31
General Radio Discussion / Re: SHORTWAVE TRADING | PART I | THE WEST CHICAGO TOWER MYSTERY
« on: May 17, 2018, 1732 UTC »
Very interesting reading at that website. Amazing what can be done when money is no option.
Shortwave Pirate Radio In North America And Around The World, And Other Things 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.
Always consult with the appropriate authorities if you have questions concerning what is permissable in your locale.
I share your wealth.
I'm usually more picky about how the antenna looks than my wife is. She is fine with whatever I put up.
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32
SDR - Software Defined Radio / Re: USB Voodoo
« on: April 30, 2018, 1731 UTC »
... and it takes three tries to plug in a USB cable. 
33
Utility / Re: what are the 'WLO' beacons?
« on: April 30, 2018, 1336 UTC »
WLO isn't a beacon, it is a ship-to-shore radio service: http://www.shipcom.com/
The beaconing you are referring to is a channel idle marker that allows ships to tune their receiver to their specific frequency. This isn't necessary with modern radios but in the old days you had to tune them in with a (usually) inaccurate dial on your radio. Now, with digitally tunes radios, you can go directly to the correct frequency without any problems. I believe the beacon is now used to tell ships that the channel is available. (??)
The beaconing you are referring to is a channel idle marker that allows ships to tune their receiver to their specific frequency. This isn't necessary with modern radios but in the old days you had to tune them in with a (usually) inaccurate dial on your radio. Now, with digitally tunes radios, you can go directly to the correct frequency without any problems. I believe the beacon is now used to tell ships that the channel is available. (??)
34
SDR - Software Defined Radio / Re: USB Voodoo
« on: April 27, 2018, 1632 UTC »
That's more common than you think. I worked on a project where the vendor couldn't get their device to work on over 200 of our computers. By chance the only ones that worked were the few that had hubs and were plugged into that hub. The vendor had to supply over 200 USB hubs to us. The hubs they supplied were the cheapest POS they could find but it worked. It took a long time for the sales rep to admit that was the problem so I talked with the design engineer and he mentioned some vague about timing. Company ended up being a fly by night outfit.
Seen it happen with a couple other specialized devices, too. Never took the time to try to figure out why, just added a hub to the mix. (Time is money thing, you know.)
Seen it happen with a couple other specialized devices, too. Never took the time to try to figure out why, just added a hub to the mix. (Time is money thing, you know.)
35
For Sale / Wanted / Re: 2015-2016 Pirate Radio Annual by Andrew Yoder
« on: April 27, 2018, 1109 UTC »
It has been claimed.
36
Propagation / Re: foF2 plots
« on: April 26, 2018, 1802 UTC »
Nice explanation, Chris. That will be a good resource I can send to newbies when they ask how it all works.
37
Equipment / Re: Looking for suggestions for a directional antenna for circa 8 MHz
« on: April 25, 2018, 2001 UTC »Never a problem, I have carte blanche to install any antennas I wish. My wife even listens to the occasional pirate
I share your wealth.
I'm usually more picky about how the antenna looks than my wife is. She is fine with whatever I put up.
38
For Sale / Wanted / 2015-2016 Pirate Radio Annual by Andrew Yoder
« on: April 22, 2018, 1558 UTC »
Offering my copy for the cost of shipping if anyone is interested. It is in good shape and includes the CD-ROM. PM me directly.
39
22 Meter Band / Re: Question About Morse Code Speed for Beacon "BRS"
« on: April 16, 2018, 1206 UTC »
During the day you'd be surprised how well these flea powered beacons are heard. Conditions lately have been poor but on some days I've heard up to six HIFERs within an hour or so all running "normal" CW speeds. Half the fun is seeing some CW poke its head out of the noise and you need to spend some time trying to copy the whole 2 or 3 letter call.
40
22 Meter Band / Re: Question About Morse Code Speed for Beacon "BRS"
« on: April 15, 2018, 2151 UTC »
Around 10-15 wpm is a good compromise. A lot of beacon hunters use SDR so the can easily see the CW on screen as well as hear it. I copy CW much better using two of my senses.
I enjoy your blog, btw. 😁
I enjoy your blog, btw. 😁
41
Bacon, BBQ, Beef, And More / Re: Dinner tonight
« on: April 06, 2018, 2145 UTC »
And what is that delicious looking rub made out of???
42
Spy Numbers / Re: Newbie looking for advice
« on: March 30, 2018, 1929 UTC »
I don't think you can beat Priyom when starting out. If you click on the link that is below NEXT STATION IN XX MINUTES it will take you to an online SDR receiver that has the best chance of receiving that station. Not all stations keep their schedule so once in a while you won't hear a station that is listed. Also, many stations are transmitting to a particular region and either propagation or the antenna beam direction or both will not favor your own home location.
Keep at it, you will hear something.
Keep at it, you will hear something.
43
Satellite, Radiosondes and Other VHF/UHF Signals / Re: The move is on in some CB communities to MURS!
« on: March 18, 2018, 1208 UTC »
In northern CT, there is a decent amount of CB-like MURS activity. Most are using higher power mobile rigs. There are also some Dakota Alert driveway alarms that can be heard, too.
44
General Radio Discussion / Re: Some HFU / Server Updates and News
« on: March 15, 2018, 1710 UTC »
Thank you for all the effort keeping it running for all of us.
45
General Radio Discussion / Re: US Company In Big Trouble After Launching Four Satellites Without Permission
« on: March 13, 2018, 1238 UTC »
Pirate satellites.
How long until this becomes more widespread?
How long until this becomes more widespread?