I have been operating my station off and on for about two years now. I usually only broadcast on weekends and holidays, but not every weekend because sometimes I take a break from it for a few weeks. I use a CZH-15A transmitter into a home-made J-Pole antenna and the signal goes about 2-3 miles. I have also done lots of research and testing to verify that I am not causing any interference. I also have been "low-key" about my station and do not really advertize it, although I do have a website where my station streams online. I also do not make ANY on-air announcements and I just play constant music, which is censored and clean.
My question is, what do you think my chances are of getting caught?
If busted, and the FCC does visit, what is the best thing to do;? Fully cooperate and admit that you were broadcasting illegally and that it was wrong and shut off the TX, Or Tell them to get lost if they do not have a warrant, Or Pleading the fifth amendment (remaining silent), Or Pretend that you are not there by ignoring them and not answering the door, or Play dumb and act like you do not know anything about the illegal broadcast?
Also, is the FCC more likely to just send a letter (NOUO) or are they more likely to visit?
This topic has already come up from time to time and the real answer is unknown since so many variables could come into play. From what I have read in numerous articles and busts is that it usually is in your best interest to just let the FCC inspect your setup and admit that you were broadcasting. This doesn't mean you should start blurting out that you knew it was illegal and give away more information than needed. Also keep a cool attitude and the favor may be returned.
Admitting that you knew it was illegal or not probably is irreverent but if you get an official that has never dealt with this kind of thing before then maybe they will let you off easier if you suggest you didn't know the power level you were using was illegal, and even suggest that you do intend to try and file for a license so that you don't look like a complete radio bandit.
If you refuse to let them in then it is likely they will just come back with a warrant and police and then shit will really hit the fan. So probably best just to let them do their thing and if all goes well you will be let off with a NOUO letter and no fines or confiscated equipment.
This is all assuming your transmitter gear is in the same location as your studio and yourself. Sophisticated pirate setups will have transmitters at remote locations so that this very kind of bust only results in a confiscated transmitter and a game of cat and mouse. In that case it is best to just let them take off with your transmitter and remain silent and not let them know the source.
The likelihood of getting caught increases greatly when you broadcast often or using schedules. Obviously having a dirty signal, angry listeners, profane music or controversial talk will get the feds on your tail faster than not.
...................note in his database that there are geological (political really - FL, TX and NY get busted the most) trends (like is there in FCC area office in your State or worse in your Town? - or are you 500 miles from the nearest?
also note power/range will have effect in chances of getting cought - its not a linear curve IMO - more of a 2nd order one (anything over a couple of miles/ 5 watts (I ran 1 watt and 1/2 mile sig myself for years (usually like yourself - on the weekends. In fact I was on the air when another station (which had been on the air for one year - 2 nights a week (sunday and Wednesday evenings) with 20 watts got raided by the federal marshalls (they had to have had a previous warning/visit - only after repeated ignorings of the fcc will they hire fed marshalls to accompany them. this station was only located about 1.5 from me at the time - but I had only been on the air for a few months and very weak - and unlike them I never advertised myself. They even had a write-up in a local paper and a story of how they had had an earlier station a few years before which had also been raided/etc...........they had brass ones - if not so smart ones that's for sure.
.......and finally look carefully at the raid tables and note a trend - most 3/4 or more are notified by mail - not a visit.
also to me it looks like equipment is not taken with first visit - only with a second one.
and fines are not imposed until the 3rd or 4th visit (yes there are some it seems in those table ignored the fcc up to 4 times - and were fined for it - what? 7k? (I forget now).
Statistically speaking with your wattage you most likely will never get notification in the mail - must less so a visit.
- but as you know there are always exceptions ;-/.
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