Ramsey FM30B v. EDM
Today at the Dallas TCL September meeting we did a small test – Ramsey FM30B v. EDM LCD FM Transmitters. I wanted to post the results for anyone looking for a solid transmitter. Who am I to do the test – NOT a radio guy – NOT a sound guy – just a Christmas enthusiast who wants solid sound to broadcast my music on.
How:
We had both transmitters in the same location and plug into the SAME plug during the test. The Ramsey we used the provided wipe antenna and on the EDM the provided test wire antenna. They both were set to the same frequency. The sound source was a laptop playing the same music file via iTunes. The only change was the output audio level from the laptop so it was realistic to each transmitter and wasn’t overpowered to record. On the receiving side was a desktop FM Radio with Audio Out plugged into a laptop line-in recording using Audacity. The power on the 30B was set to 80% of what it can put out and the EDM was 10mW setting.
Why:
WHY NOT!!! OK maybe I wanted to know. I have $160 burning a whole in my pocket wanted to see who gets it.
Results:
Both Units are easy to setup and both have their place in the market. But here is how it goes.
EDM
- Small hum – but not what I would call static
- Signal Faded but was like a real station – slow not a hard cut
- Picked an open frequency and locked in EVERY time
- Range with test antenna was easily a LARGE block – in the test the parking lot down the street (about 2 blocks) to each light and the loop back
- Range with a ground Plain antenna – well let’s just say NOT FCC allowed but let’s say “BLOCKS”
- SOLID unit
- Semi-Pre Built
- GREAT Price
- 2 Years Warranty
Ramsey
- Static - LOTS
- Low audio level – even after adjustments
- Picky about frequency
- Rang with whip antenna was a small block – in the test was the parking lot
- Faded as you moved out QUICKLY
- Getting harder to find Pre-Build Units - TRUE kit LOTS of work
- 1 Years Warranty
Audio Sample
Add to it:
We stepped up the test to see what we could do with the little unit and a real “in the seat” experience. We had a member go and sit in his car out in the parking lot of the restaurant we meet at. With the Ramsey he had to turn UP his radio and had a LOT of static (Tried to fix adjusting power and audio levels); the EDM in his own words – “Sound’s like a REAL station around here and no static.” (0 Modification from out of the box settings) We also added a ground plane antenna and were able to get a few blocks and close by over power some weak drifting stations (JUST A TEST NOT RECOMMENDED – but may be need for some station drafting out of there markets or near the Texas Mexico board)
Who won? Hand’s down EDM!!!
What would you add / change:
- Add a Ground Plain Antenna
- Add a Constant Rate Power Supply v. the Variable provided
- Buy 2 EDM’s
- Maybe add a BEHRINGER - ULTRAMIZER PRO DSP1424P Sound Processor
- RDS – There are talks of this so maybe buy 1 and wait – but BUY 1.
- Also the lead time – since EDM is shipped from South Africa it can take about a month to get – would like to find a US dealer.
Harrison
The EDM is an outstanding transmitter for the price, the slight hum may be a result of high SWR from the test antenna. I know mine had a minor hum until I tweaked out the antenna. With a GP antenna, at full power the EDM could easily cover a few miles, but not recommended in the city.
“Would like to find a US dealer”
Your wish will be granted very soon!
Including antennas cut or tuned to your frequency.
e-mail for dealer information; operations at radiobrandy.com
Hello Scott,
Very good review, very well presented. I really enjoyed reading it.
Thanks JD Belgium.
This is exactly the kind of info I was looking for and you’ve saved me a lot of time and money for your effort. My sole intent for this equipment was for Xmas Light Display and you’ve helped immensly.
This is the only FM transmitter that does music, period. Broadcast-class ones might be better, but they are too powerful for home, put the price aside.
To avoid hum, don’t use top frequencies (around 107.9MHz). To avoid excessive distortion, also avoid low end frequencies (around 88.4MHz). I use 97.4MHz and everything is perfect, loud and clear.
And, if you compare LCD’s specs to a broadcast-class gear, stereo separation is the only dark spot, -45dB vs. -60dB. This is indeed the only thing I miss my city stations. Other than that, 75dB dynamic range, 0.1% distortion are all superb, one has to listen to it to believe. I’m an audiophile.