What would you consider more appropriate hobbyist kit?
$140 for a solution that works with existing receivers compares pretty nicely with, say, Bluetooth speakers (starting at about $50 and running well north, per set).
I've a number of FM-capable tuners lying around, and could pick up more quite cheaply. The transmitter's the key kit.
I purchased a $40 FM broadcast device from Amazon [0] (two TRS-inputs), five years ago, which has been wonderful (advertised for churches and drive-in theaters); it is simple and powerful (at least 150ft). I have five radios tuned to it (no syncing lo-tech); connected to my SiriusXM it's endless tunes – my neighborhood can also join in (and does).
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Wouldn't surprise me if it was $140, now // [looked-up: it's $80]
Firstly, I think that unit, for what it is and who it's for is priced exactly right. It's for a non-technical end user who wants an easy to use off the shelf product. I think it's pretty cool.
I'd be more in the market for a bare PCB rather than the nice case. I don't need the LCD, either. I'm looking for a fundamentally different product and more in the $50 to $75 range.
$140 for a solution that works with existing receivers compares pretty nicely with, say, Bluetooth speakers (starting at about $50 and running well north, per set).
I've a number of FM-capable tuners lying around, and could pick up more quite cheaply. The transmitter's the key kit.