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100kW EIRP Complete FM Radio Transmitter Broadcasting System
Unmatched System Reliability and Uptime
The primary advantage of this modular 8 x 1kW amplifier architecture is unprecedented system reliability, a core tenet of professional broadcasting.
• Near-Impossible Complete Shutdown: A catastrophic signal failure or complete shutdown can only occur if all eight (8) Aareff 1kW amplifiers fail simultaneously. The probability of this event is extremely low, ensuring super high odds of continuous operation.
• Optimal Configuration: For broadcasters prioritizing maximum system uptime and a guaranteed station on air, always, with no breakdowns, utilizing 8 or more individual Aareff 1kW amplifiers provides the perfect, most reliable solution.
Maximum FM Broadcast Range: How Far Can 100kW Reach?
This is about as big as it gets, there are not many systems bigger than this and even if there are, it's pretty difficult to exceed the 200km distance with any amount of power due to the earths curvature. With the antennas mounted on a high mast on high ground we have had reports from clients saying they have received calls from listeners up to 200km away. Admittedly, this distance is the extreme limit of 100kW, but is absolutely possible. Normal reception would be about half this at 100km when you take the average signal, terrain etc. into account. But remember, power is not always about distance, power is sometimes required to penetrate the dense construction in some cities with tall concrete and steel buildings.
• Maximum Potential: While rare, anecdotal reports from operators running 100kW Aareff systems confirm successful reception up to the 200km limit. This is often considered the extreme boundary for a 100kW signal.
• Normal Coverage: Under average terrain, signal, and atmospheric conditions, a reliable and consistent service area is typically around 100km (62 miles).
• Power for Penetration: Some of the large mega stations in the US use this power level, in densely populated urban areas, such as major U.S. cities like Los Angeles KBIG, KLOS and KTWV high power (100kW) is crucial. It's often required not for distance, but to penetrate the substantial signal attenuation caused by tall concrete and steel buildings.
Click here to see pictures of Peoples FM 104.1 (50kW EIRP FM transmitter system) who installed the predecessor 50kW EIRP version of this. Basically the same system but using 800W amplifiers instead of 1kW amplifiers used in the version. The installation crew did a great job and on test reported reception up to 200km in some directions, this was absolutely amazing.
8kW FM Transmitter Power
To achieve 100kW EIRP only 8kW of FM transmitter power is needed if the correct antenna is installed with high grade coaxial cable. The 8kW of FM transmitter power comes from 8 separate 1kW amplifiers that are driven by a distribution amplifier and Veronica® 1W PLL driver. All our big systems above 10kW EIRP are configured this way using more than just a single 1kW amplifier. Due to this a complete shutdown or signal failure can only occur if the 8 amplifiers (1kW each) go down at exactly the same time, this is nearly impossible with super high odds. So if you need system reliability and a station on air, always, with no breakdowns, 8 or more if possible, 1kW amplifiers are perfect.
The Importance of Redundancy in FM Transmitter Systems
System redundancy is absolutely critical. This engineering concept is the driving force behind why the 8x 1kW modular amplifier architecture delivers superior reliability for professional FM broadcasting systems.
Key Benefits of Redundancy in this High Power System:
• Near-Zero Downtime: This is the biggest benefit. If one of the eight individual 1kW amplifiers fails, the other seven amplifiers continue to transmit. The station's power drops slightly (from 8kW to 7kW), but the signal remains on air. A complete signal failure only occurs if all eight units fail simultaneously, which is highly improbable.
• Hot-Swappable Maintenance: Technicians can often replace a failed 1kW module while the remaining amplifiers are still operating. This allows for scheduled or emergency maintenance without taking the station off air, maximizing system uptime.
• Load Sharing & Extended Lifespan: By dividing the total power requirement (8kW) across multiple smaller units, each amplifier operates under a lighter load than a single, monolithic 8kW unit would. This reduced thermal and electrical stress generally leads to a longer lifespan and greater stability for the individual components.
• Scalability and Flexibility: A modular system allows for easier future upgrades or adjustments. If power requirements increase, you can often add more amplifier modules rather than replacing the entire transmitter.
Includes RDS (Radio Data System)
RDS is now included on all stereo transmitters with audio processing. RDS shows your station name and more scrolling across the car radio display.
This RDS is not just ordinary RDS, it is fully programmable dynamic RDS. This means the transmitter can be connected to a PC by a USB cable. The transmitters RDS circuit can be programmed to pick the Artist and Song name from any folder on the PC disk drive. This folder is easy to set up in the DJ playout software, like Zara Studio etc.
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PACKAGE CHECKLIST
| Qty | Description | Item |
| 1 | FM Stereo Driver with Audio Processing |  |
| 1 | Distribution Splitter Amplifier |  |
| 8 | 1000W FM Power Amplifier |  |
| 8 | LMR600 40m /131ft Cables |  |
| 1 | All Other Connecting Cables |  |
| 8 | Broadband High Power Folded Dipole Antenna with Tower Mounting Clamps |  |
|
LIMITED WARRANTY |
FM Stereo Audio and Processing: Achieving Loud, Crisp Broadcast Quality
THE SIGNAL FOUNDATION: LOW NOISE AND HIGH STABILITY
The high-quality FM signal begins with the internal Veronica PLL (Phase-Locked Loop) driver, which serves as the 1W Exciter.
• Function: Produces a super low noise and highly stable FM signal.
• Trustworthiness: Using a trusted PLL driver is fundamental to preventing drift and ensuring carrier integrity, a hallmark of professional-grade equipment.
• Resource: More information on this core component can be found in our 1W Exciter (PLL driver)
INTERNAL AUDIO PROCESSING FOR LISTENERS
After the PLL generates the stable carrier, the internal processing boards take over to shape the audio for the best listener experience:
1. Internal Stereo Coder: Generates the FM stereo signal.
2. Internal Audio Processor: Applies dynamic processing (like limiting and compression) to ensure a loud and crisp audio signal on the listener's radio.
PROFESSIONAL FLEXIBILITY: EXTERNAL PROCESSOR INTEGRATION
For expert broadcasters who utilize specialized external equipment, our system offers complete bypass capabilities.
• Integration: If you are an audio professional preferring an external processor (such as Orban, Inovonics, or PC-generated MPX/RDS signals), the system is fully flexible.
• Bypass Capability: The internal limiter, stereo coder, and audio processor boards can be completely disabled.
• Benefit: This flexibility ensures that the signal chain meets the exact, precise specifications and processing signature required by the station's chief engineer.
40m (130 Ft) LMR-600 Coaxial Cable: Flexible Options & Low Loss
LMR-600 Specifications and Performance.
The standard 40-meter (130 ft) run of LMR-600 coaxial cable is chosen for its high specification and efficiency:
• Low-Loss Guarantee: Features just over a fraction of 1dB loss for 40mt at 100MHz, ensuring minimal power waste.
• Default Cable Type: The supplied cable is robust yet flexible, significantly easing the installation process.
Customization and Length Flexibility.
We offer options to meet specific installation needs and professional preferences:
• Rigid Cable Preference: If your installation requires a more rigid cable type, we can change the system upon request at no extra charge.
• Extra Length: If 40m is not sufficient in length, we will provide a quote for the additional length at a small cost.
100kW Maximum FM Transmission Range Chart: Real-World Listener Data
Understanding Typical Broadcast Coverage.
The following range chart is derived from real-world customer reporting, providing a reliable baseline for expected broadcast coverage. This data reflects the typical ranges really ever recorded by stations utilizing this 100kW EIRP system.
• Data Source: Based on average customer reports in some directions.
• Verification: Reports are primarily compiled from direct listener communication (phone, text, WhatsApp, etc.) to radio station programs operated by our customers.
It is important to understand that FM transmission range is very difficult to predict precisely due to numerous influencing variables (e.g., terrain, antenna height, atmospheric conditions, local noise floor). For a detailed breakdown of the factors affecting signal propagation, refer to our dedicated page FM Transmission Range
2 dBi Antenna Gain: The Key to Long-Range FM Transmission
System Importance & Key Specifications
The antenna system is the most critical component for maximizing range, directly dictating signal coverage.
• Antenna Type: Uses eight optimally spaced folded dipoles.
• Achieved Gain: Produces 12 dBi of antenna gain.
• Resulting Power: This gain effectively multiplies the signal pointing to the horizon by 15.85 times (due to 12 dBi), resulting in a massive EIRP transmission signal.
Antenna length, shape, installation, and height are the primary factors determining signal reach (tens of miles vs. less than one mile). A high-gain antenna is essential for achieving long-range FM coverage.
DECLARATION OF CONFORMITY
European Union
We hereby declare that this equipment complies with;
• ETS 300384 European Telecommunications Harmonised Standard when used with an audio compressor limiter supplied and tested by Aareff
• EN 301489-11 V1.3.1 (2006-05) EMC Electromagnetic Compatibility when used with 1 meter AC mains cord supplied. If the installation engineer needs to extend this cord, this and the audio input cable should be no more than 3 meters in length to remain in compliance with EMC directive.
• 2006/95/EC Directive (2006-12) LVD Low Voltage Directive.
Equipment compliance is possible using equipment from and in conjunction from other manufacturers, but since this is beyond the control of Aareff Systems, Aareff Systems cannot or be expected to guarantee compliance in this situation.
United States
The following list are the FCC technical requirements for FM broadcasting. We confirm and verify that this transmitter complies with the technical requirements.
47 CFR Chapter I Federal Communications Commission sections:
• 73.1560, 2.1046 RF Power
• 73.1545, 2.1055 Frequency Stability
• 73.317, 2.1049 (e)(3) Emission Limitation, Emission Mask
• 73.317, 2.1057, 2.1051 Emission Limits, Spurious Emissions at Antenna Terminal
• 73.317, 2.1057, 2.1053 Emission Limits, Field Strength of Spurious Emissions
