posted 02-13-2005 16:12            

The first pirate that I heard was a QSO Radio Animal (WKND) and RF Burns (Radio Clandestine) were conducting playing music back and forth. Ever since that I have been hooked and even went on to start my own station for a few years.

One other thing you may want to keep in mind is that some pirates broadcast in single sideband.

You mentioned that you like MT's "Outer Limits", that's good. Another magazine you might want to look into is Hobby Broadcasting.

I wish you all the best in hearing pirates and hope you have years of enjoyment listening to shortwave.

posted 02-13-2005 16:42            

1) Although, recently, 6925u has been the frequency of choice, pirates turn up on other frequencies every once in a while. 6950u and 6955u come to mind, but many others have been used. I like to have my radio scan through at least the above three frequencies. I think your radio has this ability, too.

2) Keep a log, preferably on your computer. I just use Word, and I type in each entry in the same format. Essential information is ID, date + time UTC, frequency, mode (AM, USB, LSB, etc.), and a note as to signal quality and reception conditions; I use SIO. If you want a QSL you should also note program material, such as songs played. Some pirates appreciate comments about how you liked (or disliked) the show. Oftentimes a pirate won't identify immediately, or not at all, and a search through the logs for the song or other program material can help with the id. Also, you can cut and paste your log to places on the net, such as the Vines, email to the ACE loggings department, and the like.

3) Have a clock handy that is set to UTC. I use a cheap MFJ LED clock. It runs forever on an AAA battery. The only complaint I have about it is that it doesn't have a light. Make sure whatever you choose shows the date as well as the time.

4) Many pirates will respond to a signal report with a QSL card or package. The usual ways of reporting are via a "blind" maildrop, posting the report plus your address on the Vines, and via email. If he QSLs, the pirate will mention the method in the broadcast; make a note in your log. Maildrops usually require 3 first-class stamps included with the report, to finance the postage charges for passing it on to the pirate and sending back the QSL. Canadian stations prefer cash or IRCs. If you send in a log, do not be discouraged if you don't get a response right away. QSLs can take months or years to appear, or, can show up in a matter of hours in the case of email QSLs.

5) It's not unusual for a pirate to send out SSTV images, usually down on 6925u. If you have a soundcard and a microphone, you can capture these images. I use MMSSTV, from http://mmhamsoft.ham-radio.ch/mmsstv/. It's free, and seems to work pretty well.

6) Watch the Vines logs section while listening. Usually someone will log a station immediately after it starts broadcasting, and you can then tune in without missing much. There is a TopicA mailing list that used to have realtime reports of pirates, but no one seems to use it much any more; I don't even remember how to suscrube, but perhaps someone will post the instructions.

7) Subscribe to the Free Radio Weekly by sending email to one or all of the below:
CO-EDITOR: Niel Wolfish [niel@ican.net]
CO-EDITOR: Greg Majewski {GREG-MAJEWSKI@WORLDNET.ATT.NET]
CO-EDITOR: Harold Frodge [yukon@tm.net]
CO-EDITOR: John Sedlacek [johnsedlacek@yahoo.com]
Subscribe to the ACE. While neither of these are realtime, they provide valuable information about where and when you might listen in the future, and have other pirate-related info as well.

8) Andrew Yoder has published several pirate radio books. Pirate Radio Operations will give you an idea of just how these stations get on the air, and Pirate Radio Stations, which gives a survey of pirates and the topic in general. Both are a bit dated now, but for a beginner still well worth the price.

posted 02-13-2005 17:58            

You live in one of the best areas to hear pirates. You can hear a pirate at almost any time but I will narrow it down for you. The best times to listen are 2200-0200 UTC Thursday-Monday evenings and additionaly at 1200-1700 UTC on Saturday and Sunday mornings. As the days get longer, the band opens later and stays open longer.

Expect to hear some strong stations a little before and after local sunset and also Saturday and Sunday mornings.

posted 02-15-2005 12:23         

quote:

---

Originally posted by Commander Bunny:
Check your tire pressure often!

Commander Bunny

---

What if he doesn't own a rickshaw, car, bike or other vehicle?

posted 02-15-2005 01:10            

quote:

---

Originally posted by Vijay Nehru:
What if he doesn't own a rickshaw, car, bike or other vehicle?

---

I'll wing it I guess. Thanks to everyone who shared tips and pointers with me. I appreciate it very much. I look forward to hearing some of the pirate stations on SW.

posted 02-15-2005 03:12            

Theres not much stuff on during the late nights, I mean late for pirate radio standards I recall Syko Radio jamming music during the late night hours, this station has shut down however. KIPM did late night marathons but this station also has shut down operations. Syko was my first pirate BTW, back in the good days.

A real good time to listen is like 1200 UTC on Sunday mornings and later on. I've heard some broadcasting in the afternoons too. WHGW has a broadcast on Sundays I've listened to with good signals.

posted 02-16-2005 01:35            

quote:

---

Originally posted by Pigmeat:
You're not the guy who writes all those cheesy books are you?

---