Post by butterboy001 on Feb 19, 2009 13:48:54 GMT -6
I just took a big interest in pirate radio. So now i want to build one but i don't know the basics. Help where do i start? i live in a small town. I would like to brodcast 3 to 4 miles on FM So now how do I get started.
Sorry but your best bet is to read read and read more online how-to guides and do your share of research. It's not something someone can tell you how to do in a single message reply.
There are sites where you can buy all in one setups to get on the air in a few days but you will be paying a lot of money. It's best to learn as much as you can before you even think about going on the air. We can't do the research for you
Now you will need your coaxial cable. choose/ beg whatever is good for what you need and how much you will need to get from your transmitter to your antenna.
After your coaxial comes the transmitter. You will need a transmitter capable of transmitting in the frequency you need. (to recieve on 88.5mhz you need to transmit on 88.5mhz)
Power supply. These usually come with your transmitter, but if not you will have to buy one. if your transmitter requires 12VDC you need 12VDC, 12VAC will not work and may burn your fuses/ your house.
Mixing device: This is the audio input for your station. Some people use a laptop, some just use a straight mic and ipod, and some will use a mixing board.
Camo: Only required if you're transmitting illegally. I like english ivy on an old tree, but thats what i already have. paint and non metalic structures can be used, but may alter your signal.
Post by Ozone Express Radio on Jun 25, 2011 21:57:24 GMT -6
Lots of reading on your own. Unfortunately, the number of folks who do or have done this successfully for any length of time is pretty small and as such they like to keep a low profile.
You can't bring this up as dinner conversation in just any circle. ;D Just do a quick Google search for pirate radio, clandestine radio, microbroadcasting or the like and you'll get plenty of reading. I'd also recommend a copy of the ARRL antenna book. While it isn't pirate related, it covers a ton of info pertinent to the subject of broadcasting.
Post by ghostprototype on Nov 12, 2011 21:07:30 GMT -6
^ I'm downloading a copy of the ARRL book (21st edition) as we speak. Thanks for the recommendation.
As far as the 'getting started' part goes, I figure it's better to bump a relevant thread than to make a new one. So I got a question about getting started. Is it worth learning how to build the electronics from scratch? I've seen schematics for various transmitters and whatnot, and for smaller 'bug' transmitters, I can see how that would be beneficial. As for large-scale radios (>1W) does anyone use homebrew equipment, or do most people use prebuilt transmitters?
Post by Ozone Express Radio on Nov 14, 2011 18:32:19 GMT -6
Learning to build basic circuits is a really great idea, because you can build off that knowledge in the future to repair, troubleshoot and construct your own setups.
Anything large scale can be built at home too, but it all depends on what you need, want and your abilities. Pirates run everything from homebrew to storebought, to old Ham gear to ex-military radio gear. There isn't a one size fits all, so you need to determine your needs and work from there. Personally, I have a hodgepodge of homebrew, flea market finds and some ex-military gear in my studio.