Basic Equipment for a UNESCO-supported Community Radio Station (Prices in US Dollars)
BOX 4: Basic Equipment for a UNESCO-supported Community Radio Station (Prices in US Dollars)
Item No.Description
Unit price
Total
Item No.Description
Unit price Total
TRANSMISSION EQUIPMENT
1.2 FM Stereo Transmitters, 100 Watt
22.1 MIC cable (100 m role)
Note: one as a standby transmitter
23.1 Audio cable (100 m role)
Wide-band Omni-directional Antenna
50 200 (four layer with splitter, set for the allotted
24. 4 Automatic voltage regulators
50 50 FM Frequency of the station)
25. 1 Multi-tester + assorted repair equipment set
Total Studio and Field Equipment US$
3. 1 Heliax antenna cable (50 Meter) and connectors
4. 1 A1000 Two channel compressor and limiter
5.1 Locally fabricated antenna mast and anchors
Transmission equipment total US$
STUDIO AND FIELD EQUIPMENT
COMMUNITY RADIO BASIC EQUIPMENT TOTAL US$ 18,390
6.1 Professional Studio Console with built in telephone hybrid, 10+10 watt amplifier for studio monitors, stereo monitor output for cue, talkback microphone,
Additional Costs: Support to community fo building remuneration and studio VCA feeders with a total of 7 mono inputs/
fabrication - US$ 2,500;
(Consumables and costs for energy source not included:) 7. 2 PMC Studio Monitor Speakers ( Power ouput 150 watts)
9 stereo inputs, 3 mono outputs/8 stereo outputs
Unit price Total 9. 1 CD Changer
8. 2 Dual Auto Reverse Cassette Deck
Item No.Description
OPTIONAL (Computer based Audio and news processing)
1 2 Digital Audio Computer Workstation PIII-700 with 20 GB 12. 2 Utility Mixer with XLR input
11. 5 Dynamic Microphones with Windshields
HDD,CD-R Drive (SCSI), USB port,
13.3 Microphone stand with swinging arm
Speakers and a Sound Card (Sound Blaster) with Windows 98/2000
1,500 3,000 14. 2 Microphone desk stand (flexible)
2. 2 USB Interface controller, with two XLR inputs,
15.5 Portable cassette recorders with XLR mic inputs
two balanced 1/4” TRS inputs,
and carrying case
two unbalanced 1/4” inputs and S/PDIF I/O.
16.5 Dynamic Microphones for portable casette recorders
Four channels of audio in and two out simultaneously via USB.600 1,200 17. 2 Quartz Clock, Diameter 25 cm hours/mins/seconds
400 400 18.40 XLRMF Canon connectors (20 Male and 20 Female)
25 50 3. 1 Editing software package
3 300 19. 20 Phono connectors Male
4. 100 CD-R Media (CD re-writeble)
3 60 5.1 Internet ready Computer withWindows 98 + MS-WORD 1,100 1,100 20. 20 Phono connectors Female
750 750 21. 25 RCA connectors
3 60 6.1 Laser Printer
1 25 Total Optional Computer Equipment US$
Chapter 5
Getting Started
his chapter sets out the various practical steps involved in setting up a community radio service,
Proper research and planning are
beginning with ascertaining the legislative context and conducting a proper consultation and
essential for starting a community radio service. The process should begin
analysis process in the community. A qualitative research method based on Focus Group
with the gathering of information from
Discussions is outlined for this process.
various sources, but in particular from
The value of drawing up a Mission Statement for the radio station is explained, and the involvement
the community itself.
of religious authorities, local educational institutions, and politicians is discussed.
A series of questions that need answers is provided in Box 6 at the end of the
The technical and social criteria for choosing the site in the community for the studio and the
Chapter. The sections that follow here
transmitter and antenna are outlined. Alternative models, including loudspeaker systems, are
expand on those questions and are
described, as are the main factors governing the choice of power of the transmitter.
intended as guidance for in-country
Later sections deal with ownership and management, staff, sustainability, and looking for outside
people, groups, or organizations that are planning a community radio.
funding. The issue of advertising, and its implications where permitted, are discussed in some detail.