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Shortwave Pirate Radio In North America And Around The World, And Other Signals That Go Bump In The Night
We seek to understand and document all radio transmissions, legal and otherwise, as part of the radio listening hobby. We do not encourage any radio operations contrary to regulations.
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2
Equipment / Re: Any Suggestions for equipment / software for RTTY / CW reception.
« on: April 13, 2014, 1034 UTC »
First off, don't judge me for my POS PC I use for radio. So far it's been good for 8 years plus.
It's a Cyrix III / Via C3 / centaur what ever you wanna call it running at 800mhz with no L2 Cache, running Win2k as the OS. It's a dog and half. But only 40 watts at full CPU/GPU at the wall, can't complain.
I use MixW 2.18 for my PSK/RTTY needs. Even using this POS PC, I've had few issues. PSK decode is great as is the RTTY. It will even auto track if you are a few hz off. Does Hell, OLIVIA, ROS, SSTV and many other modes. For free also. But when you change modes, you have to wait 15 seconds, that's the trade off for free. Under good conditions and if they have a clean fist or using a keyer, the CW decoding using Mix W is more than passable.
MultiPSK seems to work pretty good, but that is the WORST UI imo of any software on earth. Seriously.
CW Skimmer is more than decent for just CW.
If your not going to transmit, the setup to the PC is cake. Just need to feed the radio audio to the PC input. No other cables needed for just decode.
Hope you find something that works well for you.
It's a Cyrix III / Via C3 / centaur what ever you wanna call it running at 800mhz with no L2 Cache, running Win2k as the OS. It's a dog and half. But only 40 watts at full CPU/GPU at the wall, can't complain.
I use MixW 2.18 for my PSK/RTTY needs. Even using this POS PC, I've had few issues. PSK decode is great as is the RTTY. It will even auto track if you are a few hz off. Does Hell, OLIVIA, ROS, SSTV and many other modes. For free also. But when you change modes, you have to wait 15 seconds, that's the trade off for free. Under good conditions and if they have a clean fist or using a keyer, the CW decoding using Mix W is more than passable.
MultiPSK seems to work pretty good, but that is the WORST UI imo of any software on earth. Seriously.
CW Skimmer is more than decent for just CW.
If your not going to transmit, the setup to the PC is cake. Just need to feed the radio audio to the PC input. No other cables needed for just decode.
Hope you find something that works well for you.
3
Equipment / Re: Best type of telescoping pole for wire antenna?
« on: April 13, 2014, 1020 UTC »
I use a Jacktite pole as we speak. The 31 foot version in black.
It was my primary support from 2k7 to 2013. At first it was the center for a G5RV Jr., then I cut off the coax connector and just run the 300 ohm to a 4:1 just outside the window. Now I call it a 52 foot doublet.
It's survived 40 mph winds w/ one support at the roofline. No guys either. Never balked, never had an issue. Now it holds up the far end of my Par End Fed SWL strapped to a tree. For me, its been worth the 70 dollar investment.
I've also used that military 4 foot section stuff for a 'loaded' 80m antenna w/ a couple of coils on each end. There is some weight to it. I used 6 sections anchored to a 2x4, again, no guys. Same winds, didn't fall nor balk, but kinda clumsy to setup for just one person. I'd be lying if I didn't say I dropped it 2 or 3 times before I got it anchored to the 2x4.
Having said that, I now have the 12 meter Spiderpole for the doublet. Just my opinion, if you have the extra coin, drop the 120 for the Spiderpole. Either will work, but after having tried a few solutions , the Spiderpole has worked out best for me. YMMV.
It was my primary support from 2k7 to 2013. At first it was the center for a G5RV Jr., then I cut off the coax connector and just run the 300 ohm to a 4:1 just outside the window. Now I call it a 52 foot doublet.
It's survived 40 mph winds w/ one support at the roofline. No guys either. Never balked, never had an issue. Now it holds up the far end of my Par End Fed SWL strapped to a tree. For me, its been worth the 70 dollar investment.
I've also used that military 4 foot section stuff for a 'loaded' 80m antenna w/ a couple of coils on each end. There is some weight to it. I used 6 sections anchored to a 2x4, again, no guys. Same winds, didn't fall nor balk, but kinda clumsy to setup for just one person. I'd be lying if I didn't say I dropped it 2 or 3 times before I got it anchored to the 2x4.
Having said that, I now have the 12 meter Spiderpole for the doublet. Just my opinion, if you have the extra coin, drop the 120 for the Spiderpole. Either will work, but after having tried a few solutions , the Spiderpole has worked out best for me. YMMV.
4
Shortwave Broadcast / BPM on 10.000 Mhz on 4-9-14 ???
« on: April 09, 2014, 1134 UTC »
Hearing pips off set from WWVH and WWV on 10.000 mhz
Clearly audible and way off time from the standards on the frequency.
Currently it's 11:29 UTC and hearing the pips under dominate WWVH, with voice ID from WWV at :30.
CW is a little rough but I did catch a B and an M, can't confirm the P
Voice ID in UNID Asian language.
IDs are on the 59th and 29th minute just like WWVH but CW and voice.
Any input here ?
Clearly audible and way off time from the standards on the frequency.
Currently it's 11:29 UTC and hearing the pips under dominate WWVH, with voice ID from WWV at :30.
CW is a little rough but I did catch a B and an M, can't confirm the P
Voice ID in UNID Asian language.
IDs are on the 59th and 29th minute just like WWVH but CW and voice.
Any input here ?
5
General Radio Discussion / Re: Why does it seem that all the pirates broadcast to/from the east coast of USA?
« on: March 15, 2014, 0741 UTC »
I'd like to chime in here.
I live out west and I may not hear some of the broadcasts before evening here, I do hear quite a bit and quite often.
I agree with the statements about timing, for us out west, its late back east and we do miss quite a bit.
There is activity out here, but it no where near what the fine folks back east get to hear.
Just be patient, you can and you will hear stations, just not all of them
I live out west and I may not hear some of the broadcasts before evening here, I do hear quite a bit and quite often.
I agree with the statements about timing, for us out west, its late back east and we do miss quite a bit.
There is activity out here, but it no where near what the fine folks back east get to hear.
Just be patient, you can and you will hear stations, just not all of them
6
North American Shortwave Pirate / Re: 6940am 0250z 8/24/2013
« on: August 24, 2013, 0300 UTC »
Also being heard on the West Coast.
SIO = 323 Noisy band with QSB. Audio here is ok.
0256 Still playing some Rage. Don't know the title of the song.
0259 Seem to have gotten quite stronger SIO = 423 now with either QSB or audio drop out.
SIO = 323 Noisy band with QSB. Audio here is ok.
0256 Still playing some Rage. Don't know the title of the song.
0259 Seem to have gotten quite stronger SIO = 423 now with either QSB or audio drop out.
7
North American Shortwave Pirate / Re: Red Mercury Labs 6935usb 0258z Aug. 14, 2013
« on: August 15, 2013, 0315 UTC »
RML doing quite well out to the west side.
SIO = 555 Very slight QSB, excellent audio as always.
03:08 UTC The Doors "Break on through"
03:09 UTC OM chatter with live ID into more Doors "Light my Fire" @ 03:14
Keep up the excellent work RML !!!
SIO = 555 Very slight QSB, excellent audio as always.
03:08 UTC The Doors "Break on through"
03:09 UTC OM chatter with live ID into more Doors "Light my Fire" @ 03:14
Keep up the excellent work RML !!!
8
North American Shortwave Pirate / Re: Radio True North 6925 AM 0516 June 15
« on: June 15, 2013, 0958 UTC »
Still going into early morning on the West coast. 0957 UTC
SIO = 424 Deep deep fades with a noisy band.
Heard Midnight Oil (Beds are burning), Boston (more than a feeling), Guns n Roses and Sweet Home Alabama.
Excellent audio quality on the peaks, you can actually hear the cymbals crash !!
Keep up the great work RTN !!!
SIO = 424 Deep deep fades with a noisy band.
Heard Midnight Oil (Beds are burning), Boston (more than a feeling), Guns n Roses and Sweet Home Alabama.
Excellent audio quality on the peaks, you can actually hear the cymbals crash !!
Keep up the great work RTN !!!
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North American Shortwave Pirate / Re: Cool AM (BOR relay) 13875 KHz USB 1915 UTC 12/31
« on: December 31, 2012, 1954 UTC »
Also hearing the BOR relay of Cool AM on the west coast.
SIO = 555 Excellent audio and no QSB. Outstanding copy.
Same details as the others.
From 19:45 to 19:52, Lots of blues songs I don't know the artists.
Keep up the excellent work BOR.
TS-2000 X
52 foot doublet at 31 feet in a vee
SIO = 555 Excellent audio and no QSB. Outstanding copy.
Same details as the others.
From 19:45 to 19:52, Lots of blues songs I don't know the artists.
Keep up the excellent work BOR.
TS-2000 X
52 foot doublet at 31 feet in a vee
10
North American Shortwave Pirate / Blue Ocean Radio 6925 USB 12-27-2012 @ 00:30 UTC
« on: December 27, 2012, 0035 UTC »
SIO = 534 Local plasma TV isn't helping. (if back in 2k6 I knew plasma TV made so much noise....)
Signal is big enough to where MX is more than tolerable
00:30 Unknown YL singing country
00:32 Country duet of some sort ? (Don't know country mx that well)
00:34 Country/Gospel Song ?
00:39 Live mic ID with OM chatter about the WX. Shout outs to the IRC folks and to me too !!!
Banjo MX with YL singer being used as bed mx during OM chatter.
Always, great audio BOR !! Keep up the excellent work !!
TS2000X - 52 foot doublet in a vee @ 31 feet
Signal is big enough to where MX is more than tolerable
00:30 Unknown YL singing country
00:32 Country duet of some sort ? (Don't know country mx that well)
00:34 Country/Gospel Song ?
00:39 Live mic ID with OM chatter about the WX. Shout outs to the IRC folks and to me too !!!
Banjo MX with YL singer being used as bed mx during OM chatter.
Always, great audio BOR !! Keep up the excellent work !!
TS2000X - 52 foot doublet in a vee @ 31 feet
11
North American Shortwave Pirate / Blue Ocean Radio 15070 USB 12-25-2012 @ 1830 utc
« on: December 25, 2012, 1840 UTC »
SIO = 444 Started off bad but improved quite quickly. Steady with slight QSB.
Audio is excellent. Have the filter wide open on the TS-2000
18:30 Live mic ID with Blue Ocean Radio by OM. Announced E-mail addy and going
to play some xmas tunes from the Mormon Choir
18:32 Started with the xmas tunes.
Great to hear you on Christmas Day !! Keep up the great work !!
Audio is excellent. Have the filter wide open on the TS-2000
18:30 Live mic ID with Blue Ocean Radio by OM. Announced E-mail addy and going
to play some xmas tunes from the Mormon Choir
18:32 Started with the xmas tunes.
Great to hear you on Christmas Day !! Keep up the great work !!
12
North American Shortwave Pirate / Re: Radio True North 6925 USB 10/23/2012 0401 UTC
« on: October 23, 2012, 0420 UTC »
RTN in USB also being heard in California.
SIO = 312 Very noisy and fast fades and peaks.
Heard live mic IDs and 'The Chase'.
Live mic ID at 04:19.
Signal is a little better at 4:37 UTC playing The Who "wont get fooled again"
SIO now 323 with still present deep fast fades but doing ok when its in there.
Live mic sign off at 4:39.
Thx RTN !
SIO = 312 Very noisy and fast fades and peaks.
Heard live mic IDs and 'The Chase'.
Live mic ID at 04:19.
Signal is a little better at 4:37 UTC playing The Who "wont get fooled again"
SIO now 323 with still present deep fast fades but doing ok when its in there.
Live mic sign off at 4:39.
Thx RTN !
13
North American Shortwave Pirate / Re: The Machine Shortwave 6925USB 0035UTC 18Oct12
« on: October 18, 2012, 0209 UTC »
Also being heard on the West Coast.
SIO = 333. Low static levels and little or no QSB.
Heard some Pink Floyd, SRV and others.
Thx for the show!
SIO = 333. Low static levels and little or no QSB.
Heard some Pink Floyd, SRV and others.
Thx for the show!
14
North American Shortwave Pirate / Re: Blue Ocean Radio - 6.930 USB - 0259z - 9/13/12
« on: September 13, 2012, 0350 UTC »
BOR doing quite well into California this evening.
SIO = 545 with no QSB present. Local RFI from the plasma, but well above the noise level.
Very good audio.
Playing varies tunes which none of which I reconize, but enjoying.
0345 Thx for the shoutout BOR !!
Oh wait, a song I know:
0348 ZZ Top - Cheap Sunglasses
Keep up the great work !!!
SIO = 545 with no QSB present. Local RFI from the plasma, but well above the noise level.
Very good audio.
Playing varies tunes which none of which I reconize, but enjoying.
0345 Thx for the shoutout BOR !!
Oh wait, a song I know:
0348 ZZ Top - Cheap Sunglasses
Keep up the great work !!!
15
North American Shortwave Pirate / Re: 15070 AM Radio True North
« on: August 11, 2012, 1928 UTC »
Excellent signal from RTN into California this afternoon.
SIO = 555 No QSB, Excellent Audio quality
1925 - Pump up the Volume remix
Great to hear AM on 41m !!
Keep up the excellent work !!
SIO = 555 No QSB, Excellent Audio quality
1925 - Pump up the Volume remix
Great to hear AM on 41m !!
Keep up the excellent work !!