[grc] LPFM transmitter options

[al davis]

On Saturday 18 July 2015, Susan Raybuck wrote:
> Some of the LPFM equipment guides recommend using the Nautel
> VS300 with Orban inside. After reading the comments about
> the listed EAS decoder (Sage ENDEC), I see those
> recommendations need vetting. 
> 
> So what do you think?

Those equipment guides usually come from somebody who has 
something to sell.

There are lots of transmitters to pick from.  I wonder how they 
all stay in business.

You need to consider quality and features.  

Some are loaded with features, which may or may not matter to 
you.  Some are bare, and there everything in between.  If you 
get something bare, you might end up spending more after you add 
the missing features.  The maybe features include audio 
processing, remote control, extra instrumentation, stereo 
generator.

Looking at features, Nautel is probably on top, BW-Broadcast 
second, for about $2000 less.  All others way behind.

Quality is hard to judge, but reputation of both Nautel and BW 
is good.  I have heard reports of trouble from PTek and 
Technalogix.

BW has processing and remote control.  Nicom and Bext have 
neither.  Nautel has that plus better instrumentation, ability 
to receive a web stream direct. ...  enough that a Nautel 
transmitter could be your only box at the remote transmitter 
site.

So if you start with a Nicom (least expensive of the lot), by 
the time you add audio processing, stereo, and remote control, 
it becomes more expensive than a Nautel.


> 
> Also, the Nautel now comes with a “push drive” that works
> with ENCO. ENCO sounds like only commercial stations can
> really afford it though.

True ...
So use Rivendell.  It does it all and is free.