PiFMStation

Turns your Raspberry Pi into mini FM radio station ( No additional HARDWARE required )

This is my small work which will bring you some joy . This is actually my final setup for my own pi for best quality and performance . I used various software for audio transmission over FM frequency , fm_transmitter works best . This repo contains following :- fm_transmitter ( by MARKONDEJ ) , my python script ( transmitter.py ) and tricky configuration .

Basics

This uses hardware on the raspberry pi which generate spread spectrum clock signal on GPIO4 pin for FM radio energy . It even works without any antenna ( very powerful ) . Plug 20 cm long copper wire as antenna ( size may vary but range changes ) . It's range increases from ~ 10 cm without antenna to ~ 100 m with antenna . This requires hardware access , so run this program as SuperUser .

NOTE: The Raspberry Pi’s broadcast frequency can range between 1Mhz and 250Mhz, which may interfere with government bands. I advise that you limit your transmissions to the standard FM band of 87.5MHz–107.9MHz and always choose a frequency that’s not already in use, to avoid interference with licensed broadcasters. Be a good citizen .

Features

PiFMStation supports :-

     * Easy to use .
     * Playlist play .
     * Various extensions support .
     * Best performance and loud sound .

Setup

   $> cd ~
   $> sudo mkdir pifmstation
   $> cd pifmstation
   $> wget https://github.com/shashanksi2009/PiFMStation/archive/master.zip
   $> sudo unzip master.zip
   $> sudo rm master.zip
   $> sudo apt-get install sox libsox-fmt-all
   $> cd fm_transmitter
   $> sudo make -j4
   $> cd ..

Setup completed successfully .....

##Test

To test all set correctly , run following :-

  $> sudo python transmitter.py

Now turn on your radio , if you are able to listen some sound @ 100.7 Mhz then all set nicely .

##Settings

For setting your mini FM station , execute following on terminal :-

  $> sudo nano transmitter.py

Change the following lines :-

  frequeny = 100.7 (default) // desire value from 87.5 MHz to 107.9 MHz
  
  audio_folder = "playlist/" ( default folder for your songs ) // You may paste songs in playlist folder or change audio_folder value to a folder which contains your audio file(s) but don't forget '/' at the end .

Save and exit file ( Ctrl+O then Ctrl+X ) .

##Run

Pick an unused frequency in the FM range and place your songs in audio folder. Reboot your device ....

To run , type in terminal :-

  $> cd ~/pifmstation
  $> sudo python transmitter.py

To stop , press,

  Ctrl + Z

ENJOY YOUR COOL DIY FM RADIO STATION ..........................