Why rebroadcast AM on FM?
Rebroadcasting AM stations on the FM band improves signal quality and extends audience reach. FM transmissions offer higher audio fidelity and are less prone to interference from electrical equipment and atmospheric noise compared to AM signals.
By using FM translators, broadcasters can deliver clearer sound, particularly in urban areas where AM reception may be affected by electromagnetic interference. This approach also mitigates the nighttime signal limitations inherent to AM broadcasting, providing consistent coverage around the clock.
Additionally, accessing the FM band allows stations to tap into a broader listener base—including those who rely exclusively on FM receivers—thereby enhancing market competitiveness and listener engagement.
VX: The Ideal FM Translator
At Nautel, our heritage of innovation brings unparalleled capabilities to compact, low-power FM transmitters. The VX Series continues this tradition, offering broadcasters an unmatched blend of power density, reliability, and ease of use.
The VX150 and VX300 models are specifically designed for low-power FM broadcasting, delivering the performance needed for AM translation without compromising on quality—making them ideal for use as FM translators.
Compact, Efficient, and Affordable
Nautel’s VX Series transmitters are designed and manufactured in North America with a focus on durability, energy efficiency, and outstanding performance. Unlike some FM transmitters that rely on inexpensive analog exciters—sometimes external units—the VX Series integrates a true direct-to-channel digital exciter, delivering crystal-clear audio and outstanding value.
Highlights
- Easy Serviceability: Fingertip access to hot-swappable, titanium-grade power supplies with 96% efficiency; front-access washable filters and fans; and replaceable, solderless 65V ruggedized LDMOS PA pallets simplify maintenance.
- Advanced Thermal Design: Cool airflow over fans extends bearing life, and variable-speed, long-service-life fans ensure optimal cooling and extended longevity.
- Exceptional Reliability: With a Time To Failure (MTTF), extensive electromagnetic analysis, and 100% North American design and support, VX Series transmitters deliver superior reliability and performance.
Comprehensive Control at Your Fingertips
The award-winning, HTML5-based Advanced User Interface (AUI) offers a robust set of features for comprehensive transmitter management, accessible from any modern browser with low bandwidth usage, all at no additional cost, including:
- Commercial-grade Broadcast Instrumentation
- Customizable Alarms and Email Notifications
- SNMP Management
- Scheduling Capabilities
- Event Logging
- RDS/PSD Configuration
- Robust User Management and Security Protocols
Configurable presets on the AUI enable broadcasters to set and store parameters such as frequency, power level, audio input source, and RDS/SCA configurations. By utilizing AUI’s presets and scheduler, some broadcasters can seamlessly switch from the AM station’s audio feed during the day to a different program source at night*. Additionally, the AUI’s Scheduler can be programmed to automatically switch presets based on the AM station’s licensing hours, ensuring continuous and compliant broadcasting.
*An AM station with a daytime-only license using an FM translator may originate programming on the translator during the AM station’s off-air hours. However, if the AM transmitter is off due to a failure, the FM translator must also cease operation. Please refer to FCC regulations for more details.
Orban Inside: Premium Audio Processing
Enhance your VX Series transmitters with Orban’s premium audio processing, available as an affordable add-on DSP card. It harnesses the power of the Optimod 5500 Series—featuring advanced 5-band processing and dual-band AGC—for unparalleled sound quality, all controllable through the AUI.
Unparalleled 24/7 Customer Support
With Nautel, you’re not just purchasing a transmitter; you’re gaining a reliable partner committed to your success around the clock. Our responsive support team is available 24/7, ensuring expert assistance whenever needed.
“Nautel’s are bullet proof!”
User Report: Success with Nautel Translators
Greg Borgen – President, WDGY/WREY – has been using three VS Series transmitters as FM-AM Translators with zero issues since March 2016.
“Set ‘em and forget ‘em basically. Nautel’s are bullet proof!”
When looking to buy a Translator, Greg wanted “dependability and the highest quality possible” and chose Nautel because “they’re built to last and the best that money can buy.”
He purchased all three Nautel VS transmitters with built-in Orban Inside™ audio processing and says they all sound fabulous.
“Sound every bit as good, if not better, as the big corporate facilities in my market. We’ve had many ‘audio geeks’ call us raving about the great sound!”
eBook: AM Translators: What’s Next?
This eBook lays out the recent history of FM translators for AM stations and explores questions for stations that are pursuing this tactic. Everything from when you can start building, to whether AM broadcasters are finding financial success.
Hear from broadcasters, translator veterans and technical experts including Ed Henson Jr., Bud Walters, Chuck Anderson, Sam Wallington, Timothy Warner, Ron Castro, Cal Zethmayr and John Garziglia.
Webinar: AM Translator Considerations
Host Chuck Kelly and guests Jeff Welton and John Garziglia explore what it takes to get an FM translator on the air successfully. John Garziglia is a specialist in Communications Law at Womble Carlyle in DC and has extensive FCC Attorney experience.
