New York and Boston offices will remain open, Hobby Bill must be loving that!
Bruce.
New York and Boston offices will remain open, Hobby Bill must be loving that!
Bruce.
Sorry for the double post, this site is really having issues lately.
Me and my crew have assessed the whole part 15 radio service as it currently stands.
We have made a final decision with the possible resurrection of my former part 15 radio network. We looked at what happened with our last attempt. Even though we can conclude that the use of 87.9MHz is the only reason we were picked on and called pirates. We looked at other accusations and statements that were made against us.
The first statement that surfaced was that a licensed radio station heard about us from it's listeners.
We looked at that statement as being the first complaint issued. We also looked at the fact that if THAT station was doing well by it's listeners, those listeners would not have tuned away from that station long enough to discover our signal at 87.9MHz.
Based on that information, we realize that radio station's service must REALLY SUCK, otherwise their dedicated listeners would not have tuned them out in the first place.
We concluded we have a local radio station here in Norwich Connecticut that was jealous of the loss of those listeners. Number unknown.
Next, accusations of a signal traveling way past what part 15 allows surfaces. Evidence shows, that information was based on a statement made by someone who really did not realize the difference between one station from another. But that statement was used as solid evidence that the station used a high powered transmitter to cover the area.
Included in this meeting were the owners of those Decade MS100 transmitters. 7 of the original 8 were present. Those transmitters were operated factory default. The only mod that was made to those transmitters was the telescopic antennas were fully collapsed and an indoor type VHF rabbit ear television antenna (normally sold with televisions for VHF reception) was fitted on the fully collapsed telescopic antenna. The two element telescopic VHF television antenna was positioned horizontally and those elements were curved to create a letter C with the tips pointed to each other but not touching. Before that antenna was curved into the letter C, we made measurements and extended each rod so the total length equaled that needed for the frequency of 87.9MHz.
This did not give us more distance, it gave us a horizontally polarized signal, favoring household FM stereo receivers with installed T type dipole antenna mounted on the wall. Don't forget, our transmitters were placed in MULTI-FAMILY apartment buildings. Our goal was not toward reaching car radios which would move in and out of the signal zone too quickly, we focused on people's homes, such as apartment buildings where more than 10 families lived.
Now based on what took place with Bill at Hobby Broadcaster and the seriousness of the claims he made against us for using FM and to what extent they went to, to slander people and call the FCC saying that we were BLATANT FM PIRATES, we have decided to not to resurrect this station. Not even on AM.
I will keep my Chris Cuff C-Quam AM stereo transmitter as a novelty item, but I will not modify the output stage to gain a signal strength legal for part 15 AM operation. Let me clarify something, this kit in its current state operates WAY BELOW the legal part 15 range, NOT above!!! I just wanted to make that part clear before accusations are made that I have an illegal AM transmitter in my hands!!!
I will continue an on going interest in this hobby, however, I will no longer participate as the owner and operator of an AM or FM transmitter or radio station owner or operator.
I hope Hobby Broadcaster gets wind of that so they can make other silly remarks about this decision, which is the norm over there.
Bruce.
Sorry to hear that. But it's obviously your call. Operating Part 15 is definitely a challenge, particularly with FM and the rules as they stand.
I don't have any particular preference for AM or FM. Here in Canada, it's actually better to operate in FM. But for the U.S., at least right now, if you want any sort of range and listeners, AM is the way to go - the compromise is reduced sound quality. Some have used FM and supplemented with Internet streaming - even with Canada's more liberal FM rules, I did that on Bowen Island and I'd have to say that most of my regular listeners used the streaming (it was also easier to track them that way - you have to go by word of mouth and ancedotal evidence for over-the-air listeners). A lot heard the station in the ferry lineup, but you can only spend so much time there. But if you heard it and liked it, you would be more likely to listen on a streaming device, whether it be computer, smartphone, Internet Radio, or whatever.
I thought that AM stereo might have given you the opportunity to sound better than mono AM, with the increased range that it offers. But obviously, you and your affiliate stations have had enough, and don't like the risk/reward equation.
It's too bad that you've been hounded off the air totally by a small (very small) group of people who profess to support Part 15 broadcasting. They certainly don't speak for the majority, although they unfortunately do have a visible presence.
If you ever do change your mind, I'm sure most here on this Forum will be willing to provide assistance.
The Latest Tiger Teams Update from John Anderson of DIY Media
http://diymedia.net/fcc-radically-revises-enforcement-drawdown/7549
Quote from article:
In simple terms, the broadcast industry lit a fire under Congress about the importance of having something akin to recognizable (if not robust) enforcement activity by the FCC. This is the fruit of a carefully-coordinated lobbying campaign by the National Association of Broadcasters, New York State Broadcasters Association, and New Jersey Broadcasters Association, and the hook they used to make their counterattack on the FCC’s downsizing plan was PIRATE RADIO. The subject was mentioned repeatedly in Congressional hearings during which the reduction-in-force came up. And on the day that the FCC announced it was stepping back from eviscerating enforcement, a letter co-signed by more than 30 members of Congress to the FCC was released highlighting “Unauthorized FM Radio Operations in New York City.”
The NAB wins again. All this emphasis on PIRATES..PIRATES....PIRATES!
STAY THE HELL OFF OF THE FM BAND IN THE USA OR YOU ARE A BLATANT PIRATE!!!!!!!!
Maybe Bill Defelice is right, with the NAB, you'll never get SQUAT when it comes to part 15 FM broadcasting. See my white flag waving out there by any chance? I hope so because I SURRENDER!
AM here where I am isn't going to work other then a wireless entertainment system for me and me alone. I'd have to be broadcasting a $50,000.00 sports event to get 10 minutes from ONE outside listener in this area. Or I'd have to pay people to listen I figure. AM is great in farm country, but not near large cities like my area. We have TWO local AM stations WICH 1310 Norwich, CT. and WXLM 980 Groton, CT. that are suffering because of FM and Satellite radio. Luckily for those station's owners, they also own several FM stations in our area, such as Hall Communications, otherwise, they'd be off the air long ago, like WNLC 1510 AM New London, CT. did.
Bruce.
Tigers are large predatory wildcats that stalk, maul, dismember, and chew on its quarry's organs until nothing is left but shoes and a hat.
And the propaganda machine is what bullies use to try and scare the public away. iI you're not doing anything wrong which I feel I'm not why worry about it. I'm sure in New York New Jersey Florida and many of the police state it's going to be more strict. But the truth is that if you don't live in a metropolis you stand a better chance. terrestrial radio has seen its better days. AM is dead and FM is dying. Now the NAB wants the FCC to fix their woes and it isn't a reality. in fact in California there has been city officials and other members of enforcement who actually praise so called pirate radio. now keep in mind who pays the taxes. the conglomerates can cry foul all they want but when you have certain members of legislature praising blatant pirates the NAB has no chance in the long run. They really have not wom. The burden will be upon them in the long run and they had better be ready for the biggest embarrassment of there lives. for as they keep bitching and complaining it makes them look like they are not serving what the people want therefore they will turn away and they will be broadcasting into nothingness. what good is that I ask? Now I still think we have a chance. New Yorkis always going to be the ffocal point because it draws the most attention. So united we will stand. In other countries that have more powerful microcasters have been competitive as corporate Radio is alive despite individual hobby broadcasters and thats what I call them. they can sing pirate all they want but truth is it's hobby broadcasting so if I'm a pirate all I can say is Arg and I will play on. isn't that what we are about? and No I'm not going a AM radio. FM Means Free Minds.
I don't believe that AM is dead. And I think that you're selling urbanites short when you say that AM is fine for rural areas only.
It is true that if you want to play the same modern dreck that is being played by the licensed broadcasters on FM (over and over and over again), then you won't be able to compete with them with a Part 15 AM signal. But why would you want to? They do that kind of thing very well.But if you bring innovative, community-oriented programming and let people know where you are, you'll get listeners. Whether it's on AM or FM, it's the same problem. You have to be found.And if you combine the over the air broadcasts with an Internet stream, you'll have the best of both worlds. You might even get a teenager or two tuning into your Internet stream (when their friends aren't looking, of course).There's lots of material available for broadcasting (and streaming) that doesn't require super fidelity or stereo. Vintage jazz, old time radio, even much of the music from the '50s and to a lesser extent '60s, a lot was recorded in mono. Community oriented material is generally talk based, such as community calendars, announcements, interviews, local news & sports, local weather, PSA's, etc. And there are a ton of alternative talk-based shows that are available for Part 15 rebroadcast.In short, there are lots of opportunities for Part 15 AM stations. It may not be what you want to do, and that's fine, but I wouldn't throw the baby (AM) out with the bathwater just yet. That baby has potentially a lot of life in it still.
Hi all. I'm new. I posted a loooong intro article which got eaten by the forum software. Luckily I backed it up before posting, but I figure until that gets fixed I'll just post my thoughts here instead.
This has been a fascinating thread. I've been researching internet streaming for 4 weeks and I fell into part 15 accidentally while researching music licensing fees.
The idea of running a community-only station is fascinating and it's what I want to do, but I have to say, AM is all but dead here in my area. My friend just got a Honda with a radio with no AM support in it. I was all set to go AM with a Talking House since it'll cover the radius I want, but then I had to think of who my audience is and how I'd have to get them to find the station. Run ads in papers? Flyers? It's work that IMO whose energy can be spent elsewhere. That's why I want to go FM, along with the quality, but there's the range problem.
That brings me to another question - are there more fables than truths about Part 15 FM? Yes, we all know the range is terrible, but has anyone put some of those rumors to rest with real tests? I'd do it myself, but with all the research I've done, I don't know what transmitter to buy, if they're able to be set properly, and the biggie - how do I test the field strength?
I'm in NJ, one of those states where pirate radio is a fourth class felony (18 mo. prison and/or $10k...no thanks). I'm not looking to do pirate radio, that's not how I roll. I want it to be legit, but FM is so damn tricky. Field strength monitors are $14k. How are people supposed to test their power on a regular basis if the devices to check it are so prohibitive? I don't need the hassle of people making false accusations based on ignorance.
I don't know if it was this thread or another, but I'd support a micropower license payment system. I pay maybe $50-$100/yr, and only broadcast with field strength that I agree to, can manage, and check without having to pay stupid $ for a device to check that field strength.
I grew up listening to NY radio and have watched it decline. I was a DJ at my college radio station and I really miss that. The radio stations here are terrible, except Q104. I'm not trying to make a dent or a difference, I'd just like to carve my little, legal niche. And why do I choose radio and not just internet radio? That would be easier, but there's still that problem with data caps. I know people listen to their Spotify and their Pandora, but there's something majestic about being on the radio. I'd rather do both.
well maybe AM is ok for mono radio. but I can't imagine hearing King Crimson or Moody Blues or how about some vintage material from The Move which was before Electric Light Orchestra. These Progressive Rock artist R extremely stereo demanding. In fact my friend and I have paid for some imported CDs because they have better fidelity then United States CDs. In the vinyl days Japanese pressings where the way to go that and slow speed masters. Progressive Rock is the most picky musical format on the planet and if your station is not hi fidelity you won't get 1 listener I can bet on that. specially when most severe of die hard Progressive and album rockers I know will pay 7000 dollars for stereo equipment we're talkingwell maybe am is okay 4 my now radio. But I can't imagine hearing king crimson or moody blues 4 how about some vintage materials from the movies which was b 4 electric light orchestra. These Progressive Rock artist r extremely stereo demanding. In fact my friend and I have paid 4 some imported cds because they have better fidelity them united states cds. In the vinyl days japanese press things were the way to go that and slow speed masters. Progressive rock is the most picking musical format on the planet and if your station is not hi fidelity you won't get 1 listener I can bet on that. Specially when most severe off diane hard Progressive and Album Rockers I know will pay 7000 dollars for stereo equipment we're talking XLR cable, separate power amp pre amp separate tuner separate CD player and sometimes separate mono blocks for left and right channel all with a special choke to keep the left channel from bleeding the right channel. Back in the day when I had money that was the system I ran. I also had KEF speakers. My tuner was a Rotel connected to a directional outside antenna. I could pick up a 10 watt FM station 40 miles away. Point being if I am going to capture an Album Rocker's attention I had better be on FM. AM is fine for Rap because of the only thing that matters to Rap is bass. so you could play underground rap on AM and do quite nicely fore some it would sound better than FM because of the booming bass. But true music lovers won't stand for mono believe me. AM would do better if the FCC forced manufacturers to put proper filtering in new receivers. Its why I was so Adam at about Micro broadcasting on FM. if regular broadcast stations had filled the need for Album Rock I would not bother. Its why im calling an Alliance for Micro FM Broadcasters.
Realistically, there isn't much you can do on the radio airwaves in a heavily populated broadcast zones like I am in. The broadcasters here mean business! Clear-cut explanation from me, they didn't take long to have my ass tracked down just for being an FM station playing rock music from vinyl records.
Please if you will listen to this part 15 AM radio station operating in my city on 1700KHz.
This link might work http://am1700.org/play/
EDIT: Geesh even his tunein link below is dead.
http://tunein.com/radio/Heritage-Information-Radio-s240288/
Ever wonder why the local stations won't go after this guy? Because his station is nothing but information and local FREE advertising. No copy-righted music and no duplicate entertainment, such as music from record labels, no sports, weather forecasts are outdated. Tell me how long you were able to listen to this guy's stream before you shut it down out of boredom or listener fatigue? That is what he transmits at 1700KHz AM.
If I took a video camera and went about my town and say "Hi what do you think of Heritage Information Radio?" People will look at me funny and say "Yo, you one of those nuts from the Norwich State Mental Hospital? We've asked and no one knows this station even exists.
It's a nice thing this guy is doing, but, no one listens to his station, so what's the point of doing this?
This is where I would be, playing what this station plays just to avoid conflicts with these FM stations in my area. Check radio locater for zip code 06360 or Norwich Connecticut. The FM band is full here and it is very difficult to operate without becoming a competitor. You know as well as I do, when it comes to completion between a licensed full powered radio station versus a part 15 station, they'll get us shut down. That is unless I want to sit and talk about the flowers and the trees, or what color the clouds are today all day long.
I just don't see part 15 AM being a viable option for me here in this area of the country. Not even AM stereo. Those licensed FM stations hold the market here and nothing I do is going to drag anyone from FM over to AM. So, my time in the broadcasting field here as an operator is done, finished and kaput! The NAB has won when it comes to my local area!!
Bruce.
MrBruce gives me an idea for a new daily sports update for my station...
I'm going to to a local radio roll call to see who has gone out of business.
Already AM 590 is dead air, and 1380 canceled all after dark programming to save money.
Our FM band is so crammed with same same same that some of them should die off as their bank goes dry.
Maybe I could get inside news tips from their secretarys.
As the dull stations go out of business, part 15ers will inherit the ruins.
Carl said: As the dull stations go out of business, part 15ers will inherit the ruins.
Carl:
Don't expect that to happen as quickly as you think it will. I do not see that happening here in my area. Maybe a station will be sold, but it'll never go dark. There are just too many people out there in America who have tons of money and just keep buying them up. Pretty soon, one person will own all of the broadcast stations and eventually own the world as well.
Bruce.
I probably would not broadcast on FM if I lived where you do. Too close to law schools, big wig high profile lawyers as well as folks comming out of the well named Law Schools and of course the FCC who would be lobbyed by those high and low profile firms who want to make/keep a name for themselves. I guess if you live near a capatal city or where the main field office is I'd think twice about FM. If your near an airport say 2 miles from it I'd think twice. But in smaller areas its still available. I done it in Lansing, Michigan before I really knew the seriousness of part 15 and back then I guess you could call me a Pirate. My station was going 3 miles in Full quieting Stereo all night and Weekend long and back then no one harassed me. My neighbors, Teacher, Cab Driver, Dad's Oldsmobile friends knew everyone knew I ran a transmitter I bought from a classified section of Popular Electronics. But now I would not do it because of the fact I'm too close to Va Beach, NAB and their trolls and I'm older and smarter. Still I say there will be more of these transmitters and yes they'll bust a few and throw up the propaganda machine even on legal part 15 stations. It might get ugly for a few months to a yr. Then things will get to an acceptance issue where the NAB will say "You know what there is Bill running FM he's getting out a mile or so and well we'll have to find out why people like his station and make ours kick his ass". It may make Radio more competitive in the comming months to yr. Again I take the man in West Va who played blue grass and old country you never hear on FM and he was a blatent Pirate and probably running 500 Watts or more he was heard booming in for more than 20 miles. But why did I listen when Country and Blue Grass is kind of outside my normal listening? Because it was different than anything else playing on commercial broadcast Radio. Even my young Stepson thought it was interesting about this guy who ran Pirate Radio. Now I like to call it hobby Radio and the fact that there were not many stations well you can say this guy has been around for years. Later I found out my friend Rich listened to him when he traveled back to Michigan from the Carolinas. He later found that this guy was around for years and has gotten plenty of support from the folks where he broadcasts from. So the more folks who micro broadcast (not really saying Pirate) the more it will just become a house word "Oh I know a great Micro Broadcast station I listen to". Its demand vs supply. there is a demand for micro broadcasting people want to do it and more folks are dabbling in it. More how to's on the net and people read and purchase these transmitters I'm not telling folks to run 500 Watt or even 7 Watts without license but it is what it is. So cry un fair all you want it won't change a thing. If anything it will draw more attention to it and someone else will try it. Look what happened when they tried to kill Napster. There was Kazaa, WinMX, Edonkey, Blubster, Aries, Gnutilla, Bit Torrent. Take one down and 100's more pop up its a wak a mole concept and eventually the RIAA will give in and stop the crap and go with ad supported streaming/Downloading. That is where Spotify came from. Show demand eventually the FCC will have to Supply. The ones who don't throw in the towen and show a need and the fact they can supply the need makes all the difference.
Bruce I hope someday you'll live in an area where you can broadcast on FM again because you really had a great concept that actually worked and you done it probably for less than commercial Radio is doing it. They may think about Cellular FM stations which is kinda what you made was a cellular FM network in the fact that you had small cells that were able to receive the station constantly within the cell.