Brick, NJ "Underground" Station On 530 AM

[DToTheJ]

And based on the map on the station's website, they probably broadcast at no more than 3 watts:
http://undergroundprogressiveradio.webs.com/

"This is the radio the Government DOESN'T want you to hear."

I don't think the Government has anything to worry about - people couldn't hear it if they tried!

And they only broadcast for TWO HOURS per day - what's up with that? Is this a Part 15 or a pirate?

 

[tom]

The web site states:

FCC part 15 rules, Section 15.219 Operation in the band 510–1705 kHz.

(a) The total input power to the final radio frequency stage (exclusive of filament or heater power) shall not exceed 100 milliwatts.

(b) The total length of the transmission line, antenna and ground lead (if used) shall not exceed 3 meters.

So yeah, you can assume they are Part 15, 100 milliwatts, not 3 watts, which would go for miles.

So what, someone chose to make a statement.

 

[nd2023]

Not that I'm encouraging it, but they might as well be a pirate on the FM band with 300 watts. Especially if they're only on 2 hours a night, since the FCC seems to do nothing. The key word here is night, that 530 out in the Bahamas is going to limit reception of this part 15 to the point that it's not worth operating it.

 

[qtpieislit]

I can't find that Bahamas license. The only assignments I see on 530 are for Canadian licenses. 2 with 50 watts, and 2 with 1kW day and 250w night. No American Licenses.

 

[Pirate_Jim]

530 AM is from the Turks & Caicos Islands .. not the Bahamas ..

 

[Radiofan101]

As the owner of this station, I felt it necessary to give my two cents. Was I shocked to find that my small Part 15 operation was a topic of discussion on this board. A few things need to clarified.

And based on the map on the station's website, they probably broadcast at no more than 3 watts:
http://undergroundprogressiveradio.webs.com/

Really? It says so on the website 100 milliwatts. To make up for the small range, it streams live online.

Is this a Part 15 or a pirate?

Once again, it clearly says Part 15 on the website. Broadcasting on Part 15 certified equipment is perfectly legally if done properly, which it is.

Part 15 is also a great hobby, and I really enjoy doing this, and I like working everyone in the radio community. Plus, we were expanding our hours shortly.

 

[musicman3355]

They do provide a coverage map for whoever wants to hear it:

http://undergroundprogressiveradio.webs.com/Picture 24.png

Of course, it had to be made with MS Paint... :

 

[amfmsw]

radiofan....you'll get MUCH better coverage if you switch to the other end of the band, above 15ooKc. Because of the Part 15 Rules of antenna length, your antenna is way too short to be efficient for 530Kc. At the higher frequencies, the short antenna regulations actually aid you in gaining efficient coverage, especially in the clean expanded band to 1710Kc. Ask Tom Wells. I used a retired CBS Volumax & CRL unit for processing, and covered several local towns (aided by salt water). The rules about grounding the antenna can be 'followed' by strapping onto your sewer vent pipe.

 

[MickeyD]

radiofan....you'll get MUCH better coverage if you switch to the other end of the band, above 15ooKc. Because of the Part 15 Rules of antenna length, your antenna is way too short to be efficient for 530Kc. At the higher frequencies, the short antenna regulations actually aid you in gaining efficient coverage, especially in the clean expanded band to 1710Kc. Ask Tom Wells. I used a retired CBS Volumax & CRL unit for processing, and covered several local towns (aided by salt water). The rules about grounding the antenna can be 'followed' by strapping onto your sewer vent pipe.

Why would anyone want an AM pirate station? The licensed AM stations are trying to get on FM.

 

[amfmsw]

Mick...I guess because some of us still have the 'adventure' of radio still alive in us. It's just damn fun! And be clear about this, these are NOT 'Pirate' stations, they are perfectly legal.

Now, addressing your question why AM over FM? Because the Part 15 rules are far more stringent on FM, and barely let you cover every room of your own house, whereas the AM rules allow you to be creative and give you a chance to engineer a decent signal to cover most of the town, or more. Anyone interested in putting your own station on, invest in an ARRL Handbook.