Seize the Airwaves; Build an FM Broadcast Transmitter at FRB's Summer Radio Camps

Berkeley, CA, April 27, 2010 --(PR.com)-- Free Radio Berkeley is pleased to announce the 2010 schedule of the Summer Radio Camp program. In the fifth year of being offered, these Summer Radio Camps offer a unique DIY, hands-on learning opportunity and experience. With decreasing emphasis being placed on acquiring actual real world skills at all levels of education, the Summer Radio Camp program provides individuals with the opportunity to learn by doing. During the 4 day Radio Camp, participants build either a 40 or 10 watt FM broadcast (standard FM broadcast frequencies of 88-108 MHz) transmitter (and other related items such as antennas) and learn how to set up a low power community radio station capable of covering a broadcast radius up to 8 miles depending on terrain and antenna height.

With an emphasis on direct, hands-on learning, participants learn how to solder, identify electronic components, assemble an FM watt transmitter from a kit of parts, build and tune an antenna, properly setup and test broadcast equipment and much more. Further, participants are given an overview of basic electronics and broadcast engineering.

A workshop fee of $150-$200 sliding scale is charged. At the end of the radio camp session participants may purchase the 40 watt transmitter for $350 or the 10 watt transmitter for $225 - the cost of the kit, power supply and enclosure. A complete package that includes a 5/8 Comet Antenna and 50 feet of coaxial cables costs $525 or $400 respectively. With the addition of audio equipment, an effective community radio station operating on the FM broadcast band can be established for less than $1000.

The Radio Summer Camps have been attended by a diverse number of people from not only the US but from a number of foreign countries as well. Open to anyone 16 years and older, the Summer Radio Camp sessions are held at Free Radio Berkeley's shop in Emeryville, CA. Sessions run from Friday through Monday, 10 A.M. to 6 P.M. Further details are available on the website - www.freeradio.org

2010 Summer Radio Camp Dates:

May 28-31 July 2-5
August 6-9 September 3-6

For further information or to register for one of the Summer Radio Camp sessions, please contact Free Radio Berkeley. Phone: 510-595-7609. Email: freeradioberkeley@gmail.com Skype: stephen_dunifer. Mail: 1442A Walnut St. #406, Berkeley, CA 94709

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