From: anarky.enet.dec.com 
Subject: SW-oriented FAQ
Organization: Digital Equipment Corporation - Marlboro, MA
Date: 19 NOV 92 20:52:16    


	Below is an attempt at a FAQ listing for this group.
	If it seems useful, I'll update it and post it periodically.
	Suggestions are naturally welcome.
	Rgds,
	/john
	If this tends to be Shortwave oriented, that's because it is.
	Mycal has a FM-10 oriented FAQ available. 
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	> How do I hear a Pirate station?

	Listen a lot. The primary broadcast region is 7410-7430 Khz.
	Other areas are 6900-7000 Khz, 15040-15060, 21490-21510
	1610-1625 Khz.  Pirates can be heard at any time, but weekend
	evenings and holidays are prime times. 7415 is unquestionably
	the primary shortwave operating frequency.

	FM pirates are regional (naturally) and can be heard anywhere in
	the FM broadcast band.

	> What kind of equipment do I need to hear Pirates.

	Any shortwave receiver is capable of hearing pirate broadcasts.
	As with any signal, the better the receiving equipment, the better
	and the more you will hear.  More importantly, the better the 
	antenna, the better the reception. While commercial shortwave
	stations may transmit using 100,000 watts of power, Pirates
	usually use only 50-200 watts, so reception is a bit more
	challenging. Put up the best antenna you possibly can... a
	half-wave dipole or a sloper will give good results.

	>How do I get a QSL card from a station?
	
	Most Pirate stations use a maildrop. These post office boxes
	serve to forward mail to and from stations and listeners. 
	The station will usually request three first class stamps
	in addition to your report. One of these stamps will be used to
	send your report TO the mail drop, the second will be used to 
	forward your QSL and any correspondence from the station to 
	the drop, and the third will be used to forward the info from
	the drop to you. ALWAYS furnish the requested amount of postage,
	as maildrops and station ops are providing a service to you.

	Send in a detailed report, with times and notes of the programming.
	Include information on yourself, your equipment, and comments
	on the technical quality and the programming.

	> What is a QSL card?

	A QSL is a momento of your reception. It ususally takes the form
	of a postcard, or a letter from the operator.  Some folks collect
	them as a measure of their listening sucesses.

	>What equipment do pirates use?

	Everything and anything. In the shortwave bands, converted ham 
	equipment is the norm, particularly, older plate modulated
	AM gear. SSB is occasionally used, but due to the nature
	of the audio, is hard on the ears during musical selections.
	
	FM gear is either homebrewed,  amplified part 15 kits, or
	old commercial exciters.
	
	> What can I hear on a Pirate broadcast?

	Anything from childishly amateur hold-the-mic-to-the-speaker
	transmissions, to  professionally produced broadcasts, and 
	everything in between.  The randomness of the programming is one
	of its attractions.

	> Are Pirates operating at risk?

	Yes. The FCC _has_ and _does_ pursue pirate operators. If a
	station gets widely heard, and gets lots of visibility, chances are
	the FCC will attempt to locate the station. Busts are regular, though
	some stations avoid detection for long periods of time due to
	carefully planned operation, or just plain luck. The FCC's monitoring
	network is capable of locating a shortwave station within a 10 mile
	radius within _minutes_ without rolling a station wagon. (Vans
	have been replaced with smooth-topped, computer guided DF
	station wagons. DF antennas are laminated into a replacement
	fiberglass roof.)

	A first offense usually results in a $1000 fine. There have
	been recent published reports of an individual in South TX
	recieving a 6 month jail sentence for a second offense 
	involving a FM station. Equipment confiscation also happens.
	Loss of any ham or commercial license is almost certain.

	Note that the first-offense fine has been raised to the 7-8K
	buck level since the summer of 1992.

	> Can I obtain a low power FM or AM license?

	Probably not. The FCC does not offer any low power community
	licenses anymore. It's cheaper and easier to BUY an existing	
	station, than to obtain a new permit. Plan on a minimum of 
	$100,000 to get the license. Equipment costs are extra. The
	FCC requires a _large_ escrow account to be created for
	any new station licencees.


	> Where can I get more information?

		
	The ACE (Association of Clandestine Enthusiasts)
	POB  11201
	Shawnee Mission KS 
	66207-0201
	
	The ACE is a THE source for Pirate info. Loggings, Station news,
	and QSL information are all included in the monthly newsletter.
	$18/yr US.

	Pirate Pages. (PiPa)
	PO Box 109
	Blue Ridge Summit
	PA 17214
	(Write for rates)

	A one sheet biweekly newsletter with loggings and info. 

	Pirate Radio Stations
	Andrew Yoder
	TAB Books
	$12.95

	Slightly dated but very thorough book on the Pirate scene.
	Lots of pictures and history.

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