This is my favorite link.
It is so true.
If shortwave is a huge turn-off, here's why.
As long as tragicically gullible listeners send money the mess will continue spewing.
Let Part 15 get on shortwave as a balancing strategy.
Doesn't seem fair, does it?
Neil
i have heard some of those rabid shortwave preachers. it's pretty comical but sad situation. there is obvious serious mental issues with many of the shortwave preachers.
The only radio preacher I ever heard who was "professional" was Garner Ted Armstrong with his daily "The World Tomorrow" broadcasts in which he did the first half of the show like a news commentary which, because of good writing and delivery, sounded somewhat Paul Harveyish.
But in the middle of every show he linked the news to Bible prophesy and it became a comedy show after that because it never made sense.
His free "Plain Truth" magazine was also fun to get and spun the prophesies against a backdrop of world affairs. It was like the Mad Magazine version of Time Magazine.
Unfortunately the preachers today all seem to believe you've got to speak as if they have an ingrown moustache.
It is curious as to why some people continue to promote/pursue the miniscule, legal, unlicensed SW coverage permitted by FCC §15.225 when many legendary, international SW broadcasters such as the BBC using megawatts of ERP producing very high fields over large portions of the globe are de-commissioning SW broadcast services.
From your curiousity and given your reference to 15.225 it may be that you have missed the gist of recent conversations and proposals regarding hobby broadcasting on shortwave.
Another more energetic participant might come along and explain the latest state of discussion on the subject.
Otherwise, as the weekend goes along, if no one takes it up, I'll come back to provide the necessary briefing for your benefit.
OK
Rich let me try to explain why we love pursuing this hobby so, even in the face of such limitations.
You see,
And that's why we love it so much.
What, you say you can't see it? You don't understand a love for radio? I suppose there's really no point then in trying to explain it.
That's sad. You're left only with rules and calculations and no appreciation or feelings for this glorious hobby.
The true hobbyist really doesn't care who hears or how far it goes, rather we simply enjoy the chase. To squeeze every last inch of coverage out of the miniscule amount of radiated energy we have to work with is satisfaction.
Knowing someone hears us is just icing on the cake as they say.
mram1500 wrote, "... To squeeze every last inch of coverage out of the miniscule amount of radiated energy we have to work with is satisfaction. Knowing someone hears us is just icing on the cake as they say."
However from reading these boards, the goal of most Part 15 operators seems to be based more on increasing their radiated power so as to serve more area and listeners -- rather than just personal satisfaction from buying, installing, and operating such transmitting equipment even if they have few (or no) listeners other than themselves.
Member Rich declares: "However from reading these boards, the goal of most Part 15 operators seems to be based more on increasing their radiated power so as to serve more area and listeners"
Rich, your use of the word most is unfounded in reality and unfair to most of those who post on "these boards".
Your scientific accuracy is lacking.
I'd say some but not all Rich. Personally I can't think of a good reason to up the power of my station, or really most part 15 stations to be totally honest.
I wouldn't even say most.
I personally like the challenge of getting the most coverage I possibly can, legally.
Do I think that effective power could be tweaked a bit on certan bands by the FCC to increase that coverage? Yes - particularly on shortwave, where the chances of interfering with other stations, and other listeners is remote.
Taking a second glance at Member Rich's words: "the goal of most Part 15 operators seems to be based more on increasing their radiated power so as to serve more area and listeners -- rather than just personal satisfaction from buying, installing, and operating such transmitting equipment even if they have few (or no) listeners other than themselves."
There are some (not most) Part 15 operators who wish for more radiated power to serve more listeners. It is undeniably their prerogative to have such a wish.
Yet the way you phrase it casts disapproval over such idealism, without ever explaining why you oppose it or why you'd care in the first place given your abstinence from any participation in the Part 15 hobby except for these persistent jeers.