Confirmed busted with ONE WATT

[midwestclubber]

I read an article on a ONE WATT Alternative Rock station, operating on 95.7 in Cincinatti, and they inevitably did get busted and fined, as well as all of his Equipment SEIZED,,, they took his Computer, all of his CDs, his stereo, speakers, Transmitter, and antenna, upon arrival, He also had two small children, that he may loose custody of, They claim the PIRATE STATION was an unsafe unlawful environment for the children. I think the station may have contained Bad Language. This happened in 1999 I beleive it said. So if your thinking of going One Watt with FM, dont do it........From what I understand, the FCC really does not want anyone on the air, AT ALL, Part 15 is supposed to be for Personal Use, and not Public Performance, which pretty much means, Signal Confined to your own property. There really is no way to get a legal FM part 15, unless your target audience is right next door................Notifying the FCC of your broadcast, is like telling a cop, HEY, im gonna be speeding at 70 mph in a 55 zone today down HI-Way 40, is that OKAY with you guys? If the FCC had their way, all sales of any Transmitters, even those small Battery operated things, would be banned.

 

[viberadio]

First, that's FM and in 99? you say, those were the days of "lets show some force"

AM is a different ball game, plus the FM pirates they are worried about are the kilowatters not the mosquitos.










> I read an article on a ONE WATT Alternative Rock station,
> operating on 95.7 in Cincinatti, and they inevitably did get
> busted and fined, as well as all of his Equipment SEIZED,,,
> they took his Computer, all of his CDs, his stereo,
> speakers, Transmitter, and antenna, upon arrival, He also
> had two small children, that he may loose custody of, They
> claim the PIRATE STATION was an unsafe unlawful environment
> for the children. I think the station may have contained
> Bad Language. This happened in 1999 I beleive it said. So
> if your thinking of going One Watt with FM, dont do
> it........From what I understand, the FCC really does not
> want anyone on the air, AT ALL, Part 15 is supposed to be
> for Personal Use, and not Public Performance, which pretty
> much means, Signal Confined to your own property. There
> really is no way to get a legal FM part 15, unless your
> target audience is right next door................Notifying
> the FCC of your broadcast, is like telling a cop, HEY, im
> gonna be speeding at 70 mph in a 55 zone today down HI-Way
> 40, is that OKAY with you guys? If the FCC had their way,
> all sales of any Transmitters, even those small Battery
> operated things, would be banned.
>

 

[abcdj]

The main thing you need to remember is to be smart about it.
Do not air obscene language or lyrics. Do not air anti-government propaganda. Do not air broadcasts that attack individuals or public figures or officials. Do not in any way interfere with a licensed broadcast station. Do not over modulate. Basically, don't do anything that someone could complain about and operate according to the rules of licensed broadcasters. If you don't know them, you should before you begin! Most often, not always, the field agents investigate after a complaint is made.

If you are operating a Part 15 setup, and are visited by a field agent, the best advise is cooperation. Volunteer nothing, but be polite and cooperative.
Chances are very good if you are simply operating slightly above legal limits, you will be informed of such and given the opportunity to correct the issue. It would be in your best interest to do so immediately or discontinue broadcasting altogether until that is done.

If you are operating a clearly illegal setup and are visited by an agent, it is best to again be cooperative and polite and volunteer nothing. Chances are the agent already knows everything they need - power levels, frequency, etc. They will ask you and of course what you say can be used against you! They might ask why you have done this, or what power you are putting out, how long have you been broadcasting, and questions like that. One can always simply say "I don't know". The burden of proof will be on them, but again, I wouldn't suggest saying that to a field agent, just don't volunteer anything unless your are legally required to do so (standard attorney advise!).

In most cases, they will begin by asking for your license to operate a broadcast transmitter from this location. Of course, you won't have one and they know this, but they will ask. You will be informed that an investigation is underway regarding unauthorized broadcasts and they'll ask to see your site. You are not required to show them by law until they have a warrant or probable cause to enter your residence or location. It is surely in your best interest to cooperate though. On their first visit, under normal circumstances, they will simply make notes of what you are using (type of transmitter and antenna). They will have already done signal measurements in all liklihood before arriving. They will caution you to terminate broadcasts and will file a report. In a couple of weeks a letter from Washington will arrive officially asking you to cease and desist broadcasting without authorization.

Typically if one stops the broadcasting, nothing else happens. Keep going and you are seriously entering a risky proposition. The next visit might involve agents with other authorities in a less than friendly manner! Confiscation of equipment often results and they can take not only the transmitter and antenna, but any equipment used for the broadcast, including consoles, microphones, audio processing, CD players, computers and the like. At that point they might also file federal charges and attempt to levy a substantial fine. Unless you seriously want to challenge the Communications Act of 1934, that's an avenue that will probably not yield satisfactory results in your favor!

I've known so-called Pirates who've operated for years without a visit from the FCC. Any public notice, good or bad, will get the notice of the FCC. Keep a low profile!

 

[RADIOBRANDY]

Re: Bust this! ONE WATT

Outstanding Post: Read it again, learn it, remember it, and may I add Don't sweat it. I don't think the taxpayer is going to be to thrilled if the FCC waste its time and their dollars going after guppy broadcasters, when they have much bigger fish to fry.

Steve
www.RadioBrandy.com

> The main thing you need to remember is to be smart about it.
>
> Do not air obscene language or lyrics. Do not air
> anti-government propaganda. Do not air broadcasts that
> attack individuals or public figures or officials. Do not
> in any way interfere with a licensed broadcast station. Do
> not over modulate.

 

[ajhenderson]

> I've known so-called Pirates who've operated for years
> without a visit from the FCC. Any public notice, good or
> bad, will get the notice of the FCC. Keep a low profile!

I know and certainly understand the warning about keeping a low profile, but what about stations like "KBXQ" in Flagstaff, AZ (www.foxsports1650.com) that not only market their station, solicit ad clients, and get PREMIERE to clear an entire 24/7 lineup of programming on their unlicensed setup. I know they got a warning from the FCC, but I have heard that they claim they are legal, with lawyers to back them up. In fact, I was driving home and stopped in Flagstaff just two weeks ago... there they were, loud and clear (broadcasting from two Rangemasters IIRC). When you say keep a low profile, that falls in line with using Part 15 as more of a hobby to show your friends... is it truly unwise to operate like the station above?

 

[viberadio]

First off, if you are a part15 legal station "you don't have to be in a low profile mode" people, PART15 IS NOT PIRATE!!! if your station is complying and NOT causing interfierence they simply don't care HIGH or low profile.
All I read here are people saying FCC this and FCC that.

With part15 you can sell ads you do what ever cause they do not enforce on content, only signal.

FN part15 is totally animal than AM part15




> First, that's FM and in 99? you say, those were the days of
> "lets show some force"
>
> AM is a different ball game, plus the FM pirates they are
> worried about are the kilowatters not the mosquitos.
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
> > I read an article on a ONE WATT Alternative Rock station,
> > operating on 95.7 in Cincinatti, and they inevitably did
> get
> > busted and fined, as well as all of his Equipment
> SEIZED,,,
> > they took his Computer, all of his CDs, his stereo,
> > speakers, Transmitter, and antenna, upon arrival, He also
> > had two small children, that he may loose custody of, They
>
> > claim the PIRATE STATION was an unsafe unlawful
> environment
> > for the children. I think the station may have contained
> > Bad Language. This happened in 1999 I beleive it said. So
>
> > if your thinking of going One Watt with FM, dont do
> > it........From what I understand, the FCC really does not
> > want anyone on the air, AT ALL, Part 15 is supposed to be
> > for Personal Use, and not Public Performance, which pretty
>
> > much means, Signal Confined to your own property. There
> > really is no way to get a legal FM part 15, unless your
> > target audience is right next
> door................Notifying
> > the FCC of your broadcast, is like telling a cop, HEY, im
> > gonna be speeding at 70 mph in a 55 zone today down HI-Way
>
> > 40, is that OKAY with you guys? If the FCC had their
> way,
> > all sales of any Transmitters, even those small Battery
> > operated things, would be banned.
> >
>

 

[mikebatchelor]

I would think that if they are using type accepted units like Rangemasters, where they can display the FCC authorization, then they really shouldn't have much problem. Sounds to me like they are in the clear, as long as they can prove they are in compliance, which it sounds like they are, unless they are using some type of modified antenna system.

> > I've known so-called Pirates who've operated for years
> > without a visit from the FCC. Any public notice, good or
> > bad, will get the notice of the FCC. Keep a low profile!
>
> I know and certainly understand the warning about keeping a
> low profile, but what about stations like "KBXQ" in
> Flagstaff, AZ (www.foxsports1650.com) that not only market
> their station, solicit ad clients, and get PREMIERE to clear
> an entire 24/7 lineup of programming on their unlicensed
> setup. I know they got a warning from the FCC, but I have
> heard that they claim they are legal, with lawyers to back
> them up. In fact, I was driving home and stopped in
> Flagstaff just two weeks ago... there they were, loud and
> clear (broadcasting from two Rangemasters IIRC). When you
> say keep a low profile, that falls in line with using Part
> 15 as more of a hobby to show your friends... is it truly
> unwise to operate like the station above?
>

 

[wcummings]

I am familiar with the Flagstaff area. Exactly was was the range of their transmission? East Flag? Winnona?



> I know and certainly understand the warning about keeping a
> low profile, but what about stations like "KBXQ" in
> Flagstaff, AZ (www.foxsports1650.com) that not only market
> their station, solicit ad clients, and get PREMIERE to clear
> an entire 24/7 lineup of programming on their unlicensed
> setup. I know they got a warning from the FCC, but I have
> heard that they claim they are legal, with lawyers to back
> them up. In fact, I was driving home and stopped in
> Flagstaff just two weeks ago... there they were, loud and
> clear (broadcasting from two Rangemasters IIRC). When you
> say keep a low profile, that falls in line with using Part
> 15 as more of a hobby to show your friends... is it truly
> unwise to operate like the station above?
>

 

[rickity]

> I am familiar with the Flagstaff area. Exactly was was the
> range of their transmission? East Flag? Winnona?
>

They range from near Pulliam Field on I-17 strong around the University district strong on I-40 past Butler, weaker near the Sears-Dillards Center (Flagstaff Mall), strong all around the Hospital - Naval Observatory - 4th St neighborhoods. Clear directly under KVNA's tower. It's a good sounding signal during the day.

They are dead at night, barely listenable near NAU and environs.

Additionally, NAU has a very lower power on 1680 playing fairly radical music called KJAK and operated by students that can be picked up about five miles south of the campus and strong in downtown Flag both day and nite. It has been on and off the air a number of times, once for several months at least. Good production, no dj's that I have heard.

That's your low power AM radio report from the northland.

Rickity

Listening tests in a 2003 Dodge pickup with standard amfmcd system

 

[KeithHamilton]

They have been revisited by the FCC and they found everthing in order.

 

[KeithHamilton]

The Flagstaff station just had a problem with thei ground, it was corrected.

 

[wcummings]

Keith,

What exactly was the problem the FCC had with their ground?

 

[pbolyn]

How could a "ground problem" cause them to get in trouble? Maybe their ground was previously disconnected, they connected it, got in trouble, and then disconnected it? We need some serious information here to make sense of this.


> Keith,
>
> What exactly was the problem the FCC had with their ground?
>
<P ID="signature">______________
Phil B
</P>

 

[simcha]

> Keith,
>
> What exactly was the problem the FCC had with their ground?
>
I spoke to keith about it and he told me the ground ran across a building and then to the ground. So they simply ran the ground directly to the ground and they were cleared.

 

[scottclem]

Actually, one watt is above the legal limit for Part 15, which is a maximum of 50 milliwatts on FM.

They're threatening to take this guy's children? That's way out in left field!



> I read an article on a ONE WATT Alternative Rock station,
> operating on 95.7 in Cincinatti, and they inevitably did get
> busted and fined, as well as all of his Equipment SEIZED,,,
> they took his Computer, all of his CDs, his stereo,
> speakers, Transmitter, and antenna, upon arrival, He also
> had two small children, that he may loose custody of, They
> claim the PIRATE STATION was an unsafe unlawful environment
> for the children. I think the station may have contained
> Bad Language. This happened in 1999 I beleive it said. So
> if your thinking of going One Watt with FM, dont do
> it........From what I understand, the FCC really does not
> want anyone on the air, AT ALL, Part 15 is supposed to be
> for Personal Use, and not Public Performance, which pretty
> much means, Signal Confined to your own property. There
> really is no way to get a legal FM part 15, unless your
> target audience is right next door................Notifying
> the FCC of your broadcast, is like telling a cop, HEY, im
> gonna be speeding at 70 mph in a 55 zone today down HI-Way
> 40, is that OKAY with you guys? If the FCC had their way,
> all sales of any Transmitters, even those small Battery
> operated things, would be banned.
>

 

[radiomike]

50mw on FM is still too high for part 15FM.

Actually, one watt is above the legal limit for Part 15,
> which is a maximum of 50 milliwatts on FM.
>
> They're threatening to take this guy's children? That's way
> out in left field!
>

 

[ironbear]

> How could a "ground problem" cause them to get in trouble?
> Maybe their ground was previously disconnected, they
> connected it, got in trouble, and then disconnected it? We
> need some serious information here to make sense of this.
>
>
> > Keith,
> >
> > What exactly was the problem the FCC had with their
> ground?

I ain't Keith, but I am a engineer-type who's installed one of his units.

The FCC doesn't like obvious attempts to turn a long ground wire into a radiator. You get 3m for the antenna and ground wire COMBINED. It's legal and good engineering practice to mount the transmitter/antenna as high as possible, and to ground the unit to the support structure using a short jumper.

I've heard the Flagstaff station, and it sounds good in wake of the FCC flap.

 

[pbolyn]

> The FCC doesn't like obvious attempts to turn a long ground
> wire into a radiator. You get 3m for the antenna and ground
> wire COMBINED. It's legal and good engineering practice to
> mount the transmitter/antenna as high as possible, and to
> ground the unit to the support structure using a short
> jumper.
>
> I've heard the Flagstaff station, and it sounds good in wake
> of the FCC flap.
>

Is what you say speculation or fact? You can say that the FCC may interpret a "ground wire" differently than a short ground wire to a long mast or pipe, but the end result is the technicaly the same as far as effect on the radiated signal. There is no difference between a long ground wire (of whatever guage) and a long mast or pipe. The FCC knows this! They are not stupid.

Many previous posts on this forum have confirmed that the FCC does not fault anyone for elevating their antenna and grounding the elevated transmitter by whatever means.

It bugs me that there is so much mythology spread by people who have some idea or another firmly set in their heads.


<P ID="signature">______________
Phil B
</P>

 

[ironbear]

> Is what you say speculation or fact? You can say that the
> FCC may interpret a "ground wire" differently than a short
> ground wire to a long mast or pipe, but the end result is
> the technicaly the same as far as effect on the radiated
> signal. There is no difference between a long ground wire
> (of whatever guage) and a long mast or pipe. The FCC knows
> this! They are not stupid.
>
> Many previous posts on this forum have confirmed that the
> FCC does not fault anyone for elevating their antenna and
> grounding the elevated transmitter by whatever means.
>
> It bugs me that there is so much mythology spread by people
> who have some idea or another firmly set in their heads.

It's informed speculation, but it's my belief that's about all you'll get outside the FCC itself. That's because the rules are subject to their interpretation, not mine.

I don't think these are bad guys. What you have here is an opportunity to comply with their rule. Do what it says, and you can have a nice sounding station.

---------------------------------

Sec. 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.
(c) All emissions below 510 kHz or above 1705 kHz shall be
attenuated at least 20 dB below the level of the unmodulated carrier.
Determination of compliance with the 20 dB attenuation specification may
be based on measurements at the intentional radiator's antenna output
terminal unless the intentional radiator uses a permanently attached
antenna, in which case compliance shall be deomonstrated by measuring
the radiated emissions.

 

[radiopilot]

> > Is what you say speculation or fact? You can say that the
> > FCC may interpret a "ground wire" differently than a short
>
> > ground wire to a long mast or pipe, but the end result is
> > the technicaly the same as far as effect on the radiated
> > signal. There is no difference between a long ground wire
> > (of whatever guage) and a long mast or pipe. The FCC knows
>
> > this! They are not stupid.
> >
> > Many previous posts on this forum have confirmed that the
> > FCC does not fault anyone for elevating their antenna and
> > grounding the elevated transmitter by whatever means.
> >
> > It bugs me that there is so much mythology spread by
> people
> > who have some idea or another firmly set in their heads.
>
> It's informed speculation, but it's my belief that's about
> all you'll get outside the FCC itself. That's because the
> rules are subject to their interpretation, not mine.
>
> I don't think these are bad guys. What you have here is an
> opportunity to comply with their rule. Do what it says, and
> you can have a nice sounding station.
>
> ---------------------------------
>
> Sec. 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.
> (c) All emissions below 510 kHz or above 1705 kHz shall
> be
> attenuated at least 20 dB below the level of the unmodulated
> carrier.
> Determination of compliance with the 20 dB attenuation
> specification may
> be based on measurements at the intentional radiator's
> antenna output
> terminal unless the intentional radiator uses a permanently
> attached
> antenna, in which case compliance shall be deomonstrated by
> measuring
> the radiated emissions.
>


This post is a funny one... here's my view point on this...


When the Rangemaster was certified with the attached 'cb whip' antenna of 105" or so... where was the transmitter box assembly and ground lead relative to the ground during it's test? How was the ground lead attached? Where was the elevated ground if any? I'm sure Keith Hamilton knows this and it would serve everyone here to pass this information on... it's not rocket science or secret info, there are external FCC testing labs where such information can be obtained if asked.

I'm sure the transmitter was set at some location above ground at say 10 feet or higher to measure it's emmisions? What I'm trying to say here is that the FCC only looks at the 3 meters as a rule for both the ground lead and antenna... so using this logic... if the antenna is 108" and the ground lead is 10" then you have a legal transmitter in their eyes as long as the rest of the transmitter is legal (100mw's, etc.)

Now where you place the transmitter is up to you and where you attach the ground lead to... so would a person be against the law if he attached the ground lead to a pipe on the 100th. floor of a building if that is where he lives, giving him a thousand foot ground lead, would the FCC see this as a violation of the rules? This is why the FCC has not given the anyone trouble if they place the transmitter on billboards using it as the elevated ground... it's been seen many times...

Mine is at 40+ feet and it's never seen any problems.

Radiopilot