HFUnderground - User contributions [en]

Pirate Radio New Listener Guide and FAQ

2023-10-22T20:08:51Z

Ka3jjz: /* Websites */

=What Are Pirate Radio Stations?=

==Why Listen to Pirate Radio Stations==
One of the major complaints about modern corporate radio is that it is bland and boring. It seems as though half a dozen companies own all the stations, and every one sounds the same. How many Morning Zoo shows can you listen to, anyway?

With pirate radio, you often never know what you're going to hear next. There's a huge variety of station formats.

Some just play music, but often it is obscure or unique music. Rave on Radio is known for focusing on one artist. Wolverine Radio strings together a series of songs, all with a common theme. Radio Appalachia plays bluegrass music. And so on.

Other stations are known for producing their own original creative programming. Such as KIPM, which featured science fiction radio drama. WHYP is a parody of a former genuine small town radio station with the same call letters, from back in the 1980s, infamous for their poor production standards.

There have even been political stations, such as United Patriot Radio.

Finally, there are stations that are are essentially inside jokes in the pirate radio community. They splice together recordings of other stations and pirate listeners, create song parodies, and so on. You truly never know what you will hear next.

==Brief History of Pirate Radio Stations==

==Some Examples of Pirate Radio Stations==
List of [[Pirate radio stations]]

=How to Listen To Pirate Radio Stations=

==Frequencies Pirate Radio Stations Use==
In general pirate radio stations try to transmit on unused frequencies. This is for two reasons. First, they don't want to cause interference, as this tends to result in the radio authorities taking an interest in them, and shutting them down, otherwise known as a [[bust]]. Second, they often use relatively low power levels, and would not be heard over a licensed station that most likely is using more power.

===AM/MW Band Pirates ===
While AM band pirates can turn up anywhere, they are most commonly heard in the extended band, which runs from 1610 to 1700 kHz, as this part of the AM band is much less crowded. They are also often heard outside of the AM band, with [[1710]] kHz being most popular, as this frequency is otherwise unused.

Many AM pirates have ethnic programming, in languages other than English.

AM pirates used to be more common in the 1970s and 1980s, with several high power stations operating in the New York City area. High power / long distance AM pirates are not as often heard today. Most AM pirates today tend to be relatively low power, with a range of tens of miles at the most. There are some exceptions, such as Radio Celestial from New York City, which is often heard on 1710 khz.

===FM Band Pirates===
FM band pirates can be heard throughout the FM band, wherever there are unused channels in a city. They can also be heard outside of the band, with 87.9 MHz being most common.

In large urban areas, there are often numerous FM pirates that can be heard. As power levels are often low, the range of a given station can be only a few miles, if that. Many FM pirates have ethnic programming, in languages other than English.

FM pirates will not otherwise be discussed on this page, which focuses on shortwave and AM pirates.

===Shortwave Pirates===
Shortwave pirates use numerous frequency bands, depending to a large extent on their location in the world.

====United States and Canada====
Because they are usually low powered and use simple antennas, pirate radio stations are more difficult to hear than most other shortwave broadcasters. This is especially true if you are located in western North America, since most pirates are found east of the Rockies. The answer to this question shifts frequently, but these are good bets.
*4000-4200 khz
*5100-5200 khz
*6200-6450 khz for many Europirates
*6700-7000 khz

====Europe====
The most popular bands are the 48 meter band (roughly 6200 to 6450 kHz) and the 75 meter band (roughly 3900-4000 kHz, which is part of the 80 meter ham band in the US).
Europirates (as European pirate stations are often referred to in the US) also make use of other parts of the HF spectrum. Other commonly used bands include:
*19 meters, generally 15000-15100 kHz, but also 15700-15900 kHz
*13 meters, 21000-25000 kHz

===Factors That Effect Reception===
Solar activity (or the lack of it) has a tremendous influence on which bands will propagate. When solar activity is very low, higher frequency propagation (above around 10 Mhz or so) is more difficult. Keep in mind that lots of atmospherics also come into play when you're listening on HF bands; storms in between your location and the operators can cause a great deal of noise. There is a whole host of things in a typical home that can cause interference; everything from plasma TVs, defective heaters and numerous other sources of noise are a challenge on HF.

For the non-technical listener, a great place to start how a HF signal travels is the [http://www.ae4rv.com/tn/propflash.htm HF Radio Propagation Primer by AE4RV] (requires Flash player). This site is especially helpful in understanding as it relates to optimal reception of pirate radio broadcasts, especially due to the broadcast power constraints pirate ops must deal with.

===When to listen===
As a general rule, frequencies below 10 Mhz propagate much better during the times of local darkness, while daylight is generally needed above this.

====4, 5 and 6 Mhz in the US/Canada====
During the daytime, these bands operates in [[NVIS]] mode, where signals go up to the ionosphere and are reflected roughly straight down. That means that stations generally only reach a distance of a few hundred miles.

During the nighttime, the band "goes long" and more distant stations can be received, at the expense of not being able to receive local stations.

The 48 meter band works about the same way within Europe.

====48 meters from Europe to the US/Canada====
During the daytime, reception from Europe is generally impossible. Once the path between Europe and North America is dark, reception becomes possible. The actual quality of reception conditions can vary dramatically from day to day, due to changes in the ionosphere caused by general solar activity, solar flares, etc.

The same is true for reception of 43 meter band signals from the US/Canada by listeners in Europe.

====19 meters and higher frequencies====
Generally, these are long distance [[DX]] bands, and are not suitable for relatively local reception. That is, the distance between the station and listener should be many hundreds of miles at a minimum, often thousands of miles. During periods of low and moderate solar activity, these bands are usually open during the late morning and early afternoon. During periods of high solar activity, they can be open 24 hours a day.

==Radio Equipment==
Radios come in two main categories: portables and communications receivers. A possible third category, or sub-category of communications receivers, are SDRs or the [[Software Defined Radio]].
*Lists of receivers: [[Technical_Topics#Receivers]]

===Portable Radios===
As the name implies, portable radios are small radios that can easily be moved around. They are often the size of a hardbound book. They can be quite inexpensive, starting at around $50 or so, up to several hundred dollars. The advantages of portable radios include the low price, small size, and built in whip antenna. The major disadvantage is that they do not perform as well as more expensive communications receivers. That said, many of them are a good way to get started with pirate radio, without having to spend a lot of money.

===Communications Receivers===
Communications receivers are larger, more expensive radios. They start at several hundred dollars, and run up to several thousand dollars. They offer substantially better performance than portable radios. They generally are more sensitive, so they can pick up weaker signals. They are more selective, so they will better reject interference from other stations. Many communications receivers have Digital Signal Processing (DSP) features that provide better filtering than otherwise possible with physical filters.

===Software Defined Radios (SDR)===
Software Defined Radios have much of the functionality that previously existed in electronic components instead performed by software, running either inside the SDR itself or in the computer connected to it. They can perform Digital Signal Processing (DSP) operations not possible with actual electronic circuitry, allowing them to offer better rejection of interfering signals. Unlike communications receivers, the DSP parameters can usually be controlled to a greater degree. Entire new functions can be added to the radio by just downloading new software to it. Finally, SDRs often allow entire bands to be recorded to disk. Then, at a later time, one can go back and search for / listen to transmissions that were recorded. Many consider SDRs to be the future of radio. Much of the required computing power already exists in the computer that you own, that must be connected to the SDR to operate, as SDRs do not work "stand alone" without a computer. They generally start at several hundred dollars, and go up to several thousand dollars. You can find an extensive list of models, reviews, software and more [https://wiki.radioreference.com/index.php/Software_Defined_Radios here].

==Antennas==
Along with a radio, you'll need an antenna. They fall into two major categories, inside and outside antennas. Inside antennas are convenient, they could be built into the radio, or be some wire strung around the room. The downside is that they don't do a good job of picking up radio stations, as the building often blocks radio waves. And unfortunately they do a good job of picking up interference from inside, such as computers, and TV sets. Outside antennas perform much better, but take some effort to install, and sometimes are not allowed in some neighborhoods.

===Whip antenna built into the radio===
Most portable radios include a small built in whip antenna. While this is often satisfactory for listening to high powered shortwave broadcast stations, it is usually insufficient for listening to lower powered pirate stations, except under the best of conditions.

===Random wire (longwire) antennas===
As the term implies, a [[random wire]] is a wire antenna of random length. A random wire generally works well for signal reception, and is an improvement over the built-in whip antenna that is included with many portable radios.
An antenna tuner can be used with a random wire to make it resonant at a particular frequency.

===Dipoles===
A [[dipole]] is perhaps the most basic radio antenna. The most commonly used dipole is the half-wave, so named because the total length is approximately one half of a wavelength long at the desired center frequency. The antenna is made up of two wire elements, each about a quarter of a wavelength long. Coaxial cable or balanced line is used to connect the wire elements to a radio or antenna tuner. For listening purposes, building the largest (longest) half wave dipole that you can practically fit makes for a very affordable and useful listening antenna.

===Loop Antennas===
Loop antennas come in many varieties. They can be a small desktop loop with an internal amplifier, or a large outside antenna.
Examples:
*[http://www.pixelsatradio.com/product/shortwave-magnetic-loop-antenna/ Pixel Magnetic Loop]
*[[Sky loop antenna]]
*[[T2FD]]

You can find an extensive list of many different types of loops [https://wiki.radioreference.com/index.php/Loops here].

===Active Antennas===
Examples:
*[[Wellbrook ALA 1530plus]]

==Online/Web Radios==
If you want to get started listening to pirate radio stations, but don't want to invest in a shortwave radio and antenna, one free solution is to listen via the many radios that individuals have put online. Here are a few popular networks;
*[http://www.globaltuners.com/ Global Tuners]
*[http://kiwisdr.com/public/ List of public Kiwi SDRs]
*[http://www.websdr.org/ WebSDR]

=QSL Cards=

A [[QSL]] is a verification from a radio station that you, the listener, actually heard the station. The listener sends a reception report to the station, which contains details sufficient to prove reception. This can include things like songs played, quotes of things said, etc. Information concerning the quality of reception is also generally given, this feedback lets the station know how well it was received. It is also customary to indicate what type of radio and antenna was used, as this can help qualify the reception quality information.

In return, the station sends the listener a QSL card, either as a physical card or letter by mail, or, more common today, as an eQSL card, which is typically a JPG or other image sent by email.

==SIO Code==
The SIO Code is a 3 digit number used to indicate how well the station was received. Each number is from 1 to 5, with 1 representing the worst possible reception, and 5 the best.
*Strength - how strong the signal was
*Interference - how much of a problem interference was
*Overall - the overall quality of the reception

An SIO code of 555 is the best possible. Likewise, and SIO of 111 is the worst, and means the station was barely audible. SIO codes are inherently highly subjective.

The SIO code replaces the older SINPO code, which included two additional parameters:
*Noise
*Propagation (fading)

==Examples of QSL Cards==
*[[Pirate_QSL_Collection|Pirate Radio QSL Collection]]
*[http://www.hfunderground.com/board/index.php/board,11.0.html QSL Cards Received at the HF Underground Board]

==Tips for QSL'ing Pirates==

===Things to keep in mind===

*QSL'ing preferences vary from op to op, and some ops QSL later rather than sooner (sometimes after many years...), as time, safety and costs allow.

*Be patient and open-minded. Some OPs choose to remain a mystery or QSL within the broadcast via SSTV, digital mode that can be decoded by numourous free and low-cost applications:

http://www.dxzone.com/catalog/Operating_Modes/SSTV/

===Snailmail QSL etiquette===
Traditionally, the pirate radio operator would announce a [[maildrop]] address for reception reports. This is a PO Box, and a third party collects the reports for various stations, sends them to each station, gets the QSL cards back, and sends them to the listeners. This provides a level of anonymity for the pirate operator.

It is customary to send $1 US or 3 first class postage stamps with a reception report, to help cover postage costs for the letters that have to go back and forth between the station and maildrop.

eQSLs have mostly replaced traditional paper QSL cards for pirates. The listener can directly contact the station via email with the reception report. The QSL can be immediately sent back to the listener, there are no postage costs. And if the operator uses gmail or another secure email system, he does not run the risk of his identity being revealed by the drop operator.

===Email or "eQSL" ettiquette===

In your request, offer as much technical feedback as your experience allows, include where possible:

*What content you heard, music, dialogue, distinctive ID's or properties of the broadcast that will help the op know that you uniquely heard his broadcast, as many ops use same frequencies

*Signal Strength, as best you can describe it. For new listeners and non-HAMs SINPO is explained here: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/SINPO

*Congeniality: Live Radio is full of surprises, even for the operator, technical glitches 'happen' -- the QSL report you send should be respectful, and if any audio deficiencies are noted, be gentle and descriptive i.e. "Slight audio drift and slight distortion noted at <insert time during broadcast>" , if known. If the op was making technical adjustments during the broadcast, mentioning what you heard may help them understand how their adjustments affected a broadcast.

Remember, Pirate Ops do this for fun and challenge, at their own expense, for the entertainment of others, and face a number of risks to do so. Let them know that you enjoyed their broadcasts, for many ops, this is the sole payback they get for their efforts.

===A few VITAL points===

*Try NOT to publicly speculate on the location of an operator, even if well-meaning or you suspect the operator is somewhere near your region. This has a chilling effect for operators, and past controversies, (available for reading on the HFU wiki) will dicourage ops from coming on the air for fear of FCC intimidation or 'outing'.

*Personal Privacy and Safety: As with all things on the internet, your privacy is important, consider using a non-personal webmail account for corresponding with HF Pirates, both for your safety and their anonymity.

Webmail accounts vary: Gmail [http://www.gmail.com] currently offers the best file storage capacity and doesn't share your sending IP's in the headers, Hotmail [http://www.hotmail.com] and Yahoo [https://mail.yahoo.com] do currently still appear to embed the sender's IP address, and might be considered accounts to be avoided. Your level of vigilance/paranoia may vary, but consider a mail account that discloses the least amount of personal information possible.

=Getting Up To Date Information About Pirate Radio=
==Chat Rooms==
Pirate radio listeners often keep in touch with each other using real time chats. This allows them to immediately find out when stations are being heard, and what frequency to tune to.

===IRC===
IRC, or Internet Relay Chat, is one online chat system. Full details are available here: [[http://www.hfunderground.com/wiki/Internet_Relay_Chat]]

===Iann's Chat===
Iann's Chat is a web based chat, which is very popular with European listeners and pirate station operators: [http://www.easyshopdiscountzone.com/radio/pirate/chat.html]

==Mailing Lists==
Recently, noted publisher and long time DXer Glenn Hauser has been including pirate logs in his [https://groups.io/g/WOR World or Radio] mailing list. This isn't the fastest way to find current logs, but is useful in identifying trends of which pirates are showing up in which bands

==Social Media==
Facebook has some groups that have lots of pirate logs. This is often a very fast way to find current activity
*[https://www.facebook.com/groups/ExtremeShortwaveListening/ Extreme Short Wave Listening]
*[https://www.facebook.com/groups/112273363488408/ HF Underground]

==Websites==
*[http://www.hfunderground.com/board/index.php HF Underground Message Board]
*[http://freeradiocafe.com/forum/ Free Radio Cafe]
*[https://ukdxer.webs.com/addresses UKDXer's SW Pirate Addresses]
*[https://ukdxer.wixsite.com/my-vxw-site-di06oi SW Radio Pirates A look at the world of free radio from Europe]

==Magazines==
* [[Radio User]]

[[Category:Pirate radio]]

Pirate Radio New Listener Guide and FAQ

2023-04-23T00:45:33Z

Ka3jjz: /* Websites */

=What Are Pirate Radio Stations?=

==Why Listen to Pirate Radio Stations==
One of the major complaints about modern corporate radio is that it is bland and boring. It seems as though half a dozen companies own all the stations, and every one sounds the same. How many Morning Zoo shows can you listen to, anyway?

With pirate radio, you often never know what you're going to hear next. There's a huge variety of station formats.

Some just play music, but often it is obscure or unique music. Rave on Radio is known for focusing on one artist. Wolverine Radio strings together a series of songs, all with a common theme. Radio Appalachia plays bluegrass music. And so on.

Other stations are known for producing their own original creative programming. Such as KIPM, which featured science fiction radio drama. WHYP is a parody of a former genuine small town radio station with the same call letters, from back in the 1980s, infamous for their poor production standards.

There have even been political stations, such as United Patriot Radio.

Finally, there are stations that are are essentially inside jokes in the pirate radio community. They splice together recordings of other stations and pirate listeners, create song parodies, and so on. You truly never know what you will hear next.

==Brief History of Pirate Radio Stations==

==Some Examples of Pirate Radio Stations==
List of [[Pirate radio stations]]

=How to Listen To Pirate Radio Stations=

==Frequencies Pirate Radio Stations Use==
In general pirate radio stations try to transmit on unused frequencies. This is for two reasons. First, they don't want to cause interference, as this tends to result in the radio authorities taking an interest in them, and shutting them down, otherwise known as a [[bust]]. Second, they often use relatively low power levels, and would not be heard over a licensed station that most likely is using more power.

===AM/MW Band Pirates ===
While AM band pirates can turn up anywhere, they are most commonly heard in the extended band, which runs from 1610 to 1700 kHz, as this part of the AM band is much less crowded. They are also often heard outside of the AM band, with [[1710]] kHz being most popular, as this frequency is otherwise unused.

Many AM pirates have ethnic programming, in languages other than English.

AM pirates used to be more common in the 1970s and 1980s, with several high power stations operating in the New York City area. High power / long distance AM pirates are not as often heard today. Most AM pirates today tend to be relatively low power, with a range of tens of miles at the most. There are some exceptions, such as Radio Celestial from New York City, which is often heard on 1710 khz.

===FM Band Pirates===
FM band pirates can be heard throughout the FM band, wherever there are unused channels in a city. They can also be heard outside of the band, with 87.9 MHz being most common.

In large urban areas, there are often numerous FM pirates that can be heard. As power levels are often low, the range of a given station can be only a few miles, if that. Many FM pirates have ethnic programming, in languages other than English.

FM pirates will not otherwise be discussed on this page, which focuses on shortwave and AM pirates.

===Shortwave Pirates===
Shortwave pirates use numerous frequency bands, depending to a large extent on their location in the world.

====United States and Canada====
Because they are usually low powered and use simple antennas, pirate radio stations are more difficult to hear than most other shortwave broadcasters. This is especially true if you are located in western North America, since most pirates are found east of the Rockies. The answer to this question shifts frequently, but these are good bets.
*4000-4200 khz
*5100-5200 khz
*6200-6450 khz for many Europirates
*6700-7000 khz

====Europe====
The most popular bands are the 48 meter band (roughly 6200 to 6450 kHz) and the 75 meter band (roughly 3900-4000 kHz, which is part of the 80 meter ham band in the US).
Europirates (as European pirate stations are often referred to in the US) also make use of other parts of the HF spectrum. Other commonly used bands include:
*19 meters, generally 15000-15100 kHz, but also 15700-15900 kHz
*13 meters, 21000-25000 kHz

===Factors That Effect Reception===
Solar activity (or the lack of it) has a tremendous influence on which bands will propagate. When solar activity is very low, higher frequency propagation (above around 10 Mhz or so) is more difficult. Keep in mind that lots of atmospherics also come into play when you're listening on HF bands; storms in between your location and the operators can cause a great deal of noise. There is a whole host of things in a typical home that can cause interference; everything from plasma TVs, defective heaters and numerous other sources of noise are a challenge on HF.

For the non-technical listener, a great place to start how a HF signal travels is the [http://www.ae4rv.com/tn/propflash.htm HF Radio Propagation Primer by AE4RV] (requires Flash player). This site is especially helpful in understanding as it relates to optimal reception of pirate radio broadcasts, especially due to the broadcast power constraints pirate ops must deal with.

===When to listen===
As a general rule, frequencies below 10 Mhz propagate much better during the times of local darkness, while daylight is generally needed above this.

====4, 5 and 6 Mhz in the US/Canada====
During the daytime, these bands operates in [[NVIS]] mode, where signals go up to the ionosphere and are reflected roughly straight down. That means that stations generally only reach a distance of a few hundred miles.

During the nighttime, the band "goes long" and more distant stations can be received, at the expense of not being able to receive local stations.

The 48 meter band works about the same way within Europe.

====48 meters from Europe to the US/Canada====
During the daytime, reception from Europe is generally impossible. Once the path between Europe and North America is dark, reception becomes possible. The actual quality of reception conditions can vary dramatically from day to day, due to changes in the ionosphere caused by general solar activity, solar flares, etc.

The same is true for reception of 43 meter band signals from the US/Canada by listeners in Europe.

====19 meters and higher frequencies====
Generally, these are long distance [[DX]] bands, and are not suitable for relatively local reception. That is, the distance between the station and listener should be many hundreds of miles at a minimum, often thousands of miles. During periods of low and moderate solar activity, these bands are usually open during the late morning and early afternoon. During periods of high solar activity, they can be open 24 hours a day.

==Radio Equipment==
Radios come in two main categories: portables and communications receivers. A possible third category, or sub-category of communications receivers, are SDRs or the [[Software Defined Radio]].
*Lists of receivers: [[Technical_Topics#Receivers]]

===Portable Radios===
As the name implies, portable radios are small radios that can easily be moved around. They are often the size of a hardbound book. They can be quite inexpensive, starting at around $50 or so, up to several hundred dollars. The advantages of portable radios include the low price, small size, and built in whip antenna. The major disadvantage is that they do not perform as well as more expensive communications receivers. That said, many of them are a good way to get started with pirate radio, without having to spend a lot of money.

===Communications Receivers===
Communications receivers are larger, more expensive radios. They start at several hundred dollars, and run up to several thousand dollars. They offer substantially better performance than portable radios. They generally are more sensitive, so they can pick up weaker signals. They are more selective, so they will better reject interference from other stations. Many communications receivers have Digital Signal Processing (DSP) features that provide better filtering than otherwise possible with physical filters.

===Software Defined Radios (SDR)===
Software Defined Radios have much of the functionality that previously existed in electronic components instead performed by software, running either inside the SDR itself or in the computer connected to it. They can perform Digital Signal Processing (DSP) operations not possible with actual electronic circuitry, allowing them to offer better rejection of interfering signals. Unlike communications receivers, the DSP parameters can usually be controlled to a greater degree. Entire new functions can be added to the radio by just downloading new software to it. Finally, SDRs often allow entire bands to be recorded to disk. Then, at a later time, one can go back and search for / listen to transmissions that were recorded. Many consider SDRs to be the future of radio. Much of the required computing power already exists in the computer that you own, that must be connected to the SDR to operate, as SDRs do not work "stand alone" without a computer. They generally start at several hundred dollars, and go up to several thousand dollars. You can find an extensive list of models, reviews, software and more [https://wiki.radioreference.com/index.php/Software_Defined_Radios here].

==Antennas==
Along with a radio, you'll need an antenna. They fall into two major categories, inside and outside antennas. Inside antennas are convenient, they could be built into the radio, or be some wire strung around the room. The downside is that they don't do a good job of picking up radio stations, as the building often blocks radio waves. And unfortunately they do a good job of picking up interference from inside, such as computers, and TV sets. Outside antennas perform much better, but take some effort to install, and sometimes are not allowed in some neighborhoods.

===Whip antenna built into the radio===
Most portable radios include a small built in whip antenna. While this is often satisfactory for listening to high powered shortwave broadcast stations, it is usually insufficient for listening to lower powered pirate stations, except under the best of conditions.

===Random wire (longwire) antennas===
As the term implies, a [[random wire]] is a wire antenna of random length. A random wire generally works well for signal reception, and is an improvement over the built-in whip antenna that is included with many portable radios.
An antenna tuner can be used with a random wire to make it resonant at a particular frequency.

===Dipoles===
A [[dipole]] is perhaps the most basic radio antenna. The most commonly used dipole is the half-wave, so named because the total length is approximately one half of a wavelength long at the desired center frequency. The antenna is made up of two wire elements, each about a quarter of a wavelength long. Coaxial cable or balanced line is used to connect the wire elements to a radio or antenna tuner. For listening purposes, building the largest (longest) half wave dipole that you can practically fit makes for a very affordable and useful listening antenna.

===Loop Antennas===
Loop antennas come in many varieties. They can be a small desktop loop with an internal amplifier, or a large outside antenna.
Examples:
*[http://www.pixelsatradio.com/product/shortwave-magnetic-loop-antenna/ Pixel Magnetic Loop]
*[[Sky loop antenna]]
*[[T2FD]]

You can find an extensive list of many different types of loops [https://wiki.radioreference.com/index.php/Loops here].

===Active Antennas===
Examples:
*[[Wellbrook ALA 1530plus]]

==Online/Web Radios==
If you want to get started listening to pirate radio stations, but don't want to invest in a shortwave radio and antenna, one free solution is to listen via the many radios that individuals have put online. Here are a few popular networks;
*[http://www.globaltuners.com/ Global Tuners]
*[http://kiwisdr.com/public/ List of public Kiwi SDRs]
*[http://www.websdr.org/ WebSDR]

=QSL Cards=

A [[QSL]] is a verification from a radio station that you, the listener, actually heard the station. The listener sends a reception report to the station, which contains details sufficient to prove reception. This can include things like songs played, quotes of things said, etc. Information concerning the quality of reception is also generally given, this feedback lets the station know how well it was received. It is also customary to indicate what type of radio and antenna was used, as this can help qualify the reception quality information.

In return, the station sends the listener a QSL card, either as a physical card or letter by mail, or, more common today, as an eQSL card, which is typically a JPG or other image sent by email.

==SIO Code==
The SIO Code is a 3 digit number used to indicate how well the station was received. Each number is from 1 to 5, with 1 representing the worst possible reception, and 5 the best.
*Strength - how strong the signal was
*Interference - how much of a problem interference was
*Overall - the overall quality of the reception

An SIO code of 555 is the best possible. Likewise, and SIO of 111 is the worst, and means the station was barely audible. SIO codes are inherently highly subjective.

The SIO code replaces the older SINPO code, which included two additional parameters:
*Noise
*Propagation (fading)

==Examples of QSL Cards==
*[[Pirate_QSL_Collection|Pirate Radio QSL Collection]]
*[http://www.hfunderground.com/board/index.php/board,11.0.html QSL Cards Received at the HF Underground Board]

==Tips for QSL'ing Pirates==

===Things to keep in mind===

*QSL'ing preferences vary from op to op, and some ops QSL later rather than sooner (sometimes after many years...), as time, safety and costs allow.

*Be patient and open-minded. Some OPs choose to remain a mystery or QSL within the broadcast via SSTV, digital mode that can be decoded by numourous free and low-cost applications:

http://www.dxzone.com/catalog/Operating_Modes/SSTV/

===Snailmail QSL etiquette===
Traditionally, the pirate radio operator would announce a [[maildrop]] address for reception reports. This is a PO Box, and a third party collects the reports for various stations, sends them to each station, gets the QSL cards back, and sends them to the listeners. This provides a level of anonymity for the pirate operator.

It is customary to send $1 US or 3 first class postage stamps with a reception report, to help cover postage costs for the letters that have to go back and forth between the station and maildrop.

eQSLs have mostly replaced traditional paper QSL cards for pirates. The listener can directly contact the station via email with the reception report. The QSL can be immediately sent back to the listener, there are no postage costs. And if the operator uses gmail or another secure email system, he does not run the risk of his identity being revealed by the drop operator.

===Email or "eQSL" ettiquette===

In your request, offer as much technical feedback as your experience allows, include where possible:

*What content you heard, music, dialogue, distinctive ID's or properties of the broadcast that will help the op know that you uniquely heard his broadcast, as many ops use same frequencies

*Signal Strength, as best you can describe it. For new listeners and non-HAMs SINPO is explained here: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/SINPO

*Congeniality: Live Radio is full of surprises, even for the operator, technical glitches 'happen' -- the QSL report you send should be respectful, and if any audio deficiencies are noted, be gentle and descriptive i.e. "Slight audio drift and slight distortion noted at <insert time during broadcast>" , if known. If the op was making technical adjustments during the broadcast, mentioning what you heard may help them understand how their adjustments affected a broadcast.

Remember, Pirate Ops do this for fun and challenge, at their own expense, for the entertainment of others, and face a number of risks to do so. Let them know that you enjoyed their broadcasts, for many ops, this is the sole payback they get for their efforts.

===A few VITAL points===

*Try NOT to publicly speculate on the location of an operator, even if well-meaning or you suspect the operator is somewhere near your region. This has a chilling effect for operators, and past controversies, (available for reading on the HFU wiki) will dicourage ops from coming on the air for fear of FCC intimidation or 'outing'.

*Personal Privacy and Safety: As with all things on the internet, your privacy is important, consider using a non-personal webmail account for corresponding with HF Pirates, both for your safety and their anonymity.

Webmail accounts vary: Gmail [http://www.gmail.com] currently offers the best file storage capacity and doesn't share your sending IP's in the headers, Hotmail [http://www.hotmail.com] and Yahoo [https://mail.yahoo.com] do currently still appear to embed the sender's IP address, and might be considered accounts to be avoided. Your level of vigilance/paranoia may vary, but consider a mail account that discloses the least amount of personal information possible.

=Getting Up To Date Information About Pirate Radio=
==Chat Rooms==
Pirate radio listeners often keep in touch with each other using real time chats. This allows them to immediately find out when stations are being heard, and what frequency to tune to.

===IRC===
IRC, or Internet Relay Chat, is one online chat system. Full details are available here: [[http://www.hfunderground.com/wiki/Internet_Relay_Chat]]

===Iann's Chat===
Iann's Chat is a web based chat, which is very popular with European listeners and pirate station operators: [http://www.easyshopdiscountzone.com/radio/pirate/chat.html]

==Mailing Lists==
Recently, noted publisher and long time DXer Glenn Hauser has been including pirate logs in his [https://groups.io/g/WOR World or Radio] mailing list. This isn't the fastest way to find current logs, but is useful in identifying trends of which pirates are showing up in which bands

==Social Media==
Facebook has some groups that have lots of pirate logs. This is often a very fast way to find current activity
*[https://www.facebook.com/groups/ExtremeShortwaveListening/ Extreme Short Wave Listening]
*[https://www.facebook.com/groups/112273363488408/ HF Underground]

==Websites==
*[http://www.hfunderground.com/board/index.php HF Underground Message Board]
*[http://freeradiocafe.com/forum/ Free Radio Cafe]
*[https://ukdxer.webs.com/addresses UKDXer's SW Pirate Addresses]

==Magazines==
* [[Radio User]]

[[Category:Pirate radio]]

Pirate radio station email addresses

2021-10-16T13:42:09Z

Ka3jjz:

Known email addresses for [[Pirate Radio Stations]] :

= Stations That Do Not QSL =
The following stations have a policy of not QSLing, or don't appear to reliably QSL based on listener experiences, whether reports are emailed or posted on the HFU loggings forum. Stations are free to set their own QSL, or lack of QSL, policies, it takes time for operators to verify reports and prepare and send QSLs. It also takes time for listeners to write reports. This list is to help listeners avoid disappointment:

*[[Argyle Radio]]
*[[Brownie Radio]]
*[[Coast FM]]
*[[Cold Country Canada]]
*[[Evergreen Radio]]
*[[Irish Rose Radio]]
*[[KAOS Radio]]
*[[Nuttin' On Shortwave]]
*[[Old Time Radio]]
*[[PeeWee Radio]]
*[[Radio Free Whatever]]
*[[Skunk Hole Radio]]
*[[Skippy Radio]]
*[[Sousa Station]]
*[[Stretchyman Radio]]
*[[The Situation Radio]]
*[[Wolverine Radio]]
*[[Yeah Man Radio]]
*[[Yeti Radio]]
*[[YHWH]]
*[[Zenith Radio]]

= North America =
*[[3885 Radio]] 3885radio@gmail.com
*[[All Aboard Radio]] allaboardradio@gmail.com
*[[All Along The Watchtower Radio]] aatw@gmx.com
*[[All Music Radio]] allmusicradioshortwave@gmail.com
*[[Amphetamine Radio]] amphetamineradio@gmail.com
*[[Bad Boy Radio]] new.bad.boy.radio@gmail.com
*[[Ballsmacker Radio]] ballsmacker@protonmail.com
*[[Bangalore Poacher]] bangalorepoacher@outlook.com
*[[Bat Country]] batcountryradio@gmail.com
*[[Big Dog Radio]] bigdogradio6925@gmail.com
*[[Big Johnson Radio]] bigjohnsonradio@gmail.com
*[[Black Cat Radio]] blackcatradio1@gmail.com
*[[Blue Ocean Radio]] blueoceanradio@gmail.com
*[[BOC HF]] bochfradio@gmail.com
*[[Boom Box Radio]] boomboxshortwave@gmail.com
*[[Brickyard Radio]] brickyardradio@gmail.com
*[[Brocket99]] brockett99shortwave@gmail.com
*[[Burn It Down Radio]] bidradio@protonmail.com bid_radio@sigaint.org
*[[Cactus Jack Radio]] cactusjackradio@hotmail.com
*[[Canadian Radio After Dark]] canadianradioafterdark@gmail.com
*[[Captain Morgan]] captainmorganshortwave@gmail.com]
*[[Celtic Free Radio]] irelandfreeradio@gmail.com
*[[Chamberpot Radio]] captainbusterhymen@gmail.com
*[[Channel X]] freeradiochannelx@gmail.com
*[[Channel Z]] channelzradio@gmail.com
*[[Cinema By Shortwave]] thelatemovie@gmail.com
*[[Chris Lobdell Appreciation Group]] chrislobdellappriciationgroup@gmail.com
*[[Classic Pirate Radio Relay Service]] classicpirateradiorelayservice@gmail.com
*[[Clever Name Radio]] clevernameradio@hotmail.com
*[[CW CW Radio]] cwcwradio@gmail.com
*[[CYOT]] cyotshortwave@gmail.com
*[[Damnit Skippy]] damnitskippy6900@gmail.com
*[[Dead City Radio]] spookypirateradio@gmail.com
*[[Dit Dah Radio]] DitDahRadio@gmail.com
*[[Doctor Detroit]] radio.illuminati6150@gmail.com
*[[Edmund Fitzgerald Radio]] edmundfitzgerald@gmail.com
*[[Evergreen Radio]] Koottrader@gmail.com
*[[Fab Four]] thebeatles@thedoghousemail.com
*[[Foxy AM]] foxyam@protonmail.com
*[[Frederic Chopin]] fredericchopinradio@gmail.com
*[[Free Radio Billy]] freeradiobilly@gmail.com
*[[Free Radio Harrison]] freeradioharrison@yahoo.com
*[[Free Thinker Radio]] freeradioforthefreethinker@gmail.com
*[[Germany Caling]] germanycalling@gmail.com
*[[Gospel Radio]] gospelradiosw@gmail.com
*[[Green Monster]] greenmonsterradio@gmail.com
*[[Halloween Radio]] halloweenradio@gmx.net
*[[Happy Hanukkah Radio]] happyhanukkahradio@gmail.com
*[[Hard Tack Radio]] hardtackradio@gmail.com
*[[Hey Joe Radio]] heyjoe6925@gmail.com
*[[Hip To Be Square Radio]] HipToBeSquareRadio@gmail.com
*[[Hit Parade Radio]] hitparaderadio@gmail.com
*[[Hot Legs Radio]] hotlegsradio@gmail.com
*[[Howdy Doody]] howdydoodyradio@gmail.com
*[[Hunk-A-Junk Radio]] hunkajunkradio@gmail.com
*[[Indira Calling]] indiracalling@gmail.com
*[[Insane Radio]] yourradioisinsane@gmail.com
*[[International Radio Report]] irrckut@gmail.com
*[[ION Radio]] ionradioshortwave@gmail.com
*[[Javelina Radio]] maximumchill@yahoo.com
*[[JFK Shortwave]] jfkshortwave@gmail.com
*[[KBOO Shortwave]] kbooshortwave@protonmail.com
*[[KCPR]] kcprreception@gmail.com
*[[Karma]] wasteddaze.nights@gmail.com
*[[The Kid From Brooklyn Shortwave]] kidfrombrooklynshortwave@gmail.com
*[[Left Lane Radio]] leftlaneradio6925@gmail.com
*[[Liquid Radio]] wwrbfm@gmail.com
*[[Locomotiveradio]] locomotiveradio@gmail.com
*[[London Calling]] londoncalling6930@gmail.com
*[[Looking At You Radio]] lookingatyouradio@gmail.com
*[[Lukewarm Radio]] lukewarmradioshortwave@gmail.com
*[[Metro Radio International]] metroradiointernational@gmail.com
*[[Mix Radio International]] Mix.Radio.International@protonmail.com
*[[Moonlight Radio]] moonlightradio1@gmail.com
*[[Mongolia Relay Service]] tvomrs@gmail.com
*[[Mystery Pirate Radio]] mysterypirateradio@gmail.com
*[[Network 51]] network51pirateradio@gmail.com
*[[New Horizons Shortwave]] <newhorizonsshortwave@gmail.com
*[[Nordic Wind Radio]] nordicwindradio@gmail.com
*[[Northwoods Radio]] northwoodsradio@gmail.com
*[[Nowhere Radio]] nowhere.radio@yahoo.com
*[[NRA Radio]] nraradiocw@gmail.com
*[[Operation Neptune Shortwave]] operationneptuneshortwave@gmail.com
*[[Orbital Mind Control Satellite]] friendlyoverlord@protonmail.com
*[[Partial India Radio]] haroldkrishnaPIR@gmail.com
*[[Pipeline Radio]] radiopipeline@gmail.com
*[[Pirate BBC Radio]] piratebbcradio@gmail.com
*[[Pirate Clip Radio]] pirateclipradio@gmail.com
*[[Pirate Radio Boston]] pirateradioboston@gmail.com
*[[PRB Relays]] prbrelays@gmail.com
*[[Progressive Radio]] progressiveradio@outlook.com
*[[Puff The Magic Dragon]] piratedragonradio@gmail.com
*[[Pumpkin Patch Radio]] pumpkinpatchradio@gmail.com
*[[Radio 48]] radio48@protonmail.com
*[[Radio Anarchy]] radioanarchy@yahoo.com
*[[Radio AV]] radioa.v@outlook.com
*[[Radio Boogie]] radio.boogie@protonmail.com
*[[Radio Casablanca]] radiocasablanca1@gmail.com
*[[Radio Cinco de Mayo ]] Radiocincodemayo@gmail.com
*[[Radio Corsair]] RadioCorsair@protonmail.com
*[[Radio Diana International]] radio.diana.international@protonmail.com
*[[Radio End Times]] radioendtimes@gmail.com
*[[Radio Free Connecticut]] radiofreerocket@aol.com
*[[Radio Free Do Whatever]] weeddickdj@gmail.com
*[[Radio Free Euphoria]] radiofreeeuphoria@yahoo.com
*[[Radio Free Gutterville]] radiogutterville@gmail.com
*[[Radio Free Mars]] radiofreemarsradio@gmail.com
*[[Radio Free North]] rfn6925@gmail.com
*[[Radio Free Ramones]] radiofreeramones@gmail.com
*[[Radio Free Trump]] radiofreetrump@protonmail.com
*[[Radio Free USA]] radiofreeusapirate@gmail.com
*[[Radio Free Whatever]] dickweeddj@gmail.com
*[[Radio Fusion Radio]] radiofusionradiopirate@gmail.com
*[[Radio Ga-Ga]] radiogaga6925@gmail.com
*[[Radio Gallifrey Intergalactic]] radiogallifrey43m@gmail.com was radiogallifreyintergalactic@gmail.com
*[[Radio Genix]] radiogenixsw@gmail.com
*[[Radio Halfwise]] radiohalfwise@gmail.com
*[[Radio Humperdoo]] drunkenradiopirate@gmail.com
*[[Radio Illuminati‏]] radio.illuminati6150@gmail.com
*[[Radio KHAT]] khatradio@gmail.com
*[[Radio Marlene]] radiomarlene@gmail.com
*[[Radio Marijuana]] radiomarijuana420@protonmail.com
*[[Radio Nova]] radionovausa2020@gmail.com
*[[Radio Olah]] radioolah@gmail.com
*[[Radio Paisano]] radiopaisano@gmail.com
*[[Radio Pushka]] 87.7fmradiopushka@gmail.com
*[[Radio WPIG]] shortwaveradiopig@gmailo.com
*[[Random Radio Signals]] randomradio@protonmail.com
*[[Radio Ronin Shortwave]] radioroninshortwave@gmail.com
*[[Radio Strange Outpost 7]] rso7sw@gmail.com
*[[Radio TransAmerica]] midwestclubber@gmail.com
*[[Radio TrueNorth]] radiotruenorth@gmail.com
*[[Radio Trump]] radiotrump@gmail.com
*[[Radio Vixen International]] radiovixeninternational@gmail.com
*[[Radio Whatever]] hho531@yahoo.com
*[[Radio Zed]] radiozed@hushmail.com
*[[Rave On Radio]] raveonradio@gmail.com
*[[Recycle Radio]] recycleradioshortwave@gmail.com
*[[Redman Radio]] redmanwrmr@gmail.com
*[[Red Beacon]] redbeaconradio@aol.com
*[[Red Mercury Labs]] redmercurylabs@yahoo.com
*[[Renegade Radio]] renegadeshortwave@gmail.com
*[[Ringo Shortwave]] ringoshortwave@gmail.com
*[[Robin Hood Radio]]robinhoodradio@protonmail.com
*[[Satan Radio]] satanradio@gmail.com
*[[SDF1 Radio]] sdf1radio@gmail.com
*[[Seven Trees Radio]] seventreesradio@hotmail.com
*[[Shortwave Ghost]] shortwaveghost@outlook.com
*[[Sloppy Joe Radio]] sloppyjoepirate@gmail.com
*[[Snow Ball Radio]] snowballradio@gmail.com
*[[Stone Circles Radio]] shortwavelemonparty@hushmail.com
*[[Sycko Radio]] syckoradio@gmail.com
*[[Texas Radio Shortwave]] texasradiosw@gmail.com
*[[The Beginning]] thebeginning6965@gmail.com
*[[The Crystal Ship]] tcsshortwave@gmail.com
*[[The Electric Circus Shortwave]] theelectriccircusshortwave@gmail.com
*[[The Fox SW]] TheFOXSW@aol.com
*[[The Relay Station]] shortwavepirate@aol.com
*[[The Voice of Uncle Don]] thevoiceofuncledon@gmail.com
*[[The Voice of Vrillon]] thevoiceofvrillon@gmail.com
*[[Thinking Man Radio]] thinkingmanradio@gmail.com
*[[Throwback 90s]] Throwback90s@protonmail.com
*[[Toynbee Radio]] toynbeeradio@gmail.com
*[[Truth Radio International]] trlinternational@protonmail.com
*[[Turkey Breast Radio]] turkeybreastradio@gmail.com
*[[Turtle Head Radio]] turtleheadradio@gmail.com
*[[Twangy Radio]] twangyradio@outlook.com
*[[Two Dog Radio]] twodogradio@gmail.com
*[[Undercover Radio]] undercoverradio@gmail.com
*[[UNID Radio]] unidradio@gmail.com
*[[Unknown Name Radio]] unknownnameradio@hotmail.com
*[[Vanishing Hot Dog Radio]] vanishinghotdogradio@gmail.com
*[[Vivian Girls Radio]] viviangirlsradio@gmail.com
*[[Voice of Captain Ron]] captainron6955@hotmail.com
*[[Voice of Grease]] voiceofgrease@gmail.com
*[[Voice of Honor ]] voiceofhonor@gmail.com
*[[Voice of KAOS ]] voiceofkaos@gmail.com
*[[Voice of Pearl Harbor]] voiceofpearlharbor@gmail.com
*[[Voice of Pancho Villa]] voiceofpanchovilla@yahoo.com
*[[Voice of the Robots]] voiceoftherobots@gmail.com
*[[Voice of Weird Al]] voiceofweirdal@gmail.com
*[[WBOG]] wbog@pmlol.com
*[[WEAK]] weakradio@gmail.com
*[[WEEK Radio]] weekradioshortwave@gmail.com
*[[WGAY Radio]] sissyboyradio@gmail.com
*[[White Rider Radio]] whiteriderradio@gmail.com
*[[WHYP]] whypradio@gmail.com
*[[WILD]] wildradio@protonmail.com
*[[Witch CityRadio]] witchcityradio@gmail.com
*[[WJD]] Radio Indiana 6930 wjdradio@usa.com
*[[WJFK]] wjfk1963@gmail.com
*[[WKND]] petsmartdoggie1@yahoo.com
*[[WLG]] stationwlg@gmail.com
*[[WMFQ]] wmfqqsl@gmail.com
*[[WPBJ Radio]] peanutbutterjellyradio@gmail.com
*[[WREC]] wrecradio@gmail.com
*[[WTF Radio Worldwide]] QSLshortwave@protonmail.com
*[[WWBR-Worldwide Basement Radio]] wwbr@protonmail.com
*[[XFM]] xfmshortwave@gmail.com
*[[WAZU]] wazu@mail.com
*[[X Minus One]] xminusoneshortwave@gmail.com
*[[XEROX]] xeroxduplicado@gmail.com
*[[Yawneb]] yawneb6925@gmail.com
*[[Yetti Radio]] nastyburn77@gmail.com

= South America =
*[[AD149]] ad149radioam@gmail.com
*[[Dontri Radio]] radiodontri@gmail.com
*[[Lupo Radio]] luporadio@hotmail.com
*[[Radio Pirana]] rpi@radiopirana.com

= Europe=

*[[Anonymous Radio]] radioanonymos@hotmail.com
*[[Area 51]] area51sw@gmail.com
*[[Artems World of Music]] worldmusicrussia@mail.ru
*[[Baltic Sea Radio]] balticseapirate@gmail.com
*[[Black Power Radio]] radioblackpower@hotmail.com
*[[Blueman Radio]] bluemanradio@hotmail.de
*[[Blue Moon Radio]]bluemoonradio188@gmail.com
*[[Bluestarradio]] henri gerrits bluestarradio@live.nl
*[[Borderhunter Radio]] borderhunterradio@hotmail.com
*[[BZN Radio]] bznradio@gmx.net
*[[Carmen Radio]] carmenradio@hotmail.com
*[[Chaos Radio International]] kosqsl@gmail.com
*[[Charleston Radio International]] charlestonradiointernational@yahoo.com
*[[Continental Radio]] ffberry@live.nl
*[[Cool AM]] coolamradio@hotmail.com
*[[Crazy Wave Radio]] shortwave@gmx.de
*[[Cupid Radio]] cupidradio@hotmail.com
*[[Domostad]] reports@domostad.nl
*[[Eldorado Radio]] johnny_303@hotmail.com
*[[Elvis AM]] elvis.am@hotmail.nl
*[[EM Radio]] emradio@gmx.net
*[[Empire Radio]] empire.radio@hotmail.com
*[[Enterprise Radio]] enterpriseradio@hotmail.com
*[[FRS]] frs@frsholland.nl (Free Radio Service)
*[[Free Radio Victoria]] freeradiovictoria@hotmail.com
*[[Focus Radio]] focus@live.co.uk
*[[FOX 48]] radiofox48@hotmail.com
*[[Geronimo Shortwave]] geronimoshortwave@hotmail.com
*[[Good Ship Venus]] radiogsv@hotmail.com
*[[Hobart Radio Intl]] hriradio@gmail.com
*[[Island Radio]] Swler@eircom.net
*[[Jonny Tobacco]] corsnoek9422@gmail.com
*[[Kolibrie Radio]] radiokolibrieam@hotmail.com
*[[KR1 Kennemer Radio 1]] info@kr1.nl
*[[KR1]] info@kennemerradio1.nl
*[[Laser Hot Hits]] studio@laserhothits.co.uk
*[[Over 60 Degree Radio]] over60dgr@rocketmail.com
*[[Premier Radio International]] premierradio@yahoo.ie
*[[Malta Radio]] shortwavemalta@hotmail.com
*[[Melbus Radio]] midwave123@gmail.com
*[[Mike Radio]] mikeradio@live.nl
*[[Misti Radio]] misty.shortwave@gmail.com
*[[Mustang Radio]] mustangradio@live.nl
*[[NachtwerverAM]] gerritkamphuis@hetnet.nl
*[[NMD Radio]] nmdradio@hotmail.com
*[[Panda Radio]] pandaswradio@gmail.com
*[[Pioneer AM]] pioneeram@hotmail.com
*[[Quadzilla Radio]] quadzilla@europe.com
*[[Radio 102]] radio102@deds.nl
*[[Radio 319]] 319.report@gmail.com
*[[Radio Anthony]] whiteriders@wp.pl
*[[Radio B4]] batavier62@gmail.com
*[[Radio Bandido]] bandidoradio@gmail.com
*[[Radio Batavia]] radiobatavia@hotmail.com
*[[Radio Batavier]] radionorthcoast@live.nl
*[[Radio Black Arrow]] radioblackarrow@hotmail.com
*[[Radio Blackbeard]] studio@radioblackbeard.co.uk
*[[Radio Bumbelstock]] freeradiobumbelstock@hotmail.com
*[[Radio BZN]] bznradio@gmx.net
*[[Radio Carrierwave]] carrierwave.sw@gmail.com
*[[Radio Casanova]] radiocasanova@hotmail.com
*[[Radio Cochiguaz]] Radio_Cochiguaz@yahoo.com
*[[Radio Concorde]] concordeachterhoek@gmail.com
*[[Radio Contact]] contactshortwave@gmail.com
*[[Radio Cuckoo]] radiocuckoo@yahoo.com
*[[Radio Dinosaur]] 344dinosaur@gmail.com
*[[Radio Doctor Tim]] doctortim@t-online.de
*[[Radio Dummyload]] radiodummyload@gmx.net
*[[Radio Easter Bunny]] radioeasterbunny@gmx.net
*[[Radio Echo One]] reportecho1@gmail.com
*[[Radio Enterhaken]] Enterhaken@gmx.net
*[[Radio Flying Dutchman]] fd@hmnet.nl
*[[Radio Fox 48]] radiofox48@hotmail.com
*[[Radio Harmony]] harmonyqrz@gmail.com
*[[Radio Heidi]] radioheidi@gmx.net
*[[HOT Radio]] hotradio@outlook.com
*[[Radio Igloo]] radioigloo@gmail.com
*[[Radio Joey]] radiojoey@hotmail.com
*[[Radio Johnny Tobacco]] corsnoek9422@gmail.com
*[[Radio JVG]] radiojanvangent@gmail.com
*[[Radio Kachel Boer]] stovefarmer@hotmail.com
*[[Radio Laguna]] laguna76@gmx.net
*[[Radio Latino]] radiolatino@live.com
*[[Radio Likedeeler]] radiolikedeeler@gmx.net
*[[Radio Mazda]] radiomazda@hotmail.com
*[[Radio Merlin International]] radiomerlin@blueyonder.co.uk
*[[Radio Mexico]] radio.mexico@web.de
*[[Radio Mi Amigo]] lion@radiomiamigo.international
*[[Radio Mirabelle]] 14fdx054@laposte.net
*[[Radio Mistero Ghost Planet]] rmgp76@hotmail.com
*[[Radio Monique International]] radiomoniqueradio@hotmail.nl
*[[Radio Mousjager]] c/o doctortim@t-online.de
*[[Radio Nora]] radionora@hotmail.com
*[[Radio Nova/U.K.]] shortwaveradionova@gmail.com
*[[Radio Nova International/Netherlands]] radionovasw@gmail.com
*[[Radio Northern Ireland]] radionorthernireland@outlook.com
*[[Radio Omega]] radioomega@yahoo.com
*[[Radio Orion 2000]] radioorion2000@gmail.com
*[[Radio Oscar Zulu]] eurobird@gmail.com
*[[Radio Ohne Namen]] radio.on@gmx.de
*[[Radio Parade International]] radioparade@protonmail.com
*[[Radio Polkawelle]] radiopolkawelle@gmx.net
*[[Radio Powerliner International]] radiorpi@live.nl
*[[Radio Quintus]] radioquintus@hotmail.com
*[[Radio Rainbow]] radiorainbow@hotmail.com
*[[Radio Readymix]] readymix@hotmail.nl
*[[Radio Ronalisa]] radioronalisa@hotmail.com
*[[Ronex Radio]] ronexradio@hotmail.com
*[[Radio Skywire]] qsl48@hotmail.com
*[[Radio Sofa King]] radiosofaking@gmx.net
*[[Radio South Sea Melody]] radiosouthseamelody@gmx.de
*[[Radio Stancia Russian Hooligans]] radiostanciarussianhooligans@hotmail.com
*[[Radio Sovereign]] 1494radio@gmail.com
*[[Radio Spaceman International]] 3927am@rock.com
*[[Radio Spakenburg]] spakenburg01@hotmail.com
*[[Radio Sunflower]] radiosunflower@hotmail.com
*[[Radio Sylvia]] info@radiosylvia.de
*[[Radio Tidalwave]] radiotidalwave@hotmail.com
*[[Radio Tower]] s.meulenkamp@home.nl
*[[Radio Tower AM]] radiotoweram@gmail.com
*[[Radio Toyota]] radiotoyota@gmx.net
*[[Radio Tropiq]] radiotropiq@gmail.com
*[[Radio Twentana]] radiotwentana@gmail.com
*[[Radio Uferlos]] radio@discardmail.de
*[[Radio Underground]] radioundergroundsw@gmail.com
*[[Radio Universe]] radiouniverse@hotmail.com
*[[Radio Voyager]] radiovoyager@hotmail.com
*[[Radio Werners Schlagerwelt]] wernersschlagerwelt@gmx.net
*[[Radio Zomerzon]] zomerzon-am@hotmail.com
*[[Radio ZwarteBoer]] gerrithilberinksr@hotmail.com
*[[Radio Zwarte Non]]radiozwartenon@gmail.com
*[[Rising Sun]] radiorisingsun@hotmail.com
*[[Ronalisa Radio]] radioronalisa@hotmail.com
*[[Ronnie AM]] radioronalisa@hotmail.com
*[[Shortwave Pirate]] swpirate@gmx.net
*[[Skyline Radio Germany]] skylineradiogermany@web.de
*[[Smash Radio]] smashradio@outlook.com
*[[Speedwing Radio]] SpeedwingRadio@gmx.net
*[[Star Gate]] stargate6210@gmail.com
*[[Station QRP]] stationqrp@gmail.com
*[[Studio 23]] info@radio23.net
*[[Sundown Radio]] sundownradio@hotmail.com
*[[Technical Man]] technicalman@hotmail.nl
*[[The Ghost Shortwave]] shortwaveghost@outlook.com
*[[Time Radio]] timeradio.shortwave@gmail.com
*[[Tip and Elvis]] t.eshow@hotmail.com
*[[Tornado Radio]] radiotornadoshortwave@hotmail.com
*[[Trance AM]] tranceam@gmx.net
*[[Trans Europe Radio]] radiotranseurope@gmail.com
*[[Transatlantic Broadcast]] transatlanticbroadcast@gmx.net
*[[Triple L Radio]] corsnoek9422@gmail.com
*[[Ultra Shortwave Radio]] ultrashortwave@protonmail.com
*[[Universe Radio]] uniradio55@gmail.com
*[[Unknown Radio]] unknownradio@hotmail.com
*[[Vault Shortwave]] vaultshortwave@mail.com
*[[Wadloper Studio]] rhelmus1986@gmail.com
*[[White Giant]] rxradioreport@gmail.com
*[[Wild West FM]] wildwestfm@gmx.net
*[[WMBR Marine Broadcasters]] marinebroadcasters@hotmail.com
*[[Zeewolf AM]] radioblackstone@outlook.com
*[[Zeppelin Radio]] zeppelinradiosw@yahoo.com

= Addresses from World of Radio=
Via Harold Frodge, WOR #2929

Recently reported e-mail addresses (Some are recent relays of old programs & may not be valid.)

*Ball Smacker Radio ballsmacker@protonmail.com (2021)
*The Beginning thebeginning6965@gmail.com (2021)
*Big Johnson Radio bigjohnsonradio@gmail.com
*Brocket 99 brocket99shortwave@gmail.com
*Captain Morgan SW captainmorganshortwave@gmail.com (2021)
*CBZO krakerradio@pmlol.com
*Celtic Music Radio irelandfreeradio@gmail.com (2019)
*Channel Z channelzradio@gmail.com
*Charleston Radio Int’l charlestonradiointernational@yahoo.com
*Cool AM Radio CoolAMRadio@hotmail.com (2021)
*Cupid Radio cupidradio@hotmail.com
*CYOT cyotshortwave@gmail.com (2018)
*Doctor Tim (Euro) doctortim@t-online.de (2021)
*Electric Circus theelectriccircusshortwave@gmail.com (2018)
*EM Radio (Euro) emradio@gmx.net (2021)
*Enterprise Radio (Italy) enterpriseradio@hotmail.com (2021)
*Flashback AM flashbackam@outlook.com (2017)
*Foxy AM FoxyAM@protonmail.com
*Green Monster Radio greenmonsterradio@gmail.com (2018)
*Hot Radio HotRadio@outlook.com
*Howdy Doody Radio howdydoodyradio@gmail.com
*Ion Radio ionradioshortwave@gmail.com (2021)
*Jodel Piraat (Euro) jodelpiraat@gmx.net (2021)
*Laser Hot Hits (Euro) studio@laserhothits.co.uk
*Little Feat Radio (England) littlefeatam@gmail.com (2021)
*L0DE Radio L0DE@L0DE.com (2021, 0 = zero)
*Key Radio (Euro) keyradioam@gmail.com (2021)
*KR1 (Netherlands) info@kennemeradio1.nl
*Mike Radio (Netherlands) mikeradio@live.nl
*Mix Radio Int’l Mix.Radio.International@protonmail.com (2021)
*Movie Clip Radio MovieClipRadio@gmail.com (2020)
*Mystery Radio 21 mysteryradio21@gmail.com (2021)
*Network 51 network51pirateradio@gmail.com (2019)
*Nowhere Radio nowhere.radio@yahoo.com (2021)
*Offshore History Radio ohrradio@outlook.com (2021)
*Panda Radio pandaswradio@gmail.com*
*Pandora Radio pandoraradio@hotmail.com*
*Pioneer Radio PioneerAM@gmail.com (2021)*
*Poop Deck Radio WILD@protonmail com (2021)
*Radio 37 (Denmark) qsl@radio37.dk
*Radio 48 radio48@protonmail.com (2021)
*Radio 60 (Euro) erdenman@gmx.de (2021)
*Radio 319 319report@gmail.com (2021)
*Radio Anonymous radionnonymous@hotmail.com (2021)*
*Radio Bella Italia (Italy) radiobellaitalia@gma.ne*t
*Radio BZN (Euro) radiobzn@gmx.ne*t
*Radio Casa radiocasaam@gmail.com
*Radio Corsair radiocorsair@protonmail.com
*Radio Cuckoo (Ireland) radiocuckoo@yahoo.com
*Radio Delta radiodelta6925@gmail.com
*Radio Dummy Load (Euro) radiodummyload@gmx.net
*Radio Diana Int’l radio.doanainternational@protonmail.com
*Radio Easter Bunny radioeasterbunny@gmx.net
*Radio Elektra (Euro) radiolektra@protonmail.com (2021)
*Radio Enterhaken (Euro) enterhaken@dmx.de (2018)
*Radio Europe (Italy) radioeurope@iol.it
*Radio Free Mars radiofreemars@gmail.com (obsolete?)
*Radio Free USA RadioFreeUSAPirate@gmail.com (2020)
*Radio Genix radiogenixsw@gmail.com (2021)
*Radio Harmony harmonyqrz@gmail.com
*Radio Humperdoo drunkenradiopirate@gmail.com (2020)
*Radio Igloo radioigloo@gmail.com
*Radio Jan van Gent (Euro) radiojanvangent@gmail.com
*Radio Joey (Euro) radiojoey@hotmail.com
*Radio March Music (Euro) radiomarchmusic@gmx.net
*Radio Merlin Int’l (Euro) radiomeriin@blueyonder.co.uk (2021)
*Radio Mushroom radiomushroom@gmail.com
*Radio Northern Europe Int’l tgwtr@protonmail.com
*Radio Nova (N.American) radionovausa2020@gmail.com (2021)
*Radio Nova (Euro) shortwaveradionova@gmail.com
*Radio Olah radioolah@gmail.com
*Radio Olympia (Euro) radioolympia@gmx.net (2021)
*Radio Piepzendar (Netherlands) radioqsl@hotmail.com
*Radio Space Shuttle Int’l (Euro) spaceshuttleradio@yahoo.com
*Radio Truth Int’l trlinternational@protonmail.com
*Radio Waves Int’l (Euro) rwaves@free.fr
*Rammstein Radio (Euro) rammsteinradio@gmx.de (2021)
*Rebel Radio rebel.se@hotmail.com
*Recycle Radio recycleradioshortwave@gmail.com
*Reggae Radio raggaeradio@gmx.net (2021)
*Rock-It Radio rockitradio@netzero.net
*Sloppy Joe Radio sloppyjoeirate@gmail.com (2020)
*Space Shuttle Radio spaceshuttleradio@yahoo.com
*Speedwing Radio speedwingradio@gmax.ne*t
*Sycko Radio SyckoRadio@gmail.com (2021)
*Tater Patch Radio taterpatchradio@taterpatchradio.com (2020)
*Technical Man (Netherlands) technicalman@hotmail.nl
*Telstar Radio (Euro) telstarradio@yaho.com (2021)
*Texas Radio Shortwave texasradiosw@gmail.com (2020)
*Toynbee Radio toynbeeradio@gmail.com (2018)
*Trance AM (Euro) tranceam@gmx.net (2021)
*Trans-Atlantic Broadcast transatlanticbroadcast@gmx.net (2021)
*Truth Radio Int’l TRLInternational@protnmail.com (2021)
*Two Dog Radio twodogradio@gmail.com (2021)*
*The Vault (Euro) vaultshortwave@mail.com (2021*)
*Voice of Oz thefoxsw@aol.com (2020*)
*Voice of Pancho Villa mysteryirateradio@gmail.com (2021)
*Voice of Pearl Harbor voiceofpearlharbor@gmail.com
*Voice of Uncle Don thevoiceofuncledon@gmail.com
*Voice of Vrillon (Euro) thevoiceofvrillon@gmail.com
*Voice of Weird Al voiceofweirdal@gmail.com
*WDDR Drunken DJ Radio drunkenradiopirate@gmail.com
*WEAK WEAKradio@gmail.com
*WLG We Love Girls stationWLG@gmail.com
*World Cup Radio (Euro) worldcupradio@gmx net
*WREC Radio Free East Coast WRECradio@gmail.com
*XFM xfmshortwave@gmail.com (2021)
*XTC Shortwave, Xenon Transmitting Co. (Euro) xtcshortwave@googlemail.com
*Zeppelin Radio zeppelinradiosw@yahoo.com

= Other sites with email addresses of pirate stations =
* [https://www.freewebs.com/ukdxer/addresses UKDXer's Shortwave Pirate Addresses]

---
*Return to [[Pirate Radio New Listener Guide and FAQ]]
*Return to [[Can I Get a QSL from Pirates]]
*Go to [[Pirate QSL Collection]]
*Go to [[Where Can I Get Reports on Current Pirate Activity]]

Some Basic HF Antennas

2021-09-16T01:26:52Z

Ka3jjz:

See this [https://wiki.radioreference.com/index.php/Basic_HF_Antennas article on HF Antennas] from the RadioReference wiki. This article has been completely rewritten with new links and topics for everyone that has the space to put up a good antenna to those that don't.

---
* Return to [[Pirate Radio New Listener Guide and FAQ]]
* Return to [[A Brief Survey of HF Receiving Equipment]]
* Go to [https://wiki.radioreference.com/index.php/Improving_HF_Reception Improving_HF_Reception] Note: offsite wiki
* Go to [[SSTV]]

[[Category:Pirate radio]]

Where Can I Get Reports on Current Pirate Activity

2021-02-15T22:18:08Z

Ka3jjz: /* Websites */

=Getting Up To Date Information About Pirate Radio=
==Chat Rooms==
Pirate radio listeners often keep in touch with each other using real time chats. This allows them to immediately find out when stations are being heard, and what frequency to tune to.

* HFUnderground Rocketchat, the most active online pirate chat, [https://www.hfunderground.com/board/index.php/topic,41066.0.html sign up details here]
*IRC, or [[Internet_Relay_Chat]] is one online chat system.
*[http://www.easyshopdiscountzone.com/radio/pirate/chat.html Iann's Chat] is a web based chat, which is very popular with European listeners and pirate station operators

==HF Underground Forums==
*[https://www.hfunderground.com/board/index.php/board,28.0.html Broadcast Announcements]
*[https://www.hfunderground.com/board/index.php/board,30.0.html MW Free Radio]
*[https://www.hfunderground.com/board/index.php/board,10.0.html FM Free Radio]
*[https://www.hfunderground.com/board/index.php/board,3.0.html US Pirate Loggings]
*[https://www.hfunderground.com/board/index.php/board,12.0.html EuroPirate Loggings]
*[https://www.hfunderground.com/board/index.php/board,39.0.html Latin American Loggings].

==Mailing Lists and Clubs==
*The [http://www.bdxc.org.uk/ British DX Club] covers pirates, as well as Offshore Radio. They have an email reflector on groups.io [https://groups.io/g/bdxc-news here].
*The [http://www.cidx.ca/ Canadian International DX Club] covers pirate news. They also have a Facebook and Groups.io listing; the listing is on the web page
*The [http://mare.radio.tripod.com/ Michigan Area Radio Enthusiasts] also publishes logs and info about pirates on ALL bands both in its TipSheet (regularly) and occasionally in its print bulletin.
*Reports are also showing up in [http://www.naswa.net/ NASWA]'s weekly bulletin, the Flashsheet. You must be a member, and contribute, to subscribe to this publication
*The [https://nationalradioclub.org/ National Radio Club] covers MW pirates.
*The [http://www.radiodx.com/ NZ Radio DX League] covers pirates. Their pirate page is [http://www.radiodx.com/category/pirate/ here].
*Pirates may also show up on the [https://groups.io/g/odxa Ontario DX Association] mailing list on groups.io
*The Shortwave Bulletin is published by Hard Core DX and covers pirates. See this [http://www.thomasn.sverige.net/ page] for links for issue archives and instructions on how to join
*Recently, noted publisher and long time DXer Glenn Hauser has been including pirate logs in his [https://groups.io/g/WOR World of Radio] mailing list.

==Social Media==
Facebook has some groups that have lots of pirate logs. This is often a very fast way to find current activity
*[https://www.facebook.com/groups/785651348139814/ Canadian International DX Club]
*[https://www.facebook.com/groups/ExtremeShortwaveListening/ Extreme Short Wave Listening]
*[https://www.facebook.com/groups/112273363488408/ HF Underground]
*[https://www.facebook.com/MARE.radio Michigan Area Radio Enthusiasts (MARE)]
*[https://www.facebook.com/nzrdxl NZ Radio DX League]
*[https://www.facebook.com/search/top?q=odxa%20shortwave%20loggings Ontario DX Association loggings]

==Websites==
*[http://www.alfalima.net/ Alfalima.net]
*[http://freeradiocafe.com/ Free Radio Cafe]
*[http://freeradiocafe.com/freeradioweekly.php Free Radio Weekly]
*[https://www.offshore-radio.de/ Offshore Radio Guide (Dutch and English)]
*[http://pirateradiolog.blogspot.com/ Rick's Pirate Radio Blog]
*[https://shortwavedx.blogspot.com/ Shortwave DX Blog]
*[http://www.frn.net/vines/ The Free Radio Network]
*[https://www.thespectrummonitor.com/ The Spectrum Monitor] an eMagazine that took the place of Monitoring Times. Regularly covers pirates
*[https://pirates.live-radio.gr/el/frequencies/mw A table of Greek MW Stations, including pirates] '''Note:''' Use Google Translate

==Magazines==
* [[Radio User]]
* Radio Kurier/Weltweit Hoeren is a German language magazine jointly produced by the ADDX (the largest German SWL Club) and AGDX (Federation of German and Austrian Clubs) that includes pirate coverage. Their international website is [https://www.radio-kurier.de/ here] (use Google Translate)

---
* Return to [[Pirate Radio New Listener Guide and FAQ]]

[[Category:Pirate radio]]

Where Can I Find Pirate Activity

2020-11-20T19:53:01Z

Ka3jjz: /* United States and Canada */

==Frequencies Pirate Radio Stations Use==
In general pirate radio stations try to transmit on unused frequencies. This is for two reasons. First, they don't want to cause interference, as this tends to result in the radio authorities taking an interest in them, and shutting them down, otherwise known as a [[bust]]. Second, they often use relatively low power levels, and would not be heard over a licensed station that most likely is using more power.

===AM/MW Band Pirates ===
While AM band pirates can turn up anywhere, they are most commonly heard in the extended band, which runs from 1610 to 1700 kHz, as this part of the AM band is much less crowded. They are also often heard outside of the AM band, with [[1710]] kHz being most popular, as this frequency is otherwise unused.

Many AM pirates have ethnic programming, in languages other than English.

AM pirates used to be more common in the 1970s and 1980s, with several high power stations operating in the New York City area. High power / long distance AM pirates are not as often heard today. Most AM pirates today tend to be relatively low power, with a range of tens of miles at the most. There are some exceptions, such as Radio Celestial from New York City, which is often heard on 1710 khz.

===FM Band Pirates===
FM band pirates can be heard throughout the FM band, wherever there are unused channels in a city. They can also be heard outside of the band, with 87.9 MHz being most common.

In large urban areas, there are often numerous FM pirates that can be heard. As power levels are often low, the range of a given station can be only a few miles, if that. Many FM pirates have ethnic programming, in languages other than English.

FM pirates will not otherwise be discussed on this page, which focuses on shortwave and AM pirates.

===Shortwave Pirates===
Shortwave pirates use numerous frequency bands, depending to a large extent on their location in the world.

===Factors That Affect Reception===
Solar activity (or the lack of it) has a tremendous influence on which bands will propagate. When solar activity is very low, higher frequency propagation (above around 10 Mhz or so) is more difficult. Keep in mind that lots of atmospherics also come into play when you're listening on HF bands; storms in between your location and the operators can cause a great deal of noise. There is a whole host of things in a typical home that can cause interference; everything from plasma TVs, defective heaters and numerous other sources of noise are a challenge on HF.

For the non-technical listener, a great place to start how a HF signal travels is the [http://www.ae4rv.com/tn/propflash.htm HF Radio Propagation Primer by AE4RV] (requires Flash player). This site is especially helpful in understanding as it relates to optimal reception of pirate radio broadcasts, especially due to the broadcast power constraints pirate ops must deal with.

===When and Where to listen===
As a general rule, frequencies below 10 Mhz propagate much better during the times of local darkness, while daylight is generally needed above this.

====United States and Canada====
Because they are usually low powered and use simple antennas, pirate radio stations are more difficult to hear than most other shortwave broadcasters. This is especially true if you are located in western North America, since most pirates are found east of the Rockies. The answer to this question shifts frequently, but these are good bets.
*3200-3500 Khz
*4000-4200 khz
*5100-5200 khz
*6200-6450 khz for many Europirates, some Latin American pirates too
*6700-7000 khz

While these are the usual ranges where logs show activity, expect the unexpected. Just recently, Sycko Radio showed up on 11775 Khz using USB - in the 25 meter band.
In addition religious pirate YHWH has been noted on the fringes of the 40 and 25 meter bands.

====Europe====
The most popular bands are the 48 meter band (roughly 6200 to 6450 kHz) and the 75 meter band (roughly 3900-4000 kHz, which is part of the 80 meter ham band in the US).
Europirates (as European pirate stations are often referred to in the US) also make use of other parts of the HF spectrum. Other commonly used bands include:
*19 meters, generally 15000-15100 kHz, but also 15700-15900 kHz

====4, 5 and 6 Mhz in the US/Canada====
During the daytime, these bands operates in [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Near_vertical_incidence_skywave NVIS] mode, where signals go up to the ionosphere and are reflected roughly straight down. That means that stations generally only reach a distance of a few hundred miles.

During the nighttime, the band "goes long" and more distant stations can be received, at the expense of not being able to receive local stations.

The 48 meter band works about the same way within Europe.

====48 meters from Europe to the US/Canada====
During the daytime, reception from Europe is generally impossible. Once the path between Europe and North America is dark, reception becomes possible. The actual quality of reception conditions can vary dramatically from day to day, due to changes in the ionosphere caused by general solar activity, solar flares, etc.

The same is true for reception of 43 meter band signals from the US/Canada by listeners in Europe.

====19 meters and higher frequencies====
Generally, these are long distance (DX) bands, and are not suitable for relatively local reception. That is, the distance between the station and listener should be many hundreds of miles at a minimum, often thousands of miles. During periods of low and moderate solar activity, these bands are usually open during the late morning and early afternoon. During periods of high solar activity, they can be open 24 hours a day.

---
* Return to [[Pirate Radio New Listener Guide and FAQ]]
* Go to [[List of Pirate Radio Frequencies]]
* Go to [[Pirate radio stations]]
* Go to [[A Brief Survey of HF Receiving Equipment]]

[[Category:Pirate radio]]

Shortwave Broadcast Stations

2020-11-14T02:02:20Z

Ka3jjz:

'''Shortwave Broadcast Stations''' are radio stations operating in the various [[Shortwave Broadcast Bands]], with programming directed to the general public, as compared to other users of the shortwave spectrum, such as [[amateur radio]], [[military]], [[utility]], etc.

*[[Shortwave Broadcast Stations By Country]]
*[[Broadcast auxiliary remote station]]
*[[African tropical band stations]]
*[[Private European Shortwave Stations]]
* [https://wiki.radioreference.com/index.php/SWL_Broadcast SW Broadcast wiki on RadioReference] '''Note:''' offsite wiki

[[Category:Broadcasting]]

Maritime Fax Transmissions

2020-11-14T01:38:24Z

Ka3jjz: updated links

'''Radiofax''', also known as '''weatherfax''' and '''HF fax''' ([[HF marine|due to its common use in the short waves]]), is an analogue mode for transmitting images in grayscale. It is also related to slow-scan television ([[SSTV]]). The term weatherfax was coined after the technology that allows the transmission and reception of weather charts (surface analysis, forecasts, and others) from a transmission site (usually the meteorological office) to a remote site (where the actual users are).

Many of these products are used in conjunction with [[Maritime_Weather_Transmissions|maritime weather transmissions]] in [[SSB]] voice (almost always USB mode) and [[RTTY]].

Facsmile machines were used in the 1950s to transmit weather charts across the United States via land-lines first and then internationally via HF radio. Radio transmission of weather charts provides great flexibility to marine and aviation users, for they now have the latest weather information and forecasts at their disposal to use in the planning of voyages.

Radiofax relies on facsimile technology, where printed information is scanned line by line and encoded into an electrical signal which can then be transmitted over land-line or via radio waves to great distances. Since the amount of information transmitted per unit time is directly proportional to the bandwidth available, the speed at which a weather chart can be transmitted varies depending on the quality of the media used for transmission.

Today radiofax charts and images are available via FTP or HTTP downloads from sites in the Internet, such as the ones hosted by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA). Radiofax transmissions are also broadcast by [[NOAA]] from multiple sites in the USA at regular daily schedules. Radio weatherfax transmissions are particularly useful to shipping, where there are limited facilities for accessing the Internet. The German Meteorological Service (DWD) is another major producer of FAX charts, which are also transmitted on HF frequecies from a location near Kiel.

== Transmission details ==
Radiofax is transmitted in [[SSB|single sideband]] and uses [[FM|frequency modulation]]. The signal shifts up or down a given amount to designate white or black pixels. A [[deviation]] less than that for a white or black pixel is taken to be a shade of grey. With correct tuning (1.9kHz below the carrier frequency for USB, above for LSB), the signal shares some characteristics with [[SSTV]], with black at 1500Hz and peak white at 2300Hz. The official [[ITU]] radio emission designation is '''F1C'''.

Usually, 120 lines per minute (LPM) are sent (For monochrome fax, possible values are: 60, 90, 100, 120, 180, 240. For colour fax, LPM can be: 120, 240).<sup>[1]</sup> A value known as the ''index of cooperation'' (IOC) must also be known to decode a radio fax transmission - this governs the image resolution, and derives from early radio fax machines which used drum readers, and is the product of the total line length and the number of lines per unit length (known sometimes as the ''factor of cooperation''), divided by π (3.1416). Usually the IOC is 576.

== Automatic Picture Transmission format (APT) ==
APT format permits unattended monitoring of services. It is employed by most terrestrial weather facsimile stations as well as geostationary weather satellites.

* The start tone triggers the receiving system. It was originally meant to allow enough time for the drum of mechanical systems to get up to speed. It consists of rapid modulation of the video carrier, resulting in a characteristic rasp-like sound.
* The phasing signal, consisting of a periodic pulse, synchronises the receiver so that the image will be centered on the paper.
* The stop tone, optionally followed by black, marks the end of the transmission.

{| border="1" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="5" align="center"
|- style="background: #E7E7FF"
! Signal
! Duration
! IOC576
! IOC288
! Remarks
|-
| Start tone
| 5s
| 300Hz
| 675Hz
| 200Hz for colour fax modes.
|-
| Phasing signal
| 30s
|
|
| White line interrupted by a black pulse.
|-
| Image
| Variable
| 1200 lines
| 600 lines
| At 120 lpm.
|-
| Stop tone
| 5s
| 450Hz
| 450Hz
|
|-
| Black
| 10s
|
|
|
|-
|}

==Stations==

Today, radiofax is primarily used worldwide for the dissemination of weather charts, satellite weather images, and forecasts to ships at sea. The oceans are covered by coastal stations in various countries.

In the United States, fax weather products are prepared by a number of offices, branches, and agencies within the National Weather Service (NWS) of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA).

* Tropical and hurricane products come from the Tropical Analysis and Forecast Branch, part of the Tropical Prediction Center/National Hurricane Center. They are broadcast over US Coast Guard communication stations NMG, in New Orleans, LA, and NMC, the Pacific master station on Point Reyes, CA. After Hurricane Katrina damaged NMG, the Boston Coast Guard station NMF added a limited schedule of tropical warning charts. NMG is back at full capability, but NMF continues to broadcast these.

* All other products come from the Ocean Prediction Center (OPC) of the National Weather Service (NWS), in cooperation with several other offices depending on the region and nature of information. These also use NMG, NMC, and NMF, plus Coast Guard station NOJ in Kodiak, Alaska, and Department of Defense station KVM70 in Hawaii.

* Ever since the [[RMS Titanic|RMS ''Titanic'']] dramatized the dangers of icebergs in the North Atlantic, an International Ice Patrol has also originated weather data. Its charts are broadcast by the Boston Coast Guard station during the prime iceberg season of February through September, using the callsign NIK.

A major producer of Canadian radiofax is the Canadian Forces METOC (Meteorology and Oceanography Centre) in Halifax, NS, using the communication station CFH. Charts are sent on the hour, then the station switches to [[radioteletype]] (RTTY) for the rest of the period.

In Europe the most commonly received weather FAX service is the [[German Meteorological Service]] [http://www.dwd.de (Deutscher Wetterdienst or DWD)], which transmits from Offenbach throught the day. The DWD frequencies and callsigns are:<sup>[4]</sup>

{| border="1" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="5" align="center"
|- style="background: #E7E7FF"
! Callsign !! Frequency !! Power
|-
| DDH3 || 3855.0 kHz || 10 kW
|-
| DDK3 || 7880.0 kHz|| 20 kW
|-
| DDK6 || 13882.5 kHz || 20 kW
|-
|}

CBV, Playa Ancha Radio in Valparaiso, Chile broadcasts a daily schedule of Armada de Chile weather fax for the southeastern Pacific, all the way to the Antarctic. Also in the Pacific, Japan has two stations, as does the Bureau of Meteorology in Australia. Most European countries have stations, as does Russia.

[[Kyodo News]] is the only remaining news agency to transmit news via radiofax. It broadcasts complete newspapers in Japanese and English, often at 60 lines per minute instead of the more normal 120 because of the greater complexity of written Japanese. A full day's news takes hours to transmit. Kyodo has a dedicated transmission to Pacific fishing fleets from Kagoshima Prefectural Fishery Radio, and a relay from 9VF, possibly still in Singapore. The frequencies formerly used by JJC radio outside Tokyo are now sent from an unknown location, using the same identification in Japanese as 9VF. They are still active and heard daily in 2010.

The ''Joint Operational Meteorology & Oceanography Centre'', Nortwood, UK (callsign GYA) transmits various weather charts for the the Royal Navy on 2618.5 kHz, 4610.0 kHz, 6834.0 kHz, 8040.0 kHz, 11086.5 kHz, 12390.0 kHz and 18261.0 kHz. The charts cover North Atlantic, Europe and the Persian Gulf areas.

{| border="1" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="5" align="center"
|- style="background: #E7E7FF"
! Callsign !! Frequency !! Power !! Program
|-
| GYA || 2618.5 kHz || 10 kW || Europe (2000-0600 UTC)
|-
| GYA || 4610.0 kHz|| 10 kW || Europe (24h)
|-
| GYA || 6834.0 kHz || 10 kW || Persian Gulf (1800-0800 UTC)
|-
| GYA || 8040.0 kHz || 10 kW || Europe (24h)
|-
| GYA || 11886.5 kHz|| 10 kW || Europe (0600-2000 UTC)
|-
| GYA || 12390.0 kHz || 10 kW || Persian Gulf (24h)
|-
| GYA || 18261.0 kHz || 10 kW || Persian Gulf (0800-1800 UTC)
|-
|}

==List of FAX transmissions==

{| border="1" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="5"
|- style="background: #E7E7FF"
! (UTC) !! Station !! Callsign !! Frequencies !! Location !! Comments
|-
| 0000 || Wiluna || VMW || 7535, 10555, 15615 kHz || AUSTRALIA || Weather FAX*; 120/576
|-
| 0000 || USCG New Orleans, LA || NMG (NMG-2) || 4317.9, 8503.9, 12789.9 kHz || UNITED STATES - Atlantic and Gulf || Weather FAX*; 120/576
|-
| 0000 || Charleville || VMC || 5100, 11030, 13920 kHz || AUSTRALIA || Weather FAX*; 120/576
|-
| 0000 || Tokyo || JMH || 3622.5, 7795, 13988.5 kHz || JAPAN || Ice FAX; 120/576
|-
| 0000 || Tokyo || JMH || 3622.5, 7795, 13988.5 kHz || JAPAN || Ice FAX; 120/576
|-
| 0000 || Tokyo || JMH || 3622.5, 7795, 13988.5 kHz || JAPAN || Ice FAX; 120/576
|-
| 0000 || Casey, AUS || VLM || 7470 kHz || ANTARCTICA || Weather FAX*; 120/576
|-
| 0000 || Dakar || 6VA/6VU || 13667.5, 19750 kHz || SENEGAL || Weather FAX; 120/576
|-
| 0000 || Tokyo || JMH || 3622.5, 7795, 13988.5 kHz || JAPAN || Weather FAX*; 120/576
|-
| 0000 || USCG Boston, MA || NMF/NIK/NMF-7 || 6340.5, 9110 kHz || UNITED STATES - Atlantic and Gulf || Weather FAX*; 120/576
|-
| 0000 || Honolulu, HI || KVM70 || 11090 kHz || UNITED STATES - Hawaii || Weather FAX*; 120/576
|-
| 0000 || Halifax, N.S. || VCS/CFH || 122.5 MHz, 4271, 6496.4, 10536, 13510 kHz || CANADA - Arctic and Atlantic || Weather FAX*; 120/576
|-
| 0000 || USCG Point Reyes, CA || NMC/NMC-17 || 8682, 12786, 17151.2 kHz || UNITED STATES - Pacific || Weather FAX*; 120/576
|-
| 0001 || Halifax, N.S. || VCS/CFH || 122.5 MHz, 4271, 6496.4, 10536, 13510 kHz || CANADA - Arctic and Atlantic || Ice FAX*; 120/576
|-
| 0010 || Iqaluit, N.T. || VFF || 3251.1, 7708.1 kHz || CANADA - Arctic and Atlantic || Ice FAX; 120/576 (Resolute)
|-
| 0130 || Tokyo || JMH || 3622.5, 7795, 13988.5 kHz || JAPAN || Ice FAX; 120/576
|-
| 0140 || USCG Point Reyes, CA || NMC/NMC-17 || 4346 kHz || UNITED STATES - Pacific || Weather FAX*; 120/576
|-
| 0200 || Inuvik, N.W.T. || VFA || 8457.8 kHz || CANADA - Arctic and Atlantic || Weather and ice FAX; 120/576
|-
| 0230 || USCG Boston, MA || NMF/NIK/NMF-7 || 4235 kHz || UNITED STATES - Atlantic and Gulf || Weather FAX*; 120/576
|-
| 0400 || Kodiak, AK || NOJ || 2054, 4298, 8459, 12412.5 kHz || || Weather and ice FAX*; 120/576
|-
| 0430 || Cape Naval (NAVCOMCEN Cape) || ZSJ || 7508, 13538 kHz || SOUTH AFRICA || Weather FAX*; 120/576
|-
| 0430 || Cape Naval (NAVCOMCEN Cape) || ZSJ || 4014 kHz || SOUTH AFRICA || Weather FAX*; 120/576
|-
| 0430 || Offenbach/Pinneberg || DDH/DDK || 3855, 7880, 13882.5 kHz || GERMANY - North Sea || Weather FAX*; 120/576
|-
| 0438 || USCG Boston, MA || NMF/NIK/NMF-7 || 4235, 6340.5, 9110 kHz || UNITED STATES - Atlantic and Gulf || Ice FAX; 120/576 (Feb. - Aug.)
|-
| 0500 || Cape Naval (NAVCOMCEN Cape) || ZSJ || 4014 kHz || SOUTH AFRICA || Weather FAX*; 120/576
|-
| 0500 || Cape Naval (NAVCOMCEN Cape) || ZSJ || 7508, 13538 kHz || SOUTH AFRICA || Weather FAX*; 120/576
|-
| 0500 || Iqaluit, N.T. || VFF || 3251.1, 7708.1 kHz || CANADA - Arctic and Atlantic || Ice FAX; 120/576
|-
| 0519 || Honolulu, HI || KVM70 || 9982.5 kHz || UNITED STATES - Hawaii || Weather FAX*; 120/576
|-
| 0530 || Pevek || || 148 kHz || RUSSIA - Northern Coasts || Ice FAX, 90/576
|-
| 0600 || RN Northwood || GYA || 2618.5 kHz || UNITED KINGDOM ||
|-
| 0630 || Cape Naval (NAVCOMCEN Cape) || ZSJ || 18238 kHz || SOUTH AFRICA || Weather FAX*; 120/576
|-
| 0630 || Cape Naval (NAVCOMCEN Cape) || ZSJ || 7508, 13538 kHz || SOUTH AFRICA || Weather FAX*; 120/576
|-
| 0655 || USCG Point Reyes, CA || NMC/NMC-17 || 4346 kHz || UNITED STATES - Pacific || Weather FAX*; 120/576
|-
| 0700 || Iqaluit, N.T. || VFF || 3251.1, 7708.1 kHz || CANADA - Arctic and Atlantic || Ice FAX; 120/576 (Resolute)
|-
| 0700 || Murmansk || UDK/UDK2 || 6446, 7907, 8444 kHz || RUSSIA - Northern Coasts || Weather and ice FAX*; 120/576
|-
| 0730 || Cape Naval (NAVCOMCEN Cape) || ZSJ || 18238 kHz || SOUTH AFRICA || Weather FAX*; 120/576
|-
| 0730 || Cape Naval (NAVCOMCEN Cape) || ZSJ || 7508, 13538 kHz || SOUTH AFRICA || Weather FAX*; 120/576
|-
| 0745 || Rio de Janeiro Naval || PWZ-33 || 12665, 16978 kHz || BRAZIL || Weather FAX; 120/576
|-
| 0800 || Cape Naval (NAVCOMCEN Cape) || ZSJ || 7508, 13538, 18238 kHz || SOUTH AFRICA || Ice FAX; 120/576
|-
| 0800 || Murmansk || UDK/UDK2 || 6446, 7907, 8444 kHz || RUSSIA - Northern Coasts || Weather and ice FAX*; 120/576
|-
| 0800 || RN Northwood || GYA || 6834 kHz || UNITED KINGDOM ||
|-
| 0900 || Athens || SWA || 8106.9 kHz || GREECE || Weather FAX; 120/576
|-
| 0900 || Charleville || VMC || 2628 kHz || AUSTRALIA || Weather FAX*; 120/576
|-
| 0930 || Offenbach/Pinneberg || DDH/DDK || 3855, 7880, 13882.5 kHz || GERMANY - North Sea || Ice FAX*; 120/576
|-
| 0950 || Kodiak, AK || NOJ || 2054, 4298, 8459, 12412.5 kHz || || Weather and ice FAX*; 120/576
|-
| 1000 || Iqaluit, N.T. || VFF || 3251.1, 7708.1 kHz || CANADA - Arctic and Atlantic || Weather FAX; 120/576
|-
| 1007 || Offenbach/Pinneberg || DDH/DDK || 3855, 7880, 13882.5 kHz || GERMANY - North Sea || Ice FAX*; 120/576
|-
| 1019 || Tokyo || JMH || 3622.5, 7795, 13988.5 kHz || JAPAN || Ice FAX; 120/576
|-
| 1030 || Cape Naval (NAVCOMCEN Cape) || ZSJ || 18238 kHz || SOUTH AFRICA || Weather FAX*; 120/576
|-
| 1030 || Cape Naval (NAVCOMCEN Cape) || ZSJ || 7508, 13538 kHz || SOUTH AFRICA || Weather FAX*; 120/576
|-
| 1100 || Iqaluit, N.T. || VFF || 3251.1, 7708.1 kHz || CANADA - Arctic and Atlantic || Weather FAX; 120/576 (Resolute)
|-
| 1100 || Wiluna || VMW || 5755 kHz || AUSTRALIA || Weather FAX*; 120/576
|-
| 1100 || Cape Naval (NAVCOMCEN Cape) || ZSJ || 18238 kHz || SOUTH AFRICA || Weather FAX*; 120/576
|-
| 1100 || Cape Naval (NAVCOMCEN Cape) || ZSJ || 7508, 13538 kHz || SOUTH AFRICA || Weather FAX*; 120/576
|-
| 1115 || Valparaiso Playa Ancha || CBV || 4228, 8677, 17146.4 kHz || CHILE || Weather FAX; 120/576
|-
| 1120 || USCG Point Reyes, CA || NMC/NMC-17 || 4346 kHz || UNITED STATES - Pacific || Weather FAX*; 120/576
|-
| 1121 || Sydney, N.S. || VCO || 6915.1 kHz || CANADA - Arctic and Atlantic || Ice FAX; 120/576
|-
| 1130 || Valparaiso Playa Ancha || CBV || 4228, 8677, 17146.4 kHz || CHILE || Weather FAX; 120/576
|-
| 1130 || Pevek || 148 kHz || RUSSIA - Northern Coasts || Ice FAX, 90/576 ||
|-
| 1142 || Sydney, N.S. || VCO || 6915.1 kHz || CANADA - Arctic and Atlantic || Ice FAX; 120/576
|-
| 1200 || USCG New Orleans, LA || NMG/NMG-2 || 17146.4 kHz || UNITED STATES - Atlantic and Gulf || Weather FAX*; 120/576
|-
| 1400 || Murmansk || UDK/UDK2 || 6446, 7907, 8444 kHz || RUSSIA - Northern Coasts || Weather and ice FAX*; 120/576
|-
| 1400 || USCG Point Reyes, CA || NMC/NMC-17 || 4346 kHz || UNITED STATES - Pacific || Weather FAX*; 120/576
|-
| 1400 || USCG Boston, MA || NMF/NIK/NMF-7 || 12750 kHz || UNITED STATES - Atlantic and Gulf || Weather FAX*; 120/576
|-
| 1430 || Murmansk || UDK/UDK2 || 6446, 7907, 8444 kHz || RUSSIA - Northern Coasts || Weather and ice FAX*; 120/576
|-
| 1430 || Pevek || || 148 kHz || RUSSIA - Northern Coasts || Ice FAX, 90/576
|-
| 1520 || Offenbach/Pinneberg || DDH/DDK || 3855, 7880, 13882.5 kHz || GERMANY - North Sea || Ice FAX*; 120/576
|-
| 1530 || Cape Naval (NAVCOMCEN Cape) || ZSJ || 18238 kHz || SOUTH AFRICA || Weather FAX*; 120/576
|-
| 1530 || Cape Naval (NAVCOMCEN Cape) || ZSJ || 7508, 13538 kHz || SOUTH AFRICA || Weather FAX*; 120/576
|-
| 1540 || Offenbach/Pinneberg || DDH/DDK || 3855, 7880, 13882.5 kHz || GERMANY - North Sea || Ice FAX*; 120/576
|-
| 1600 || USCG Boston, MA || NMF/NIK/NMF-7 || 6340.5, 9110, 12750 kHz || UNITED STATES - Atlantic and Gulf || Ice FAX; 120/576 (Feb. - Aug.)
|-
| 1600 || Kodiak, AK || NOJ || 2054, 4298, 8459, 12412.5 kHz || || Weather and ice FAX*; 120/576
|-
| 1630 || Rio de Janeiro Naval || PWZ-33 || 12665, 16978 kHz || BRAZIL || Weather FAX; 120/576
|-
| 1630 || Valparaiso Playa Ancha || CBV || 4228, 8677, 17146.4 kHz || CHILE || Weather FAX; 120/576
|-
| 1630 || Inuvik, N.W.T. || VFA || 8457.8 kHz || CANADA - Arctic and Atlantic || Weather and ice FAX; 120/576
|-
| 1645 || Valparaiso Playa Ancha || CBV || 4228, 8677, 17146.4 kHz || CHILE || Weather FAX; 120/576
|-
| 1719 || Honolulu, HI || KVM70 || 16135 kHz || UNITED STATES - Hawaii || Weather FAX*; 120/576
|-
| 1741 || Sydney, N.S. || VCO || 6915.1 kHz || CANADA - Arctic and Atlantic || Ice FAX; 120/576
|-
| 1810 || USCG Boston, MA || NMF/NIK/NMF-7 || 6340.5, 9110, 12750 kHz || UNITED STATES - Atlantic and Gulf || Ice FAX; 120/576 (Feb. - Aug.)
|-
| 1840 || USCG Point Reyes, CA || NMC/NMC-17 || 22527 kHz || UNITED STATES - Pacific || Weather FAX*; 120/576
|-
| 1900 || Charleville || VMC || 20469 kHz || AUSTRALIA || Weather FAX*; 120/576
|-
| 1900 || Northwood, UK || GYA || 11086.5 || EUROPE || Weather FAX; 120/576
|-
| 1915 || Valparaiso Playa Ancha || CBV || 4228, 8677, 17146.4 kHz || CHILE || Weather FAX; 120/576
|-
| 1930 || Valparaiso Playa Ancha || CBV || 4228, 8677, 17146.4 kHz || CHILE || Weather FAX; 120/576
|-
| 2000 || Murmansk || UDK/UDK2 || 6446, 7907, 8444 kHz || RUSSIA - Northern Coasts || Weather and ice FAX*; 120/576
|-
| 2100 || Offenbach/Pinneberg || DDH/DDK || 3855, 7880, 13882.5 kHz || GERMANY - North Sea || Ice FAX*; 120/576
|-
| 2100 || Wiluna || VMW || 18060 kHz || AUSTRALIA || Weather FAX*; 120/576
|-
| 2100 || Iqaluit, N.T. || VFF || 3251.1, 7708.1 kHz || CANADA - Arctic and Atlantic || Weather FAX; 120/576
|-
| 2115 || Offenbach/Pinneberg || DDH/DDK || 3855, 7880, 13882.5 kHz || GERMANY - North Sea || Ice FAX*; 120/576
|-
| 2125 || Iqaluit, N.T. || VFF || 3251.1, 7708.1 kHz || CANADA - Arctic and Atlantic || Ice FAX; 120/576
|-
| 2150 || Kodiak, AK || NOJ || 2054, 4298, 8459, 12412.5 kHz || || Weather and ice FAX*; 120/576
|-
| 2200 || Sydney, N.S. || VCO || 4416 kHz || CANADA - Arctic and Atlantic || Ice FAX; 120/576
|-
| 2200 || Valparaiso Playa Ancha || CBV || 4228, 8677, 17146.4 kHz || CHILE || Weather FAX; 120/576
|-
| 2215 || Valparaiso Playa Ancha || CBV || 4228, 8677, 17146.4 kHz || CHILE || Ice FAX; 120/576
|-
| 2222 || Halifax, N.S. || VCS/CFH || 122.5 MHz, 4271, 6496.4, 10536, 13510 kHz || CANADA - Arctic and Atlantic || Ice FAX*; 120/576
|-
| 2230 || Cape Naval (NAVCOMCEN Cape) || ZSJ || 4014 kHz || SOUTH AFRICA || Weather FAX*; 120/576
|-
| 2230 || Cape Naval (NAVCOMCEN Cape) || ZSJ || 7508, 13538 kHz || SOUTH AFRICA || Weather FAX*; 120/576
|-
| 2230 || Valparaiso Playa Ancha || CBV || 4228, 8677, 17146.4 kHz || CHILE || Weather FAX; 120/576
|-
| 2301 || Halifax, N.S. || VCS/CFH || 122.5 MHz, 4271, 6496.4, 10536, 13510 kHz || CANADA - Arctic and Atlantic || Ice FAX*; 120/576
|-
| 2310 || Valparaiso Playa Ancha || CBV || 4228, 8677, 17146.4 kHz || CHILE || Weather FAX; 120/576
|-
| 2320 || USCG Point Reyes, CA || NMC/NMC-17 || 22527 kHz || UNITED STATES - Pacific || Weather FAX*; 120/576
|-
| 2325 || Valparaiso Playa Ancha || CBV || 4228, 8677, 17146.4 kHz || CHILE || Weather FAX; 120/576
|-
| 2330 || Iqaluit, N.T. || VFF || 3251.1, 7708.1 kHz || CANADA - Arctic and Atlantic || Weather FAX; 120/576 (Resolute)
|-
| 2331 || Sydney, N.S. || VCO || 4416 kHz || CANADA - Arctic and Atlantic || Ice FAX; 120/576
|}

==Gallery of FAX receptions==
<gallery>
Image:HF-Fax 20100721 0525.png|DDK3 on 7780.0 kHz
Image:HF-Fax 20100722 1904.png|GYA on 11086.5 kHz
Image:HF-Fax 20100722 1904.png|GYA on 12390.0 kHz
</gallery>

==References==
# [http://ftv.3amsystems.com/samples.htm Multimode image and data decoding software for soundcards]
# [http://www.michaelabanks.com/images/READO.pdf 'Radio printing' sent newspapers through the waves]
# [http://www.lightningfield.com/david/radiofax/ First daily newspaper by Radio Facsimile]
# [http://www.dwd.de/bvbw/generator/DWDWWW/Content/Schifffahrt/Sendeplan/broadcast__fax__012007,templateId=raw,property=publicationFile.pdf/broadcast_fax_012007.pdf Deutscher Wetterdienst FAX broadcasts for shipping]

==External links==
* Typically around 3 to 16 MHz. See [http://info.yachtcom.co.uk/Weather/ here] for Yachtcom UK Weatherfax frequencies.
* [https://www.weather.gov/media/marine/rfax.pdf NOAA Worldwide Radiofax Guide]
* [https://www.weather.gov/marine/uscg_broadcasts USCG Marine Weather Broadcasts] '''Note:''' Click on the ''USCG Radiofax'' link

{{CC-BY-SA-WP}}

[[Category:Utility radio stations]]

Where Can I Get Reports on Current Pirate Activity

2020-11-08T01:11:54Z

Ka3jjz: /* Websites */

=Getting Up To Date Information About Pirate Radio=
==Chat Rooms==
Pirate radio listeners often keep in touch with each other using real time chats. This allows them to immediately find out when stations are being heard, and what frequency to tune to.

* HFUnderground Rocketchat, the most active online pirate chat, [https://www.hfunderground.com/board/index.php/topic,41066.0.html sign up details here]
*IRC, or [[Internet_Relay_Chat]] is one online chat system.
*[http://www.easyshopdiscountzone.com/radio/pirate/chat.html Iann's Chat] is a web based chat, which is very popular with European listeners and pirate station operators

==HF Underground Forums==
*[https://www.hfunderground.com/board/index.php/board,28.0.html Broadcast Announcements]
*[https://www.hfunderground.com/board/index.php/board,30.0.html MW Free Radio]
*[https://www.hfunderground.com/board/index.php/board,10.0.html FM Free Radio]
*[https://www.hfunderground.com/board/index.php/board,3.0.html US Pirate Loggings]
*[https://www.hfunderground.com/board/index.php/board,12.0.html EuroPirate Loggings]
*[https://www.hfunderground.com/board/index.php/board,39.0.html Latin American Loggings].

==Mailing Lists and Clubs==
*The [http://www.bdxc.org.uk/ British DX Club] covers pirates, as well as Offshore Radio. They have an email reflector on groups.io [https://groups.io/g/bdxc-news here].
*The [http://www.cidx.ca/ Canadian International DX Club] covers pirate news. They also have a Facebook and Groups.io listing; the listing is on the web page
*The [http://mare.radio.tripod.com/ Michigan Area Radio Enthusiasts] also publishes logs and info about pirates on ALL bands both in its TipSheet (regularly) and occasionally in its print bulletin.
*Reports are also showing up in [http://www.naswa.net/ NASWA]'s weekly bulletin, the Flashsheet. You must be a member, and contribute, to subscribe to this publication
*The [https://nationalradioclub.org/ National Radio Club] covers MW pirates.
*The [http://www.radiodx.com/ NZ Radio DX League] covers pirates. Their pirate page is [http://www.radiodx.com/category/pirate/ here].
*Pirates may also show up on the [https://groups.io/g/odxa Ontario DX Association] mailing list on groups.io
*The Shortwave Bulletin is published by Hard Core DX and covers pirates. See this [http://www.thomasn.sverige.net/ page] for links for issue archives and instructions on how to join
*Recently, noted publisher and long time DXer Glenn Hauser has been including pirate logs in his [https://groups.io/g/WOR World of Radio] mailing list.

==Social Media==
Facebook has some groups that have lots of pirate logs. This is often a very fast way to find current activity
*[https://www.facebook.com/groups/785651348139814/ Canadian International DX Club]
*[https://www.facebook.com/groups/ExtremeShortwaveListening/ Extreme Short Wave Listening]
*[https://www.facebook.com/groups/112273363488408/ HF Underground]
*[https://www.facebook.com/MARE.radio Michigan Area Radio Enthusiasts (MARE)]
*[https://www.facebook.com/nzrdxl NZ Radio DX League]
*[https://www.facebook.com/search/top?q=odxa%20shortwave%20loggings Ontario DX Association loggings]

==Websites==
*[http://www.alfalima.net/ Alfalima.net]
*[http://freeradiocafe.com/ Free Radio Cafe]
*[http://freeradiocafe.com/freeradioweekly.php Free Radio Weekly]
*[https://www.offshore-radio.de/ Offshore Radio Guide (Dutch and English)]
*[http://pirateradiolog.blogspot.com/ Rick's Pirate Radio Blog]
*[https://shortwavedx.blogspot.com/ Shortwave DX Blog]
*[http://www.frn.net/vines/ The Free Radio Network]
*[https://pirates.live-radio.gr/el/frequencies/mw A table of Greek MW Stations, including pirates] '''Note:''' Use Google Translate

==Magazines==
* [[Radio User]]
* Radio Kurier/Weltweit Hoeren is a German language magazine jointly produced by the ADDX (the largest German SWL Club) and AGDX (Federation of German and Austrian Clubs) that includes pirate coverage. Their international website is [https://www.radio-kurier.de/ here] (use Google Translate)

---
* Return to [[Pirate Radio New Listener Guide and FAQ]]

[[Category:Pirate radio]]

Technical Topics

2020-11-08T01:01:02Z

Ka3jjz: /* Receivers */

== Antennas ==
*[[Beverage]]
*[[Dipole]]
*[[Random Wire]]
*[[Wellbrook ALA 1530plus]]

== Receivers ==

Note: also browse the Transmitters section below, as many of the radios listed there are transceivers with very good receive capability.

Many links to sites with receiver reviews can be found [https://wiki.radioreference.com/index.php/Category:Receiver_Reviews here]. (Note: offsite wiki)

Numerous articles on Software Defined Radios including models, software, reviews and more can be found [https://wiki.radioreference.com/index.php/Software_Defined_Radios here] (Note: Offsite wiki)

===Portables===
*[[Degen DE1103]]
*[[Kaito KA1102]]
*[[Radio Shack DX-440]] - Also known as the Sangean ATS-803A
*[[Sony ICF-2010]]
*[[Sony ICF SW-7600G]]

===Desktop Radios===
*[[Century 21]]
*[[Icom R75]]
*[[JRC NRD-545]]
*[[WJ DMS-105a-2]]

===Software Defined Radios and Web Receivers===
*[[Internet Receivers]]
*[[Perseus]]
*RF Space [[SDR-14]]
*RF Space [[SDR-IQ]]
*RF Space [[netSDR]]
*[[RTL-SDR]]
*[[Software Defined Radio]]

===Widebanded Radios===
*[[Yupiteru MVT-9000]]

==Signal Conditioning and Processing, Error Correction==
*[[ARQ]] - Automatic Repeat Request
*[[Bandpass Tuning]]
*[[Digital Signal Processing]]
*[[FEC]] - Forward Error Correction
*[[Noise Blanking]]
*[[Notch Filter]]
*[[Noise Reduction]]
*[[Signal Attenuator]] - DX/Local switch
*[[Synchronous Reception]]
*[[Timewave DSP-599zx]]

== Transmission Modes ==
*[[AM]]
*[[CW]]
*[[FAX]]
*[[FM]]
*[[Hellschreiber]]
*[[KG-84]]
*[[PSK31]]
*[[RTTY]]
*[[SSB]]
*[[SSTV]]

== Transmitters ==
*[[Corsair]]
*[[Grenade]]
*[[Icom IC706 MkIIG]]
*[[Icom IC-746PRO]]
*[[Kenwood TS-440]]
*[[Kenwood TS-480]]
*[[Kenwood TS-590]]

MWARA

2020-11-07T20:27:20Z

Ka3jjz:

Major World Air Route Area (MWARA) Frequencies

See: [[HF_airband|list of MF and HF aeronautical band HF aircraft bands]]

Vast areas of the world lack the necessary [[VHF / UHF Radio|VHF]] [[VHF airband|airband]] communication systems needed to provide reliable radio coverage between aircrews and air traffic controllers. This lack of VHF coverage is generally due to their remote locations - for example much of the airspace over the Atlantic and Pacific oceans. To compensate for this lack of VHF coverage a group of HF Frequencies has been allocated. Each set of frequencies are often referred to as 'families'.

For worldwide listing by families with maps, see the [https://radio.arinc.net/atlantic/ Atlantic] page on the Collins website for the Atlantic routes, and for the Pacific, polar and Mexican routes see the [https://radio.arinc.net/pacific/ Pacific, Polar and Mexican] page from the Collins website. These pages also contain charts with up to date LDOC (Long Distance Operational Control) frequencies

For an easier to read chart of frequencies, see the [https://wiki.radioreference.com/index.php/MWARA MWARA] article on the RadioReference wiki ('''note:''' offsite wiki)

[[Category:Utility radio stations]]

MWARA

2020-11-07T20:25:55Z

Ka3jjz:

Major World Air Route Area (MWARA) Frequencies

See: [[HF_airband|list of MF and HF aeronautical band HF aircraft bands]]

Vast areas of the world lack the necessary [[VHF / UHF Radio|VHF]] [[VHF airband|airband]] communication systems needed to provide reliable radio coverage between aircrews and air traffic controllers. This lack of VHF coverage is generally due to their remote locations - for example much of the airspace over the Atlantic and Pacific oceans. To compensate for this lack of VHF coverage a group of HF Frequencies has been allocated. Each set of frequencies are often referred to as 'families'.

For worldwide listing by families with maps, see the [https://radio.arinc.net/atlantic/ Atlantic] page for the Atlantic routes, and for the Pacific, polar and Mexican routes see the [https://radio.arinc.net/pacific/ Pacific, Polar and Mexican] page from the Collins website. These pages also contain charts with up to date LDOC (Long Distance Operational Control) frequencies

For an easier to read chart of frequencies, see the [https://wiki.radioreference.com/index.php/MWARA MWARA] article on the RadioReference wiki ('''note:''' offsite wiki)

[[Category:Utility radio stations]]

Longwave Utility Stations

2020-11-05T15:38:57Z

Ka3jjz:

Everything related to long wave utility stations goes here.

* [[DGPS]] Differential GPS stations. Located in the LW & MW band (283.5 kHz - 325 kHz) along with the NDBs.
* The [https://www.lwca.net/ Longwave Club of America] specializes in longwave applications including DGPS, Part 15, NDBs and more

==Amateur Radio and Experimenters==
There are a few ranges where amateur radio and experimenters holds a secondary allocation and its use is strictly limited.

* 135.7 to 137.8 Khz (amateur radio)
* 160 to 190 Khz (LOWFER experimenter's band)
* 472 to 479 Khz (amateur radio)

==VLF stations==

{| border="1" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="5" align="center"
|- style="background: #E7E7FF"
! Freq (kHz) !! Callsign !! Location !! Operation Notes
|-
| 11.905 kHz || - || Russia || Alpha-Navigation
|-
| 12.649 kHz || - || Russia || Alpha-Navigation
|-
| 14.881 kHz || - || Russia || Alpha-Navigation
|-
| 15.1 || HWU || Rosnay, France || 400 kW
|-
| 16.4 || JXN || Gildeskål Norway ||
|-
| 17.2 || SAQ || Grimeton Sweden || Only active on special occasions like Alexanderson Day
|-
| 17.8 || NAA || Cutler Maine ||
|-
| 18.1 || - || Russia || RDL/UPD/UFQE/UPP/UPD8
|-
| 18.3 || HWU || Le Blanc France ||
|-
| 18.9 || RKS || Russia ||
|-
| 19.6 || GQD || Anthorn Britain ||
|-
| 19.8 || NWC || Exmouth, Western Australia ||
|-
| 20.27 || ICV || Tavolara Italy ||
|-
| 20.5 || - || Russia || RJH63, RJH66, RJH69, RJH77, RJH99
|-
| 20.76 || ICV || Tavolara Italy ||
|-
| 20.9 || HWU || Saint-Assise, France ||
|-
| 21.1 || RDL || Russia || Inactive
|-
| 21.4 || NPM || Hawaii USA ||
|-
| 21.75 || HWU || Rosnay, France ||
|-
| 22.1 || GZQ || Skelton Britain ||
|-
| 22.2 || JJI || Ebino Japan ||
|-
| 22.3 || - || Russia ||
|-
| 23.0 || - || Russia || RJH63, RJH66, RJH69, RJH77, RJH99
|-
| 23.4 || DHO38 || Rhauderfehn Germany ||
|-
| 24.0 || NAA || Cutler, Maine USA ||
|-
| 24.6 || NLK || Seattle, Washington USA ||
|-
| 24.8 || NLF || Arlington, Washington USA ||
|-
| 25.2 || NML || LaMoure, North Dakota USA ||
|-
| 60.0 || WWVB || Fort Collins, Colorado USA ||
|-
| 60.0 || JJY || Mount Hagane, Japan ||
|-
| 60.0 || MSF || Anthorn, Cumbria, UK ||
|-
| 66.666 || RBU || Russia ||
|-
| 68.5 || BPC || Pucheng, China ||
|-
| 77.5 || DCF77 || Mainhausen, Germany ||
|-
| 77.5 || BSF || Guishan, Taiwan ||
|-
|}

Mediumwave Utility Stations

2020-11-05T02:33:17Z

Ka3jjz:

Everything related to medium wave utility stations goes here.

There are fishing buoys and navigational markers in the 1700-1800 Khz range, but these are dying out as satellite communications are taking over.

Mediumwave Broadcast Stations

2020-11-05T02:30:26Z

Ka3jjz:

Everything related to medium wave and long wave broadcast stations goes here. Mediumwave, also known as AM broadcasting or the AM band, is allocated 526.5 kHz to 1606.5 kHz outside the Americas (in other words, in ITU regions 1 and 3) and 525 kHz to 1705 kHz in ITU region 2 (the Americas). 10 kHz channel spacing is used in North America, South America, Central America and the Caribbean. 9 kHz channel spacing is used in most of the rest of the world.

* [[Reporting Interference]] one of the top priorities for radio stations is being heard. Let them know how their signal is going through.

* [[Medium Wave Broadcast Stations by Country]]

* [[Graveyard]] MW Stations

* [https://wiki.radioreference.com/index.php/MW_DXing_and_Broadcasting MW DXing and Broadcasting] '''Note:''' offsite wiki Equipment, databases, search engines and much more

[[Category:Mediumwave stations|!]]

Longwave Utility Stations

2020-11-05T02:29:41Z

Ka3jjz:

Everything related to long wave utility stations goes here.

* [[DGPS]] Differential GPS stations. Located in the LW & MW band (283.5 kHz - 325 kHz) along with the NDBs.
* The [https://www.lwca.net/ Longwave Club of America] specializes in longwave applications including DGPS, Part 15, NDBs and more

==VLF stations==

{| border="1" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="5" align="center"
|- style="background: #E7E7FF"
! Freq (kHz) !! Callsign !! Location !! Operation Notes
|-
| 11.905 kHz || - || Russia || Alpha-Navigation
|-
| 12.649 kHz || - || Russia || Alpha-Navigation
|-
| 14.881 kHz || - || Russia || Alpha-Navigation
|-
| 15.1 || HWU || Rosnay, France || 400 kW
|-
| 16.4 || JXN || Gildeskål Norway ||
|-
| 17.2 || SAQ || Grimeton Sweden || Only active on special occasions like Alexanderson Day
|-
| 17.8 || NAA || Cutler Maine ||
|-
| 18.1 || - || Russia || RDL/UPD/UFQE/UPP/UPD8
|-
| 18.3 || HWU || Le Blanc France ||
|-
| 18.9 || RKS || Russia ||
|-
| 19.6 || GQD || Anthorn Britain ||
|-
| 19.8 || NWC || Exmouth, Western Australia ||
|-
| 20.27 || ICV || Tavolara Italy ||
|-
| 20.5 || - || Russia || RJH63, RJH66, RJH69, RJH77, RJH99
|-
| 20.76 || ICV || Tavolara Italy ||
|-
| 20.9 || HWU || Saint-Assise, France ||
|-
| 21.1 || RDL || Russia || Inactive
|-
| 21.4 || NPM || Hawaii USA ||
|-
| 21.75 || HWU || Rosnay, France ||
|-
| 22.1 || GZQ || Skelton Britain ||
|-
| 22.2 || JJI || Ebino Japan ||
|-
| 22.3 || - || Russia ||
|-
| 23.0 || - || Russia || RJH63, RJH66, RJH69, RJH77, RJH99
|-
| 23.4 || DHO38 || Rhauderfehn Germany ||
|-
| 24.0 || NAA || Cutler, Maine USA ||
|-
| 24.6 || NLK || Seattle, Washington USA ||
|-
| 24.8 || NLF || Arlington, Washington USA ||
|-
| 25.2 || NML || LaMoure, North Dakota USA ||
|-
| 60.0 || WWVB || Fort Collins, Colorado USA ||
|-
| 60.0 || JJY || Mount Hagane, Japan ||
|-
| 60.0 || MSF || Anthorn, Cumbria, UK ||
|-
| 66.666 || RBU || Russia ||
|-
| 68.5 || BPC || Pucheng, China ||
|-
| 77.5 || DCF77 || Mainhausen, Germany ||
|-
| 77.5 || BSF || Guishan, Taiwan ||
|-
|}

==Amateur Radio and Experimenters==
There are a few ranges where amateur radio holds a secondary allocation and its use is strictly limited. Another is for experimenters, also with restrictions. These include;

* 135.7 to 137.8 Khz (amateur radio)
* 160 to 190 Khz (LOWFER experimenter's band)
* 472 to 479 Khz (amateur radio)

Longwave Broadcast Stations

2020-11-05T02:28:12Z

Ka3jjz:

==Clubs==
* The [https://www.lwca.net/ Longwave Club of America] specializes in longwave applications including LW broadcasters (which are disappearing)

==Station List==

{| border="1" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="5"
|- style="background: #FFE0FF"
! kHz !! Station !! Country !! Power (kW) !! Notes
|-
| 153 || Bechar || Algeria || 1,000 ||
|-
| 153 || [http://www.dradio.de/dlf Deutschlandfunk] || Germany || 500 || DRM?
|-
| 153 || Bod || Romania || 1,200 ||
|-
| 162 || [http://www.radiofrance.fr/franceinter France Inter] || France || 2,000 ||
|-
| 162 || Agri || Turkey || 1,000 ||
|-
| 171 || [http://www.medi1.com Nador Medi-1] || Morocco || 2,000 ||
|-
| 171 || B'shakovo etc || Russia || 1,200 ||
|-
| 177 || [http://www.dradio.de Deutschland Radio] || Germany || 750 ||
|-
| 180 || Polati || Turkey || 1,200 ||
|-
| 183 || [http://www.europe1.fr Europe 1] || Germany || 2,000 ||
|-
| 189 || Caltanissetta || Italy || 10 || no longer on the air
|-
| 189 || RÚV Rás || Iceland || - ||
|-
| 198 || [http://www.bbc.co.uk Droitwich (BBC)] || United Kingdom || 500 ||
|-
| 207 || Munich DLF || Germany || 500 ||
|-
| 207 || RÚV Rás || Iceland || - ||
|-
| 207 || Azilal || Morocco || 800 ||
|-
| 216 || Roumoules RMC || France || 1,400 ||
|-
| 216 || Baku || Azerbaydzhan || 500 ||
|-
| 216 || [http://www.radiomontecarlo.net Radio Monte Carlo] || Monaco || - ||
|-
| 225 || [http://www.polskieradio.pl/jedynka Polish Radio 1] || Poland || - ||
|-
| 234 || [http://www.rtl.fr/ RTL] || Luxembourg || 2,000 ||
|-
| 243 || [http://www.dr.dk D. R. Radio 1] || Denmark || 300 || no longer on the air
|-
| 252 || Tipaza || Algeria || 1,500 ||
|-
| 252 || [http://www.rte.ie/radio1/ RTE Radio 1] || Republic of Ireland || 300 || The frequency to be kept going until the end of June 2019 ||
|-
| 261 || Burg (R Ropa) || Germany || 200 ||
|-
| 261 || Taldom Moscow || Russia || 2,500 ||
|-
| 270 || Czech Radio || Czech Republic || 1,500 ||
|-
| 279 || Sasnovy || Belarus || 500 ||
|}

[[Category: Radio station lists]]

Mediumwave Utility Stations

2020-11-05T02:24:24Z

Ka3jjz: DGPS is a longwave, not mediumwave, service.

Everything related to medium wave utility stations goes here.

Longwave Utility Stations

2020-11-05T02:23:38Z

Ka3jjz:

Everything related to long wave utility stations goes here.

* [[DGPS]] Differential GPS stations. Located in the LW & MW band (283.5 kHz - 325 kHz) along with the NDBs.

==VLF stations==

{| border="1" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="5" align="center"
|- style="background: #E7E7FF"
! Freq (kHz) !! Callsign !! Location !! Operation Notes
|-
| 11.905 kHz || - || Russia || Alpha-Navigation
|-
| 12.649 kHz || - || Russia || Alpha-Navigation
|-
| 14.881 kHz || - || Russia || Alpha-Navigation
|-
| 15.1 || HWU || Rosnay, France || 400 kW
|-
| 16.4 || JXN || Gildeskål Norway ||
|-
| 17.2 || SAQ || Grimeton Sweden || Only active on special occasions like Alexanderson Day
|-
| 17.8 || NAA || Cutler Maine ||
|-
| 18.1 || - || Russia || RDL/UPD/UFQE/UPP/UPD8
|-
| 18.3 || HWU || Le Blanc France ||
|-
| 18.9 || RKS || Russia ||
|-
| 19.6 || GQD || Anthorn Britain ||
|-
| 19.8 || NWC || Exmouth, Western Australia ||
|-
| 20.27 || ICV || Tavolara Italy ||
|-
| 20.5 || - || Russia || RJH63, RJH66, RJH69, RJH77, RJH99
|-
| 20.76 || ICV || Tavolara Italy ||
|-
| 20.9 || HWU || Saint-Assise, France ||
|-
| 21.1 || RDL || Russia || Inactive
|-
| 21.4 || NPM || Hawaii USA ||
|-
| 21.75 || HWU || Rosnay, France ||
|-
| 22.1 || GZQ || Skelton Britain ||
|-
| 22.2 || JJI || Ebino Japan ||
|-
| 22.3 || - || Russia ||
|-
| 23.0 || - || Russia || RJH63, RJH66, RJH69, RJH77, RJH99
|-
| 23.4 || DHO38 || Rhauderfehn Germany ||
|-
| 24.0 || NAA || Cutler, Maine USA ||
|-
| 24.6 || NLK || Seattle, Washington USA ||
|-
| 24.8 || NLF || Arlington, Washington USA ||
|-
| 25.2 || NML || LaMoure, North Dakota USA ||
|-
| 60.0 || WWVB || Fort Collins, Colorado USA ||
|-
| 60.0 || JJY || Mount Hagane, Japan ||
|-
| 60.0 || MSF || Anthorn, Cumbria, UK ||
|-
| 66.666 || RBU || Russia ||
|-
| 68.5 || BPC || Pucheng, China ||
|-
| 77.5 || DCF77 || Mainhausen, Germany ||
|-
| 77.5 || BSF || Guishan, Taiwan ||
|-
|}

==Amateur Radio and Experimenters==
There are a few ranges where amateur radio holds a secondary allocation and its use is strictly limited. Another is for experimenters, also with restrictions. These include;

* 135.7 to 137.8 Khz (amateur radio)
* 160 to 190 Khz (LOWFER experimenter's band)
* 472 to 479 Khz (amateur radio)

Mediumwave Broadcast Stations

2020-11-05T01:59:51Z

Ka3jjz:

Everything related to medium wave and long wave broadcast stations goes here. Mediumwave, also known as AM broadcasting or the AM band, is allocated 526.5 kHz to 1606.5 kHz outside the Americas (in other words, in ITU regions 1 and 3) and 525 kHz to 1705 kHz in ITU region 2 (the Americas). 10 kHz channel spacing is used in North America, South America, Central America and the Caribbean. 9 kHz channel spacing is used in most of the rest of the world.

* [[Reporting Interference]] one of the top priorities for radio stations is being heard. Let them know how their signal is going through.

* [[Medium Wave Broadcast Stations by Country]]

* [[Graveyard]] MW Stations

* [https://wiki.radioreference.com/index.php/MW_DXing_and_Broadcasting MW DXing and Broadcasting] '''Note: offsite wiki''' Equipment, databases, search engines and much more

[[Category:Mediumwave stations|!]]

SSTV

2020-10-31T20:13:24Z

Ka3jjz: /* Connection Issues */

[[Image:WBNY043006.jpg|right|thumb|300px|[[WBNY]] SSTV message.]]
[[Image:2006-1123-1859-wbny-sstv.jpg|right|thumb|300px|Sometimes SSTV images are used to make fun of or annoy SWLs.]]
'''Slow Scan Television''' or '''SSTV''' is a method of transmitting pictures on a narrow voice channel. While it is used primarily by hams, pirate radio operators occasionally transmit pictures on shortwave by this method. Regular [[amateur radio]] SSTV activity is centered on 14230 kHz.

==SSTV reception==
The SSTV signal can be decoded from [[SSB]] reception by running the audio output from the receiver to a PC sound card, and using software designed to convert the signal to an image. In a pinch, a microphone connected to the sound card can be held up to the receiver's speaker. A decent, free software package for transmitting and receiving SSTV is MMSSTV. [https://www.blackcatsystems.com/software/sstv.html Black Cat SSTV] is a cross platform SSTV program for both Windows and macOS, with highly sensitive VIS detection excellent for decoding weak pirate SSTV transmissions. An [https://apps.apple.com/us/app/sstv-slow-scan-tv/id387910013 iPhone/iPad version] is also available.

===Connection Issues===
This has become an increasingly difficult topic, due to changes in Windows itself. Prior to Windows 8.1, it wasn't uncommon for PCs to have line in and/or mic in jacks. Now with more modern machines, in many cases these jacks are gone. Often this means you will need to purchase a USB soundcard, which has its own drivers. Those newer machines that have just a mic jack might be useable, but beware; any new Windows updates might disable these jacks.

These articles discuss this topic in more detail;
* [https://wiki.radioreference.com/index.php/Connecting_Radios_to_Soundcards Connecting Radios to Soundcards] '''Note:''' Offsite wiki
* [[Windows Audio Routing]] For Windows7 and XP

===Connecting to a Software Defined Radio (SDR)===
With many - though not all- digital decoding programs, you will need software to route audio from a SDR. This is done through virtual audio devices; links to software for doing this are presented below. Any additions to this list are welcome.
====Windows====
*[https://www.kvraudio.com/product/vb-cable-by-vb-audio VB-Cable]
*[https://vac.muzychenko.net/en/ Virtual Audio Cable]
*[https://www.vb-audio.com/Voicemeeter/index.htm Voicemeeter]
** Also see 'Banana' and 'Potato' available on the same site
====Linux====
* [https://jackaudio.org/ Jack Audio]
* [https://www.freedesktop.org/wiki/Software/PulseAudio/ Pulse Audio]
* [https://www.alsa-project.org/wiki/Matrix:Module-aloop snd aloop]
====Mac====
* [https://rogueamoeba.com/audiohijack/ Audio Hijack]
* [https://www.macupdate.com/app/mac/14067/soundflower SoundFlower]

==External links==

*[http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/SSTV Wikipedia entry on SSTV]
*[http://www.blackcatsystems.com/ipad/iPad_SSTV_Pad.html SSTV App]: SSTV Software for the iPad
*[http://www.blackcatsystems.com/software/cw-rtty-sstv-fax-psk31-packet-decoding-software.html MultiMode]: SSTV Software for the Macintosh
*[https://hamsoft.ca/pages/mmsstv.php MM-SSTV]: MM Hamsoft - Official English Website for JE3HHT
*[https://wiki.radioreference.com/index.php/HF_Software_Decoders HF Software Decoders] '''Note:''' Offsite wiki
** See Section 5 for a list of applications for Windows, Linux, Mac, Android, and Iphone/Ipad/IPod.

---
* Return to [[Pirate Radio New Listener Guide and FAQ]]
* Go to [[Can I Get a QSL from Pirates]]

[[Category: Transmission modes]]
[[Category: Pirate radio esoterica]]

Internet Receivers

2020-10-30T18:59:20Z

Ka3jjz: /* No registration required */

An '''Internet Receiver''' is a radio receiver that is connected to the Internet. Remote users can connect via the Web, and the audio from the receiver is streamed back to the user. There is usually a Web-based interface that allows various adjustments to be made to the receiver, such as changing the frequency, mode, and other properties. Some of these receivers are free to all, others require membership, and possibly a fee. Various bands may be available, including HF, UHF, and VHF.

----

== Application Specific==
* [http://www.microtelecom.it/map/PerseusServers.html Perseus Servers]
** For those using the Perseus SDR on a network

* [http://onairv3.sdrspace.com/onair.htm SDR Console Online Servers]
** For those using the popular SDR Console application, often with a SDRPlay SDR

* [https://airspy.com/directory/ Spyserver Network]
** For those using the Airspy SDRs on the Spyserver network

== No registration required ==
* [http://www.chilton.com/R8/receiver.html The Original Web Controlled SW Radio]

* [http://websdr.ewi.utwente.nl:8901/ University of Twente WebSDR]

* [http://www.websdr.org WebSDR Network]

;Kiwi SDR Sites
* [http://rx.linkfanel.net/ KiwiSDR map]

* [https://ve3sun.com/KiwiSDR/ KiwiSDR Portal at VE3SUN]

* [http://kiwisdr.com/public/ List of public Kiwi SDRs]

* [http://rx.linkfanel.net/snr.html Signal to Noise Ratio Based Scores]

* [https://www.hfunderground.com/on_the_air/update.php Tune a KiwiSDR using the EiBi Database]

* [http://rx.jimlill.com:8073/ WA2ZKD LW-HF]

== Registration required==
* [http://www.globaltuners.com/ Global Tuners]

* [http://www.remotehams.com Remote Hams]

== Other listings==

* [http://www.dxzone.com/catalog/Internet_and_Radio/Online_Receivers/ DX Zone Online Receivers]

---
* Return to [[A Brief Survey of HF Receiving Equipment]]

Pirate Radio New Listener Guide and FAQ

2020-09-12T00:46:38Z

Ka3jjz: /* Topics and Articles */

Icom R75

2020-09-10T01:19:28Z

Ka3jjz:

[[Image:Icom-R75.jpg|thumb|Icom R75|400px]] It is rumored [[Al Gore]] invented this radio just before the internet.

[[Category: Receivers]]

----

On a more serious note:

The Icom R75 is a medium end 150 kHz to 60 MHz receiver. It sports AM/FM/USB/LSB/CW/RTTY receiving modes and is noted as a highly modifiable radio (there are several mods out there for it).

See the [https://wiki.radioreference.com/index.php/IC-R75 Icom R75] page on RadioReference for an extensive list of topics, links, software and more

Where Can I Get Reports on Current Pirate Activity

2020-09-07T19:12:58Z

Ka3jjz: /* Mailing Lists and Clubs */

=Getting Up To Date Information About Pirate Radio=
==Chat Rooms==
Pirate radio listeners often keep in touch with each other using real time chats. This allows them to immediately find out when stations are being heard, and what frequency to tune to.

* HFUnderground Rocketchat, the most active online pirate chat, [https://www.hfunderground.com/board/index.php/topic,41066.0.html sign up details here]
*IRC, or [[Internet_Relay_Chat]] is one online chat system.
*[http://www.easyshopdiscountzone.com/radio/pirate/chat.html Iann's Chat] is a web based chat, which is very popular with European listeners and pirate station operators

==HF Underground Forums==
*[https://www.hfunderground.com/board/index.php/board,28.0.html Broadcast Announcements]
*[https://www.hfunderground.com/board/index.php/board,30.0.html MW Free Radio]
*[https://www.hfunderground.com/board/index.php/board,10.0.html FM Free Radio]
*[https://www.hfunderground.com/board/index.php/board,3.0.html US Pirate Loggings]
*[https://www.hfunderground.com/board/index.php/board,12.0.html EuroPirate Loggings]
*[https://www.hfunderground.com/board/index.php/board,39.0.html Latin American Loggings].

==Mailing Lists and Clubs==
*The [http://www.bdxc.org.uk/ British DX Club] covers pirates, as well as Offshore Radio. They have an email reflector on groups.io [https://groups.io/g/bdxc-news here].
*The [http://www.cidx.ca/ Canadian International DX Club] covers pirate news. They also have a Facebook and Groups.io listing; the listing is on the web page
*The [http://mare.radio.tripod.com/ Michigan Area Radio Enthusiasts] also publishes logs and info about pirates on ALL bands both in its TipSheet (regularly) and occasionally in its print bulletin.
*Reports are also showing up in [http://www.naswa.net/ NASWA]'s weekly bulletin, the Flashsheet. You must be a member, and contribute, to subscribe to this publication
*The [https://nationalradioclub.org/ National Radio Club] covers MW pirates.
*The [http://www.radiodx.com/ NZ Radio DX League] covers pirates. Their pirate page is [http://www.radiodx.com/category/pirate/ here].
*Pirates may also show up on the [https://groups.io/g/odxa Ontario DX Association] mailing list on groups.io
*The Shortwave Bulletin is published by Hard Core DX and covers pirates. See this [http://www.thomasn.sverige.net/ page] for links for issue archives and instructions on how to join
*Recently, noted publisher and long time DXer Glenn Hauser has been including pirate logs in his [https://groups.io/g/WOR World of Radio] mailing list.

==Social Media==
Facebook has some groups that have lots of pirate logs. This is often a very fast way to find current activity
*[https://www.facebook.com/groups/785651348139814/ Canadian International DX Club]
*[https://www.facebook.com/groups/ExtremeShortwaveListening/ Extreme Short Wave Listening]
*[https://www.facebook.com/groups/112273363488408/ HF Underground]
*[https://www.facebook.com/MARE.radio Michigan Area Radio Enthusiasts (MARE)]
*[https://www.facebook.com/nzrdxl NZ Radio DX League]
*[https://www.facebook.com/search/top?q=odxa%20shortwave%20loggings Ontario DX Association loggings]

==Websites==
*[http://www.alfalima.net/ Alfalima.net]
*[http://freeradiocafe.com/ Free Radio Cafe]
*[http://freeradiocafe.com/freeradioweekly.php Free Radio Weekly]
*[https://www.offshore-radio.de/ Offshore Radio Guide (Dutch and English)]
*[http://www.frn.net/vines/ The Free Radio Network]
*[https://pirates.live-radio.gr/el/frequencies/mw A table of Greek MW Stations, including pirates] '''Note:''' Use Google Translate

==Magazines==
* [[Radio User]]
* Radio Kurier/Weltweit Hoeren is a German language magazine jointly produced by the ADDX (the largest German SWL Club) and AGDX (Federation of German and Austrian Clubs) that includes pirate coverage. Their international website is [https://www.radio-kurier.de/ here] (use Google Translate)

---
* Return to [[Pirate Radio New Listener Guide and FAQ]]

[[Category:Pirate radio]]

Where Can I Get Reports on Current Pirate Activity

2020-09-04T13:22:12Z

Ka3jjz:

=Getting Up To Date Information About Pirate Radio=
==Chat Rooms==
Pirate radio listeners often keep in touch with each other using real time chats. This allows them to immediately find out when stations are being heard, and what frequency to tune to.

* HFUnderground Rocketchat, the most active online pirate chat, [https://www.hfunderground.com/board/index.php/topic,41066.0.html sign up details here]
*IRC, or [[Internet_Relay_Chat]] is one online chat system.
*[http://www.easyshopdiscountzone.com/radio/pirate/chat.html Iann's Chat] is a web based chat, which is very popular with European listeners and pirate station operators

==HF Underground Forums==
*[https://www.hfunderground.com/board/index.php/board,28.0.html Broadcast Announcements]
*[https://www.hfunderground.com/board/index.php/board,30.0.html MW Free Radio]
*[https://www.hfunderground.com/board/index.php/board,10.0.html FM Free Radio]
*[https://www.hfunderground.com/board/index.php/board,3.0.html US Pirate Loggings]
*[https://www.hfunderground.com/board/index.php/board,12.0.html EuroPirate Loggings]
*[https://www.hfunderground.com/board/index.php/board,39.0.html Latin American Loggings].

==Mailing Lists and Clubs==
*The [http://www.bdxc.org.uk/ British DX Club] covers pirates, as well as Offshore Radio. They have an email reflector on groups.io [https://groups.io/g/bdxc-news here].
*The [http://www.cidx.ca/ Canadian International DX Club] covers pirate news. They also have a Facebook and Groups.io listing; the listing is on the web page
*The [http://mare.radio.tripod.com/ Michigan Area Radio Enthusiasts] also publishes logs and info about pirates on ALL bands both in its TipSheet (regularly) and occasionally in its print bulletin.
*Reports are also showing up in [http://www.naswa.net/ NASWA]'s weekly bulletin, the Flashsheet. You must be a member, and contribute, to subscribe to this publication
*The [https://nationalradioclub.org/ National Radio Club] covers MW pirates.
*The [http://www.radiodx.com/ NZ Radio DX League] covers pirates. Their pirate page is [http://www.radiodx.com/category/pirate/ here].
*Pirates may also show up on the [https://groups.io/g/odxa Ontario DX Association] mailing list on groups.io
*Recently, noted publisher and long time DXer Glenn Hauser has been including pirate logs in his [https://groups.io/g/WOR World of Radio] mailing list.

==Social Media==
Facebook has some groups that have lots of pirate logs. This is often a very fast way to find current activity
*[https://www.facebook.com/groups/785651348139814/ Canadian International DX Club]
*[https://www.facebook.com/groups/ExtremeShortwaveListening/ Extreme Short Wave Listening]
*[https://www.facebook.com/groups/112273363488408/ HF Underground]
*[https://www.facebook.com/MARE.radio Michigan Area Radio Enthusiasts (MARE)]
*[https://www.facebook.com/nzrdxl NZ Radio DX League]
*[https://www.facebook.com/search/top?q=odxa%20shortwave%20loggings Ontario DX Association loggings]

==Websites==
*[http://www.alfalima.net/ Alfalima.net]
*[http://freeradiocafe.com/ Free Radio Cafe]
*[http://freeradiocafe.com/freeradioweekly.php Free Radio Weekly]
*[https://www.offshore-radio.de/ Offshore Radio Guide (Dutch and English)]
*[http://www.frn.net/vines/ The Free Radio Network]
*[https://pirates.live-radio.gr/el/frequencies/mw A table of Greek MW Stations, including pirates] '''Note:''' Use Google Translate

==Magazines==
* [[Radio User]]
* Radio Kurier/Weltweit Hoeren is a German language magazine jointly produced by the ADDX (the largest German SWL Club) and AGDX (Federation of German and Austrian Clubs) that includes pirate coverage. Their international website is [https://www.radio-kurier.de/ here] (use Google Translate)

---
* Return to [[Pirate Radio New Listener Guide and FAQ]]

[[Category:Pirate radio]]

Where Can I Get Reports on Current Pirate Activity

2020-09-04T13:14:30Z

Ka3jjz: /* Magazines */

=Getting Up To Date Information About Pirate Radio=
==Chat Rooms==
Pirate radio listeners often keep in touch with each other using real time chats. This allows them to immediately find out when stations are being heard, and what frequency to tune to.

* HFUnderground Rocketchat, the most active online pirate chat, [https://www.hfunderground.com/board/index.php/topic,41066.0.html sign up details here]
*IRC, or [[Internet_Relay_Chat]] is one online chat system.
*[http://www.easyshopdiscountzone.com/radio/pirate/chat.html Iann's Chat] is a web based chat, which is very popular with European listeners and pirate station operators

==HF Underground Forums==
*[https://www.hfunderground.com/board/index.php/board,28.0.html Broadcast Announcements]
*[https://www.hfunderground.com/board/index.php/board,30.0.html MW Free Radio]
*[https://www.hfunderground.com/board/index.php/board,10.0.html FM Free Radio]
*[https://www.hfunderground.com/board/index.php/board,3.0.html US Pirate Loggings]
*[https://www.hfunderground.com/board/index.php/board,12.0.html EuroPirate Loggings]
*[https://www.hfunderground.com/board/index.php/board,39.0.html Latin American Loggings].

==Mailing Lists and Clubs==
*The [http://www.bdxc.org.uk/ British DX Club] covers pirates, as well as Offshore Radio. They have an email reflector on groups.io [https://groups.io/g/bdxc-news here].
*The [http://www.cidx.ca/ Canadian International DX Club] covers pirate news. They also have a Facebook and Groups.io listing; the listing is on the web page
*Reports are also showing up in [http://www.naswa.net/ NASWA]'s weekly bulletin, the Flashsheet. You must be a member, and contribute, to subscribe to this publication
*The [https://nationalradioclub.org/ National Radio Club] covers MW pirates.
*The [http://www.radiodx.com/ NZ Radio DX League] covers pirates. Their pirate page is [http://www.radiodx.com/category/pirate/ here].
*Pirates may also show up on the [https://groups.io/g/odxa Ontario DX Association] mailing list on groups.io
*Recently, noted publisher and long time DXer Glenn Hauser has been including pirate logs in his [https://groups.io/g/WOR World of Radio] mailing list.

==Social Media==
Facebook has some groups that have lots of pirate logs. This is often a very fast way to find current activity
*[https://www.facebook.com/groups/785651348139814/ Canadian International DX Club]
*[https://www.facebook.com/groups/ExtremeShortwaveListening/ Extreme Short Wave Listening]
*[https://www.facebook.com/groups/112273363488408/ HF Underground]
*[https://www.facebook.com/nzrdxl NZ Radio DX League]
*[https://www.facebook.com/search/top?q=odxa%20shortwave%20loggings Ontario DX Association loggings]

==Websites==
*[http://www.alfalima.net/ Alfalima.net]
*[http://freeradiocafe.com/ Free Radio Cafe]
*[http://freeradiocafe.com/freeradioweekly.php Free Radio Weekly]
*[https://www.offshore-radio.de/ Offshore Radio Guide (Dutch and English)]
*[http://www.frn.net/vines/ The Free Radio Network]
*[https://pirates.live-radio.gr/el/frequencies/mw A table of Greek MW Stations, including pirates] '''Note:''' Use Google Translate

==Magazines==
* [[Radio User]]
* Radio Kurier/Weltweit Hoeren is a German language magazine jointly produced by the ADDX (the largest German SWL Club) and AGDX (Federation of German and Austrian Clubs) that includes pirate coverage. Their international website is [https://www.radio-kurier.de/ here] (use Google Translate)

---
* Return to [[Pirate Radio New Listener Guide and FAQ]]

[[Category:Pirate radio]]

Where Can I Get Reports on Current Pirate Activity

2020-09-04T12:59:21Z

Ka3jjz: /* Mailing Lists and Clubs */

=Getting Up To Date Information About Pirate Radio=
==Chat Rooms==
Pirate radio listeners often keep in touch with each other using real time chats. This allows them to immediately find out when stations are being heard, and what frequency to tune to.

* HFUnderground Rocketchat, the most active online pirate chat, [https://www.hfunderground.com/board/index.php/topic,41066.0.html sign up details here]
*IRC, or [[Internet_Relay_Chat]] is one online chat system.
*[http://www.easyshopdiscountzone.com/radio/pirate/chat.html Iann's Chat] is a web based chat, which is very popular with European listeners and pirate station operators

==HF Underground Forums==
*[https://www.hfunderground.com/board/index.php/board,28.0.html Broadcast Announcements]
*[https://www.hfunderground.com/board/index.php/board,30.0.html MW Free Radio]
*[https://www.hfunderground.com/board/index.php/board,10.0.html FM Free Radio]
*[https://www.hfunderground.com/board/index.php/board,3.0.html US Pirate Loggings]
*[https://www.hfunderground.com/board/index.php/board,12.0.html EuroPirate Loggings]
*[https://www.hfunderground.com/board/index.php/board,39.0.html Latin American Loggings].

==Mailing Lists and Clubs==
*The [http://www.bdxc.org.uk/ British DX Club] covers pirates, as well as Offshore Radio. They have an email reflector on groups.io [https://groups.io/g/bdxc-news here].
*The [http://www.cidx.ca/ Canadian International DX Club] covers pirate news. They also have a Facebook and Groups.io listing; the listing is on the web page
*Reports are also showing up in [http://www.naswa.net/ NASWA]'s weekly bulletin, the Flashsheet. You must be a member, and contribute, to subscribe to this publication
*The [https://nationalradioclub.org/ National Radio Club] covers MW pirates.
*The [http://www.radiodx.com/ NZ Radio DX League] covers pirates. Their pirate page is [http://www.radiodx.com/category/pirate/ here].
*Pirates may also show up on the [https://groups.io/g/odxa Ontario DX Association] mailing list on groups.io
*Recently, noted publisher and long time DXer Glenn Hauser has been including pirate logs in his [https://groups.io/g/WOR World of Radio] mailing list.

==Social Media==
Facebook has some groups that have lots of pirate logs. This is often a very fast way to find current activity
*[https://www.facebook.com/groups/785651348139814/ Canadian International DX Club]
*[https://www.facebook.com/groups/ExtremeShortwaveListening/ Extreme Short Wave Listening]
*[https://www.facebook.com/groups/112273363488408/ HF Underground]
*[https://www.facebook.com/nzrdxl NZ Radio DX League]
*[https://www.facebook.com/search/top?q=odxa%20shortwave%20loggings Ontario DX Association loggings]

==Websites==
*[http://www.alfalima.net/ Alfalima.net]
*[http://freeradiocafe.com/ Free Radio Cafe]
*[http://freeradiocafe.com/freeradioweekly.php Free Radio Weekly]
*[https://www.offshore-radio.de/ Offshore Radio Guide (Dutch and English)]
*[http://www.frn.net/vines/ The Free Radio Network]
*[https://pirates.live-radio.gr/el/frequencies/mw A table of Greek MW Stations, including pirates] '''Note:''' Use Google Translate

==Magazines==
* [[Radio User]]

---
* Return to [[Pirate Radio New Listener Guide and FAQ]]

[[Category:Pirate radio]]

Where Can I Get Reports on Current Pirate Activity

2020-09-04T12:54:54Z

Ka3jjz: /* Websites */

=Getting Up To Date Information About Pirate Radio=
==Chat Rooms==
Pirate radio listeners often keep in touch with each other using real time chats. This allows them to immediately find out when stations are being heard, and what frequency to tune to.

* HFUnderground Rocketchat, the most active online pirate chat, [https://www.hfunderground.com/board/index.php/topic,41066.0.html sign up details here]
*IRC, or [[Internet_Relay_Chat]] is one online chat system.
*[http://www.easyshopdiscountzone.com/radio/pirate/chat.html Iann's Chat] is a web based chat, which is very popular with European listeners and pirate station operators

==HF Underground Forums==
*[https://www.hfunderground.com/board/index.php/board,28.0.html Broadcast Announcements]
*[https://www.hfunderground.com/board/index.php/board,30.0.html MW Free Radio]
*[https://www.hfunderground.com/board/index.php/board,10.0.html FM Free Radio]
*[https://www.hfunderground.com/board/index.php/board,3.0.html US Pirate Loggings]
*[https://www.hfunderground.com/board/index.php/board,12.0.html EuroPirate Loggings]
*[https://www.hfunderground.com/board/index.php/board,39.0.html Latin American Loggings].

==Mailing Lists and Clubs==
*The [http://www.cidx.ca/ Canadian International DX Club] covers pirate news. They also have a Facebook and Groups.io listing; the listing is on the web page
*Reports are also showing up in [http://www.naswa.net/ NASWA]'s weekly bulletin, the Flashsheet. You must be a member, and contribute, to subscribe to this publication
*The [https://nationalradioclub.org/ National Radio Club] covers MW pirates.
*The [http://www.radiodx.com/ NZ Radio DX League] covers pirates. Their pirate page is [http://www.radiodx.com/category/pirate/ here].
*Pirates may also show up on the [https://groups.io/g/odxa Ontario DX Association] mailing list on groups.io
*Recently, noted publisher and long time DXer Glenn Hauser has been including pirate logs in his [https://groups.io/g/WOR World of Radio] mailing list.

==Social Media==
Facebook has some groups that have lots of pirate logs. This is often a very fast way to find current activity
*[https://www.facebook.com/groups/785651348139814/ Canadian International DX Club]
*[https://www.facebook.com/groups/ExtremeShortwaveListening/ Extreme Short Wave Listening]
*[https://www.facebook.com/groups/112273363488408/ HF Underground]
*[https://www.facebook.com/nzrdxl NZ Radio DX League]
*[https://www.facebook.com/search/top?q=odxa%20shortwave%20loggings Ontario DX Association loggings]

==Websites==
*[http://www.alfalima.net/ Alfalima.net]
*[http://freeradiocafe.com/ Free Radio Cafe]
*[http://freeradiocafe.com/freeradioweekly.php Free Radio Weekly]
*[https://www.offshore-radio.de/ Offshore Radio Guide (Dutch and English)]
*[http://www.frn.net/vines/ The Free Radio Network]
*[https://pirates.live-radio.gr/el/frequencies/mw A table of Greek MW Stations, including pirates] '''Note:''' Use Google Translate

==Magazines==
* [[Radio User]]

---
* Return to [[Pirate Radio New Listener Guide and FAQ]]

[[Category:Pirate radio]]

Where Can I Get Reports on Current Pirate Activity

2020-09-04T00:46:04Z

Ka3jjz: /* Social Media */

Where Can I Get Reports on Current Pirate Activity

2020-09-04T00:45:00Z

Ka3jjz: /* Mailing Lists and Clubs */

A Brief Survey of HF Receiving Equipment

2020-09-03T10:25:57Z

Ka3jjz: /* Communications Receivers */

==Radio Equipment==
===Portable Radios===
As the name implies, portable radios are small radios that can easily be moved around. They are often the size of a hardbound book. They can be quite inexpensive, starting at around $50 or so, up to several hundred dollars. The advantages of portable radios include the low price, small size, and built in whip antenna. The major disadvantage is that they do not perform as well as more expensive communications receivers. That said, many of them are a good way to get started with pirate radio, without having to spend a lot of money.

Be careful if you try to put a large antenna on a portable as this can overload the radio. They are simply not designed to handle the amount of energy a large antenna will deliver.
This depends on your local RF environment; East Coast listeners usually have to be more careful as HF signals tend to come in stronger here.

However, portatops - a term coined by Larry Magne of the now defunct Passport to World Band Radio - often fare much better, although at a higher cost. These radios have many of the qualities of a portable
with performance and options you would find on a communications receiver. Examples of these would include the Drake SW-8A and the Eton/Grundig E1 (both discontinued).

===Broadbanded Handheld Radios===
These radios have tremendous frequency coverage, although they are often quite pricey. Their performance on HF can and does vary widely; units like the [https://wiki.radioreference.com/index.php/IC-R30 Icom R30] and the AOR8200 are examples.
However these radios are also plagued by the same issues as many portables; if you try to put a lot of antenna on them, overloading is often the result. 20 or 30 foot of wire
clipped on the whip or into the external antenna jack (if it has one) is about as much as these radios will take.

===Communications Receivers===
Communications receivers are larger, more expensive radios. They start at several hundred dollars, and run up to several thousand dollars. They offer substantially better performance than portable radios. They generally are more sensitive, so they can pick up weaker signals. They are more selective, so they will better reject interference from other stations.
Unfortunately the days of these receivers are long gone, although one can still find them on used lists. Alinco just announced they are discontinuing their R8T (and their
companion HF transceiver). The only one still known to be produced is the Palstar R30A. You can find a few examples at [[Technical_Topics#Receivers]]

===Amateur Radio HF Transceivers===
Most newer HF ham transceivers have HF general coverage receivers built in. This is quite an advantage, as many transceivers also pack many signal enhancing options
such as different filter selections, passband tuning, notches and others. These radios would have little trouble with good sized antennas. There are numerous models
these days; you can see a few examples of them at [[Technical_Topics#Transmitters]]

===Widebanded Desktop Radios===
Like the widebanded portables, these offer tremendous frequency coverage, albeit at a pricey cost. A recent example of this is Icom's [https://wiki.radioreference.com/index.php/IC-R8600 R-8600]. On HF performance of more modern radios tends to be much better than their
widebanded portable cousins. However, note that the old [https://wiki.radioreference.com/index.php/AR8600 AR8600] was famous for having overloading issues when used with a good antenna.

===Computer Controlled Radios===
====Computer Controlled Ham Transceivers and Receivers====
Many but not all communications receivers and ham transceivers have the ability to be addressed, and/or controlled by a PC. This opens up a huge box of possibilities,
everything from logging, recording, developing frequency lists and more. What the software can do is largely dictated by the radio it is trying to utilize. Here
are a couple of links with various applications
* [https://wiki.radioreference.com/index.php/Amateur_Radio_Transceiver_Control Amateur Radio Transceiver Control]
* [https://wiki.radioreference.com/index.php/Receiver_Software_Applications Receiver Software Applications]

====Radios In A Box====
For a time there was a movement toward the 'Radio in a box' concept. Also called 'IF Receivers' these radios had most of the electronics in a box, but the control functions
were addressed by a PC. Icom had several of these as widebanded radios; none were all that successful on HF. They were plagued by poor dynamic range (meaning they overloaded easily), poor
selectivity and other issues. They have long since disappeared from the active market although you might find them on used lists;
* [https://wiki.radioreference.com/index.php/IC-PCR100 IC-PCR100]
* [https://wiki.radioreference.com/index.php/IC-PCR1000 IC-PCR1000]
* [https://wiki.radioreference.com/index.php/IC_PCR1500/IC-R1500 IC-PCR1500]
* [https://wiki.radioreference.com/index.php/IC_PCR2500/IC-R2500 IC-PCR-2500]

About the same time the IC-PCR1000 was still available, TenTec came out with their [https://www.universal-radio.com/catalog/commrxvr/0321.html RX320]. The 'd' after the models
number indicated that it had been modified with a 12 khz tap for Digital Radio Mondiale usage. This radio was far superior on HF to any of the Icom offerings. It didn't overload nearly
as easily as the Icoms, and depending on the application, there were up to 32 different options for selectivity, making it the most selective of these radios to date. Even
Passport to World Band Radio gave this radio a 4 star rating out of 5.

A few years after the RX320 came out, a new version of this radio came out - dubbed the [https://www.eham.net/reviews/view-product?id=4999 RX-321]. This radio was, and to a certain
extent still is, shrouded in mystery. The most consistent story was that Globe Wireless (a telecommunications firm, no longer in business) bought almost 2000 of these and
upgraded the front end to by more resistant to overloading, better stability and other improvements. The thinking at the time was that these would be used for 518 khz [http://www.dxinfocentre.com/navtex.htm NAVTEX]
receivers. Then, all of a sudden, for no apparent reason, the project was abandoned and the receivers started showing up on the market. Because of the upgrades, they are
highly prized and command a higher price (if you can find them) then a RX320D. TenTec has steadfastly denied any knowledge of these radios, what they were used for, or
even denied servicing them.

Even if you manage to find either radio, there are a number of significant stumbling blocks. These radios were designed with a serial interface, when Windows7 was the popular
operating system. This [https://www.ebay.com/itm/FTDI-USB-Ten-Tec-RX-320-RX-320D-RX-350-RX-350D-RX-400-CAT-cable-ST-9M-/162418748677 cable] from eBay may be an answer.
Next is software; it's currently unknown whether any of the popular apps that used to work for Win7 will still work today. Finally, there appears to be very few, if any,
mailing lists for these radios. Bottom line, you may be on your own.

Bonito of Germany came out with their [https://www.bonito.net/hamradio/en/bonito-radiojet-1102s/ Bonito Radiojet 1102S] some time ago, and it was reviewed on SWLing.com
[https://swling.com/blog/2012/07/a-review-of-the-bonito-1102s-radiojet-24-bit-if-receiver/ here]. This unit is now discontinued, and has been replaced by the
[https://www.bonito.net/hamradio/en/bonito-radiojet-1305-plus/ Radiojet 1305 plus]. While the 1102s review was stellar, there is a serious Windows10 compatibility problem
with the software. To their credit, Bonito put a brief note about this on their website. Whether this issue has ever been resolved is unknown.

===Software Defined Radios (SDR)===
[[Software Defined Radio]]s have much of the functionality that previously existed in electronic components instead performed by software, running either inside the SDR itself or in the computer connected to it. They can perform Digital Signal Processing (DSP) operations not possible with actual electronic circuitry, allowing them to offer better rejection of interfering signals. Unlike communications receivers, the DSP parameters can usually be controlled to a greater degree. Entire new functions can be added to the radio by just downloading new software to it. Finally, SDRs often allow entire bands to be recorded to disk. Then, at a later time, one can go back and search for / listen to transmissions that were recorded. Many consider SDRs to be the future of radio. Much of the required computing power already exists in the computer that you own, that must be connected to the SDR to operate.
. They generally start at 20 or 30 US Dollars, and go up to several thousand dollars. You can find an extensive list of models, reviews, software and more [https://wiki.radioreference.com/index.php/Software_Defined_Radios here].

There has been a couple of SDR radios that didn't require to be run by a PC - these were the CommRadio [https://www.universal-radio.com/catalog/commrxvr/2001.html CR1] and [https://www.universal-radio.com/catalog/commrxvr/2002.html CR1A]

===Where Can I Find Reviews of Various Radios?===
You can often find detailed reviews on HF ham transceivers in places like QST magazine (from the American Radio Relay League or ARRL) and on the popular eHam website. For other radios look at the
[https://wiki.radioreference.com/index.php/Category:Receiver_Reviews Receiver Reviews] page. In addition, many radios now have mailing lists on places like Groups io and
Facebook.

==Online/Web Radios==
If you want to get started listening to pirate radio stations, but don't want to invest in a shortwave radio and antenna, listen via the many radios that individuals have put online. Go to the [[Internet Receivers]] article for links.

---
* Return to [[Pirate Radio New Listener Guide and FAQ]]
* Return to [[Where Can I Find Pirate Activity]]
* Go to [[Some Basic HF Antennas]]

[[Category:Pirate radio]]

Some Basic HF Antennas

2020-09-03T00:54:01Z

Ka3jjz: /* Loop Antennas */

==Antennas==
Along with a radio, you'll need an antenna. It's best to put them outdoors, where you can more easily get away from noise sources within the home.
There is one cardinal rule with outdoor antennas; NEVER EVER put them where they could fall on power or phone lines. Apart from being a source of noise, there are considerable (and potentially lethal) shock and fire hazards.

Indoor antennas tend to be much less effective - you have to contend with picking up noise from any number of sources within the home, as well as shielding from the home's
construction. There are options for indoor antennas that work, but keep in mind that they are far less effective than their outdoor cousins

This article is not intended to be comprehensive - there are many books on this subject. Some of the most authoritative are written by the ARRL (American Radio Relay League) and the Radio Society of Great Britain. Check out dealers such
as [https://www.universal-radio.com/catalog/bk_ant.html Universal Radio] for their availability.

===Whip antenna built into the radio===
Most portable radios include a small built in whip antenna. While this is often satisfactory for listening to high powered shortwave broadcast stations, it is usually insufficient for listening to lower powered pirate stations, except under the best of conditions.

===Active Antennas===
These antennas often consist of a short whip element tied to an amplifier. For this reason, they are often referred to as E Field antennas. As such they are problematic at best;
they are often prone to hear more noise than signal, and if the receiver hasn't got a particularly good front end, overloading may be an issue. If the unit has a gain control, this will help to some
degree. See the [https://wiki.radioreference.com/index.php/Active_Antennas_KB6RWX Active Antennas] article for a more complete discussion of this topic. Examples include the
[https://www.universal-radio.com/catalog/sw_ant/2531.html Bonito Boni-Whip] and the [https://www.universal-radio.com/catalog/sw_ant/1413.html MFJ-1020C]

===Random wire Antennas===
As the term implies, a [[Random Wire]] is a wire antenna of random length. A random wire generally works well for signal reception, and is an improvement over the built-in whip antenna that is included with many portable radios.
The king of random wire antennas is the [https://www.universal-radio.com/catalog/sw_ant/2205.html Vibroplex PAR EF-SWL] antenna which is widely available. This antenna features
a box with various methods of connecting and grounding; it takes some experimentation to figure out which combination works best in a given environment. While the 45 foot length would be fine for most portables and SDRs, to
really be efficient at 4 Mhz (the lowest HF band currently used by pirates), the antenna needs to be lengthened. Fortunately you can easily replace the antenna wire.

===Dipoles===
A [[dipole]] is perhaps the most basic radio antenna. The most commonly used dipole is the half-wave, so named because the total length is approximately one half of a wavelength long at the desired center frequency. The antenna is made up of two wire elements, each about a quarter of a wavelength long. Coaxial cable is used to connect the wire elements to a radio or transmatch.
Dipoles are usually cut to a specific frequency, and will be most efficient there and on odd wavelengths from that point; hence a 4 Mhz dipole will work well on 12 Mhz, a 5 Mhz dipole will
work well on 15 Mhz, and so on. Outside these ranges, the efficiency of a dipole can drop off. There are more wide banded dipole designs, although such antennas can take up a good deal of
space - these include the classic [https://www.dxzone.com/5-best-diy-fan-dipole-antenna-projects/ fan dipole] and the [[T2FD]]

Using dipoles in a listening mode really doesn't require much retuning; in fact some dipoles are actually close enough to pirate frequencies that they are still relatively efficient. A dipole
cut for the 75 meter ham band will work just fine to hear 4 Mhz pirates; A 60 meter dipole will also work with the 5 Mhz pirates, and a 40 meter dipole will work with the pirates that are
just below 7 Mhz

===Multi Band HF Amateur Radio Antennas===
If there is one antenna that hams use that is wide banded, the [http://www.hamuniverse.com/g5rv.html G5RV] would fit the bill. This antenna has many variations, and
a good Google search will turn them up. For receiving only, a transmatch may not be needed. While normally used with HF amateur band transceivers, this antenna would also work well for desktop receivers. It might be too much
for low end SDRs (such as the Funcube Dongle and the RTL-SDRv3) and portables without some front end protection (in the form of a passive preselector). The same could be said of using this antenna on a wideband receiver such as the AR8600 mentioned elsewhere, depending
on your local RF environment, of course.

Another popular wide banded HF antenna is the Carolina Windom - one version of this takes up only about 66 foot, and is shown [http://www.hamuniverse.com/k4iwlnewwindom.html here]

What do you do if you don't have the space (or understanding neighbors?)...

===Loop Antennas===
Loops have been around in one form or another since the birth of the broadcast industry. An argument can be made that they are one of the oldest known types of antennas.
They are resistant to noise, and on frequencies below about 3 Mhz or so, have directional properties in a very small space. The resistance to noise often makes them
an attractive choice for indoor installations. They can easily be hidden to avoid the scrutiny of a HOA. These antennas work best close to the ground, unlike wire
antennas that often need to be high up and in the clear. Experiments have shown that some loops become omnidirectional if mounted horizontally and higher up, instead of mounting
vertically as is the norm.

Loop antennas come in many varieties. Some are passive - meaning they have no amplifier. Others are active (they have an amplifier to overcome the low signal pickup that
is typical of these antennas). Some examples of these antennas are:

; Passive Loops
*[https://v3.airspy.us/product/ant-youloop-1/ YouLoop]
*[http://doxytronics.com/ HF-319 SignaLoop]
*[https://www.lnrprecision.com/loop-antennas/ W4OP Loop Antenna]

; Active Loops
*[https://www.dxengineering.com/parts/dxe-rf-pro-1b DX Engineering/Pixel Pro-1B]
*[[Wellbrook ALA 1530plus]]
*[https://mfjenterprises.com/collections/mfj-enterprises/products/mfj-1886?_pos=1&_sid=9d162eb10&_ss=r MFJ-1886]
*[https://www.w6lvp.com/product/amplified-receive-only-mag-loop-antenna-with-power-inserter/ W6LVP Magnetic Loop with Power Inserter]

There is even a type of antenna called a [[Sky loop antenna|Skyloop]]. These antennas are not small and require a considerable amount of space to erect.

You can find an extensive list of many different types of loops [https://wiki.radioreference.com/index.php/Loops here] (offsite wiki).

---
* Return to [[Pirate Radio New Listener Guide and FAQ]]
* Return to [[A Brief Survey of HF Receiving Equipment]]
* Go to [https://wiki.radioreference.com/index.php/Improving_HF_Reception Improving_HF_Reception] Note: offsite wiki
* Go to [[SSTV]]

[[Category:Pirate radio]]

Dipole

2020-09-03T00:51:52Z

Ka3jjz:

A '''dipole''' is perhaps the most basic radio [[antenna]]. The most commonly used dipole is the half-wave, so named because the total length is approximately one half of a wavelength long at the desired center frequency. The antenna is made up of two wire elements, each about a quarter of a wavelength long.

Dipoles are excellent antennas for general purpose shortwave listening, including pirate radio listening. It is easy to find straightforward instructions on building a dipole, and the materials are cheap and readily available. The ARRL has very straightforward explanations and [http://www.arrl.org/single-band-dipoles plans] online. Dipoles are generally cut for a specific frequency, and are most efficient on this and their odd harmonics. For example a 4 Mhz dipole will work well on 12 Mhz. Outside of the frequency for which they are cut, the efficiency of this antenna drops off.

It's useful to note that you do not need to use 50 ohm coaxial cable, which is generally more expensive and harder to source. A simple dipole can be fed with the inexpensive television type RG-6/RG-59 75 ohm coax found at your local home improvement or department store.

---
* Return to [[Some Basic HF Antennas]]

[[Category: Antennas]]

Random Wire

2020-09-03T00:49:29Z

Ka3jjz:

As the term implies, a '''random wire''' is a wire antenna of random length. A random wire generally works well for signal reception, and is an improvement over the built-in whip antenna that is included with many portable radios.

A transmatch can make a random wire more efficient by creating a resonant path between the antenna, feedline and receiver. See the [https://wiki.radioreference.com/index.php/Improving_HF_Reception Improving HF Reception] article (offsite wiki) for more on this topic.

---
* Return to [[Some Basic HF Antennas]]

[[Category: Antennas]]

Where Can I Get Reports on Current Pirate Activity

2020-09-02T23:32:10Z

Ka3jjz: /* Websites */

Where Can I Get Reports on Current Pirate Activity

2020-09-02T23:28:22Z

Ka3jjz: /* Websites */

A Brief Survey of HF Receiving Equipment

2020-09-02T21:33:36Z

Ka3jjz: /* Software Defined Radios (SDR) */

==Radio Equipment==
===Portable Radios===
As the name implies, portable radios are small radios that can easily be moved around. They are often the size of a hardbound book. They can be quite inexpensive, starting at around $50 or so, up to several hundred dollars. The advantages of portable radios include the low price, small size, and built in whip antenna. The major disadvantage is that they do not perform as well as more expensive communications receivers. That said, many of them are a good way to get started with pirate radio, without having to spend a lot of money.

Be careful if you try to put a large antenna on a portable as this can overload the radio. They are simply not designed to handle the amount of energy a large antenna will deliver.
This depends on your local RF environment; East Coast listeners usually have to be more careful as HF signals tend to come in stronger here.

However, portatops - a term coined by Larry Magne of the now defunct Passport to World Band Radio - often fare much better, although at a higher cost. These radios have many of the qualities of a portable
with performance and options you would find on a communications receiver. Examples of these would include the Drake SW-8A and the Eton/Grundig E1 (both discontinued).

===Broadbanded Handheld Radios===
These radios have tremendous frequency coverage, although they are often quite pricey. Their performance on HF can and does vary widely; units like the [https://wiki.radioreference.com/index.php/IC-R30 Icom R30] and the AOR8200 are examples.
However these radios are also plagued by the same issues as many portables; if you try to put a lot of antenna on them, overloading is often the result. 20 or 30 foot of wire
clipped on the whip or into the external antenna jack (if it has one) is about as much as these radios will take.

===Communications Receivers===
Communications receivers are larger, more expensive radios. They start at several hundred dollars, and run up to several thousand dollars. They offer substantially better performance than portable radios. They generally are more sensitive, so they can pick up weaker signals. They are more selective, so they will better reject interference from other stations. Many communications receivers have Digital Signal Processing (DSP) features that provide better filtering than otherwise possible with physical filters.

Unfortunately the days of these receivers are long gone, although one can still find them on used lists. Alinco just announced they are discontinuing their R8T (and their
companion HF transceiver). The only one still known to be produced is the Palstar R30A. You can find a few examples at [[Technical_Topics#Receivers]]

===Amateur Radio HF Transceivers===
Most newer HF ham transceivers have HF general coverage receivers built in. This is quite an advantage, as many transceivers also pack many signal enhancing options
such as different filter selections, passband tuning, notches and others. These radios would have little trouble with good sized antennas. There are numerous models
these days; you can see a few examples of them at [[Technical_Topics#Transmitters]]

===Widebanded Desktop Radios===
Like the widebanded portables, these offer tremendous frequency coverage, albeit at a pricey cost. A recent example of this is Icom's [https://wiki.radioreference.com/index.php/IC-R8600 R-8600]. On HF performance of more modern radios tends to be much better than their
widebanded portable cousins. However, note that the old [https://wiki.radioreference.com/index.php/AR8600 AR8600] was famous for having overloading issues when used with a good antenna.

===Computer Controlled Radios===
====Computer Controlled Ham Transceivers and Receivers====
Many but not all communications receivers and ham transceivers have the ability to be addressed, and/or controlled by a PC. This opens up a huge box of possibilities,
everything from logging, recording, developing frequency lists and more. What the software can do is largely dictated by the radio it is trying to utilize. Here
are a couple of links with various applications
* [https://wiki.radioreference.com/index.php/Amateur_Radio_Transceiver_Control Amateur Radio Transceiver Control]
* [https://wiki.radioreference.com/index.php/Receiver_Software_Applications Receiver Software Applications]

====Radios In A Box====
For a time there was a movement toward the 'Radio in a box' concept. Also called 'IF Receivers' these radios had most of the electronics in a box, but the control functions
were addressed by a PC. Icom had several of these as widebanded radios; none were all that successful on HF. They were plagued by poor dynamic range (meaning they overloaded easily), poor
selectivity and other issues. They have long since disappeared from the active market although you might find them on used lists;
* [https://wiki.radioreference.com/index.php/IC-PCR100 IC-PCR100]
* [https://wiki.radioreference.com/index.php/IC-PCR1000 IC-PCR1000]
* [https://wiki.radioreference.com/index.php/IC_PCR1500/IC-R1500 IC-PCR1500]
* [https://wiki.radioreference.com/index.php/IC_PCR2500/IC-R2500 IC-PCR-2500]

About the same time the IC-PCR1000 was still available, TenTec came out with their [https://www.universal-radio.com/catalog/commrxvr/0321.html RX320]. The 'd' after the models
number indicated that it had been modified with a 12 khz tap for Digital Radio Mondiale usage. This radio was far superior on HF to any of the Icom offerings. It didn't overload nearly
as easily as the Icoms, and depending on the application, there were up to 32 different options for selectivity, making it the most selective of these radios to date. Even
Passport to World Band Radio gave this radio a 4 star rating out of 5.

A few years after the RX320 came out, a new version of this radio came out - dubbed the [https://www.eham.net/reviews/view-product?id=4999 RX-321]. This radio was, and to a certain
extent still is, shrouded in mystery. The most consistent story was that Globe Wireless (a telecommunications firm, no longer in business) bought almost 2000 of these and
upgraded the front end to by more resistant to overloading, better stability and other improvements. The thinking at the time was that these would be used for 518 khz [http://www.dxinfocentre.com/navtex.htm NAVTEX]
receivers. Then, all of a sudden, for no apparent reason, the project was abandoned and the receivers started showing up on the market. Because of the upgrades, they are
highly prized and command a higher price (if you can find them) then a RX320D. TenTec has steadfastly denied any knowledge of these radios, what they were used for, or
even denied servicing them.

Even if you manage to find either radio, there are a number of significant stumbling blocks. These radios were designed with a serial interface, when Windows7 was the popular
operating system. This [https://www.ebay.com/itm/FTDI-USB-Ten-Tec-RX-320-RX-320D-RX-350-RX-350D-RX-400-CAT-cable-ST-9M-/162418748677 cable] from eBay may be an answer.
Next is software; it's currently unknown whether any of the popular apps that used to work for Win7 will still work today. Finally, there appears to be very few, if any,
mailing lists for these radios. Bottom line, you may be on your own.

Bonito of Germany came out with their [https://www.bonito.net/hamradio/en/bonito-radiojet-1102s/ Bonito Radiojet 1102S] some time ago, and it was reviewed on SWLing.com
[https://swling.com/blog/2012/07/a-review-of-the-bonito-1102s-radiojet-24-bit-if-receiver/ here]. This unit is now discontinued, and has been replaced by the
[https://www.bonito.net/hamradio/en/bonito-radiojet-1305-plus/ Radiojet 1305 plus]. While the 1102s review was stellar, there is a serious Windows10 compatibility problem
with the software. To their credit, Bonito put a brief note about this on their website. Whether this issue has ever been resolved is unknown.

===Software Defined Radios (SDR)===
[[Software Defined Radio]]s have much of the functionality that previously existed in electronic components instead performed by software, running either inside the SDR itself or in the computer connected to it. They can perform Digital Signal Processing (DSP) operations not possible with actual electronic circuitry, allowing them to offer better rejection of interfering signals. Unlike communications receivers, the DSP parameters can usually be controlled to a greater degree. Entire new functions can be added to the radio by just downloading new software to it. Finally, SDRs often allow entire bands to be recorded to disk. Then, at a later time, one can go back and search for / listen to transmissions that were recorded. Many consider SDRs to be the future of radio. Much of the required computing power already exists in the computer that you own, that must be connected to the SDR to operate.
. They generally start at 20 or 30 US Dollars, and go up to several thousand dollars. You can find an extensive list of models, reviews, software and more [https://wiki.radioreference.com/index.php/Software_Defined_Radios here].

There has been a couple of SDR radios that didn't require to be run by a PC - these were the CommRadio [https://www.universal-radio.com/catalog/commrxvr/2001.html CR1] and [https://www.universal-radio.com/catalog/commrxvr/2002.html CR1A]

===Where Can I Find Reviews of Various Radios?===
You can often find detailed reviews on HF ham transceivers in places like QST magazine (from the American Radio Relay League or ARRL) and on the popular eHam website. For other radios look at the
[https://wiki.radioreference.com/index.php/Category:Receiver_Reviews Receiver Reviews] page. In addition, many radios now have mailing lists on places like Groups io and
Facebook.

==Online/Web Radios==
If you want to get started listening to pirate radio stations, but don't want to invest in a shortwave radio and antenna, listen via the many radios that individuals have put online. Go to the [[Internet Receivers]] article for links.

---
* Return to [[Pirate Radio New Listener Guide and FAQ]]
* Return to [[Where Can I Find Pirate Activity]]
* Go to [[Some Basic HF Antennas]]

[[Category:Pirate radio]]

Where Can I Get Reports on Current Pirate Activity

2020-09-02T15:00:43Z

Ka3jjz: /* Websites */

Where Can I Get Reports on Current Pirate Activity

2020-09-02T14:59:54Z

Ka3jjz: /* Mailing Lists and Clubs */

STANAG-4285

2020-09-02T01:17:41Z

Ka3jjz: /* External links */

'''STANAG 4285''' is the NATO standard for HF communication. It consists of several sub modes (75-2400 bps) and two different interleaving options (short and long). The waveform consists of a 1800 Hz carrier with PSK modulation.

These STANAGs are similar in principle to MIL-STD-188-110B, but differ in some details. Most notably they lack the “auto-baud” feature and are also incompatible with the 110A waveforms.

==External links==
* [http://www.n2ckh.com/MARS_ALE_FORUM/s4285.PDF NATO STANAG*4285]: unclassified specification (PDF)
* [http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LyYwZb-wf3s STANAG 4285 - some Examples] on Youtube
* [https://www.sigidwiki.com/wiki/STANAG_4285 STANAG 4285 on the SigIDWiki]

[[Category:Utility radio stations]]

Where Can I Get Reports on Current Pirate Activity

2020-09-01T10:26:00Z

Ka3jjz: /* Social Media */

Where Can I Get Reports on Current Pirate Activity

2020-09-01T10:24:49Z

Ka3jjz: /* Mailing Lists and Clubs */

Where Can I Get Reports on Current Pirate Activity

2020-09-01T00:57:38Z

Ka3jjz: /* Chat Rooms */

Where Can I Get Reports on Current Pirate Activity

2020-09-01T00:54:41Z

Ka3jjz: /* Mailing Lists and Clubs */

Where Can I Get Reports on Current Pirate Activity

2020-09-01T00:54:13Z

Ka3jjz: /* Mailing Lists and Clubs */

Where Can I Get Reports on Current Pirate Activity

2020-09-01T00:52:26Z

Ka3jjz:

Where Can I Get Reports on Current Pirate Activity

2020-09-01T00:34:14Z

Ka3jjz: /* Mailing Lists */

Where Can I Get Reports on Current Pirate Activity

2020-09-01T00:32:58Z

Ka3jjz: /* Mailing Lists */

SSTV

2020-08-30T19:50:51Z

Ka3jjz: /* External links */

[[Image:WBNY043006.jpg|right|thumb|300px|[[WBNY]] SSTV message.]]
[[Image:2006-1123-1859-wbny-sstv.jpg|right|thumb|300px|Sometimes SSTV images are used to make fun of or annoy SWLs.]]
'''Slow Scan Television''' or '''SSTV''' is a method of transmitting pictures on a narrow voice channel. While it is used primarily by hams, pirate radio operators occasionally transmit pictures on shortwave by this method. Regular [[amateur radio]] SSTV activity is centered on 14230 kHz.

==SSTV reception==
The SSTV signal can be decoded from [[SSB]] reception by running the audio output from the receiver to a PC sound card, and using software designed to convert the signal to an image. In a pinch, a microphone connected to the sound card can be held up to the receiver's speaker. A decent, free software package for transmitting and receiving SSTV is MMSSTV.

===Connection Issues===
This has become an increasingly difficult topic, due to changes in Windows itself. Prior to Windows 8.1, it wasn't uncommon for PCs to have line in and/or mic in jacks.
Now with modern laptops, these jacks are gone. Often this means you will need to purchase a USB soundcard, which has its own drivers. These articles discuss this topic
in more detail;
* [https://wiki.radioreference.com/index.php/Connecting_Radios_to_Soundcards Connecting Radios to Soundcards] '''Note:''' Offsite wiki
* [[Windows Audio Routing]] For Windows7 and XP

===Connecting to a Software Defined Radio (SDR)===
With many - though not all- digital decoding programs, you will need software to route audio from a SDR. This is done through virtual audio devices; links to software for doing this are presented below. Any additions to this list are welcome.
====Windows====
*[https://www.kvraudio.com/product/vb-cable-by-vb-audio VB-Cable]
*[https://vac.muzychenko.net/en/ Virtual Audio Cable]
*[https://www.vb-audio.com/Voicemeeter/index.htm Voicemeeter]
** Also see 'Banana' and 'Potato' available on the same site
====Linux====
* [https://jackaudio.org/ Jack Audio]
* [https://www.freedesktop.org/wiki/Software/PulseAudio/ Pulse Audio]
* [https://www.alsa-project.org/wiki/Matrix:Module-aloop snd aloop]
====Mac====
* [https://rogueamoeba.com/audiohijack/ Audio Hijack]
* [https://www.macupdate.com/app/mac/14067/soundflower SoundFlower]

==External links==

*[http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/SSTV Wikipedia entry on SSTV]
*[http://www.blackcatsystems.com/ipad/iPad_SSTV_Pad.html SSTV App]: SSTV Software for the iPad
*[http://www.blackcatsystems.com/software/cw-rtty-sstv-fax-psk31-packet-decoding-software.html MultiMode]: SSTV Software for the Macintosh
*[https://hamsoft.ca/pages/mmsstv.php MM-SSTV]: MM Hamsoft - Official English Website for JE3HHT
*[https://wiki.radioreference.com/index.php/HF_Software_Decoders HF Software Decoders] '''Note:''' Offsite wiki
** See Section 5 for a list of applications for Windows, Linux, Mac, Android, and Iphone/Ipad/IPod.

---
* Return to [[Pirate Radio New Listener Guide and FAQ]]
* Go to [[Can I Get a QSL from Pirates]]

[[Category: Transmission modes]]
[[Category: Pirate radio esoterica]]

SSTV

2020-08-30T19:50:30Z

Ka3jjz: /* External links */

[[Image:WBNY043006.jpg|right|thumb|300px|[[WBNY]] SSTV message.]]
[[Image:2006-1123-1859-wbny-sstv.jpg|right|thumb|300px|Sometimes SSTV images are used to make fun of or annoy SWLs.]]
'''Slow Scan Television''' or '''SSTV''' is a method of transmitting pictures on a narrow voice channel. While it is used primarily by hams, pirate radio operators occasionally transmit pictures on shortwave by this method. Regular [[amateur radio]] SSTV activity is centered on 14230 kHz.

==SSTV reception==
The SSTV signal can be decoded from [[SSB]] reception by running the audio output from the receiver to a PC sound card, and using software designed to convert the signal to an image. In a pinch, a microphone connected to the sound card can be held up to the receiver's speaker. A decent, free software package for transmitting and receiving SSTV is MMSSTV.

===Connection Issues===
This has become an increasingly difficult topic, due to changes in Windows itself. Prior to Windows 8.1, it wasn't uncommon for PCs to have line in and/or mic in jacks.
Now with modern laptops, these jacks are gone. Often this means you will need to purchase a USB soundcard, which has its own drivers. These articles discuss this topic
in more detail;
* [https://wiki.radioreference.com/index.php/Connecting_Radios_to_Soundcards Connecting Radios to Soundcards] '''Note:''' Offsite wiki
* [[Windows Audio Routing]] For Windows7 and XP

===Connecting to a Software Defined Radio (SDR)===
With many - though not all- digital decoding programs, you will need software to route audio from a SDR. This is done through virtual audio devices; links to software for doing this are presented below. Any additions to this list are welcome.
====Windows====
*[https://www.kvraudio.com/product/vb-cable-by-vb-audio VB-Cable]
*[https://vac.muzychenko.net/en/ Virtual Audio Cable]
*[https://www.vb-audio.com/Voicemeeter/index.htm Voicemeeter]
** Also see 'Banana' and 'Potato' available on the same site
====Linux====
* [https://jackaudio.org/ Jack Audio]
* [https://www.freedesktop.org/wiki/Software/PulseAudio/ Pulse Audio]
* [https://www.alsa-project.org/wiki/Matrix:Module-aloop snd aloop]
====Mac====
* [https://rogueamoeba.com/audiohijack/ Audio Hijack]
* [https://www.macupdate.com/app/mac/14067/soundflower SoundFlower]

==External links==

*[http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/SSTV Wikipedia entry on SSTV]
*[http://www.blackcatsystems.com/ipad/iPad_SSTV_Pad.html SSTV App]: SSTV Software for the iPad
*[http://www.blackcatsystems.com/software/cw-rtty-sstv-fax-psk31-packet-decoding-software.html MultiMode]: SSTV Software for the Macintosh
*[https://hamsoft.ca/pages/mmsstv.php MM-SSTV]: MM Hamsoft - Official English Website for JE3HHT
*[https://wiki.radioreference.com/index.php/HF_Software_Decoders HF Software Decoders] '''Note: Offsite wiki'''
** See Section 5 for a list of applications for Windows, Linux, Mac, Android, and Iphone/Ipad/IPod.

---
* Return to [[Pirate Radio New Listener Guide and FAQ]]
* Go to [[Can I Get a QSL from Pirates]]

[[Category: Transmission modes]]
[[Category: Pirate radio esoterica]]