RSL - FM licence

FM Broadcasting

Ofcom currently offers FM RSL licences on four tariffs of fees:

• the first for small-scale coverage with power levels of up to 1 Watt
• the second for wider coverage using power levels of up to 25 Watts (typically between 10W and 25W)
• Special 'in-stadia' frequencies are available to cater for dedicated information services with coverage limited to within sports stadia
• Finally, Audio Description Service (ADS) licences are available, currently on an extended trial basis, on much lower FM frequencies. This caters for other special information delivery requirements such as compliance with the new Disability Discrimination legislation in sports stadia and arenas

Radica are happy to advise on what is most suitable for your needs, and on realistic coverage expectations. We will always provide a transmission system which will comfortably deliver the correct power level for a particular licence taking into account all system variables such as coax cable length, filters etc.

1 Watt Systems

For licences of up to 1 Watt we use our own Radica FM05 Transmitter. This is a well-proven 2U rack-mountable unit rated at 5W which offers superb RF performance and audio quality. The transmitter is fully frequency agile between 87-108MHz and has an integral stereo generator and deviation limiter. Audio is delivered to the unit via two balanced XLR sockets, which can be internally jumpered to accept a source impedance of either 600 Ohms or 10k Ohms. Alternatively the FM05 can accept a multiplex (broadcast stereo) signal via a stereo ¼" jack socket.

25 Watt Systems

For systems up to 25 Watts (the Radio Authority may licence lower powers in some cities) we use the Radica FM05 as an initial exciter and then add the Radica FM50 power amplifier to boost power output up to the level required. The Radica FM50 is adjustable up to a maximum output of 50W. Having this amount of power ensures that after cable losses and filters have been accounted for, it is still easy to deliver the full licenced power output to the antenna without needing to operate the equipment near its rated limits.

All our systems include built in deviation limiters and are supplied fully pre-tested, set to your broadcast frequency and power level.

Enhancements to provide a complete high-performance professional transmission package are also available, including RDS (pre-programmed to your specification, and with optional TA flag switching) and an extensive range of audio processing equipment (see the 'Why do I need audio processing?' page).

An experienced engineer can install the equipment on site, or we can supply a complete system together with coaxial cable of the required length, antenna and fixing brackets to be installed by local personnel.

In-stadia and ADS Systems:

Radica has more experience of in-stadia and ADS systems that any other broadcaster. This is hardly surprising as we pioneered both systems in the UK and abroad. Our knowledge of the inherent characteristics of broadcasting within stadia is unrivalled with successful transmissions completed at many major football, rugby grounds and other sporting arenas in the UK, the US, France, Italy, Ireland, Belgium and South Africa.

A specially adapted transmitter and antenna system is used and applications have included dedicated commentary services for spectators and delivery of an audio description service for visually impaired sports fans.