Pirating FM Radio
A practical how-to guide made simple
Before you get started, I want to share my position on the Communications Act that created the FCC in 1934 (see https://transition.fcc.gov/Reports/1934new.pdf). The Act is unconstitutional, and I hope you will give me the time to explain how and why.
I personally believe the Communications Act of 1934 is a violation of the First Amendment, which reads, "Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof; or abridging the freedom of speech, or of the press; or the right of the people peaceably to assemble, and to petition the Government for a redress of grievances." On the face of the Communications Act, it clearly defines its purpose as, "AN ACT to provide for the regulation of interstate and foreign communication by wire or radio, and for other purposes."
Clearly, Congress shall make no law...abridging the freedom of speech, or of the press...yet they did just that under the guise of regulating "interstate and foreign communication by wire or radio." They claimed to have done this to prevent the monopolization of public airwaves, but then they far overstepped the line when they included "and for other purposes." To date, "for other purposes" has meant to completely shut-out small, privately operated community-based broadcast radio stations. It is the same as the federal government saying citizens can own a printer and print flyers, but they cannot distribute them.
In protest, I advocate for the mass construction of low-power radio stations in as many neighborhoods across the United States as possible. While doing so, I call on all operators to observe a few standards that make broadcasting fun, safe, and entertaining for all.
- When you fire up your transmitter, it should not bleed into or interfere with other frequencies or bands.
- Only transmit on open frequencies that are not in use by any licensed operation, and be ready to move to another frequency should a licensed operation acquire the space you are operating on.
- When transmitting, only transmit a distance that does not cross into a licensed operation's outer reach of their transmission. In other words, at the very edge of your transmission area, when your radio station fades out, you should not receive or hear another radio station in the distance.
- Only broadcast audio content that is fit for general audiences. This means no obscenity of any kind. Some profanity is acceptable under certain conditions, such as occasional curse words after 11:00 pm when most youth are sleeping.
Simple enough, right! Stick to these broadcast standards, and you won't be bothered by your neighbors. Fail to respect public norms and expect the FCC to come knocking.
Starting a pirate radio station is simple when you have the right equipment. But, before you get started, it is important to note that, though it is not a crime, broadcasting on AM/FM/UHF/VHF public airwaves without a license or permit is a violation of the FCC Rules and Regulations. The maximum penalty for operating an unlicensed or "pirate" broadcast station is set at $10,000 for a single violation or a single day of operation, and up to a total maximum amount of $75,000. However, as long as you limit reach to a few blocks, or in some instances, under a mile, you will likely never disturb the FCC.
If you pirate public airwaves, before you can be fined, the FCC must have possession of your transmitter and must prove it was broadcasting at a power and range that exceeds that which they allow under Part 15 of their rules. The mere possession of a transmitter does not violate any FCC rule or regulation.
Go here for more information from the FCC's official government website.
Transmission Hardware
There is a wide range of transmitters, antennas and associated equipment available on the domestic and international market, ranging in cost from $40 to $1000, that can be used to construct a low power FM radio station. However, to get you up and started right away here is what you'll need. (Products mentioned here are offered for educational purposes only and are not endorsed by KLOKi radio.)
Should you venture into FM radio broadcasting, keep in mind the most important aspect to getting your signal out is in the location of your antenna.
DIY kit 15W FM broadcast transmitter PCB Board 76MHz~108MHz for radio station - This 15 Watt FM transmitter is likely the best bang for your buck, and offers plenty of power to reach at least a mile radius if not better (I get out 6 miles with this model).
DYKB 30W FM Transmitter PLL Stereo audio 76-108MHz frequency Digital display Radio broadcast Station Receiver GP antenna HAM - Are you wanting to penetrate buildings up to 3 miles with your transmission? This 30 Watt FM transmitter will get you out at least 6 miles radius, if not better, and is powerful enough to penetrate buildings up to 3 miles away (I get out 8 miles with this model).
Should you construct a LPFM, you'll also need a tall building/tower to transmit from. Otherwise, your signal will not get out very far. However, in some areas only a minimal elevation would be required, potentially meaning that a building on elevated ground will suffice.
Finding the right antenna can be tricky. However, I have done all the work for you. Here are two of the best antennas that will not only get the job done but will actually increase your power output and range. (If you are not familiar with the FM band, you could find yourself limited to 300 ft.)
Fmuser 1/2 Half wave professional FM Dipole Antenna for broadcasting radio station High Gain 88-108mhz for Fm Transmitter - The half-wave dipole antenna is very clear and easy for frequency adjustment, there are scales on the side bar of the antenna from which you can adjust the frequency from 88~108 by 1mhz stepping. With a 3.5 dBi high gain of a dipole antenna for fm transmitter, it will improve your signal strength and range and since it is a directional antenna, you can add at least twice the distance than a radius antenna.
8M copper cable 50-3 RG59 1/4 wave Professional GP Antenna 5 frequency point aluminum alloy antenna FM transmitter antenna - A personal favorite, this antenna is the only 1/4 wave GP antenna in the world, which can easily adjust the frequency for fix FM transmitters. Frequency: 85-90MHz(A+B1) 90.1-95Mhz (A+B2) 95.1-100Mhz(A+B3) 100.1-105Mhz(A+B4) 105.1-108(A+B5). Center Frequency:87MHz /92MHz / 98MHz / (103MHz)/ 108MHz with a 3.5dB gain.
There are various how-to guides available online that can help you with determining the best location for your transmission tower.
Studio Hardware
A basic studio, consisting of at least four program/sound sources, is about all you need to start broadcasting. These, combined with software, are all that is needed to get your audio source perfect for transmission.
Generally, a professional studio will include analogue/digital mixing decks, microphones for your announcers, headsets, portable audio capture devices, smart phones, laptops, soundproofing gear, and furniture.
For your center piece, I highly recommend the ROADCASTER PRO II (image shown below). For those looking for a credit on its purchase, I recommend Sweetwater.
