Topic: Drive-In Concerts - Portable FM Radio w/ Auxillary Out

[audBall]

I wasn't sure if this was the correct forum or not.

Regarding drive-in style concerts and FM feeds. Has anyone been using a portable FM radio to capture the feeds to a recorder? I know there are a million options out there, but wanted to check here to see if anyone has been using a viable option. I'd be looking to a) capture the feed, line out to a recorder and b) perhaps use this as a FM listening device inside the car as well. I don't want to rely on the radio in my car that turns off automatically after ~5 minutes once the ignition has been turned off. 

[Gil]

I have an old (like 1 GB) MP3 player with built in FM. It always worked great for the (movie) drive-in with external speakers via headphone out. Something like that will at least get the job done.

What up, Horus?!

[tapeheadtoo]

Last summer I used a Tecsun PL880 for a couple drive-in shows.  Was able to line out to a recorder; worked like a charm.

[audBall]

What up, Horus?!

Hey Gil, how you been?

Thanks for the feedback, guys. I'm probably overthinking this. Some local shows are being setup such that they provide both PA-sound and FM feeds, and then later in the evening they plan to switch to FM only to limit surrounding disturbance. I suppose I could use a splitter on the line out to split to a recorder and a pair of speakers for listening while there.

[audBall]

Last summer I used a Tecsun PL880 for a couple drive-in shows.  Was able to line out to a recorder; worked like a charm.

That looks cool and would provide utility beyond this particular purpose. Is the rechargeable battery the removable/replaceable type? edit - YES!

Does it output in stereo? edit - Appears so, based on reviews.

[DigiGal]

I’m planning to use a Tivoli Model One fed power by either NP-1 BDS or 12v accessory port in car. It has a 3.5mm Aux line out > recorder assuming they offer an FM audio feed. Probably bring a dipole antenna to optimize reception of low power FM transmitter.

Anyone who’s taped drive-in shows, what kind of search of cars have they been doing?  Wondering if recorder needs to be well concealed.

[audBall]

My grandparents had a Tivoli Model One for years in the 1990s and I loved it. The sound and reception were both great and it felt rock solid - the box and dials. Every once in a while I peruse eBay for a heady ground score, hoping to luck out on a pristine set with a sub for cheap.

I ended up grabbing a Tecsun similar to the one above and have been real happy with it here at home so far. The battery life is great on the included one. I plan to use it at a few drive-in-style shows in a couple weeks, but these will be Dead/JGB-related, so likely no searches. That would also be a logistical nightmare it would seem, but you never know.

[yug du nord]

Just put a mini keg in your trunk to draw away their attention..  once they confiscate that, yer all good!

[hoserama]

My grandparents had a Tivoli Model One for years in the 1990s and I loved it. The sound and reception were both great and it felt rock solid - the box and dials. Every once in a while I peruse eBay for a heady ground score, hoping to luck out on a pristine set with a sub for cheap.

I ended up grabbing a Tecsun similar to the one above and have been real happy with it here at home so far. The battery life is great on the included one. I plan to use it at a few drive-in-style shows in a couple weeks, but these will be Dead/JGB-related, so likely no searches. That would also be a logistical nightmare it would seem, but you never know.

Does the Tecsun do FM stereo? Can you confirm with regular FM radio broadcasts on stereo?

Was considering getting a tecsun and cracking it open to put either an SMA or BNC port on the antenna.

[audBall]

Does the Tecsun do FM stereo? Can you confirm with regular FM radio broadcasts on stereo?

Yes, the 880 and 990 models support FM stereo, with separate line- and headphone outputs, perhaps other models, too.

I should also note that it is recommended to run these on battery power. They can be powered via the 5V USB connection, which charges the removable battery, but this can result in interference while listening.

[aleal5687]

I used my iriver ihp 120->tascam dr2d to record a FM radio broadcast years ago.

Everything turned out great.

[hoserama]

I used my iriver ihp 120->tascam dr2d to record a FM radio broadcast years ago.

Everything turned out great.

Yeah but then the headphone cable is the antenna. Would rather have a separate telescopic antenna or something else.

[KenH]

Pre amp outs from a car stereo is what I'd consider...

[DigiGal]

It happened, cold rainy day felt like November instead of “Last Day’s of May”.

Ran 3.5mm out of Tivoli Model One REC out the 3.5mm Line 2 in on the PMD661. Powered the radio by an NP-1 battery and the PMD661 with AA Eneloop Pro batteries.  MixPre-6 is recoding DPA 4061 mic.