Robertson County Pirate

[scottwmro]

I, also, heard another one on 87.9, which sounded like it was being fed by a satellite or cable TV Tuner. It kept switching programs. It could have been someone in another car with an FM modulator and XM Radio. It stayed fairly clear on Briley Parkway in front of the Opryland Hotel.

I wouldn't rule out the possibility the 87.9 was legit. There's a licensed channel 6 analog LPTV in Wilson County. (they've also got a digital operation on channel 7 on one of the TV towers at OHB and I-24 West) I've heard the analog station on the car radio in downtown Nashville. They were running TV modulation, so would have sounded pretty low in audio on a FM radio.

I've heard the Lexington 92.7 pirate. That's one HUGE signal for a pirate!

Doug,
How do they get away with it? They must have connections in D.C.!

 

[BuzzCam]

I, also, heard another one on 87.9, which sounded like it was being fed by a satellite or cable TV Tuner. It kept switching programs. It could have been someone in another car with an FM modulator and XM Radio. It stayed fairly clear on Briley Parkway in front of the Opryland Hotel.

I wouldn't rule out the possibility the 87.9 was legit. There's a licensed channel 6 analog LPTV in Wilson County. (they've also got a digital operation on channel 7 on one of the TV towers at OHB and I-24 West) I've heard the analog station on the car radio in downtown Nashville. They were running TV modulation, so would have sounded pretty low in audio on a FM radio.

I watch over-the-air television and can get Channel 7 (Channel 6-1, 6-2, 6-3 and 6-4) They do seem to have problems though as they are off the air more than they are on. By the way, their call letters are WKRP. I always wondered where they transmitted from. I have picked them up (analog) on my car radio and on my C-Crane AM/FM/Weather/TV Radio. Channel 6 and 12 are the only stations I can hear on it, although, the Signal Strength Meter shows Channel 5 DTV, Channel 8 DTV and Channel 10 (Channel 4) DTV.

 

[w9wi]

I watch over-the-air television and can get Channel 7 (Channel 6-1, 6-2, 6-3 and 6-4) They do seem to have problems though as they are off the air more than they are on. By the way, their call letters are WKRP. I always wondered where they transmitted from. I have picked them up (analog) on my car radio and on my C-Crane AM/FM/Weather/TV Radio. Channel 6 and 12 are the only stations I can hear on it, although, the Signal Strength Meter shows Channel 5 DTV, Channel 8 DTV and Channel 10 (Channel 4) DTV.

I can tell there's a signal on 7 but can't get it to lock at home. They've filed to move to a UHF channel (30, I think) & I'll bet it will work a lot better there. A DXer acquaintance has seen it in Fulton, Kentucky.....

Pretty sure it's on the tower with ION (28/RF36) TBN (50/RF33) and WJFB (66/RF44). The one just north of the Sinclair tower. (17/RF15, 30/RF21, and 58/RF23) Analog channel 6 is elsewhere -- just east of Lebanon, I think.

BTW, I'm not intentionally ignoring your PM but think I can assume your presence in this discussion means you got it working!
_________________________________________________
Scott, regarding the 92.7 pirate in Lexington, judging from the NYC and Boston boards the FCC simply doesn't put a whole lot of priority into chasing down pirates anymore. (it's been bad enough in Florida that the state passed a law banning pirate broadcasting, but even that really hasn't helped) You *can* get busted but it may take several years.

I'm a bit surprised licensed broadcasters haven't used the civil courts to address the issue. Surely 96.3 in New York was suffering ruinous interference from the 96.5 in Newark. Would WJXA be able to make a case against the 92.7 pirate? I suppose they figure the pirates don't have enough $$ to cover the legal costs.

Maybe it'll be the RIAA that'll take them out?? (I'd be really surprised if any pirates are paying their music license fees.......)

 

[w9wi]

I just got home from Milwaukee & flipped on the radio. I'm hearing this thing loud and clear about 4 miles due west of Pleasant View. If it's on the west side of Springfield then I'd estimate it's on the order of 20-40 watts. It's definitely coming out of the east -- with the antenna north where I'd left it it's noisy & frequently clobbered by Danville, Illinois but beaming east it's all by itself and full quieting.

As the OP says, continuous Christmas music, no announcements of any kind. There are segues between many songs -- none of the silent gaps I'd expect from a CD on shuffle -- not sure what's up with that.

This is definitely a pirate.

 

[anotherguyTN]

Scott, regarding the 92.7 pirate in Lexington, judging from the NYC and Boston boards the FCC simply doesn't put a whole lot of priority into chasing down pirates anymore. (it's been bad enough in Florida that the state passed a law banning pirate broadcasting, but even that really hasn't helped) You *can* get busted but it may take several years.

I'm a bit surprised licensed broadcasters haven't used the civil courts to address the issue. Surely 96.3 in New York was suffering ruinous interference from the 96.5 in Newark. Would WJXA be able to make a case against the 92.7 pirate? I suppose they figure the pirates don't have enough $$ to cover the legal costs.

Maybe it'll be the RIAA that'll take them out?? (I'd be really surprised if any pirates are paying their music license fees.......)

Every time I've heard them the pirate in Lexington is all talk except for possibly some music in bumpers. It's just one conspiracy freak after another.

 

[scottwmro]

I watch over-the-air television and can get Channel 7 (Channel 6-1, 6-2, 6-3 and 6-4) They do seem to have problems though as they are off the air more than they are on. By the way, their call letters are WKRP. I always wondered where they transmitted from. I have picked them up (analog) on my car radio and on my C-Crane AM/FM/Weather/TV Radio. Channel 6 and 12 are the only stations I can hear on it, although, the Signal Strength Meter shows Channel 5 DTV, Channel 8 DTV and Channel 10 (Channel 4) DTV.

I can tell there's a signal on 7 but can't get it to lock at home. They've filed to move to a UHF channel (30, I think) & I'll bet it will work a lot better there. A DXer acquaintance has seen it in Fulton, Kentucky.....

Pretty sure it's on the tower with ION (28/RF36) TBN (50/RF33) and WJFB (66/RF44). The one just north of the Sinclair tower. (17/RF15, 30/RF21, and 58/RF23) Analog channel 6 is elsewhere -- just east of Lebanon, I think.

BTW, I'm not intentionally ignoring your PM but think I can assume your presence in this discussion means you got it working!
_________________________________________________
Scott, regarding the 92.7 pirate in Lexington, judging from the NYC and Boston boards the FCC simply doesn't put a whole lot of priority into chasing down pirates anymore. (it's been bad enough in Florida that the state passed a law banning pirate broadcasting, but even that really hasn't helped) You *can* get busted but it may take several years.

I'm a bit surprised licensed broadcasters haven't used the civil courts to address the issue. Surely 96.3 in New York was suffering ruinous interference from the 96.5 in Newark. Would WJXA be able to make a case against the 92.7 pirate? I suppose they figure the pirates don't have enough $$ to cover the legal costs.

Maybe it'll be the RIAA that'll take them out?? (I'd be really surprised if any pirates are paying their music license fees.......)

Doug,
Where is this pirate at? Lexington, KY? I lost track of this thread due to I've been sick the past few days.

Scott

 

[bigbrotherfan4ever]

You know Doug its my thinking based on your observation and the way it starts fading on the northeast side of Springfield that its based somewhere near Coopertown. It gets stronger down by Wal-Mart and Northcrest and starts to fade as you go up 49 out of Springfield heading northeast. I kinda like the station except for the fact that its one of the few good open frequencies around here.

 

[w9wi]

You know Doug its my thinking based on your observation and the way it starts fading on the northeast side of Springfield that its based somewhere near Coopertown. It gets stronger down by Wal-Mart and Northcrest and starts to fade as you go up 49 out of Springfield heading northeast. I kinda like the station except for the fact that its one of the few good open frequencies around here.

I suppose it could be Coopertown but then either a rather poor location or on the east side of "town".

If I can get a writing project done early enough tomorrow, I'll take a ride over towards Springfield on 49 & see if I can figure out a more accurate heading.

(wouldn't it be weird if they were using the old WDBL-FM antenna? IIRC it's still on the AM tower.)

As long as they keep it off 94.9 I'll be more or less happy...

 

[BuzzCam]

And, I have been worried about a visit from the FCC on my little CCrane FM Transmitter I use it to stream online radio stations to my Walkman when I am out doing yard work. It only transmits about 200 feet and is off most of the time. It is a neat little transmitter.

 

[w9wi]

Where is this pirate at? Lexington, KY? I lost track of this thread due to I've been sick the past few days.

Well, we're talking about two pirates. One somewhere in Robertson County on 99.1 with continuous Christmas music; the other in Lexington, Tennessee, about midway between Jackson and the river. The latter is on 92.7 and airs extreme right-wing talk.

 

[Sgt Preston]

(quote)Heck, if I want to play "Pirate Radio" I'd go to 1610, 20 or something like that on the AM Dial. I would buy me a Rangemaster 1000 transmitter, which is a legal 100 millawatt AM Transmitter, and I know ways of making the signal go 5 or 6 miles and if the FCC inspected me, it would be legal.
A person has to be real stupid to play "Pirate Radio" on the FM Band. Corporate Engineers will hunt you down and turn you in!
[/quote]


Dude!...AM pirate radio?...its all abt the gamble on FM!...didnt U see the movie: "FM"?
didnt you listen to the Steely Dan tune: "FM"???

still trying to tune 99.1FM in on my BOOM-BOX...no luck....might have to drive down by Wal-Mart just to hear this "Pirate Radio" thang in SPRANGFIELD!

Worry abt the FCC?...theyve laid off so many field inspectors...if they arent interfering w/ a BIG DADDY commercial op...they wont bother... ;D

 

[scottwmro]

Yes, I did see the movie "FM" and had a copy of the album. Yes, I recall the song by Steely Dan "FM, no static at all".

One thing you are correct on, the FCC enforcement inspectors are almost gone, thanks to cut in the government. The only way an inspector is going to come and bust a pirate is IF there is a licensed station that is being bothered by the pirate's interference.

Heck, there is a church here in Gallatin that is a pirate, and has a FM Transmitter to broadcast their church services on. They are not bothering me, so I'm not calling Atlanta on them.

They are only on Sunday Mornings during their worship services because I can't take them live. I have no room to sell time to them on my AM station. I have other churches on. They get out good enough so the senior citizens in the nursing homes across the street from the church can hear them. They are only on the air about an hour Sunday Mornings. The signal only goes about maybe 2 miles, so who cares.

The preacher of the church is a friend of mine. I didn't encourage him to do this, but I did warn him about FCC rules, and part 15 broadcasting.

 

[Sgt Preston]

I have been hearing commercial free Christmas music with a strong signal in the Springfield area on 99.1. It broadcasts in stereo but without any people speaking just music.

After trying on several home recievers...(& my old BOOM-BOX)...w/ NO LUCK....
i finally heard the Springfield PIRATE RADIO station as I drove into work this morning (Mon Dec 7) @ abt 3am.

i could pick the signal up approx 2 miles from Wal-Mart & signal got noticably stronger as I approached the WAL-MART area...
& then began to fade abt 2 miles south of Wal-Mart (Wal-Mart being the center of the uiverse, you know! hehehehehe)

So, 99.1FM CHRISTMAS MUZAK PIRATE RADIO is still kickin' the JINGLE BELLS in SPRANGFIELD,TN!

 

[Sgt Preston]

.....................................Heck, there is a church here in Gallatin that is a pirate, and has a FM Transmitter to broadcast their church services on. They are not bothering me, so I'm not calling Atlanta on them..................etc,etc,etc,
The preacher of the church is a friend of mine. I didn't encourage him to do this, but I did warn him about FCC rules, and part 15 broadcasting.

BREAKING THE LAW for JESUS!...sounds like a SERMON...PREACH IT BRO.!!! ;D

 

[BuzzCam]

I wonder how many churches may be broadcasting on FM on Sundays, so that hearing impaired members of their congregation can listen in a walk-mans? Our church was going to pay mega-bucks for a system. I told them to get a CCrane Transmitter which should cover the sanctuary.

 

[bigbrotherfan4ever]

I think the pirate is off now as at Wal-Mart in my car I am getting a mix of Huntsville AL and St. Louis MO.

 

[scottwmro]

.....................................Heck, there is a church here in Gallatin that is a pirate, and has a FM Transmitter to broadcast their church services on. They are not bothering me, so I'm not calling Atlanta on them..................etc,etc,etc,
The preacher of the church is a friend of mine. I didn't encourage him to do this, but I did warn him about FCC rules, and part 15 broadcasting.

BREAKING THE LAW for JESUS!...sounds like a SERMON...PREACH IT BRO.!!! ;D

It's not breaking the law if the church is following the rules. Lets allow "JESUS" decide this, NOT THE FEDERAL GOVERNMENT! The Feds have broken more laws in the 10 commandments than us normal ole folks! Thou shall not commit adultery. How many times have we've seen that out of the feds. Former Don Sunquist stealing state money and putting the state of Tennessee in a crunch!

And we are worried about a little church operating an FCC authorized part 15 transmitter to broadcast church services to our sick and elderly in the nursing home across the street. Shame, Shame on the Feds and the FCC!

 

[Sgt Preston]

"It's not breaking the law if the church is following the rules. Lets allow "JESUS" decide this, NOT THE FEDERAL GOVERNMENT!..."


Interesting statement... last i heard...if its over 100mw of FM power...(according to the FCC) its an ILLEGAL operation...religious service or not...

A load of churches & religious organizations applied for the 100 watt LPFM licenses in their particular communities...but, CONGRESS (in their infinite wisdom) gutted the bill in its original form & added stricter rules & pretty much put the towns/groups/organizations out of reach for a license if you could hear an FM signal @ all....

the SPRANGFIELD pirate (99.1FM) was off-the-air the last 2 mornings...but back ON AIR this morning...@ 3am!

 

[bigbrotherfan4ever]

Yep I noticed it was back on Today on the way to work.

 

[scottwmro]

"It's not breaking the law if the church is following the rules. Lets allow "JESUS" decide this, NOT THE FEDERAL GOVERNMENT!..."


Interesting statement... last i heard...if its over 100mw of FM power...(according to the FCC) its an ILLEGAL operation...religious service or not...

A load of churches & religious organizations applied for the 100 watt LPFM licenses in their particular communities...but, CONGRESS (in their infinite wisdom) gutted the bill in its original form & added stricter rules & pretty much put the towns/groups/organizations out of reach for a license if you could hear an FM signal @ all....

the SPRANGFIELD pirate (99.1FM) was off-the-air the last 2 mornings...but back ON AIR this morning...@ 3am!

If the station is on 99.1, I would advise them to move to 87.9. If their transmitter can't be adjusted to that channel, then they need to eBay and buy a "LEGAL FM TRANSMITTER" that will broadcast on that channel. I don't live in Robertson County, so I'm getting information from you guys with holes in it. If I knew the name of the church, I would call them myself and advise them, tell them what they need to do to be legal, and not to run more than what the FCC rules say.

Fellas, you know there is man's law and God's law. Both are suppose to work together. If you guys were any kind of men, you would not attack the church, but help the church. They may not understand the FCC rules on Part 15 FM. Most churches in America don't. God will bless you if you would take this kind of approach instead of attacking them.

If any of you are Christians, especially you Sergeant, since I assume you served in the military, you would help God’s Church instead of attacking it. You may not agree with their beliefs, but you would be doing Jesus and the Lord a favor.

Remember: “Jesus is the reason for the Season” Christmas. Now go help these Christians!