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General Category => General Radio Discussion => Topic started by: Mick Boyle on December 08, 2023, 1933 UTC

Title: Question about NA MW pirate frequencies
Post by: Mick Boyle on December 08, 2023, 1933 UTC

For  a signal to be considered a pirate it has to be outside of 540 kHz - 1700 kHz correct? Are they ever below 540kHz? Thanks.

Title: Re: Question about NA MW pirate frequencies
Post by: ChrisSmolinski on December 08, 2023, 1938 UTC

A pirate signal is any illegal broadcast station. Illegal meaning both unlicensed and not in compliance with Part 15 regulations.

So this would include those inside the MW band, 1620 is a popular pirate frequency.

I think there have been some below 540 kHz, down on 530 for example

Title: Re: Question about NA MW pirate frequencies
Post by: Mick Boyle on December 08, 2023, 2128 UTC

Thanks Chris, I don't have the same kind of experience or knowledge that most people have. I am enjoying this.

Title: Re: Question about NA MW pirate frequencies
Post by: nitroengine on December 19, 2023, 0345 UTC

Those Part 15 Talking House transmitters can be set to 520kHz, and I suppose if one were to output that into a linear amp...one could easily put a pirate station on the air at 520.

It's interesting those FCC certified transmitters can be set to 520 since most radios cannot be tuned down that far, even dial tuned sets aren't guaranteed to go down that far. I do have a digital tuned Sansui AM-stereo tuner from the 80s that can be tuned to 520.

I can't say I've seen a pirate below the AM/MW band before, or even on the lower half of the AM band. The length of antenna needed for efficient coverage is probably one reason, the usually higher urban noise floor down there probably plays a role too.