User Tools

Site Tools


documentation:πbox:what_is_a_π-box

π-box


What is the π-box ?

A π-box is a modular system of radio/streaming broadcast, composed of multiples inputs and outputs. The π-box aims to provide a multi-functional and easy-to-use micro-FM & streaming micro radio station. It is based on the mini-fm approach, developed in the 80's by the Japanese artist and researcher Tetsuo Kogawa, which promotes radiotransmissions of FM waves upon a tiny perimeter, such as a house, a block, or a small zone. The π-box combines this ultra local transmission with internet possibilities (through ethernet, WiFi or 3G/4G), to leverage all the possibilities of hybrid transmissions. The system is open source, and based on open source software / open hardware.

Usage

A π-box allow different possibilities and configurations :

  • Broadcast on the FM band from various inputs (streams, files, live inputs)
  • Stream on internet from various sources (streams, files, live inputs), with the help of a icecast server
  • Multiply the combinations of the above possibilities
  • Send text messages on the RDS system
  • Record the input and store the recording on the sd drive, as a file in opus format

What the π-box do not do

  • Broadcast on other radio frequencies than the FM band
  • Stream when not have access to internet !
  • Stream without icecast support !
  • & many other things ! check the section 3/ Usage to know the exact features of the π-box
documentation/πbox/what_is_a_π-box.txt · Last modified: 2024/01/09 10:04 by pnode