so, as announced, here's the first result from recent bricolage works... : the
bx!
it's a mobile radio device for entering, exploring and playing with different media spaces more or less simultaneously, at almost any location.
some facts and figures:
- a 0-15W stereo FM transmitter can enter the whole FM radio band, 88-108MHz
- the sender is connected to a small USB 5channel mixer/soundcard connected to an eee pc, equipped with various audio and streaming software.
- the main mix (2 stereo lines, 1 mic line, and computer's audio sum) can be broadcasted to FM and a (e.g. radio aporee) streaming server at the same time (wifi or 3G network given).
- optionally, the telephone network and radio aporee mobile interfaces (app etc.) can mix into the stream/broadcast too. things to do here...
- the unit is powered by a 10Ah battery (+ netbook accu) at 5V/USB and 12V, optionally supported by a 10W solar charching unit if weather conditions are fine. that should give some hours of independant outdoor operation...
- the only thing that doesn't fit into the box for now is the FM antenna. working on...
some pictures:
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| bx - transport mode |
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| bx - full operation mode |
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| bx - removable solar unit attached |
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| bx - detail view: FM, netbook streamer, power supply |
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next step is to fine tune the box, set audio and signal levels, and test its range in various conditions (antenna on the roof, in the field, on a hill, etc.). a set of wireless microphones would fit the concept perfectly... more to come, stay tuned...
