Ok I am new to this forum and I am trying to figure something out. The homeade wireless rigs seem to use microphones from video cameras. Which appear to use frequencies that may be clogged up soon. I was looking at one of the electronic websites listed for parts and noticed some battery operated FM transmitters that allow the use of an FM radio as the remote reciever/amp/speaker. One of the FM transmitters is only about $30 assembled and should be able to be conected to a portable cd player etc, it is supposed to have a range of 100 to 300 ft and you just tune the setup to an FM band that is not in use in the area. Will this work for a wireless caller setup? Any reason not to go this route instead of the Nady?
Wireless setup
- Thread starter Neutron
- Start date
Welcome to Predator Masters, Neutron!
What reviews I've seen for this kind of FM transmitter (intended for wirelessly playing your MP3s through your car stereo) suggest the practical range for them is limited to only 10 feet or so. If there's a unit that works well at longer range than that, then it'd be much more interesting.
Another downside to them--at least what I remember from more than a year ago of looking at all the specs I could find--was that they all clipped audio frequencies above 17 KHz. This about matches the clipping that happens with run-of-the-mill 128 Kbps MP3 encoding, but it isn't ideal for predator calling.
The Nadys work pretty well; my comments on the tech pages about the frequencies and potential interference really needs to be framed in the context of my backyard being atop a 5,000 foot ridge, where I regularly pick up TV signals from 150 miles (or more) away.
There may be better consumer wireless stuff right around the corner. Apple just intro'd a digital WiFi transmitter to send your mp3 files from your computer to your home stereo; hopefully something like this for the portable iPods and the clones will show up soon. Already there are several MP3 players out that have built in (analog) FM transmitters, probably only short range transmitters but somebody among us at PM is bound to hot rod one with a whip antenna and file a report...
LionHo
What reviews I've seen for this kind of FM transmitter (intended for wirelessly playing your MP3s through your car stereo) suggest the practical range for them is limited to only 10 feet or so. If there's a unit that works well at longer range than that, then it'd be much more interesting.
Another downside to them--at least what I remember from more than a year ago of looking at all the specs I could find--was that they all clipped audio frequencies above 17 KHz. This about matches the clipping that happens with run-of-the-mill 128 Kbps MP3 encoding, but it isn't ideal for predator calling.
The Nadys work pretty well; my comments on the tech pages about the frequencies and potential interference really needs to be framed in the context of my backyard being atop a 5,000 foot ridge, where I regularly pick up TV signals from 150 miles (or more) away.
There may be better consumer wireless stuff right around the corner. Apple just intro'd a digital WiFi transmitter to send your mp3 files from your computer to your home stereo; hopefully something like this for the portable iPods and the clones will show up soon. Already there are several MP3 players out that have built in (analog) FM transmitters, probably only short range transmitters but somebody among us at PM is bound to hot rod one with a whip antenna and file a report...
LionHo
TheHuntedOne
New member
For 20 bucks more you can pick up a Nady DK-w1 to use as a remote. You might not get 200 yards out of it, but I get an easy 75 yards. Price was 51 bucks new. You need a 12 volt power source, but even still, it is an inexpensive way to go and it works very well with my JS Power Pro system.
Thanks for the responses, this is a great website. Here is the write up at hobbytron.net on the battery operated transmitter.
"Mini FM transmitter - 3 Volt FM Transmitter (bug)
CE-CK0200 The most powerful circuit we've seen that operates on such low voltage (just two AA cells). A range of 300 to 500ft can be expected and, given a good antenna and FM receiver, over 1 mile can be expected." There is another one that only has 100ft range but is already set up to plug a cd player in and its only $19 bucks assembled. I could not find the frequency response. Ok as far as the signal getting clipped at 17khz, I noticed the speco horns some folks are recommending only show frequency response up to 15khz. Is there a better horn out there that is inexpensive and has a better response range?
The Nady DKw1 looks interesting. I am not too concerned about getting a good signal much beyond 50yds, just wanting to get the focus well away from me. Really 20yds would make me happy and wireless just seems like it would be nice, no tangled wires etc. I have no idea how to check on which frequency would be best with a Nady set up. I doubt that there will be many signals out where I am likely to hunt but would hate to drop 50 bucks and find out the hard way that it won't work. What would be a 12 volt power source that would be lightweight and packable? Are we talking a few batteries or something like a motorcycle battery? If its not regular batteries how much does the alternative cost?
"Mini FM transmitter - 3 Volt FM Transmitter (bug)
CE-CK0200 The most powerful circuit we've seen that operates on such low voltage (just two AA cells). A range of 300 to 500ft can be expected and, given a good antenna and FM receiver, over 1 mile can be expected." There is another one that only has 100ft range but is already set up to plug a cd player in and its only $19 bucks assembled. I could not find the frequency response. Ok as far as the signal getting clipped at 17khz, I noticed the speco horns some folks are recommending only show frequency response up to 15khz. Is there a better horn out there that is inexpensive and has a better response range?
The Nady DKw1 looks interesting. I am not too concerned about getting a good signal much beyond 50yds, just wanting to get the focus well away from me. Really 20yds would make me happy and wireless just seems like it would be nice, no tangled wires etc. I have no idea how to check on which frequency would be best with a Nady set up. I doubt that there will be many signals out where I am likely to hunt but would hate to drop 50 bucks and find out the hard way that it won't work. What would be a 12 volt power source that would be lightweight and packable? Are we talking a few batteries or something like a motorcycle battery? If its not regular batteries how much does the alternative cost?
TheHuntedOne
New member
I used my JS Convert a Caller to make my wireless set up. It already had a 12 volt power supply so I used that. However, Radio Shack has the exact same battery for about 14 bucks. You have to order it, but it is the very same battery that JS uses. The battery is about 4 1/2 inches long, by 2 inches wide and maybe 2 1/2 inches high. It is the heaviest part of the system. The Nady DKW 50 has 20K freq. response. You are right that the limiting factor is the speaker. Lion-Ho uses a car stereo speaker, and I went that route for awhile until I blew the thing one day. I am back to using the Power Horn, but I am probably going to go back to the car stereo speakers.
As to the NADY and getting one with the wrong frequency, I live on Southern NH, about 45 miles from Boston. I have not had any trouble with mine at all. It only picks up the signal from the MP 3 Player so far.
As to the NADY and getting one with the wrong frequency, I live on Southern NH, about 45 miles from Boston. I have not had any trouble with mine at all. It only picks up the signal from the MP 3 Player so far.
TheHuntedOne
New member
How long does the $14 dollar radio shack battery last?
It will last a full day of calling
Is it rechargeable?
Yes
Any suggestions on the best place to get the Nady? Is it something I could easily find local at Best Buy or somewhere or is it a mail order situation?
I found it at a place in Vermont. Do a search here on the Nady DK-W1 and you find the web site for them. I was not able to find it at Best Buy or Circuit City or anywhere else. When you order it, make sure you get the one with the lavalier mike, and not the one with the hand held mike. There are two different versions of this Nady. I see the one with the hand held mike on E bay a lot. It won't work for this application.
It will last a full day of calling
Is it rechargeable?
Yes
Any suggestions on the best place to get the Nady? Is it something I could easily find local at Best Buy or somewhere or is it a mail order situation?
I found it at a place in Vermont. Do a search here on the Nady DK-W1 and you find the web site for them. I was not able to find it at Best Buy or Circuit City or anywhere else. When you order it, make sure you get the one with the lavalier mike, and not the one with the hand held mike. There are two different versions of this Nady. I see the one with the hand held mike on E bay a lot. It won't work for this application.
I'll jump back in here and make a pitch for spending a little more for the Nady 151VR/LT (mine was $85 shipped, from Sweetronics) because it operates at lower voltage, is overall much lighter. On the receiver side you can use either a 9V transistor battery --NiMH rechargeable versions work-- or a powerpack made up of 8 AA cells that'll last longer than a lead-acid rechargeable battery of equal weight. My amp runs off the same 8 cell NiMH pack, no fancy capacitor circuits needed, no problemo. Haven't blown my car stereo speaker.
LionHo
LionHo
TheHuntedOne
New member
LionHo -
I went with the DK W1 because I already had a 12v battery that was powering my amp. I'm also cheap /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/smile.gif
But in reality, all the places I check on the 151 were out of stock and the ones on E bay were actually selling for more than what you could buy one for from a dealer. I think you'll be hard pressed to find one for 85 bucks now.
I don't use anything in my set up besides the recierver which runs off the battery, the amp and the horn on one end and the MP 3 player and transmitter on the other. No caps, no fancy wiring.
The transmitter takes a 9v battery and the MP 3 player two AAA's. Same as the 151 would I think.
Anyway, don't discount the DK W1. For folks who have a JS Power Pro Convert a Caller, it is a pretty good set up. Gets you wireless for about 60 bucks total if you use the power horn that comes with it.
I originally got the idea of using a car stereo speaker from you, and I will probably go back to one as soon as I get off my duff and do a little shopping.
But that means I have to shave, get cleaned up, put on something other than jeans, -
Maybe I'll just go hunting instead /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/smile.gif
I went with the DK W1 because I already had a 12v battery that was powering my amp. I'm also cheap /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/smile.gif
But in reality, all the places I check on the 151 were out of stock and the ones on E bay were actually selling for more than what you could buy one for from a dealer. I think you'll be hard pressed to find one for 85 bucks now.
I don't use anything in my set up besides the recierver which runs off the battery, the amp and the horn on one end and the MP 3 player and transmitter on the other. No caps, no fancy wiring.
The transmitter takes a 9v battery and the MP 3 player two AAA's. Same as the 151 would I think.
Anyway, don't discount the DK W1. For folks who have a JS Power Pro Convert a Caller, it is a pretty good set up. Gets you wireless for about 60 bucks total if you use the power horn that comes with it.
I originally got the idea of using a car stereo speaker from you, and I will probably go back to one as soon as I get off my duff and do a little shopping.
But that means I have to shave, get cleaned up, put on something other than jeans, -
Maybe I'll just go hunting instead /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/smile.gif
FWIW, I found the Nady 151 VR-LT selling today for $81.95+ shipping from the same place I bought mine last year:
http://store.yahoo.com/sweetronicsstore/nady-151vr-lt.html
You might find actually it for a few bucks less elsewhere. I would only mention that these guys let me special order the frequency I wanted, and were good folks to deal with (they stayed on top of my order at a time when Nady's were backordered everywhere, it seemed).
LionHo
http://store.yahoo.com/sweetronicsstore/nady-151vr-lt.html
You might find actually it for a few bucks less elsewhere. I would only mention that these guys let me special order the frequency I wanted, and were good folks to deal with (they stayed on top of my order at a time when Nady's were backordered everywhere, it seemed).
LionHo