put power even further, although that runs a greater risk of causing interference; attracting the FCC to you. For most practical pirate radio uses, 17 watts is all you'll need. For an antenna, you can either buy a TV antenna and use that, or just build a dipole or qua rter wave vertical. No big deal there. Now, assuming you already have a stereo system and music, we'll go over the cost of a basic pirate station. TV Broadcasting The basis for a TV broadcasting station is a VCR and an antenna. Hook up your VCR "out to TV" jack to y our antenna, pop in a tape, and hit play. Poof! instant low-power TV transmitter with a mile or so range on whatever channel is unused in your area. Now for accessories you might want to get a video camera for broadcasting "live", or playing reporter, and then broadca sting whatever you recorded. And you also might want an RF amplifier to play with for extra power. Get ahold of a 6 meter ham amplifier at a hamfest, and use that. You want one that can be driven with 100 milliwats. Or, you could have one built using the same Motarol a transistors used for our FM amplifier. The only thing you have to do is modify the circuit values for 54-88 Mhz. instead of 88-108 Mhz. For those of you into do-it- yourself, The June and July 1989 issues of Radio Electronics magazine had an article on building a 2 watt TV transmitter that runs on UHF channel 14. Pirate Operations Broadcasting without a license is illegal. If you are busted, your equipment will be confiscated, and you might be fined. Also, if you are a hacker, or any type of non- conformist, or someone whom th e big-shots think is "subversive", expect mo re severe treatment. So, to keep from getting caught, transmit sporadically, and from a mobile location if possible, also never give out any info over the air which they might be able to track you down with. Don't cause an y interference to a legit station, as this will get you busted real quick. One idea which was used to good effect was to tape record the entire broadcast, and then take the transmitter to a remote mountaintop. This way, you get farther with less power, and if they tra ck the station down, you will only lose your radio if you're unlucky. If you stake the place out, you should be able to see them coming and then shut down and get out of there. But in any event, even if you do lose some equipment, they won't nail you, and you'll save yourself a fine or worse. Back to Cybertek Index An Intro to Pirate Radio ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- by Necross Sinister & Thomas Icom Getting a start in pirate broadcasting is pretty simple. To be honest with you, you probably have the basic stuff in your house already. FM Radio FM is one of the easiest bands to pirate in. You can also transmit here legally under the right conditions in accordance with Part 15 of the FCC Rules. Under Part 15 you are allowed 100 milliwats of o utput power with a maximum antenna length of 3 feet. Under the best circumstances that gives you a maximum range of about a mile. If you're in the city, a mile might do it, but under any other circumstances, you'll need some power. For starting equipment you'll need a transmitter, an audio mixer, a stereo system with cassette deck, record player, CD, whatever, a microphone, an antenna, and possibly an RF amplifier. The transmitter can be either home built, or something a long the lines of Mr. Microphone. I prefer the homebuilt ro ute as it allows for more flexibility, and low power FM transmitter plans and kits abound. The audio mixer is to combine your microphone input with your music. It's optional, but it does allow for a more professional set-up. The stereo system is whatever you can get t ogether. Anything that plays music will do. Same goes for the microphone, pick up one for 5 bucks at Radio Shack. The amplifier is a bit more difficult. You might be able to dig one up at a hamfest, or electronics/computer show, but chances are you'll have to make on e if you want to put some power out. Get ahold of a Motarola MRF229 or MRF230 transistor, and use that to build a base amplifier for your transmitter. With 100 milliwats input it will put out about 1.25 watts. A little bit better, and then you can add another AMP to g et it up even further, such as an MRF233 which will output 17 watts with a 1.25 watt input. There are also transistors that will boost the output power even further, although that runs a greater risk of causing interference; attracting the FCC to you. For most practic al pirate radio uses, 17 watts is all you'll need. For an antenna, you can either buy a TV antenna and use that, or just build a dipole or quarter wave vertical. No big deal there. Now, assuming you already have a stereo system and music, we'll go over the cost of a b asic pirate station. TV Broadcasting The basis for a TV broadcasting station is a VCR and an antenna. Hook up your VCR "out to TV" jack to your antenna, pop in a tape, and hit play. Poof! instant low-power TV transmitter with a mile or so range on whatever channel i s unused in your area. Now for accessories you might want to get a video camera for broadcasting "live", or playing reporter, and then broadcasting whatever you recorded. And you also might want an RF amplifier to play with for extra power. Get ahold of a 6 meter ham amplifier at a hamfest, and use that. You want one that can be driven with 100 milliwats. Or, you could have one built using the same Motarola transistors used for our FM amplifier. The only thing you have to do is modify the circuit values for 54-88 Mhz. instead of 88-108 Mhz. For those of you into do-it- yourself, The June and July 1989 issues of Radio Electronics magazine had an article on building a 2 watt TV transmitter that runs on UHF channel 14. Pirate Operations Broadcasting without a license is illegal. If you are bus ted, your equipment will be confiscated, and you might be fined. Also, if you are a hacker, or any type of non- conformist, or someone whom the big-shots think is "subversive", expect mo re severe treatment. So, to keep from getting caught, transmit sporadically, and from a mobile location if possible, also never give out any info over the air which they might be able to track you down with. Don't cause any interference to a legit station, as this will get you busted real quick. One idea which was used to good effect was to tape record the entire broadcast, and then take the transmitter to a remote mountaintop. This way, you get farther with less power, and if they track the station down, you will only lose your radio if you're unlucky. If you stake the place out, you should be able to see th em coming and then shut down and get out of there. But in any event, even if you do lose some equipment, they won't nail you, and you'll save yourself a fine or worse. Back to Cybertek Index An Intro to Pirate Radio -------------------------------------------------- -------------------------- by Necross Sinister & Thomas Icom Getting a start in pirate broadcasting is pretty simple. To be honest with you, you probably have the basic stuff in your house already. FM Radio FM is one of the easiest bands to pirate in. You can also transmit here legally under the right conditions in accordance with Part 15 of the FCC Rules. Under Part 15 you are allowed 100 milliwats of output power with a maximum antenna length of 3 feet. Under the best circumstances that gives you a maximum range of about a mi le. If you're in the city, a mile might do it, but under any other circumstances, you'll need some power. For starting equipment you'll need a transmitter, an audio mixer, a stereo system with cassette deck, record player, CD, whatever, a microphone, an antenna, and possibly an RF amplifier. The transmitter can be either home built, or something a long the lines of Mr. Microphone. I prefer the homebuilt route as it allows for more flexibility, and low power FM transmitter plans and kits abound. The audio mixer is to combine your microphone input with your music. It's optional, but it does allow for a more professional set-up. The stereo system is whatever you can get together. Anything that plays music will do. Same goes for the microphone, pick up one for 5 bucks at Radio Shack. The amplifi er is a bit more difficult. You might be able to dig one up at a hamfest, or electronics/computer show, but chances are you'll have to make one if you want to put some power out. Get ahold of a Motarola MRF229 or MRF230 transistor, and use that to build a base amplifi er for your transmitter. With 100 milliwats input it will put out about 1.25 watts. A little bit better, and then you can add another AMP to get it up even further, such as an MRF233 which will output 17 watts with a 1.25 watt input. There are also transistors that wi ll boost the output power even further, although that runs a greater risk of causing interference; attracting the FCC to you. For most practical pirate radio uses, 17 watts is all you'll need. For an antenna, you can either buy a TV antenna and use that, or just build a dipole or quarter wave vertical. No big deal there. Now, assuming you already have a stereo system and music, we'll go over the cost of a basic pirate station. TV Broadcasting The basis for a TV broadcasting station is a VCR and an antenna. Hook up your VCR "out to TV" jack to your antenna, pop in a tape, and hit play. Poof! instant low-power TV transmitter with a mile or so range on whatever channel is unused in your area. Now for accessories you might want to get a video camera for broadcasting "live", or playing reporter, and then broadcasting whatever you recorded. And you also might want an RF amplifier to play with for extra power. Get ahold of a 6 meter ham amplifier at a hamfest, and use that. You want one that can be driven with 100 milliwats. Or, you could have one built using the same Motarola transistors used for our FM amplifier. The only thing you have to do is modify the circuit values for 54-88 Mhz. instead of 88-108 Mhz. For those of you into do-it- yourself, The June and July 1989 issues of Radio Electronics magazine had an article on building a 2 watt TV transmitter that runs on UHF channel 14. Pirate Operations Broadcasting without a license is illegal. If you are busted, your equipment will be confiscated, and you might be fined. Also, if you are a hacker, or any type of non- conformist, or someone whom the big-shots think is "subversive", expect mo re severe treatment. So, to keep from getting caught, transmit sporadically, and from a mobile location if possible, also never give out any info over the air which they might be able to track you down with. Don't cause any interference to a legit station, as this will get you busted real quick. One idea which was used to good effect was to tape record the entire broadcast, and then take the transmitter to a remote mountaintop. This way, you get farther with less power, and if they track the station down, you will only lose your radio if you're unlucky. If you stake the place out, you should be able to see them coming and then shut down and get out of there. But in any event, even if you do lose some equipment, they won't nail you, and you'll save yourself a fine or worse. Back to Cybertek Index An Intro to Pirate Radio ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- by Necross Sinister & Thomas Icom Getting a start in pirate broadcasting is pretty simple. To be h onest with you, you probably have the basic stuff in your house already. FM Radio FM is one of the easiest bands to pirate in. You can also transmit here legally under the right conditions in accordance with Part 15 of the FCC Rules. Under Part 15 you are allowed 10 0 milliwats of output power with a maximum antenna length of 3 feet. Under the best circumstances that gives you a maximum range of about a mile. If you're in the city, a mile might do it, but under any other circumstances, you'll need some power. For starting equipm ent you'll need a transmitter, an audio mixer, a stereo system with cassette deck, record player, CD, whatever, a microphone, an antenna, and possibly an RF amplifier. The transmitter can be either home built, or something a long the lines of Mr. Microphone. I prefer the homebuilt route as it allows for more flexibility, and low power FM transmitter plans and kits abound. The audio mixer is to combine your microphone input with your music. It's optional, but it does allow for a more professional set-up. The stereo system is whatev er you can get together. Anything that plays music will do. Same goes for the microphone, pick up one for 5 bucks at Radio Shack. The amplifier is a bit more difficult. You might be able to dig one up at a hamfest, or electronics/computer show, but chances are you'll have to make one if you want to put some power out. Get ahold of a Motarola MRF229 or MRF230 transistor, and use that to build a base amplifier for your transmitter. With 100 milliwats input it will put out about 1.25 watts. A little bit better, and then you can add another AMP to get it up even further, such as an MRF233 which will output 17 watts with a 1.25 watt input. There are also transistors that will boost the output power even further, although that runs a greater risk of causing interference; attracting the FCC to you. For most practical pirate radio uses, 17 watts is all you'll need. For an antenna, you can either buy a TV antenna and use that, or just build a dipole or quarter wave vertical. No big deal there. Now, assuming you already have a stereo system and music, we'll go over the cost of a basic pirate station. TV Broadcasting The basis for a TV broadcasting station is a VCR and an antenna. Hook up your VCR "out to TV" jack to your antenna, pop in a tape, and hit play. Poof! instant low-power TV transmitter with a mile or so range on wh atever channel is unused in your area. Now for accessories you might want to get a video camera for broadcasting "live", or playing reporter, and then broadcasting whatever you recorded. And you also might want an RF amplifier to play with for extra power. Get ahold of a 6 meter ham amplifier at a hamfest, and use that. You want one that can be driven with 100 milliwats. Or, you could have one built using the same Motarola transistors used for our FM amplifier. The only thing you have to do is modify the circuit values for 54-88 Mhz. instead of 88-108 Mhz. For those of you into do-it- yourself, The June and July 1989 issues of Radio Electronics magazine had an article on building a 2 watt TV transmitter that runs on UHF channel 14. Pirate Operations Broadcasting without a license is illegal . If you are busted, your equipment will be confiscated, and you might be fined. Also, if you are a hacker, or any type of non- conformist, or someone whom the big-shots think is "subversive", expect mo re severe treatment. So, to keep from getting caught, transmit sp oradically, and from a mobile location if possible, also never give out any info over the air which they might be able to track you down with. Don't cause any interference to a legit station, as this will get you busted real quick. One idea which was used to good eff ect was to tape record the entire broadcast, and then take the transmitter to a remote mountaintop. This way, you get farther with less power, and if they track the station down, you will only lose your radio if you're unlucky. If you stake the place out, you should b e able to see them coming and then shut down and get out of there. But in any event, even if you do lose some equipment, they won't nail you, and you'll save yourself a fine or worse. Back to Cybertek Index An Intro to Pirate Radio ---------------------------------- ------------------------------------------ by Necross Sinister & Thomas Icom Getting a start in pirate broadcasting is pretty simple. To be honest with you, you probably have the basic stuff in your house already. FM Radio FM is one of the easiest bands to pirate i n. You can also transmit here legally under the right conditions in accordance with Part 15 of the FCC Rules. Under Part 15 you are allowed 100 milliwats of output power with a maximum antenna length of 3 feet. Under the best circumstances that gives you a maximum ran ge of about a mile. If you're in the city, a mile might do it, but under any other circumstances, you'll need some power. For starting equipment you'll need a transmitter, an audio mixer, a stereo system with cassette deck, record player, CD, whatever, a microphone, an antenna, and possibly an RF amplifier. The transmitter can be either home built, or something a long the lines of Mr. Microphone. I prefer the homebuilt route as it allows for more flexibility, and low power FM transmitter plans and kits abound. The audio mixer is to combine your microphone input with your music. It's optional, but it does allow for a more professional set-up. The stereo system is whatever you can get together. Anything that plays music will do. Same goes for the microphone, pick up one for 5 bucks at Radio Sh ack. The amplifier is a bit more difficult. You might be able to dig one up at a hamfest, or electronics/computer show, but chances are you'll have to make one if you want to put some power out. Get ahold of a Motarola MRF229 or MRF230 transistor, and use that to buil d a base amplifier for your transmitter. With 100 milliwats input it will put out about 1.25 watts. A little bit better, and then you can add another AMP to get it up even further, such as an MRF233 which will output 17 watts with a 1.25 watt input. There are also tra nsistors that will boost the output power even further, although that runs a greater risk of causing interference; attracting the FCC to you. For most practical pirate radio uses, 17 watts is all you'll need. For an antenna, you can either buy a TV antenna and use tha t, or just build a dipole or quarter wave vertical. No big deal there. Now, assuming you already have a stereo system and music, we'll go over the cost of a basic pirate station. TV Broadcasting The basis for a TV broadcasting station is a VCR and an antenna. Hook u p your VCR "out to TV" jack to your antenna, pop in a tape, and hit play. Poof! instant low-power TV transmitter with a mile or so range on whatever channel is unused in your area. Now for accessories you might want to get a video camera for broadcasting "live", or pl aying reporter, and then broadcasting whatever you recorded. And you also might want an RF amplifier to play with for extra power. Get ahold of a 6 meter ham amplifier at a hamfest, and use that. You want one that can be driven with 100 milliwats. Or, you could have one built using the same Motarola transistors used for our FM amplifier. The only thing you have to do is modify the circuit values for 54-88 Mhz. instead of 88-108 Mhz. For those of you into do-it- yourself, The June and July 1989 issues of Radio Electronics magazine had an article on building a 2 watt TV transmitter that runs on UHF channel 14. Pirate Operations Broadcasting without a license is illegal. If you are busted, your equipment will be confiscated, and you might be fined. Also, if you are a hacker, or any type of non - conformist, or someone whom the big-shots think is "subversive", expect mo re severe treatment. So, to keep from getting caught, transmit sporadically, and from a mobile location if possible, also never give out any info over the air which they might be able to trac k you down with. Don't cause any interference to a legit station, as this will get you busted real quick. One idea which was used to good effect was to tape record the entire broadcast, and then take the transmitter to a remote mountaintop. This way, you get farther with less power, and if they track the station down, you will only lose your radio if you're unlucky. If you stake the place out, you should be able to see them coming and then shut down and get out of there. But in any event, even if you do lose some equipment, they won't nail you, and you'll save yourself a fine or worse. Back to Cybertek Index An Intro to Pirate Radio ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- by Necross Sinister & Thomas Icom Getting a start in pirate broadcasting is pretty simple. To be honest with you, you probably have the basic stuff in your house already. FM Radio FM is one of the easiest bands to pirate in. You can also transmit here legally under the right conditions in accordance with Part 15 of the FCC Rules. Under Part 15 yo u are allowed 100 milliwats of output power with a maximum antenna length of 3 feet. Under the best circumstances that gives you a maximum range of about a mile. If you're in the city, a mile might do it, but under any other circumstances, you'll need some power. For starting equipment you'll need a transmitter, an audio mixer, a stereo system with cassette deck, record player, CD, whatever, a microphone, an antenna, and possibly an RF amplifier. The transmitter can be either home built, or something a long the lines of Mr. Micro phone. I prefer the homebuilt route as it allows for more flexibility, and low power FM transmitter plans and kits abound. The audio mixer is to combine your microphone input with your music. It's optional, but it does allow for a more professional set-up. The stereo system is whatever you can get together. Anything that plays music will do. Same goes for the microphone, pick up one for 5 bucks at Radio Shack. The amplifier is a bit more difficult. You might be able to dig one up at a hamfest, or electronics/computer show, but ch ances are you'll have to make one if you want to put some power out. Get ahold of a Motarola MRF229 or MRF230 transistor, and use that to build a base amplifier for your transmitter. With 100 milliwats input it will put out about 1.25 watts. A little bit better, and t hen you can add another AMP to get it up even further, such as an MRF233 which will output 17 watts with a 1.25 watt input. There are also transistors that will boost the output power even further, although that runs a greater risk of causing interference; attracting the FCC to you. For most practical pirate radio uses, 17 watts is all you'll need. For an antenna, you can either buy a TV antenna and use that, or just build a dipole or quarter wave vertical. No big deal there. Now, assuming you already have a stereo system and musi c, we'll go over the cost of a basic pirate station. TV Broadcasting The basis for a TV broadcasting station is a VCR and an antenna. Hook up your VCR "out to TV" jack to your antenna, pop in a tape, and hit play. Poof! instant low-power TV transmitter with a mile o r so range on whatever channel is unused in your area. Now for accessories you might want to get a video camera for broadcasting "live", or playing reporter, and then broadcasting whatever you recorded. And you also might want an RF amplifier to play with for extra po wer. Get ahold of a 6 meter ham amplifier at a hamfest, and use that. You want one that can be driven with 100 milliwats. Or, you could have one built using the same Motarola transistors used for our FM amplifier. The only thing you have to do is modify the circuit v alues for 54-88 Mhz. instead of 88-108 Mhz. For those of you into do-it- yourself, The June and July 1989 issues of Radio Electronics magazine had an article on building a 2 watt TV transmitter that runs on UHF channel 14. Pirate Operations Broadcasting without a li cense is illegal. If you are busted, your equipment will be confiscated, and you might be fined. Also, if you are a hacker, or any type of non- conformist, or someone whom the big-shots think is "subversive", expect mo re severe treatment. So, to keep from getting cau ght, transmit sporadically, and from a mobile location if possible, also never give out any info over the air which they might be able to track you down with. Don't cause any interference to a legit station, as this will get you busted real quick. One idea which was used to good effect was to tape record the entire broadcast, and then take the transmitter to a remote mountaintop. This way, you get farther with less power, and if they track the station down, you will only lose your radio if you're unlucky. If you stake the place o ut, you should be able to see them coming and then shut down and get out of there. But in any event, even if you do lose some equipment, they won't nail you, and you'll save yourself a fine or worse. Back to Cybertek Index An Intro to Pirate Radio ------------------ ---------------------------------------------------------- by Necross Sinister & Thomas Icom Getting a start in pirate broadcasting is pretty simple. To be honest with you, you probably have the basic stuff in your house already. FM Radio FM is one of the easiest b ands to pirate in. You can also transmit here legally under the right conditions in accordance with Part 15 of the FCC Rules. Under Part 15 you are allowed 100 milliwats of output power with a maximum antenna length of 3 feet. Under the best circumstances that gives y ou a maximum range of about a mile. If you're in the city, a mile might do it, but under any other circumstances, you'll need some power. For starting equipment you'll need a transmitter, an audio mixer, a stereo system with cassette deck, record player, CD, whatever , a microphone, an antenna, and possibly an RF amplifier. The transmitter can be either home built, or something a long the lines of Mr. Microphone. I prefer the homebuilt route as it allows for more flexibility, and low power FM transmitter plans and kits abound. The audio mixer is to combine your microphone input with your music. It's optional, but it does allow for a more professional set-up. The stereo system is whatever you can get together. Anything that plays music will do. Same goes for the microphone, pick up one for 5 b ucks at Radio Shack. The amplifier is a bit more difficult. You might be able to dig one up at a hamfest, or electronics/computer show, but chances are you'll have to make one if you want to put some power out. Get ahold of a Motarola MRF229 or MRF230 transistor, and use that to build a base amplifier for your transmitter. With 100 milliwats input it will put out about 1.25 watts. A little bit better, and then you can add another AMP to get it up even further, such as an MRF233 which will output 17 watts with a 1.25 watt input. Th ere are also transistors that will boost the output power even further, although that runs a greater risk of causing interference; attracting the FCC to you. For most practical pirate radio uses, 17 watts is all you'll need. For an antenna, you can either buy a TV ant enna and use that, or just build a dipole or quarter wave vertical. No big deal there. Now, assuming you already have a stereo system and music, we'll go over the cost of a basic pirate station. TV Broadcasting The basis for a TV broadcasting station is a VCR and an antenna. Hook up your VCR "out to TV" jack to your antenna, pop in a tape, and hit play. Poof! instant low-power TV transmitter with a mile or so range on whatever channel is unused in your area. Now for accessories you might want to get a video camera for broadcasti ng "live", or playing reporter, and then broadcasting whatever you recorded. And you also might want an RF amplifier to play with for extra power. Get ahold of a 6 meter ham amplifier at a hamfest, and use that. You want one that can be driven with 100 milliwats. Or, you could have one built using the same Motarola transistors used for our FM amplifier. The only thing you have to do is modify the circuit values for 54-88 Mhz. instead of 88-108 Mhz. For those of you into do-it- yourself, The June and July 1989 issues of Radio Elec tronics magazine had an article on building a 2 watt TV transmitter that runs on UHF channel 14. Pirate Operations Broadcasting without a license is illegal. If you are busted, your equipment will be confiscated, and you might be fined. Also, if you are a hacker, or any type of non- conformist, or someone whom the big-shots think is "subversive", expect mo re severe treatment. So, to keep from getting caught, transmit sporadically, and from a mobile location if possible, also never give out any info over the air which they might be able to track you down with. Don't cause any interference to a legit station, as this will get you busted real quick. One idea which was used to good effect was to tape record the entire broadcast, and then take the transmitter to a remote mountaintop. This way, you get farther with less power, and if they track the station down, you will only lose your radio if you're unlucky. If you stake the place out, you should be able to see them coming and then shut down and get out of there. But in any event, even if you do lose some equipment, they won't nail you, and you'll save yourself a fine or worse. Back to Cybertek Index An Intro to Pirate Radio ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- by Necross Sinister & Thomas Icom Getting a start in pirate broadc asting is pretty simple. To be honest with you, you probably have the basic stuff in your house already. FM Radio FM is one of the easiest bands to pirate in. You can also transmit here legally under the right conditions in accordance with Part 15 of the FCC Rules. Under Part 15 you are allowed 100 milliwats of output power with a maximum antenna length of 3 feet. Under the best circumstances that gives you a maximum range of about a mile. If you're in the city, a mile might do it, but under any other circumstances, you'll need some power. For starting equipment you'll need a transmitter, an audio mixer, a stereo system with cassette deck, record player, CD, whatever, a microphone, an antenna, and possibly an RF amplifier. The transmitter can be either home built, or something a long the li nes of Mr. Microphone. I prefer the homebuilt route as it allows for more flexibility, and low power FM transmitter plans and kits abound. The audio mixer is to combine your microphone input with your music. It's optional, but it does allow for a more professional set -up. The stereo system is whatever you can get together. Anything that plays music will do. Same goes for the microphone, pick up one for 5 bucks at Radio Shack. The amplifier is a bit more difficult. You might be able to dig one up at a hamfest, or electronics/compu ter show, but chances are you'll have to make one if you want to put some power out. Get ahold of a Motarola MRF229 or MRF230 transistor, and use that to build a base amplifier for your transmitter. With 100 milliwats input it will put out about 1.25 watts. A little b it better, and then you can add another AMP to get it up even further, such as an MRF233 which will output 17 watts with a 1.25 watt input. There are also transistors that will boost the output power even further, although that runs a greater risk of causing interfere nce; attracting the FCC to you. For most practical pirate radio uses, 17 watts is all you'll need. For an antenna, you can either buy a TV antenna and use that, or just build a dipole or quarter wave vertical. No big deal there. Now, assuming you already have a stereo system and music, we'll go over the cost of a basic pirate station. TV Broadcasting The basis for a TV broadcasting station is a VCR and an antenna. Hook up your VCR "out to TV" jack to your antenna, pop in a tape, and hit play. Poof! instant low-power TV transmitt er with a mile or so range on whatever channel is unused in your area. Now for accessories you might want to get a video camera for broadcasting "live", or playing reporter, and then broadcasting whatever you recorded. And you also might want an RF amplifier to play w ith for extra power. Get ahold of a 6 meter ham amplifier at a hamfest, and use that. You want one that can be driven with 100 milliwats. Or, you could have one built using the same Motarola transistors used for our FM amplifier. The only thing you have to do is modi fy the circuit values for 54-88 Mhz. instead of 88-108 Mhz. For those of you into do-it- yourself, The June and July 1989 issues of Radio Electronics magazine had an article on building a 2 watt TV transmitter that runs on UHF channel 14. Pirate Operations Broadcast ing without a license is illegal. If you are busted, your equipment will be confiscated, and you might be fined. Also, if you are a hacker, or any type of non- conformist, or someone whom the big-shots think is "subversive", expect mo re severe treatment. So, to keep from getting caught, transmit sporadically, and from a mobile location if possible, also never give out any info over the air which they might be able to track you down with. Don't cause any interference to a legit station, as this will get you busted real quick. One idea which was used to good effect was to tape record the entire broadcast, and then take the transmitter to a remote mountaintop. This way, you get farther with less power, and if they track the station down, you will only lose your radio if you're unlucky. If you s take the place out, you should be able to see them coming and then shut down and get out of there. But in any event, even if you do lose some equipment, they won't nail you, and you'll save yourself a fine or worse. Back to Cybertek Index An Intro to Pirate Radio -- -------------------------------------------------------------------------- by Necross Sinister & Thomas Icom Getting a start in pirate broadcasting is pretty simple. To be honest with you, you probably have the basic stuff in your house already. FM Radio FM is one of the easiest bands to pirate in. You can also transmit here legally under the right conditions in accordance with Part 15 of the FCC Rules. Under Part 15 you are allowed 100 milliwats of output power with a maximum antenna length of 3 feet. Under the best circumstan ces that gives you a maximum range of about a mile. If you're in the city, a mile might do it, but under any other circumstances, you'll need some power. For starting equipment you'll need a transmitter, an audio mixer, a stereo system with cassette deck, record play er, CD, whatever, a microphone, an antenna, and possibly an RF amplifier. The transmitter can be either home built, or something a long the lines of Mr. Microphone. I prefer the homebuilt route as it allows for more flexibility, and low power FM transmitter plans and kits abound. The audio mixer is to combine your microphone input with your music. It's optional, but it does allow for a more professional set-up. The stereo system is whatever you can get together. Anything that plays music will do. Same goes for the microphone, pic k up one for 5 bucks at Radio Shack. The amplifier is a bit more difficult. You might be able to dig one up at a hamfest, or electronics/computer show, but chances are you'll have to make one if you want to put some power out. Get ahold of a Motarola MRF229 or MRF230 transistor, and use that to build a base amplifier for your transmitter. With 100 milliwats input it will put out about 1.25 watts. A little bit better, and then you can add another AMP to get it up even further, such as an MRF233 which will output 17 watts with a 1.2 5 watt input. There are also transistors that will boost the output power even further, although that runs a greater risk of causing interference; attracting the FCC to you. For most practical pirate radio uses, 17 watts is all you'll need. For an antenna, you can eit her buy a TV antenna and use that, or just build a dipole or quarter wave vertical. No big deal there. Now, assuming you already have a stereo system and music, we'll go over the cost of a basic pirate station. TV Broadcasting The basis for a TV broadcasting station is a VCR and an antenna. Hook up your VCR "out to TV" jack to your antenna, pop in a tape, and hit play. Poof! instant low-power TV transmitter with a mile or so range on whatever channel is unused in your area. Now for accessories you might want to get a video camer a for broadcasting "live", or playing reporter, and then broadcasting whatever you recorded. And you also might want an RF amplifier to play with for extra power. Get ahold of a 6 meter ham amplifier at a hamfest, and use that. You want one that can be driven with 10 0 milliwats. Or, you could have one built using the same Motarola transistors used for our FM amplifier. The only thing you have to do is modify the circuit values for 54-88 Mhz. instead of 88-108 Mhz. For those of you into do-it- yourself, The June and July 1989 issu es of Radio Electronics magazine had an article on building a 2 watt TV transmitter that runs on UHF channel 14. Pirate Operations Broadcasting without a license is illegal. If you are busted, your equipment will be confiscated, and you might be fined. Also, if you are a hacker, or any type of non- conformist, or someone whom the big-shots think is "subversive", expect mo re severe treatment. So, to keep from getting caught, transmit sporadically, and from a mobile location if possible, also never give out any info over the air which they might be able to track you down with. Don't cause any interference to a legit station, as this will get you busted real quick. One idea which was used to good effect was to tape record the entire broadcast, and then take the transmitter to a remote mountai ntop. This way, you get farther with less power, and if they track the station down, you will only lose your radio if you're unlucky. If you stake the place out, you should be able to see them coming and then shut down and get out of there. But in any event, even if y ou do lose some equipment, they won't nail you, and you'll save yourself a fine or worse. Back to Cybertek Index An Intro to Pirate Radio ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- by Necross Sinister & Thomas Icom Getting a start in pirate broadcasting is pretty simple. To be honest with you, you probably have the basic stuff in your house already. FM Radio FM is one of the easiest bands to pirate in. You can also transmit here legally under the right conditions in accordance with Part 15 of the FCC Rules. Under Part 15 you are allowed 100 milliwats of output power with a maximum antenna length of 3 feet. Under the best circumstances that gives you a maximum range of about a mile. If you're in the city, a mile might do it, but under any other circumstanc es, you'll need some power. For starting equipment you'll need a transmitter, an audio mixer, a stereo system with cassette deck, record player, CD, whatever, a microphone, an antenna, and possibly an RF amplifier. The transmitter can be either home built, or somethi ng a long the lines of Mr. Microphone. I prefer the homebuilt route as it allows for more flexibility, and low power FM transmitter plans and kits abound. The audio mixer is to combine your microphone input with your music. It's optional, but it does allow for a more professional set-up. The stereo system is whatever you can get together. Anything that plays music will do. Same goes for the microphone, pick up one for 5 bucks at Radio Shack. The amplifier is a bit more difficult. You might be able to dig one up at a hamfest, or e lectronics/computer show, but chances are you'll have to make one if you want to put some power out. Get ahold of a Motarola MRF229 or MRF230 transistor, and use that to build a base amplifier for your transmitter. With 100 milliwats input it will put out about 1.25 w atts. A little bit better, and then you can add another AMP to get it up even further, such as an MRF233 which will output 17 watts with a 1.25 watt input. There are also transistors that will boost the output power even further, although that runs a greater risk of c ausing interference; attracting the FCC to you. For most practical pirate radio uses, 17 watts is all you'll need. For an antenna, you can either buy a TV antenna and use that, or just build a dipole or quarter wave vertical. No big deal there. Now, assuming you alrea dy have a stereo system and music, we'll go over the cost of a basic pirate station. TV Broadcasting The basis for a TV broadcasting station is a VCR and an antenna. Hook up your VCR "out to TV" jack to your antenna, pop in a tape, and hit play. Poof! instant low-po wer TV transmitter with a mile or so range on whatever channel is unused in your area. Now for accessories you might want to get a video camera for broadcasting "live", or playing reporter, and then broadcasting whatever you recorded. And you also might want an RF amp