Messages

1306

Equipment / Re: Inverted V on steep hillside

« on: June 05, 2014, 0453 UTC »

Relative to its main lobes at 40 degrees, an inverted v has about 8 DB less radiation "straight up" which in theory would also make it a poor NVIS antenna.  It is however better than a low dipole, in this respect, having about 4 DB more radiation in the vertical direction.  Barring local terrain issues, the 1/4 wave vertical is usually going to be a better DX antenna, as its lobe elevation angle is much lower than a dipole, and has the added benefit of being omnidirectional.

Your mileage may vary, but that's what I've found.  I also like my verticals because they are quite portable, which is great for "field day" use.

+-RH

1307

North American Shortwave Pirate / Re: XFM 6940 AM 02:21z 06-01-14

« on: June 01, 2014, 0937 UTC »

Found this signal at 0510 with some really lovely music.  I caught the song name 'Bridges' but missed the artist, darn it.  Dance-ish tunes came after.  Clear ID and time check at 0513.  Good signal onto the isthmus tonight.  Thanks for the show! 

The song is by Broods.  Its from their release early this year.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0U48jwC8cZU

Thanks for the reports all, I had a great time playing music for everyone!

+-RH

1308

General Radio Discussion / Re: Momentum for an overhaul of Voice of America

« on: May 30, 2014, 1646 UTC »

http://www.nytimes.com/2014/05/26/opinion/the-pitch-of-americas-voice.html

Sponsors insist there will be firm safeguards against the government dictating news content, which will ultimately depend on the ability of the new chief executive to thread between the needs of news and government policy.

Yeah right...

+-RH

1309

The RF Workbench / Re: High Powered Pirates

« on: May 29, 2014, 1858 UTC »

I doubt you'd feel the RF from a 7 MHz TX at 10KW, unless you were right next to the antenna.  FM is a different story.  I've foolishly been within 3 feet or so of FM bays running 1KW on my parents roof.  You can definitely feel that, it feels like a burning sensation.  I also recall working on a few 50 KW AM's during which my knees and elbows would start to hurt after a while.

The power levels I play with these days, I don't feel a thing

+-RH

1310

The RF Workbench / Re: Where to start.

« on: May 29, 2014, 1853 UTC »

Honestly, for the newbie, look for a second-hand HF rig.  If you have some electronic ability, try building a grenade or a corsair.  Schematics are all over the web.

We all start somewhere, welcome to the dark side

+-RH

1311

Equipment / Re: After the transmitter what's next?

« on: May 29, 2014, 1849 UTC »

All valid points.  If you plan on doing canned shows, the software processing route is probably best.  For those like myself that operate live, hardware processing is the only way to go.

Pigmeat, not all AM is Mono

+-RH

1312

Equipment / Re: Transmitting audio on Yaesu HF rig

« on: May 25, 2014, 0133 UTC »

I used a Yeasu FT-857 as a SSB exciter for awhile using the data input on the back.  I robbed the cable out of a PS/2 Keyboard, then routed the appropriate wires to a switch for TX/RX and audio in.  At least on my rig, the data port was only usable during SSB transmission.  It will not work in AM

+-RH

1313

Equipment / Re: After the transmitter what's next?

« on: May 24, 2014, 2250 UTC »

For basic transmitter protection, a behringer or equivalent compressor/limiter is required.  Hunt around pawn shops and online sites.  You should be able to find one for $100 or so.  If your really on a budget and are electronically inclined, build a simple limiter from a schematic on the web.  Parts should only run you a few dollars.  Making it RFI hardened will be the hardest part.

+-RH

1314

Equipment / Re: After the transmitter what's next?

« on: May 24, 2014, 1636 UTC »

Keep your eyes on ebay for some sort of an am compliance processor.  Inovonics made all kinds on them, the 222 which is basically just a limiter and NRSC filter.  Their 230 I think was a 8 band mono compressor/limiter with AGC and filtering, can be made to sound very dense and loud.  I know a lot of the euro's use Behringer multidynes and ultramizers, but I've never played with one that I could get to sounding good.

If your state-side, look at rat-shack for a 4 channel mixer.  You can also pick these up from amazon from people like pyle pro (I know, I can't take the name seriously either).  For mics, Shure SM-58's will do, but need some EQ to sound right.  I've been running SM-7's for years and like them alot, but you can find a suitable dynamic mic from amazon or someplace for around $150, less if you watch sales through places like musicians friend or guitar center.

You'll also need either cd players, a computer, or both for song and music bed playback.  Everything now is on the computer, I use ZaraRadio for on air assist, but it won't run on Windows 7 or 8, XP is the only stable platform for it.  Some nostalgic pirates still use cart machines and turntables, and someday my fixed studio will have both.

If you plan on taking phone calls, you'll need a hybrid to get the audio into and out of the phone line.
There are bluetooth ones now that allow you to use a free redirect number to a prepaid cell, and thus get around the liability of having a land line.

A decent pair of speakers and an amp for studio monitors.

Lots more, I sure, but that's the basics.

Hope that helps!

+-RH

1315

North American Shortwave Pirate / Re: XLR8 6.935 USB 01:46 UTC 05/24/2014

« on: May 24, 2014, 0208 UTC »

Sounding good here with some bizzar barber pole-ing (it will go one way, then stop, and reverse).

0200z or so heard "X...L...R...8" ID
0206z Hearing the 'Stones
0209z Another X L R 8 ID
0209z "Aint too proud to beg"
0211z "Jumpin Jack Flash"

About S9 on peaks here.

+-RH

1316

General Radio Discussion / Re: If I ever decide to do any pirating...

« on: May 14, 2014, 0336 UTC »

I think Kilokat waited 23 years for WJDI....

BTW Al, are these the kinds of things you come up with when your tires are low?  I'm getting you a gauge for Xmas...

+-RH

1317

General Radio Discussion / Dayton time is coming near...

« on: April 30, 2014, 0728 UTC »

Anyone going?  I've got my usual shopping list, and pretty much no funds, but it should be interesting none-the-less.  It might not live up to "Crapapocalypse 2012" but if your planning on going, post up!

+-RH

1318

North American Shortwave Pirate / Re: Pirate Radio Boston 6150 AM, 1008- 04/27/14

« on: April 27, 2014, 1036 UTC »

I hear country music at 20 over 9, I doubt its you guys.

+-RH

1319

General Radio Discussion / Re: Boston Pirates Worse Than First Thought

« on: April 26, 2014, 1816 UTC »

Whats interesting about this, is even the people posting comments on this industry rag had really nothing negative to say about the stations in general.  I think it strikes a chord in the industry, and perhaps people are waking up to the fact that corporate radio in the modern age no longer represents or serves the communities they are licensed to.

Just my two bits,

+-RH

1320

General Radio Discussion / Re: India dropping SW and DRM

« on: April 25, 2014, 2231 UTC »

Is Disco Palace still on the air? I thought they had gone to an internet only thing & dropped shortwave in A14

Their website sill lists 15775 as their summer frequency.  Might have to give it a listen.

+-RH