Pocket FM

Target SDGs

Market Suggested Retail Price

$2,943.00

Target Users (Target Impact Group)

Household

Distributors / Implementing Organizations

Pocket FM is distributed by Media in Cooperation and Transition (MiCT).

Regions

Worldwide

Manufacturing/Building Method

Pocket FM is designed by Media in Cooperation and Transition in Germany and manufactured in Slovenia.

Intellectural Property Type

Select Type

User Provision Model

Pocket FM is provided directly through their website.

Distributions to Date Status

MiCT has implemented the Pocket FM in the “Ebola Bye Bye” FM radio project in Sierra Leone, in Syria and in refugee camps in Iraq, in Yemen, Sudan and in Tanzania.

Design Specifications

Pocket FM features a 25W FM transmitter which can, with the included antenna system properly installed, reach out in a radius up to 5 km. The device measures ca. 20x20x13 cm, is made from black aloxized aluminium, and the casing is a fanless, passive cooling design, which protects the box from dust and moisture. The transmitter is powered with 10 up to 15V, so it can be used with the included power adapter as well as with a car battery or in connection with a solar system, and includes a satellite receiver, a Wi-Fi module, a GSM/3G module and a position tracker. The device can also be audio fed through standard RCA analog-in.

Custom software runs on Raspberry Pi and been combined with various digital features to allow for remote controlling of the device via SMS, GSM/3G, satellite connection or WiFi, as well as determining the precise location of each device through GPS. This offers a way of transferring essential information by receiving cloud-based radio programs (i.e. internet-delivered content) via a satellite connection and then re-transmitting them using FM waves. A nearly unlimited range of programs can be broadcasted in difficult-to-reach, poorly connected regions or emergency situations worldwide. Powered by a small solar panel, the solution requires minimal maintenance and can run practically without interruption.

Product Schematics

Technical Support

Provided by the manufacturer.

Replacement Components

Unknown

Lifecycle

Unknown

Manufacturer Specified Performance Parameters

Pocket FM has a broadcast range of 5 km.

Vetted Performance Status

Pocket FM has been used to spread media campaigns around the prevention of the spread of Ebola in Sierra Leone and has enabled three million Syrians to listen to an alternative media.

Safety

No known safety hazards are related to this product.

Complementary Technical Systems

Pocket FM energy can be provided by traditional energy grid, solar panel, battery or an hybrid solution for back-up energy availability. MiCT facilitates purchase of the necessary hardware from partnering industry manufacturers of solar and wind energy systems. Additionally, a satellite dish can be added to a Pocket FM to re-broadcast provided programs to a larger network of remotely installed Pocket FMs.

Academic Research and References

Compliance with regulations

To install a radio station is required to comply with in-country FM regulatory framework. Commonly a licenses provided by local/country government is needed in order to broadcast.

Evaluation methods

Unknown

Other Information

The set up instruction are available on this YouTube Video.