OpenFM: Open Source, Open Architecture Radio Station Kit by Adapted Consulting.

My good friend Ian Howard has been involved in a number of interesting and innovative projects over the years. This latest endeavor really pushes the envelope for grassroots media, DIY broadcasting, and community empowerment. The OpenFM Project is very exciting stuff!

Adapted Consulting Inc.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Contact: Laura Drewett
[T] +1-202-292-4242 / +1-647-722-5629 ext. 5011
[E] ldrewett@adaptedconsulting.com
[W] http://openfm.adaptedconsulting.com

RADIO ADAPTED FOR THE DEVELOPING WORLD;
Adapted Consulting Inc. Launches its New Open Source Radio Station —OpenFM

TORONTO, ON – August 21, 2007 – At midday in the Sahara, several dunes past Timbuktu, the sun is blistering hot. During the months when the Harmattan winds blow, the air is dense with sand. The strong winds blow constantly, so that by day’s end everything is left covered by a think reddish film of dirt – the floors, the furniture and, in the case of a radio station, all of the electronic equipment. Such conditions present their own unique set of challenges. So when Adapted’s Co-Founder, Frédéric Renet, couldn’t find a commercial radio that was right for this situation – durable, energy efficient, easy to repair and affordable – he decided to build his own. From this first design created to withstand the harsh climate of Mali comes Adapted’s OpenFM.

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OpenFM is a low power, affordable open source FM radio station created for use in remote areas. The system has been designed with harsh weather conditions in mind; it is able to withstand heat, dust and humidity with little manual intervention. It functions on solar power and so is particularly suited for rural environments that lack dependable electricity. OpenFM consists of a low power FM transmitter; antenna; low bandwidth, low power computer; mixing board; and open source audio software.

The open source component of the OpenFM is perhaps the station’s most innovative attribute. The design has been registered using the creative commons license, which means that the blueprint of the device is available to those who wish to create their own OpenFM or amend the equipment.

As fellow Adapted Co-Founder, Ian Howard, explains: “The ability of the local engineers to modify this equipment so that it can better meet the needs of the community and so that it can be maintained locally is a great improvement in the sustainability of a radio station. A broken transmitter no longer needs to be shipped back to the UK for repairs. Rather, a simple component can be replaced locally.”

OpenFM is a part of Adapted’s broader FM Radio Development Program. In building a sustainable design for rural areas, Adapted´s team realized that a traditional business model would not work. Adapted instead re-thought the model and, inspired by the open source software used on many of their devices, decided that the design needed to be open. As a service provider first and foremost, Adapted focuses on offering complementary services to OpenFM and other products. At each project site, Adapted starts with a needs assessment and then seeks to address these needs by offering training in business model development; market analysis; technical training for engineers and radio staff; and joining with partners to provide journalistic training.

About Adapted Consulting Inc.
Adapted utilizes technology and business innovations to create sustainable opportunities and enable social change. Adapted’s expertise is founded on private sector and international development experience in many countries, both in the developed and developing world. Adapted applies knowledge to under-developed markets by adapting technologies and business methods to meet the needs of local communities and contribute to lasting positive impact. For more information on Adapted, visit their website at www.adaptedconsulting.com

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Adapted Consulting Inc.

Contact: Laura Drewett
[T] +1-202-292-4242 / +1-647-722-5629 ext. 5011
[E] ldrewett@adaptedconsulting.com
[W] http://openfm.adaptedconsulting.com