Bongwater's Comments About Part 15 Radio

[Bongwater]

First, it's here to stay.

Second, I've noticed everybody can get so worked up over potentially getting busted. But realistically, you're running tiny transmitters that in most cases can barely be heard on most radios a few blocks away. It's not like you're selling crack to five year olds.

Third, on FM: It is confusing-too confusing (and I thought AM was too much damn science for this ol' brain!) The point is, if you adhere as closely as possible to the rules in good faith, careful engineering and documentation, you shouldn't have any problem with it.

Fourth, the FCC: These people are busy. Very busy. They too have had some cutbacks and most just don't have the resources it takes to inspect every single tiny mass produced transmitter a nanowatt or inch over the limit. How many of these are there to the nearest bazillion out there? Even the most vitriolically against Part 15 anything engineers have better things to do anyway.

However, if you can be heard 2 miles away on FM or AM and you're unlicensed, be afraid. Be VERY afraid.

But if you're just playing MP3s to a block or two and not bothing anyone else or jamming/interfering with anyone else's radio, in the long run it's a moot point. Especially if you're in a remote area several miles away from the nearest FCC field office. There's bigger fish to fry with licensed stations.

 

[WCWalker]

First, it's here to stay.


However, if you can be heard 2 miles away on FM or AM and you're unlicensed, be afraid. Be VERY afraid.

But if you're just playing MP3s to a block or two and not bothing anyone else or jamming/interfering with anyone else's radio, in the long run it's a moot point. Especially if you're in a remote area several miles away from the nearest FCC field office. There's bigger fish to fry with licensed stations.

***This is simply not true. Virtually every customer that has purchased a Type Accepted Part 15 AM transmitter can achieve a mile or more radius in virtually any location in the country. And in many areas two miles or more is easily possible. Every customer I've got has been able to reach at least a two mile radius during the day and in some cases even further. Range is reduced at night though thanks to skip. The only real exception to this would be in parts of New England, eastern PA and Long Island and downstate NY where ground conductivity stinks.

To date, I only know of one Type Accepted transmitter being broadcast on AM that was shut down. And that was not over the range of his station but another issue and mostly because that broadcaster refused to cooperate with the FCC after an inspection of his system showed a problem that needed to be addressed.

 

[Bongwater]

First, it's here to stay.


However, if you can be heard 2 miles away on FM or AM and you're unlicensed, be afraid. Be VERY afraid.

But if you're just playing MP3s to a block or two and not bothing anyone else or jamming/interfering with anyone else's radio, in the long run it's a moot point. Especially if you're in a remote area several miles away from the nearest FCC field office. There's bigger fish to fry with licensed stations.

***This is simply not true. Virtually every customer that has purchased a Type Accepted Part 15 AM transmitter can achieve a mile or more radius in virtually any location in the country. And in many areas two miles or more is easily possible. Every customer I've got has been able to reach at least a two mile radius during the day and in some cases even further. Range is reduced at night though thanks to skip. The only real exception to this would be in parts of New England, eastern PA and Long Island and downstate NY where ground conductivity stinks.

To date, I only know of one Type Accepted transmitter being broadcast on AM that was shut down. And that was not over the range of his station but another issue and mostly because that broadcaster refused to cooperate with the FCC after an inspection of his system showed a problem that needed to be addressed.

Sorry, I was referring mostly to FM. But even at 5 miles, it becomes an issue for AM. Even for Part 15s. Because the average person really isn't going to care whether a station is licensed or not. If it sounds good, they'll listen. More often than not, the ones most likely to snitch you off to the FCC happen to be the engineers for licensed local stations.

And depending on who they are. Some set their face against the whole idea of Part 15 and will want nothing short of the absolute silence of it, others are indifferent and some might be polite and even be helpful. I've heard of it going in all directions. The compass varies. You just have to read about which areas get busted the most and try to avoid them. Unless you have plenty of donuts and coffee ready for your repeated company.

I read about one guy in Florida who got visited three times in one year. Each time, he got off clean, his station was operating perfectly in the rules. But he had to shut himself down because he couldn't take the stress level. It was all pretty much from a vindictive engineer from a competing licensed station. I'm sure after a while, someone at the field office would eventually tell that engineer to go boil an egg.

But they do take long range unlicensed transmissions seriously. Trouble is, a lot of people are doing it now and a lot more in the future and there is no way of truly keeping track of it all currently. That's why LPAM licenses (and 1-2 watt Micro FM licenses) are needed that make it possible for the SERIOUS Part 15er currently to be able to offer something for the community that goes somewhat beyond the limited range of what's available now as well as PROVE it's doing something for the community. I'm sure in the end, these current Part 15s under this system will not only achieve, but in most cases BEAT their licensed competitors when it comes to the level of true public service. These people take the true spirit of radio to heart in ways very few corporate broadcasters see beyond the balance sheets. Let them have the chance to prove it. And provide them with the ability to compete for local advertising at a price that is fairer to the advertiser. Most 1,000 watt AMs shouldn't have too much trouble with a 5 watt AM competitor and if they do, well, who's fault is THAT?

I thi9nk it's the fair and just way of dealing with it.