C CRANE FM2 Digital FM Transmitter 2 for Sending Near Broadcast Instruction Manual
- June 6, 2024
- C CRANE
Table of Contents
C CRANE FM2 Digital FM Transmitter 2 for Sending Near Broadcast
PLEASE READ ALL THE INSTRUCTIONS COMPLETELY BEFORE USE AND SAVE THIS MANUAL FOR FUTURE REFERENCE.
Introduction/Owners Record
Thank you for purchasing the FM Transmitter 2. It transmits high-fidelity audio from any audio source such as a mobile phone, computer, television, powered microphone, smart speaker to any nearby FM radio. Superior engineering and construction techniques were used to bring you the highest quality FM transmitter possible. Digital tuning and Phase-Locked Loop technology have been incorporated for FM band frequency coverage from 88.1 MHz to 107.7 MHz, with stability and superb audio quality.
For your future reference:
Serial No. (Found inside battery compartment): _____
Date of purchase/ Name & address of dealer: __
CAUTION
- Before turning the unit on, set your volume control to a low setting.
- Slowly increase the sound until you can hear it comfortably and clearly without distortion.
- Long-term exposure to loud sounds may cause hearing damage. It is best to avoid high volume levels when using headphones/ earbuds, especially for extended periods.
Safety Instructions
CAUTION
RISK OF ELECTRIC SHOCK DO NOT OPEN
CAUTION: To reduce the risk of electric shock, do not remove the radio back. No user-serviceable parts inside. Refer servicing to qualified service personnel.
This symbol is intended to alert you to the presence of uninsulated dangerous voltage within the product’s enclosure that might be of sufficient magnitude to constitute a risk of electric shock. Do not open the product‘s case.
This symbol is intended to inform you that important operating and maintenance instructions are included in the literature accompanying this product.
READ BEFORE OPERATING EQUIPMENT. SAVE THESE INSTRUCTIONS.
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Read and understand all safety and operating instructions before the FM Transmitter 2 is operated.
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Retain Instructions: The safety and operating instructions should be retained for future reference.
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Heed Warnings: All warnings on this appliance and all operating instructions should be followed.
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Water and Moisture: The FM Transmitter 2 should not be used near water. Do not use near a bathtub, washbowl, laundry tub, kitchen sink, wet basement, swimming pool, etc. Risk of electric shock may result.
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Unplug the FM Transmitter 2 from the DC Power Adapter before cleaning. Only use a damp cloth for cleaning the exterior surfaces of the transmitter.
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Heat: Never put the FM Transmitter 2 in direct sunlight or behind glass such as a car’s interior. The transmitter should be kept away from heat sources such as radiators, heat registers, stoves, or other appliances that produce heat.
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DC Power Adapter: The DC Power Adapter should be positioned so it is not walked on, pinched, or items placed on top of it. All power and other cables should be routed away from walkways or areas of foot traffic to avoid being tripped on. Always unplug the DC Power Adapter by gripping the adapter unit and pulling it out of the wall socket. Never pull on the cord. Always operate the FM Transmitter 2 using the supplied DC Power Adapter. Adapters that are not correctly rated can damage the transmitter. If you are not sure of the correct DC Power Adapter, consult your dealer.
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Never insert objects of any kind into the FM Transmitter 2 through openings. The objects may touch dangerous voltage points or short out parts, causing damage to the transmitter.
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If the transmitter is stored for long periods of time, unplug it from the wall outlet and remove the batteries. This will prevent damage caused by lightning or power line surges and battery acid from old batteries leaking inside of the transmitter.
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Never attempt to service the FM Transmitter 2 yourself. Removing the cover may expose you to dangerous voltage levels and will void the warranty. Refer all servicing to authorized service personnel.
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The FM Transmitter 2 should be serviced by qualified service personnel when:
a) Objects have fallen or liquid has been spilled into the transmitter;
b) The transmitter has been exposed to rain;
c) The transmitter does not appear to operate normally or exhibits a marked change in performance; or
d) The transmitter has been dropped or the enclosure damaged. -
If liquid leaks into the transmitter, do not turn it on. The interior of the transmitter must be fully dry or it will be damaged when power is applied.
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The user should not attempt to service this transmitter beyond that described in the operating instructions. All other servicing should be referred to qualified service personnel. The symbols on page 2 are to alert you to important operation or servicing instructions that may appear in the owner’s manual.
Included Accessories
- AC Adapter
- Patchcord for use with RCA Line Out.
Unpacking
The box should contain the FM Transmitter, AC Adapter, patchcord for use with
RCA Line Out, this manual and a warranty card. If anything is missing or
damaged, please contact C. Crane immediately. We recommend that you keep the
box in the unlikely event that your radio needs servicing.
Location of Controls
Control Identification
- Power Button/Timer
- Audio Input Indicator
- Input Level Control
- Battery Strength Meter
- 1/8” (3.5mm) Audio Input Cable
- Up/Down Tuning
- Frequency Display
- DC Input Jack
- Telescopic Antenna
Connection to Power
The FM Transmitter 2 will operate on the included AC Adapter. It will also operate on two “AA” size Alkaline batteries (optional).
Battery Installation
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Open the cover by pushing down on the textured tab firmly and pushing the cover off toward the side of the unit, the same direction the textured arrow is pointing.
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Insert two “AA” batteries into the compartment as indicated in the drawing (at left). Be sure the negative (-) end is against the spring. Refer to the drawing to ensure correct battery installation. See page 7, #4 for location of Battery Strength Meter.
Tuning
To transmit audio from the FM Transmitter 2, it is best to find a clear FM frequency that is not being broadcast on and is free from interference.
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To find an unused frequency in your area, you can go to www.radiolocator.com, click on “find vacant channels” and enter your zip code and state. It will list vacant frequencies as “best”, “next best”, “third best’’. You can also use a radio and scan through the entire FM band (using a digital radio will be easiest). Look for the largest gap in between stations. Once you find a gap, select a frequency located somewhere in the middle. Example: If there are no stations broadcasting between 90.1 – 93.5, select 91.5. Preferably there won’t be a station broadcasting on either side of the frequency you have selected.
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Now on your FM Transmitter 2, turn the power on. Use the Up or Down Tuning Arrows to select the same frequency as you have set on your radio. Hold the arrows down for faster tuning.
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With the FM Transmitter 2 plugged into the radio, or other audio sources, make sure you have adequate volume. The Audio Input Indicator LED will flash green in normal use. If the LED light rapidly flashes red or glows steadily red, it is indicating there is too much volume, causing distortion. Adjust the Input Level Control on the side of the unit or adjust the volume of your audio source until the Audio Input Indicator LED light goes back to flashing green. (See page 7 for location of controls.)
Antenna Orientation
Start with the antenna straight up and fully extended. You can then orientate
the antenna to help transmit the signal a certain direction.
Tips to Make it Work Better
Location
Optimum placement for the FM Transmitter 2 is usually away from other
electronic devices and objects. The higher the transmitter is located the
better. The transmitter can be helped by placing it on something that will act
as a ground plane like a metal filing cabinet or a refrigerator. Try moving it
around for best performance.
Range is subject to many variables, including obstructions such as walls and
FM signal overload in your area. The range of the FM Transmitter 2 is between
30 and 75 feet, line of sight with no obstructions. Vehicle FM radios may
recieve further distances than a portable FM radio.
Auto Shut-Off Timer
The “Auto Shut-Off” will not work until you activate it. Press and hold the
Power Button until the words Auto-OFF appear in the display and the
transmitter begins to cycle through the available shut-off times. You can
choose from 1, 2, 3, 4 or 8 hour shut-off times. If you miss the time you
want, just keep holding the Power Button down and it will start over. To
select your time, let go of the button. Turning the power off and back on
clears the Auto Shut-Off.
Audio Sources
From a powered (condenser type) microphone: Connect the plug that is attached to the FM Transmitter 2 to the Line Out of the microphone. For larger more traditional mics, it would plug into the line out of the amp or audio mixer. Tune your radio or car stereo to the transmitting frequency.
From your internet radio, smart speaker or computer to your home stereo:
Connect the plug that is attached to the FM Transmitter 2 to the headphone
jack on your speakers or to the audio output of the computerʼs sound card.
Tune your receiver to the transmitting frequency.
From a mobile phone or tablet to your car stereo: Connect the plug that
is attached to the FM Transmitter 2 to the Line Out or headphone jack of the
phone.
Tune your car stereo to the transmitting frequency. Some products may require
a special adapter (known as a dongle) if it does not include a standard Line
Out or headphone jack.
From a portable radio to a pocket radio: Connect the plug that is attached to the FM Transmitter 2 to the Line Out or headphone jack of your radio. Tune your pocket radio to the transmitting frequency. This is sometimes good for office or warehouse environments where reception is only available in a window or other specific location.
Troubleshooting Guide
Audio is distorted:
Try adjusting the Input Level Control on the side of the FM Transmitter 2 (see
page 7,#3). If that doesn’t help, try adjusting the volume of your audio
source.
No Audio:
- Verify that the power on the FM Transmitter 2, your audio source, and your receiver are on.
- Try adjusting the Input Level Control on the side of the FM Transmitter 2. If that doesn’t help, try adjusting the volume of your audio source.
- Check your cable and make sure it is connected to the right audio source (see page 10).
- Check your frequency and make sure you are tuned to the correct frequency.
If none of the above options work, try the FM Transmitter 2 on another device.
Can I use the FM Transmitter 2 as a repeater?
As a matter of fact, yes, you can broadcast from one radio to another radio
and then rebroadcast from that radio to another radio. At some point, there is
likely to be loss, but it does work. Keep in mind it is still line of site.
Also, it will require multiple open frequencies for this to work.
Can I use it with a 12V plug (cigarette lighter) in my car?
Yes, but you will need one that has the ability to step down to the correct
voltage.
Is there any way to improve the range?
Yes, here are some things that can impact the range:
- The number of FM stations in the area.
- The quality of the FM receiver and the antenna – cars actually work quite well as receivers.
- The number of walls the signal needs to travel through, every wall presents a challenge to the line of site transmission so the more open the area with the fewer obstructions, the better.
- The types of walls (e.g. wood, metal, stucco, etc).
As a hobbyist, you can also search Google on ways to improve the range of the
“FM Transmitter 2” to see what others have done.
The output power of the FM Transmitter 2 is set to the maximum limit specified
by the FCC. Most of our customers achieve 40 – 60 feet depending on their
situation.
The signal will travel up to 70′ under good conditions. The FM Transmitter 2
will work better in a noise-free environment. In a noisy environment (such as
one with lots of FM and computer noise) you can expect less range. We
recommend extending the FM transmitter 2 input cable away from the computer
(or any other RF noisy device) when connected.
In open environments with minimal radio noise, the range of an FM Transmitter
2 can be easily increased by attaching a length of wire to the telescoping
whip antenna of the FM Transmitter 2. In our experiment, we attached a 31-inch
length of wire to the whip antenna of an FM Transmitter 2 using an alligator
clip. Please keep in mind you will need to comply with FCC rules and
regulations regarding interference. (Any wire will work. Any clip that secures
the wire to the transmitter’s antenna will work). We highly recommend our FM
Reflect-2 Dipole Antenna.
Check our blog at news.ccrane.com for more information.
Service Information:
If you have a specific scenario you would like to discuss, please call or
email our U.S.
Based Tech Support at:
[email protected]
If your unit requires service, call C. Crane at
1-800-522-8863.
Specifications
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FREQUENCY COVERAGE:
88.1 MHz – 107.7 MHz
Frequency Response 40 Hz – 15,000 Hz. -
AC ADAPTER:
5V 100mA; center tip negative; 5.5mm x 2.1 mm, female tip. -
DC Input Jack:
3-6V; center tip negative. -
AUDIO INPUT CORD:
3.5mm (1/8”) stereo, 5 ft. (extension cords are not recommended). -
PATCH CORD:
1/8” (3.5mm) Female X 2 RCA Male adapter. -
BATTERY LIFE:
A fresh set of 2 “AA” alkaline batteries lasts 120+ hours. -
DIMENSIONS:
3” W x 3.5” H x 1” D. -
WEIGHT:
5.8 oz. without batteries.
Note: Specifications are subject to change without notice.
Model: FM TRANSMITTER 2 – Patent #US D483,024 S
THIS DEVICE COMPLIES WITH PART 15 OF THE FCC RULES. OPERATION IS SUBJECT TO
THE FOLLOWING TWO CONDITIONS:
- THIS DEVICE MAY NOT CAUSE HARMFUL INTERFERENCE, AND
- THIS DEVICE MUST ACCEPT ANY INTERFERENCE RECEIVED, INCLUDING INTERFERENCE THAT MAY CAUSE UNDESIRED OPERATION.
Notice: Any changes or modifications not expressly approved by the party
responsible for compliance could void the user’s authority to operate the
equipment.
Copyright ©2020 by C. Crane, Fortuna, CA 95540
Phone: 1-800-522-8863 Web:
ccrane.com
All rights reserved. No part of this booklet may be reproduced, in any form or
means whatsoever, without permission in writing from C. Crane.
This device complies with part 15 of the FCC Rules. Operation is subject to the following two conditions:
- this device may not cause harmful interference, and
- this device must accept any interference received, including interference that may cause undesired operation.
Any changes or modifications not expressly approved by the party responsible for compliance could void the user’s authority to operate the equipment.
NOTE: This equipment has been tested and found to comply with the limits
for a Class B digital device, pursuant to Part 15 of the FCC Rules. These
limits are designed to provide reasonable protection against harmful
interference in a residential installation. This equipment generates, uses and
can radiate radio frequency energy and, if not installed and used in
accordance with the instructions, may cause harmful interference to radio
communications.
However, there is no guarantee that interference will not occur in a
particular installation.
If this equipment does cause harmful interference to radio or television
reception, which can be determined by turning the equipment off and on, the
user is encouraged to try to correct the interference by one or more of the
following measures:
- Reorient or relocate the receiving antenna.
- Increase the separation between the equipment and receiver.
- Connect the equipment into an outlet on a circuit different from that to which the receiver is connected.
- Consult the dealer or an experienced radio/TV technician for help.
The device has been evaluated to meet general RF exposure requirements. The
device can be used in portable exposure conditions without restriction
FCC ID: Q3F-FM STEREO
Documents / Resources
| C
CRANE FM2 Digital FM Transmitter 2 for Sending Near
Broadcast
[pdf] Instruction Manual
FMSTEREO, Q3F-FMSTEREO, Q3FFMSTEREO, FM2, Digital FM Transmitter 2 for Sending
Near Broadcast
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