Create Your Own FM Radio Station with the PCI Max 2005

By | January 17th, 2006 comments icon (6) Comments


pci max fm transmitterMost of the devices we cover that stream music across your house use either a wired or wireless network of some sort. So, when an option comes around that is simple in nature, but innovative in spirit, you have to celebrate it. That describes the PCI Max 2005 almost perfectly (via Automated Home). The PCI Max 2005 is a computer card that, with the bundled software, turns your PC into an FM Transmitting station. Any ordinary FM receiver can grab the signal, so you can literally have your music “streamed” anywhere in your house!

The designers of the card knew well what they were doing and took the necessary precautions in making a great card. The onboard DSP stereo encoder and DC/DC converter ensures a clean sound by eliminating PC noise from the transmission. Feel like sharing your music mix with your neighbors (and the neighborhood for that matter)? Then pick up the optional 15-Watt booster to send your signal as far as 5 miles! For those of us in the U.S., we’ll have to look elsewhere for our broadcasting abilities, as the booster is for EXPORT ONLY. However, the optional LED expansion allows you to view and make changes to the frequency without having to use the computer. The PCI Max 2005 isn’t cheap – it will run you $219.95 for the card alone. However, if you’re looking for an innovative way to get your tunes around your house without buying into a closed system, this may be one of the best options available.





Filed in: Peripherals

  • http://www.alexandergrundner.com Alexander Grundner

    That’s awesome! Create your own radio station, huh? I can see something like this not only being popular in the home, but the college dorm room as well. Nice find.

  • David Walker

    I love innovative products like this. It’s a simple concept, but it really opens up a flood of options like the college dorm room idea. Fantastic!

  • melvin

    I really would want to see a review of this before I’d run out and buy this. There are a few issues you have to look out for with FM transmitters. I’ve gotten 2 different transmitters in the past for mp3 players and had trouble with both

    First, in the US, you can only transmit with limited power without a license. That way, a radio station doesn’t have to worry about amauters overriding their signal. As well, I’m sure your neighbor would not like you blocking their favorite tejano station with your death metal. I’m sure that’s the reason upgraded output is only allowed for export. I’m not sure what the power would be, but I’d be hesitant to assume it’s going to handle the range you want it to.

    Second, depending on your location, you are going to be hard pressed to find an open frequency. I live just outside of Houston, and it is virtually impossible. Even while traveling I usually have to settle for transmitting on a frequency that is already used by a weak signal.

    Third, this is still just radio. Just like any radio station, you are going to get below CD quality at best.

    Fourth, you can get an FM transmitter for around $25 that plugs in directly to a mini-plug jack. Unless the transmission quality is that much better or there is software that works with the card better, I’d recommend spending $25 and play music with your existing media player over $220 if FM transmission is the route you want to take.

    Bonus:
    Fifth, if you get a stand alone FM transmitter, you can use it with an mp3 player as well…meaning you theortically can use it in a car when traveling.

  • sdsdv10

    melvin, excellent comments.

    Two additional things,

    1.) I addition to the issues melvin commented on above, without some form of remote control to change songs or reprogram playlists/songs no one is going to buy this thing.

    2.) More importantly, this item will not be available in the US. If you follow all the links you will come to the comment;
    “Sorry US residents the PCI-MAX transmitter is available for EXPORT ONLY (or with a signed “export agreement” form).”

    Exporting isn’t limited to just the booster, but the basic card itself. So that makes it a non-starter here in the US.

    http://www.progressive-concepts.com…tem.html?id=288

    Regardless of availability, how many students do you know that have an extra ~$215 to buy a single add in card for a PC. Additionally, most students these days are going to be using laptops rather than desktop PC, meaning no PCI expansion slots. It is more likely that students with that kind of money would end up buying an iPod or other mp3 player to listen to music.

    Where I would see this thing working is in a business environment requiring piped in FM signal for information or entertainment purposes. From the Progressive Concepts link above, you will find “Perfect for fully automated guided tours, small scale advertising, wireless link from your PC to your stereo… “. In that purpose, it does represent a inexpesive transmitting solution.

    But in the home, it would require someone to get access to the computer to change songs/output and such, users would quickly tire of having to run to the computer room to hear a favorite song. Ror example look at the Sonos system, where the remote control unit is one of the main selling points. This thing doesn’t have anyway for someone to remotely change anything… as far as I am concerned that is a no go in my home.

    This comment is for Alexander and David. Sorry to take this off topic.
    I really like your website. The information is more complete with more links than many other technology websites, but the lack of critical analysis is kind of a downer. You guys seem to gush over everything you post about, but many of them have significant design flaws. Certainly your breathe of knowledge on all the new systems should give you plenty of background to at least point out some of these issues. That would greatly enhance your creditability in my eyes (an possibly other readers). This isn’t a personnel jab, just one readers opinion.

    Don

    P.S. Alexander, I don’t have a Xbox 360, but I really appreciated you note on the Xbox Live security issues. The posters on that thread were way out of line in their criticism. That is the kind of analysis/commenting I would like to see more of in the future.

  • http://www.alexandergrundner.com Alexander Grundner

    sdsdv10 said:  Alexander, I don’t have a Xbox 360, but I really appreciated you note on the Xbox Live security issues. The posters on that thread were way out of line in their criticism. That is the kind of analysis/commenting I would like to see more of in the future.

    Thanks, Don. You should have added this comment to the actual thread ;)

    sdsdv10 said: This comment is for Alexander and David. Sorry to take this off topic.
    I really like your website. The information is more complete with more links than many other technology websites, but the lack of critical analysis is kind of a downer. You guys seem to gush over everything you post about, but many of them have significant design flaws. Certainly your breathe of knowledge on all the new systems should give you plenty of background to at least point out some of these issues. That would greatly enhance your creditability in my eyes (an possibly other readers). This isn’t a personnel jab, just one readers opinion.

    Sometimes it’s hard to point out problems when we actually don’t have the products or services in front of us. But I respect what you’re saying and appreciate the feedback. In this case, an FM PC transmitter just sounded soooo cool. I couldn’t help “gushing” over it by adding a favorable comment :D

  • David Walker

    sdsdv10 said: This comment is for Alexander and David. Sorry to take this off topic.
    I really like your website. The information is more complete with more links than many other technology websites, but the lack of critical analysis is kind of a downer. You guys seem to gush over everything you post about, but many of them have significant design flaws. Certainly your breathe of knowledge on all the new systems should give you plenty of background to at least point out some of these issues. That would greatly enhance your creditability in my eyes (an possibly other readers). This isn’t a personnel jab, just one readers opinion.

    Don

    P.S. Alexander, I don’t have a Xbox 360, but I really appreciated you note on the Xbox Live security issues. The posters on that thread were way out of line in their criticism. That is the kind of analysis/commenting I would like to see more of in the future.

    Don, since I posted this particular story, I’ll respond. First, we appreciate your participation in the forums and any feedback you have for us. Constructive criticism (vs. fanboy negativity) is certainly welcome.

    Regarding the FM tuner, I didn’t realize it wasn’t available stateside yet. It was my understanding that only the FM booster was EXPORT only. Where I saw this particular device being handy (in the home) was in its ability to distribute your music to any room in the house without the need for a proprietary device or setup like the Sonos units. If you had as little as FM capable jogging headphones, you could listen to your music. In my mind’s eye, I saw a great use in that. I could see myself setting up a playlist on my media center, streaming via FM, and listening while I worked out in another room on the treadmill or on the weight bench. Instead of listening to boring FM stations, I could create my own mix.

    That said, I personally don’t always offer a critical analysis on items for a couple of reasons: 1) We want people to participate in the forums to give their thoughts – like your well constructed one – so that the community as a whole can evaluate a product and derive conclusions from a wealth of opinions, not just mine and 2) Unless I’m doing a full-blown review, I don’t feel comfortable doing a deep analysis other than a first impression.

    Again – thanks for your comments. They are TRULY appreciated.