TalkingSign AM transmitter with built in messaging
Broadcast your information locally to any AM radio using your own AM transmitter
 FCC approved - No license required! 

Imagine if you could have your own AM transmitter with a built-in messaging system that could deliver your information 24 hours a day, 7 days a week to any AM radio!

Ideal as an aid in selling your own home. Just add the channel tune-in information under your For Sale sign. Prospective buyers can then listen to all the features of your home that they cannot see from the outside; they will be more inclined to remember you and call!  You can also use it to enhance your business, promote your products or services or even start a community radio station! Typical broadcast range is 250 ft.

Our commercial-quality TS100 transmitter delivers professional results and is a breeze to operate. You can be up and running in 5 minutes - no technical knowledge is required. With 4 simple front-mounted controls, you can choose between 'live' or 'message' broadcasting from the built-in high-quality digital recording system which automatically repeats stored messages which can be up to 8 minutes long.

Because the TS100 transmitter is close-range, no license is required - just plug in and go. Includes wire antenna, lapel microphone, AC wall adapter and instruction manual. 

 

  

Applications

• Real estate
• Builders
• Local/personal broadcasting

Features

• Four easy to use controls located on front panel
• Holds dual messages * up to 8 minutes long in digital 'flash' chips (no moving parts to wear out)
• Messages recorded using lapel microphone or any other 'line' input device
• Up to 30 quartz synthesized AM channels available for transmission (1400 to 1690 kHz)
• Able to transmit "live" at the push of a button (audio on line and mic inputs is continuously transmitted)
• Internal mixer for microphone and line inputs
• Internal speaker monitor with volume control
• 12VDC vehicle power capable using cigarette lighter adapter (not included) 
• Included: AC wall adapter, 3 metre wire antenna, lapel microphone and user instructions
• Approved for legal unlicensed operation requiring no broadcast license in the USA and Canada with the following approvals: FCC: PEPTS100 ,  Industry Canada: 3897104143 , UL and CSA electrical safety.
• Dimensions: 9"W x 5.25"D x 2"H
• Ship weight: 4lb

* The TS100 can store dual messages: the first message usually remains 'fixed' while the second message changes often. Example: in a realtor application, a bank pays for advertising contained in the first message while property information is contained in the second message. As the unit is moved to a different property, the second message changes, while the first does not.

  

 

 

The TS100 AM transmitter is a quality product designed and manufactured in Canada. Advanced technology surface-mount electronics combined with a durable steel casing offers outstanding performance and long service life. Above all, the TS100 was designed to be intuitive and easy to use so that you can be up and running in minutes.

The picture below shows the rear of the unit with a brief explanation:

ANTENNA TUNER
Used in conjunction with tuning meter on fron tof unit.  Just turn knob until meter reads maximum for best transmitting range.

ANTENNA SELECTOR
Normally this is kept in the '3M WIRE' position, however, the TS100 can be connected to other equipment through a standard '50 OHM' interface.

ANTENNA CONNECTOR
This is where the 3 metre wire antenna (inlcluded) connects.

FREQUENCY SELECTOR
Select 1 of 30 channels to transmit on.

+12 VOLT POWER JACK
This is where the AC wall adapter (included) connects. You can obtain a cigarette adapter from Radio Shack that allows the TS100 to operate from a vehicle power source.

FRONT PANEL SWITCH LOCK
This control disables the front push button controls preventing accidental changes to the stored message.

MONITOR SPEAKER VOLUME
Used to control the volume of the internal loudspeaker.

MIC AND LINE INPUTS
These inputs are used for recording the message and for 'LIVE' broadcasting. A microphone (included) can be connected to 'MIC IN' and any other audio source can be connected to 'LINE IN'. These two inputs mix together.

 

Please refer to the  TS100_User_manual.pdf  for operational details (requires Adobe Reader).

(If you do not have Adobe Reader, you can download it for free here.)

 

FAQ

What is the TS100?
The TalkingSign™ TS100 is a short-range am radio transmitter with built-in digital message storage that can be operated license- free. It continuously broadcasts a repeating message up to 8 minutes long to conventional nearby AM radios (messages repeat immediately even if they are shorter). 'Tune-in' signs tell listeners which frequency to tune to.

Why use this technology?
Listening is one of the easiest and most direct ways to convey information. It is non-threatening, discrete and private. Your listeners are relaxed and so become absorbed in your message, which has been crafted for maximum impact. You have control over what they hear and can provide just the right amount of information to sell your product or service. Customers have become used to getting instant information and that's what the TS100 provides.

A perfect application for realtors and others!
This type of system has proven to be extremely successful in the real estate industry because the majority of homebuyers drive around neighborhoods where they would like to live and the TS100 can provide instant information about the property which cannot be seen from the street. Result: the property is more likely to be remembered and has a greater chance of being sold. Businesses, stores, trades, builders and many more can enjoy similar benefits.

What range can I expect from these transmitters?
Because the TS100 is a low power transmitter it is easily compromised by:

• commercial broadcasts on the same frequency (make sure the chosen channel is absolutely clear)
• skywave effects evident when the sun sets (far away commercial stations on the same frequency entering into your area may make your station unuseable at night)
• new IBOC digital broadcasting may make your station unuseable at night and may compromise your range even during the day (currently a contentious issue with broadcasters and the FCC and may change in the future)
• shielding effects of buildings (metal studs, roofs etc. - proper placement can yield better results)
• sensitivity of the receiver (cars radios are usually more sensitive than portables)

Hence, the resulting coverage may, in some severe cases be only 100ft, but typically a range of 300ft is normal.

For best range, the TS100 can be mounted outside in a weatherproof cabinet. Here is a cabinet that fits the TS100. Mount the cabinet on a wooden or plastic pole. Drill a small hole in the top side of the cabinet and extend the flexi antenna up and attach to the pole vertically. Weatherproof around the antenna hole with silicone. Depending on your AC input, you may have to further ground the AC receptacle in the cabinet to a ground rod driven into the earth below the installation. From experience, this method seems to provide the best coverage. 

 Do I need an operators license to broadcast?
No. The TalkingSign™ is fully FCC and Industry Canada approved for non-licensed operation throughout North America.

Why transmit on AM rather than FM?
Low power AM radio transmitters go much further than their FM counterparts and there are more 'clear' frequencies on AM especially in urban areas. Signals from FM units tend to be easily absorbed by obstructions especially when transmitting on such low power levels.

Why are there only 30 channels - why not tune the entire AM band?
Because the FCC only allows a 3 metre antenna on a low power unlicensed transmitter, the higher frequencies radiate almost 10 times more efficiently than the lower ones. The TalkingSign™ has been optimized to run at the top end of the band, and as a bonus, there are less commercial stations to interfere with.

What happens if I choose a frequency that is being used by a commercial radio station?
You will get a very short range. If the commercial station is powerful, you may only get a range of a few feet! It is very important that you choose a completely clear band to transmit on.

Why is my transmit range reduced at night?
Radio signals travel further at night as they bend around the Earth’s surface causing distant signals to make it into your area. The TS100 is a low power transmitter and as such, any ‘competition’ with another transmitter will reduce the effective range of your transmission. You should expect reduced range at night.

Can I operate TS100s on the same frequency?
Yes, as long as they are far enough apart. Because frequencies are not absolutely exact, two TS100s close together on the same frequency will interfere with one another. The signal strength from the TS100 gradually fades out the further away the receiver is moved. If you had close units, you would set them at different frequencies.

What is the purpose of dual messages?
Dual messaging allows a 'sponsor' message to be added and not erased during normal usage; it is a tool for earning extra income. For example: in a real estate application, you might have a bank sponsor mention their mortgage rates as the first message followed by details of the property for sale as the second message. When the TS100 is moved to a new property, the details of the new property may be changed while leaving the bank sponsor message unaffected.

How do I choose the best transmit frequency?
Before you choose one of the 30 channels from 1400kHz to 1690kHz, make sure it is clear by listening on your car radio in the area in which you are going to use the transmitter. You should just hear ‘static’, no music or talking; if you want to use the transmitter at night, make sure the channel is clear at night too. Radio signals travel further at night as they bend around the Earth’s surface causing distant signals to make it into your area. The TS100 is a low power transmitter and as such, any ‘competition’ with another transmitter will reduce the effective range of your transmission.

Where is the best place to locate the TS100 inside a house?
Often the best place to locate the TS100 in a house is the upstairs bedroom nearest to the street (where people stop to listen). Place the TS100 on the floor and run the antenna along the floor near the baseboard. The extra height gained will result in improved range.

My setup has been done properly, but my range is still not that good - why?
Appropriate positioning is required when placing the wire antenna. Placing it near to metal such as aluminum siding, metal garage doors, wire mesh under ceramic floors and behind stucco walls etc. will effectively shield your signal and reduce the transmit range. Sometimes it is best to place the antenna in the middle of the house - experiment for best performance.

Does the messaging system ever wear out if it runs continuously?
No, theoretically, it should last forever! Your message is stored on digital electronic chips - there are no moving parts to wear out.

Will I lose my recorded message if the power to the TS100 fails?
No! The messaging chips are 'flash' technology, which requires no power to retain data. As soon as the power is restored, the message will continue playing.