[SOLVED] Suggestions for low power radio transmission

[kep55]

With the mandated lock down here in Ohio we've a titch of a conundrum. We are required to hold an open meeting of our church's congregation each May. This May we're wanting to get approval for a large remodeling project. One suggestion made was to have our members come into our parking lot and we'd use a low power FM transmitter to conduct the meeting. The farthest any car would be is around 250' (76m). We also thought about using a portable PA system but we're within 275' (84m) of residences and we'd rather not interfere with Reds or Indians games. Suggestions?

 

[velocityg4]

How many people are we talking about? There are a number of apps which allow free voice or video conferencing. Some professional ones are even allowing free use during the coronavirus lock down.

Couldn't answer about an FM transmitter. There are pretty tight FCC rules about transmitter strength. I'm not sure if any would be strong enough which don't require a license.

 

[Alabalcho]

If you're really into hacking - there's Raspberry Pi' Pirate Radio project.

I would check how far an ordinary "TV Transmitter" or "RF Wireless Headphones" would cover.

 

[kanewolf]

One of the primary uses for low power FM transmitters is Christmas lightshows. See this article on low power FM transmitters -- https://learnchristmaslighting.com/what-fm-transmitter-do-i-need-for-my-christmas-light-show/

 

[Ralston18]

250' suggests an almost football field size area. Not out of reason for a wireless network and many places can provide coverage accordingly. RV parks for example.

Is the meeting just informational or is there a lot of attendee participation?

How many attendees will there be - especially those who will be active (e.g., adults, not children)?

This:

"We are required to hold an open meeting of our church's congregation each May. "

I understand "required" but what is the basis for that requirement? Can the meeting be waived, postponed, restructured...?

Depending on the circumstances (both now and later) any decision making activities in May could easily be rendered moot. Could prove beneficial to wait another month or so.

Just some "thinking out loud" thoughts.

 

[hang-the-9]

With the mandated lock down here in Ohio we've a titch of a conundrum. We are required to hold an open meeting of our church's congregation each May. This May we're wanting to get approval for a large remodeling project. One suggestion made was to have our members come into our parking lot and we'd use a low power FM transmitter to conduct the meeting. The farthest any car would be is around 250' (76m). We also thought about using a portable PA system but we're within 275' (84m) of residences and we'd rather not interfere with Reds or Indians games. Suggestions?

Remote meeting https://www.techradar.com/best/best-video-conferencing-software