What irritates me, is a full-service FM feeling threatened by a station with less than a watt!
No interference. Audio processing in place. Clean. "Oh, but he's taking our listeners! We PAID for the license! We PAID for the CP! He didn't!"
I know a station owner who'd like to squash ALL forms of unlicensed broadcasting! He feels HE paid his dues, so YOU do too! Bovine Excrement!
I guess I understand to a point. In any case, driver's licenses for example. How many people would turn in a person driving without a license? Hey, YOU took the test, and paid the $25 or whatever. And you wouldn't object? I would.
But...that is a safety issue. No one is going to be killed or injured with Pirate Radio,
unless ya ZAP yourself! LOL! It is a damn VICTIMLESS crime! Remember: No interference. Audio processing in place. Clean. The only (perceived) loss is $$$. The problem is, we have an over abundance of FM transmitters on eBay and Amazon that FAR exceed a half watt to a watt!
How can you convince the newbie that this is WRONG? They list multiples of 2 to 10 pieces, Plus, the 15W to 30W units! The HLLY TX-30S 30Watt FM Transmitter is listed at $380! I paid over $600 for my Veronica FM30 exciter! That was back in 2000.
Watch. They will pass a law. Whatever. I'll continue running my little 10mw until they do. Meh.
Doug
You're all over the map. Are you one of those hoopers that smokes that LDO?
"You're all over the map."
Yeah. I'm like that. I tend to drift a bit.
"Are you one of those hoopers that smokes that LDO?"
Light Diesel Oil? LOL! Funny!
Doug
You're not going to convince me that a newbie can purchase a 1 watt transmitter, and without knowing what they're doing, operate in every instance without causing interference. Or even in most instances, given the crowded state of the FM band. It takes experience and know how to do that, and where do they get that?
Never mind the fact that most of those blatantly illegal transmitters on e-bay and elsewhere are notoriously poor neighbours to begin with, generating tons of interference by themselves, without help from their operators, up and down the radio spectrum. How many newbies are going to know enough or have enough money to invest in a 'good' illegal transmitter when there are so many cheaper ones available?
And even if you call operating well above legal limits as a victimless crime, it is still a crime. More in some states (such as New York or Florida) than others, and that 'victimless' crime can ruin your life if you get caught.
Another aspect of illegal operation that rarely gets discussed is that it also can affect Part 15 broadcasters that adhere to the law. There's a pirate relatively close to me that wipes out my signal every time he/she decides to go on the air (they must be running multiple watts, as the signal is clear for miles in all directions). And unfortunately, there's no where else for me to go, as the FM band is full except for that one frequency. I operate legally - they don't - so why do they have the right to swamp my legal operation whenever they so choose (usually Friday nights)?
End80 is correct. Part 15 and illegal unlicensed operation are two separate entities and don't deserve side by side discussion. This Forum's intent is to promote LEGAL unlicensed broadcasting. There are lots of other places to talk about illegal operation, if you wish to go down that path.
Understood, Artisan...
OK. On a different note, I noticed these subjects generate discussion. We just have to be careful not to crush the Forum Rules. I feel pretty strongly about certain things. Apologies to those offended.
Transmitters are not my issue right now. Show content and audio processing are, however. The only way I am going to be able to BROADcast is on AM. That seriously limits programming. Don't try and play Enya on AM! Oldies and Doo-Wop? YES! Something simple like "All Through The Night" by Cyndi Lauper works on AM. And, of course...talk shows.
Bottom line...BROADcasting on FM is a no no. And we need to educate our newbies to forget about BROAD casting on FM! We have to show why the RangeMaster and ProCaster are the ones to BUY! The SpitFire is illegal and so is every other built unit that is not FCC stamped.
SSTRANs are kits, plus there is a two month wait or more. What else IS there? The Talking House. The Grainger. A few others. It us well known that anyone doing AM seriously has a RangeMaster or ProCaster.
Doug
SStrans arn't nothing to sneeze at, there good little transmitters, they just take a little more effort and competence since they need assembly. From what I hear some Talking House models do quiet well. Rangemasters and Procasters do seem to be the most desirable as the are better built for outdoor use, but I'm not so sure they are the most popular in use, and the Grainger has a reputation of quality but I don't actually know whos using them.
I don't neccessarily agree that a Rangemaster or Procaster is needed to "AM seriously" (though I get your point), I beleive an admirable setup can be acheived with out going top dollar. No matter what legal path you take the range will only go so far and a primary concern should be making it sound good.. there are those who have shown even the inexpensive used TH can be made to do that.
RE: Reply 50
The ------- is illegal and so is every other built unit that is not FCC stamped. ... It us well known that anyone doing AM seriously has a RangeMaster or ProCaster.
AM and FM transmitters having FCC Part 15 certification do not automatically immunize their users from FCC actions/NOUOs/fines.
A case in point for an AM system is that of KENC.
Compliance with FCC Part 15 ALSO depends on the physical installation and adjustment of those systems -- whether or not those transmitters are "FCC-certified."
That's all true. Also, just of note, there's nothing illegal about using an illegaly marketed transmitter either as long as it is in complience while in operation. A certified transmiiter is equilvant to any other compliantly operating transmitter as far as the user and the FCC is concerned.
AM and FM transmitters having FCC Part 15 certification do not automatically immunize their users from FCC actions/NOUOs/fines.
A case in point for an AM system is that of KENC.
Ah! Rich! You're right. Ken got his ass handed to him. Over a ground lead...
Compliance with FCC Part 15 ALSO depends on the physical installation and adjustment of those systems -- whether or not those transmitters are "FCC-certified."
Yep! FM is so easy to set up! That would be so nice...But ya gotta put forth the effort with AM. Ya know...if I got a RangeMaster I might need one of these:
Doug
If you're using that rig to install your AM transmitter you certainly won't be legally grounding it!
TIB
For our Resident Agent to come out and strike like a cobra.
I started to say it myself last night, but instead just sighed and went on to the next thread.
I suppose that's what that church used to install their Procaster on the 55 foot pole.
"If you're using that rig to install your AM transmitter you certainly won't be legally grounding it!"
Exactly!
Doug