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