P2P FM is a peer to peer network of mini-FM transmitters in the Nicholas Building (that’s in Melbourne, Australia). Each transmitter is connected to the stereo of someone who works in the building – the transmitters broadcast (narrow-cast) what is being played through the stereo. Anyone within range of this broadcast (a radius of about 2 or 3 studios/floors) is able to tune in and listen to what is being played. If the person tuning in also has a mini-FM transmitter installed then the content is re-broadcast, extending the range of the original transmission.

P2P FM is part of the Living Room Show curated by Tai Snaith for Blindside gallery.

If you work in the Nicholas building then you can join in by tuning into the transmissions, or even better, become a broadcaster. A limited number of mini-FM transmitters and antennas will be available from Blindside – send me an email to arrange for a meeting and possible installation.

like Johnny Depp

The Dipole antenna is the type of antenna that usually ships with consumer stereo equipment. It is simple to make; you will often find them constructed from 300 ohm ribbon cable but that can now be hard to find. This one is made from wood with a loop of copper wire and is a 5/8 Wavelength Dipole. It was installed in Tim’s Studio and is broadcasting on 87.70 MHz. Dimensions for the antenna were taken from Marc Glasgow’s very informative site. Alternatively, use Nilo’s online calculator to create a full wavelength dipole.

The Tilted Dipole turns the standard Dipole into a directional antenna. This one is installed in Tin and Ed’s studio and is broadcasting on 88.10 MHz. If you want to make your own tilted dipole then Brian Beezley has a very informative page with detailed calculations.

The Slim Jim antenna is a variation on the J-Pole design with a small J-type matching stub – J Integrated Matching, hence the name. This one is made from 1/2 inch copper pipe and is installed in Merryn’s studio broadcasting on 88.70 MHz. Design details for the Slim Jim can be found on the HamUniverse website. 1/2 inch copper pipe is a popular choice for constructing a Slim Jim and there are plenty of examples online, such as this 2m design by Richard Bush KE5FXU or this one from Dave Thomas MW3RUH.

If you don’t want to go to the effort and expense of using copper pipe then you could try this design which uses 300 Ohm twinlead.

The J-Pole antenna is a 1/2 wavelength vertical antenna with a 1/4 wavelength stub and is a popular solution for low power FM stations. Jensen has this one installed in his studio broadcasting on 88.90 MHz. DIY constructions commonly use 1/2″ copper pipe, as seen in this design. The HamUniverse site has a handy calculator for working out antenna dimensions for a specific frequency (as does BUXCOMM). The antenna should be located as high as possible and clamped to a grounded metal pole.

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This Circularly Polarized Loop antenna is constructed on a clear acrylic sheet and is installed in Renee’s studio broadcasting on 106.90 MHz. I adapted this design from Brian Beezley to make a rectangular version of his compact indoor loop antenna (the useful construction information is right at the bottom of Brian’s page, scroll all the way down). Brian’s design was inspired by Ethan Funk’s 300 Ohm loop antenna (a sketch of which can be found here on Dale Meyn’s home page).

This Ground Plane antenna uses a 1/4 wavelength vertical radiator and droopy radials. Colin, Imogen, Emilio & Aaron have it installed in their studio broadcasting on 107.10 MHz. I used the HamUniverse page and this online calculator to construct the antenna. Tomzi from Slovenia had an interesting page on Geocities on ground plane antennas, however with the closure of Geocities on 26th October 2009 that page, along with thousands of others, is now lost.

This Cubical Loop antenna constructed from wood and copper wire is installed in Stephen’s gallery and broadcasts on 107.30 MHz. Loop antennas are compact and well suited to indoor use. KA1FSB has a great calculator for working out loop antenna dimensions, with many handy hints on materials, construction and transmission lines. For further reading there’s also a dedicated page on Single Turn Loop Antennas.

The Looped Dipole antenna is built from coax cable and is quick and easy to make. It is installed in Tai’s studio and broadcasts on 107.90 MHz. The Looped Dipole uses something called ‘the velocity factor’ of coax cable to shorten each of the pole lengths. Dr. Jef Verborgt goes into some detail on his website and has trialed many interesting designs. This antenna is based on his detailed instructions.

The Inverted V antenna is essentially a 1/2 wave Horizontal Dipole with inclined conductors. Here, installed in Blindside gallery and accompanied by Julian, it is transmitting on 87.90 MHz. This was the last antenna to be installed for the P2P FM project. Design for the antenna was taken from this page on the HamUniverse site.

Hi everybody! My name is SCOTT. I am 38 and I live in Melbourne, Australia but I was born in Yarrawonga (that’s also in Australia). I am an artist and a student at RMIT Industrial Design were I’m doing doctoral research. P2P FM is my project.

Name: Scott

Surname: Mitchell

Age: 38

Status: PhD Student

Location: Melbourne (AUS)

Morale: Very good =)

Do not mouse over this baby

From Nilo’s super W4HN Antenna Calculator.

QWill other people be able to hear me talking?

ANo, unless you have some crazy karaoke set-up. The transmitter will only broadcast what is being played through the stereo. If you want to broadcast your voice – DJ style – then you can do this by connecting a mic and mixer to your stereo.

QWill it cost me anything?

ANo, This is free. A transmitter and antenna will be loaned to you for the duration of the exhibition.

QCan I turn the transmitter off?

AYes, the transmitter has an on-off switch, you can stop transmitting at any time (like when you need to secretly indulge in some deeply embarrassing listening).

QWhat if I change my mind?

AYou may turn the transmitter off at any time. If you decide you no longer want to participate, contact me at p2pfm @openobject,org to arrange for de-installation.

QWill it work with my stereo?

AHard to say without having a look, but most stereos (including iPods and computers) can be connected to. This may require a degree of hacking. Make an appointment to discuss.

QYou’re disrupting my favorite FM station! Can you please stop?

AYes, of course, just contact me, Scott Mitchell, at P2PFM at openobject dot org and I will change my broadcast frequency. I have tried to select vacant FM channels but transmission frequencies can sometimes drift or multiply. If the broadcasts are causing you problems then please let me know.

QHow do I participate?

AContact me at p2pfm @openobject,org to arrange for a consultation-installation. If your music device is compatible then a transmitter and antenna will be installed in your studio. You will also be asked to pose for a photo with the transmitter. This photo will be displayed in the gallery along with details of your transmission frequency.

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