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Amateur radio?
- Thread starter Cyberdude
- Start date
I am not a ham myself but spent many hours talking to one (technicians travelling together daily in a car – he was a passionate ham). One of the things I remember (this was a long time ago) was that the reason why building an AM transmitter to qualify for a radio Ham license was discontinued was because their transmissions were too ‘dirty’. With the crowded radio spectrum, modern transmitters had better filters and emitted a much ‘cleaner’ signal. A ‘clean’ transmitter was beyond the capabilities of home brew transmitters built by the average Ham. I remember them with fondness. Hams were a decent lot, passionate about their hobby and willing to talk to anyone who showed interest. Thirty years ago (when I last had contact) they were bouncing signals off the moon and talking about ‘packet switching’ data between satellites. I imagine things have advanced since then.
On a related issue - what about a pirate radio station for S.A. (employment here for Hams)? Like Radio Caroline used to be in the U.K. (www.radiocaroline.co.uk) or ‘Voice of Peace’ was in Israel? It seems (relatively) technically simple although the business case would be much more complicated. Tow an old hulk (with decent generators) out beyond the limit, anchor permanently and broadcast to coastal cities (mainly Durban & Cape Town). Viola! An old oil-rig platform would be better, but more expensive. A relay (another hulk) might be necessary for either CT or Durbs. (probably Durban) to extend the range of the broadcast, but it seems doable. Johannesburg would be out of range, although things like Internet Radio should be looked at.
The station would be free from the alphabet soup of restrictions (PC, AA, BEE, etc.) and could target audiences with money. Besides, the SABC sucks. Imagine a radio station with decent programming. Advertisers would flock. It would do no harm to staff to have it on their CV (might be an advantage). It seems so obvious, why hasn’t it been done? Too expensive? The Indian Ocean too hostile? (Radio Caroline was in the North Sea). The government too hostile? Am I missing something?
Kilgore_Trout_Redux
Executive Member
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Government is too hostile for pirate radio I'm afraid.
Unless they propose to take direct action on the high seas outside their jurisdiction, there is nothing they can do about it. It is illegal to purchase a transmitter in South Africa without a license. Who cares? The legality of the entire enterprise is dodgy so don’t be constrained by licenses (used by the government to put a spoke in your wheel) and such. If you are going to break the law you might as well do it properly. I had a debate with a Muslim guy (presumably he wanted to start one about Allah) on another forum so much of this is cut ‘n paste.
SA fishing rights extend 200 miles (or maybe km) out to sea. To be away from SA jurisdiction for a pirate radio station, it is 3 miles (that’s close). Google it. It is actually common to do this outside the UK and US. I am no import/export/customs expert but investigating freighting the equipment directly to the transmitting platform or routing equipment unopened (and unchecked) through SA, in ‘bond’ so to speak, should be looked into. End-run the interfering authorities.
Transmission power need not be as high as conventional transmitters. Remember, its water not ground. No obstructions. Besides, you can put an antenna pretty high if the ship is dedicated (MTN mast dimensions). Even higher on an oil-rig platform. As transmission would be directed towards the coast, an omnidirectional antenna would be a waste. With a bit of innovative antenna design it should be possible to transmit only through 180 degrees. Effectively doubling your transmission power. There are many pirate radio sites, a project such as this would require their expertise. No sense in reinventing the wheel.
Another option? Matthew Buckland (past editor & manager of the M&G Online) wrote a piece in “The Media” magazine (November 2004, page 47) about radio streaming. This raised some questions in my mind. I am not knowledgeable about internet radio but it occurred to me that a pirate radio station may be too complicated. With internet radio you don’t need actual transmission (so no-one can find your base) and the hosts of a controversial site could save themselves a lot of grief by staying clandestine. Buckland mentioned that an early initiative had crashed and burned. Why? Is it not time to try again? If it’s difficult to start a site in SA can’t SA ex-pats start a site? Is Telkom crippling (as usual) broadband services? Are we too apathetic? Is the business case unfeasible?
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A business opportunity? With fossil fuels being out-of-favour because of global warming, a lot of oil-rig platforms will come onto the market cheap. They are made to be converted into a radio station. Helicopter pads for rotating staff (1 month on), accommodation that can be fixed to a 5 star standard, more space (no roughnecks), tall oil derricks to support aerials, etc. What about a franchise operation?
Picture it. Oil platforms 3 miles out to sea along the East and West coasts of Africa. Immune to the blood-crazed, toi-toing, machete wielding masses. Even if they are capable, maritime law takes a dim view of aggressive actions on the high seas. Transmitting into countries independent of the local scumbucket dictator’s propaganda. Cheap (local dialect) audio programming (not like TV). Everyone has a transistor radio. You heard it here first.
ettubrute
Expert Member
Hmmm.... Something like the "boat that rocked" ? 
Very interesting idea! Keep me in the loop!
Very interesting idea! Keep me in the loop!
I can’t ‘keep you in the loop’. It’s an idea – you’re welcome to it. I hope I can look forward to a frustrated Bob, Malema and Zuma throwing themselves around as these anti-revolutionary ‘independent’ radio stations broadcast legacy of apartheid, colonialist and previously disadvantaged rhetoric and ‘DA propaganda’.
Hosehead
Executive Member
Independent, unauthorised radio stations will be used for African Airforces bombing practice as in /oops a missle went astray. sorry. or for those countries with navy and subs, torpedo practice. Same results.
I don’t think so. They risk starting a tit-for-tat retaliation from those charged with upholding maritime law (the international community) as in “oops a missile went astray and sunk your navy, presidential barge, etc” Even if they are capable (doubtful) any mealy-mouthed excuses about an “honest mistake” won’t be believed.