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June 8, 2021 9:53 pm  #1


The Weird World Of Subcarrier FM & The Radios Meant To Receive It

Some FM stations used to have a signal only a few could get - along with radios that could only receive one channel.
(And some stations still use it.)

Subcarrier Signals: The Unsung Heroes of the FM Dial


 

 

June 8, 2021 10:22 pm  #2


Re: The Weird World Of Subcarrier FM & The Radios Meant To Receive It

Subcarriers weren't restricted to FM radio.  For many years, in the analog days, Citytv used a subcarrier for a one-way intercom (IFB) out to their "Live Eye" truck.  The return intercom path was on a subcarrier on the microwave signal back to the station.

 

June 8, 2021 10:36 pm  #3


Re: The Weird World Of Subcarrier FM & The Radios Meant To Receive It

I remember them on my old C-Band satellite dish. You could get radio stations, alternate audio and in one memorable case, the control room audio of a major sporting event for some reason. Lots of great listening back then and it was all free. 

     Thread Starter
 

June 9, 2021 11:01 am  #4


Re: The Weird World Of Subcarrier FM & The Radios Meant To Receive It

Would SAP on analog TV signals count as a subcarrier?

I can remember CFMT airing 680 News on its SAP at one time.

 

June 9, 2021 11:39 am  #5


Re: The Weird World Of Subcarrier FM & The Radios Meant To Receive It

MJ Vancouver wrote:

Would SAP on analog TV signals count as a subcarrier?

I can remember CFMT airing 680 News on its SAP at one time.

yes SAP (aka MTS) was a 76kHz subcarrier (mono only).

The "intercom" subarrier, known as "PRO" and not generally available to the public,  was at 102kHz

Stereo TV, which used a system similar to FM radio, had a L-R difference channel (or subacrrier) at 31kHz