06-17-2009, 01:17 AM
Arran Wrote:I performed a little research on the old FM band on the internet, I also ran across an article in an old 1945 copy of radio craft. The 42 to 50 megacycle band was switched from FM broadcasting to amateur use in November of 1945 I believe, then later on it was assigned to "Citizen's Band" use. In theory there could be CB activity in that band but I don't know whether you could listen in on an early FM set as the modulation is different, one of our experts would know. I was way off regarding the TV sound, I forgot that the Soviet set that could pick it up was in the 60-74 MC range, the old FM standard for Eastern Europe.
Here's my next point, given the interest in home broadcasting with limited range transmitters, it would make sense to construct such a unit to make use of an otherwise useless band. Given the old radio hobby I'm going to make a guess that someone has already done this.
Best Regards
Arran
When FM broadcast was moved up to the current frequencies. The 42-50 was relegated to police/fire/forest/military and other services. The upper portion was also slated for channel 1 TV which was never used. Later, 45 -49.9 was used for cordless telephones, baby monitors and low power two way walkie talkies (Rat Shack sold a boat load). The lower portion was still public service use. Also, some military use is also mixed in.
The CB band as we know it operates from 26.9 through 27.4 mc AM, not FM (though you may hear FM with those illegal "export" sets). You can still hear the occasional baby monitor and cordless telephone in that band. But that's about it. Last year I heard a baby monitor while tunning across the band with my Zenith. Not sure which neighbor as the ones close do not have a baby. That surprised me.
-Brian
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