Hello

[Jellybean]

Hello

I'm Jellybean, I'm from Wales and only got an interest in FM radio recently after seeing and building Tetsuo Kogawas FM transmitters.

I've got plenty of experience in software but something like a larger PLL radio set up is a big jump for me. That's what I'm here to learn though.

Nice to meet you all!

[Bton-FM]

Welcome aboard!

[BriansBrain]

Hello... and Welcome

Now...

...I'm from Wales...

Is that South or North

... I've got plenty of experience in software...

Would that be using it... or writing it ( programming)

[Jellybean]

Big thank you both

Would that be using it... or writing it ( programming)

Writing it, or both, I guess

and south wales, apparently aberystwyth is the place for radio shows though.

[BriansBrain]

Would that be using it... or writing it ( programming)

Writing it, or both, I guess

and south wales, apparently aberystwyth is the place for radio shows though.

OK...

BTW: I lived in N. Wales once, that's why I asked.

Writing..... Interesing.....

What sort of progs ?
What language ?

[Jellybean]

Way more mobile apps than I'd like to be doing, but I started out learning to make video games. Java, C#, C++ and python are the ones I'm always comfortable saying I know how to use.

N Wales is definitely the nicer half. They've got the bonus language too

I'm actually struggling to find information on how a Tx works on a component level. Everything I can find online is more like a physics level that explains the difference between AM and FM. Could you recommend anything that explains how the transmitter components work together to make a signal?

[Albert H]

You can always ask about the principles here. Some of us are VERY technical, and should be able to provide you with many answers. I suggest that you look at a few books:
"The Art Of Electronics" by Horowitz & Hill
"The ARRL Handbook"

There are also a number of books on transmitting and receiving theory and practice that are published by the RSGB. These are aimed at amateur radio rather than broadcasting, but they explain how stuff works really well.

A transmitter can be broken down into several parts - the signal generator (an oscillator of some sort), an RF amplifier (to make the signal big enough to travel) and a modulator (the means of applying the programme to the signal you're generating). There are a few other crucial bits too - the power supply, the aerial and (probably) some controls.

When you've done a bit of basic reading, you'll have plenty of questions - come back and ask som!