas.
- Real Estate
to speak with prospective buyers
about developments and properties 24 hours a day.
- Schools
to
broadcast student-created programming; sports play-by-play, for emergencies and
parent reunification after incidents.
- Theaters
to announce show times and to promote
upcoming attractions.
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Tourism Industry
at visitor centers to broadcast
information on current events and attractions.
- US Borders and Highway Checkpoints
to speak to
motorists about regulations and procedures.
- Vehicle Assembly Plants
for testing of
AM radio receivers on assembly lines.
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Customer Sampling
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See Customer
Reviews.
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- APA
Music & Pictures, PA
- Atlantic Records, NY
- Bulldog Motorcycle Club, MI
- CBS Outdoor, NY (See billboard,
left.)
- Central Valley Health,
Jamestown, ND
- Cleveland Metroparks, OH
- Dignity Memorial Funeral
Homes, TX
- Emagine Entertainment, MI
- Fan Mountain Observatory, VA
- Gerald R.
Ford International Airport, MI
- Hennepin County Emergency
Management Department, MN
- Hunter Middle School, TN
- McDonald Observatory, TX
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- Moraine Park Technical
College, WI
- Mount Carmel Hospitals, OH
- Naples Zoo, FL
- New York State Department of Transportation, NY
- Riverside, CA
- Ronnie Owens Ministries, TN
- Saint Louis County Police
Department, MO
- Salinas Pueblo Missions
National Monument, NM
- Savannah National Wildlife
Refuge, SC
- Siemens Energy &
Automation, PA
- Varsity Auto Group, MI
- Zane Grey House, PA
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Planning & Purchasing
Options
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Call 616.772.2300 x102 (9-5 Eastern) or
email us
to discuss your radio station project, discuss options,
request a quote or to place an order.
See
Purchasing Methods we provide.
The transmitter and range extender are available at the same
price directly from us or from
Amazon at the below links:
Range Extender RE 2.5 on Amazon
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Service &
Warranty |
Within 30 days from the order date, you may return to us (in
original condition with original packaging) any new InfOspot
product, requesting service, replacement or a refund (minus
Information Station Specialists’ original freight and handling).
Repairs and labor required to bring a returned product back to
marketable condition may be subtracted from a requested refund.
You must
contact us before
shipping the product back to receive instructions and a RMA
(Return Merchandise Authorization). Information Station
Specialists warrants InfOspot AM Radio Transmitter System
products against defects in workmanship for 90 days from the
date the products are ordered. |
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Customer Reviews |
"I am really enjoying my new InfOspo
TH5 transmitter. I am using it for hobby purposes. Your unit
works great! I am very pleased with it."
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Phil Howell
Nashville, TN |
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"Just unpacked and set up my new AM
transmitter. It is fantastic!!!
My 60 year old transistor radio receiver has never
sounded better."
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Dean Brown
Bastrop, TX |
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“This transmitter worked
beyond the expected range, and the broadcast was very clear. It
was very simple to connect to our sound board.” |
Daryl Luck
Carbonado Community Church, Carbonado, WA |
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“Everything worked great for our first
drive-in worship! We got a nice strong signal throughout the
parking lot. ” |
Pastor Paul Gebo
Christ Lutheran Church, Stockton, IL |
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“...have been impressed
since installing the Talking House Radio Transmitter in our
home.... I am just the typical guy who started working on old
tube type AM radios. What a wonderful way to give new clear
voices to old radios throughout the house.” |
Tim Tucker
Amazon Customer |
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“Our drive-in movie
couldn't have gone better. So thankful for your help.” |
Kerri Sandusky
First United Church of Christ, Tipton, IA |
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“We wish to thank you for
all your help in our purchasing of a radio system. For someone
who was not sure what was needed you took out all the guess
work.” |
Tom Barden
St. Andrews Episcopal Church, Wayne, ME |
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“So we did a test broadcast today of a
church service with only the pastor and one reader and a woman
with a guitar. And it was terrific - the speech quality was
excellent…and the sound quality of the music was very good as
well. All in all, it was a complete success... thanks very much
for helping to make this happen!” |
Phil Hirsch
Lamb of God Lutheran Church, Erie, PA |
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“I want to thank you for this helpful
product. We ordered the transmitter for our church services. I
was unaware that low-power AM transmitters were allowed under
FCC Part 15. It worked like a charm.” |
Gary Adams, Pastor
Kelham Baptist Church, Oklahoma City, OK |
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"Works really well. Used for outdoor
church service because of covid pandemic. Transmitter was
installed and hooked into sound board inside church with only
the included antenna hooked up, also inside church. The signal
was broadcasted all the way around the (decent sized) church.
Clear signal in every car. Was used with music and speaking.
Sound quality wasn't perfect but it was better than I expected
it to be considering it's an AM transmitter. Definitely worth
the money." |
Steven |
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“I like the see through glass on the
Range Extender. I can easily look up and check the peak from the
ground. I want to purchase another one very soon, as I am
pleased with this one. I will talk to some other churches and
ministries about installing a radio station.” |
Bishop Ramon - DeMaria, TX |
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“Works really good. Much stronger
signal and will do what Church needs it to do and then some. I
may purchase another exact setup, for me, in the near future. I
really like the design and construction of the antenna/tuner!” |
Terry Ballard - Hermitage, TN |
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Frequently Asked Questions
(Mouse over for
answers.) |
How can the InfOspot Transmitter operate without a
license?
The InfOspot TH.5
Transmitter is FCC-certified (ID #DLB5LTT98) and approved
for broadcasting under Part 15.219 of FCC rules, which allow
unlicensed operation of a certified 100mw AM transmitter
without a license as long as the antenna + ground does not
exceed 3 meters.
See: 15.219 - Operation in the band 510-1705 kHz. |
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What are the FCC rules governing use of InfOspot? Unlicensed Broadcasting
These are the regulations that apply to operators who want to broadcast without a license on the AM band. These regulations outline the technical details regarding field strength, power, and transmitter frequency accuracy, and permitted spurious emission limits. The original and full texts of these various sections are below, however, the most pertinent regulations for most Part 15 broadcasters include . . .
15.209 - Radiated emission limits
15.219 - Operation in the band 510-1705 kHz
15.221 - Operation in the band 525-1705 kHz.
Licensed
Part 90.242 of the rules of the Federal Communications Commission governs the licensing and operation of Travelers Information Stations (TIS). See also TIS FAQs.
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Is there a way to broadcast with more signal coverage? Yes, if you have an outdoor antenna. The same FCC rules contained in Part 15.219 govern use of both indoor and outdoor antennas. But an outdoor antenna and especially one mounted high above the ground will yield more range. The new Range Extender provides a way for you to do this. The Range Extender may be purchased with a new Talking House Transmitter system or added to an existing Talking House Transmitter System. Consider also the InfOspot system, which can include the i A.M. Radio option, the Range Extender option and other ancillary options, such as message players and weatherproof cabinets.
Yes, if you are an educational institution. Special provisions were enacted by the FCC in 1990 that allow unlicensed broadcasting of an AM signal that remains contained within the campus or grounds of the institution. No content, antenna, or output-power restrictions are enforced, and no license is required under FCC Rules Part 15.221. See also Extended Range.
Yes, if you are a governmental agency and/or if you provide emergency medical response. See FCC Rules Part 90.242 which govern this form of broadcasting under Travelers Information Stations. Up to 10 watts of power are allowed, and a license is required. See also Extended Range.
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When I connect my InfOspot
Transmitter to the Range Extender Outdoor Antenna and Tuner,
is the coaxial cable between them considered part of the
ground lead?
It is not. The FCC certified the
InfOspot Transmitter for operation with the interconnecting
coaxial cable to its Outdoor Antenna and Tuner as a complete
system. Any length of coaxial cable may connect the
Transmitter with the Antenna and Tuner, because the cable
itself is not part of the antenna system. The InfOspot
Transmitter is also certified to operate on its own with a
3-meter wire (indoor) antenna. |
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Why haven't you come out with a FM version of the
InfOspot System?
The FCC rules for unlicensed FM broadcasting under
FCC Part 15 limit the range of FM systems to just a few
feet. But under the corresponding AM rules, you can produce
a ¼ to ½ mile signal. That is partly because the FM rules
include a signal intensity limitation that keeps the signals
contained within100 feet.
To make matters worse, due to the
much shorter wavelength, FM signals are more easily blocked
and fade more quickly.
In addition, the FM band is much more
congested than the AM band, making an unused / quiet FM
channel very difficult to find.The legal range of AM non-licensed transmitter signals is not as severely restricted as FM, because AM Transmitters enjoy a 5000:1 power advantage over their FM counterparts. Even accounting for the lower antenna efficiency, legal AM transmitters have a typical range of up to 2500 feet depending on the antenna mounting height and location.
See "The Legal Range of FM Non-Licensed Transmitter Signals," a whitepaper by Paul Dobosz, 2020. |
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