
GUIDE TO HASSLE-FREE OPERATION OF A PIRATE RADIO STATION
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PREFACE

It is the opinion of the author that many pirate radio stations are
founded upon the principle of novelity.  That is, their founders either
find it amusing to inch over the lines of the law, or they get a ceratin
kick out of doing something to make themselves different from their
peers.  Such stations seem unworthy of the label, "pirate radio station."

In a world of increasing regulation and control, deviance from established
modes of behavior is tolerated less and less.  New ways are constantly
being discovered by the government to discourage deviant behavior.  The
broadcast community is already regulated by the government and extremely
limited in its ability to present alternative expressions.  Pirate radio
stations enjoy an unfettered ability to present alternative ideas and
music and thus are a source of free expressions not carrying the government
stamp of approval.

The operation of a pirate radio station is likely to create some contro-
versy if its audience is substantial enough.  This controversy is likely
to attract the attention of the authorities who are less than happy when
during the course of exercising their First Amendment rights, people
present ideas not approved of by the establishment.  Thus, it behooves
those who would operate a pirate radio station to prepare for the in-
evitable attempts by the law enforcement community to apprehend the
responsible individuals and to shut the operation down.  This exposition
is written with the goal of making law enforcements objectives just a
little bit more challenging to realize.


TABLE OF CONTENTS

I.           Station Operation
II.          Avoiding the Authorities 
III.         Dealing with the Authorities
Appendix A   Suggested Equipment
Appendix B   Further reading

I.  BASIC STATION OPERATION

Careful choices regarding the station location, duration of broadcasts,
time of broadcasts, and frequency of broadcasts need to be made in order
to minimize the chances of being caught by the authorities.

Under no circumstances should you ever attempt to operate a pirate radio
station from a building you regularly frequent (e.g. home or office).
This is asking to be caught.  You should choose between operation from
a vehicle or man-portable operation.

If you choose to broadcast from within a vehicle, several factors should
be considered when choosing a broadcast location.  In addition to the
obvious goal of maximizing your elevation for good signal propogation,
you should select a location that is well hidden or not likely to arouse
anyone's suspicion and you should consider any difficulties that may
come up should you need to leave suddenly and quickly.

The location you broadcasts from should not arouse the suspicion of any
passing vehicles.  An ideal location would be one that is well hidden
from all roadways and far enough away from any buildings so as not to
attract the attention of their residents.  In addition, there should be
more than one path away from your broadcast location should need for a
hasty retreat become necessary.

In order to locate "undesirable" radio transmissions, the authorities
will utilize direction finding (DF for short) radio equipment.  Direction
finding equipment utilizes a highly directional antenna coupled to a
tuner and a field strength meter.  After the desired frequency has been
selected with the tuner, the operator rotates the DF antenna until he
obtains a peak reading on the field strength meter and then notes the
heading the antenna is pointed in.  Next, a vector is drawn on a map
beginning at the operators current location and extending in the direction
of the DF antenna's heading.  Assuming the "undesirable" radio transmission
hasn't moved, successive readings from different locations should result
in vectors that intersect at the origin of the transmission.  In practice,
because of limitations on the accuracy of the equipment, it is not possible
to precisely determine the location of the transmitter from the first set
of readings.  Usually, additional sets of readings will be necessary before
the location of the transmitter can be narrowed down sufficiently to allow
a ground search for it.

In order to thwart DF equipment, you must be willing to either limit the
length of your transmissions such that the authorities have insufficient
time to locate your radio transmissions, or you must operate from a mov-
ing vehicle.  Although possible, neither of these options is particularly
attractive, and alternatives do exist.

If you are fortunate enough to live in a location with significant areas
of forest nearby, these can often be ideal locations from which to stage
your broadcasts.  At nighttime, the authorities are very unlikely to
venture into the woods in order to locate a pirate radio station.  They
are far too vulnerable in such situations and generally will not pursue
a suspect unless the odds are overwhelmingly in their favor.  Rather, they
will cover any obvious means into or out of the woods (such as a trail)
or any roadways in the general vicinity of the broadcasting and search any
suspicious individuals or vehicles they discover during the period of time
immediately following the broadcast.  By taking a few simple precautions,
broadcasting from within a forested area of reasonable size can be the
best alternative to mobile operation or 30-minute broadcasts.

It is advisable to first visit the location you intend to broadcast from
during the day.  Pick a location not too close to any roads or paths and
make sure you will be able to find it in the dark.  Relatively high points
with a line-of-sight to your listeners is another important thing to look
for.  Think about where you are going to put your antenna.  Is there a tree
nearby that will provide an ideal placement?  Can you climb it at night
without risk of falling?  How much coax will you need to reach the antenna
from your broadcast location?  Think about several different paths of
escape should the need arise.  Explore these for a short distance to
ascertain their viability.

After finding a good location to make your broadcasts from, there will be
a strong temptation to use that location again and again for future broad-
casts.  Unless you want to be caught, resist this temptation.  The auth-
orities may have located a site you have used previously, and could be
waiting for you nearby the next time you try to broadcast.  Also, when you
have finished your broadcast and are packing up, keep in mind that anything
you leave behind will help the authorities in their quest to find you and
bring you to "justice."  Assume the authorities will scour the area shortly
after you depart so make sure you leave nothing behind for them.  If there
are smooth surfaces around, don't forget about fingerprints.  Either wear
gloves during your broadcast, or spray everything you might have touched
with a degreaser before leaving.


II.  AVOIDING THE AUTHORITIES

(Detection and Evasion)

There are two phases to avoiding capture by the authorities.  In the first
phase, the goal is to detect them well before they have detected you.  In
the second phase, the goal is to escape without being detected or caught.
Success in the first phase will greatly influence the outcome of the
second phase.

The authorities rely heavily upon radio for communication.  As a result,
it pays to purchase a decent scanner and become familiar with its use and
the operating procedures of the authorities.  Frequency lists are avail-
able which list the frequencies used by law enforcement in your area.  In
addition, books are available which list federal frequency assignments.
You should spend time going through such books and making a list of freq-
uencies you think may be used in the event a search for your station were
to be conducted.  Don't forget to include mutual-aid frequencies in your
list as they are often used when different enforcement agencies want to
coordinate with one another.  You should spend some time in the general
area you will be broadcasting from listening to the scanner to determine
which frequencies on your list are appropriate for scanning and prune the
remainder from your list.  While it is generally better to leave a quest-
ionable frequency on your list, irrelevant channels may reduce the prob-
ability you will hear something important on another channel.

Whenever possible, you should take along someone you trust to your broad-
cast site and have them stand patrol.  They should wear dark (black or
camoflage) clothing and find a location to stand where they have a good
view of any obvious routes of approach to your broadcast area.  A pair of
walkie-talkies is ideal for keeping in touch if you will be separated by
more than a few tens of feet.  Keep in mind that your transmissions could
be monitored so watch what you say.  Don't use names or other information
which could give away your identity or location.  If you are using flash-
lights, purchase some red tailight tape at an auto parts store and cover
the lens with it to reduce your chances of being seen and to maintain your
night vision.

If there are just a couple of obvious routes leading to your broadcast
location, you might consider setting up perimeter alarms along those
routes.  Various party noise-makers are commonly available at toy stores
which make a bang when a string to which they are attached is pulled.
Using some thin wire, tie one of these noise-makers between a pair of
trees through which the route you want to alarm passes through.  Make
sure the wire is obscured as much as possible to minimize its chance of
detection by any intruders.  Make sure you set such alarms far enough
away to give you enough time to make your escape but close enough that
you will be able to easily hear them.

The key to successfully escaping from the authorities can be summarized
as follows:  DON'T PANIC.  Proper planning is essential.  You should have
planned several routes of escape beforehand and considered what to do with
your equipment.  If time allows, you will want to pack it up and take it
with you.  If you need to escape quickly, hiding it may be your best
option.  This might be as simple as covering it with something to camo-
flage it.  Perhaps you even found a good place to set it up that already
takes advantage of natural cover and it is pretty well hidden to begin
with.  Assuming you are operating at night, it also helps enourmously to
wear dark clothing and remove any shiny objects such as jewelry or watches
(leave them at home).

You will likely become aware of the authorities plans for you through one
of two means.  You will hear about a search on your scanner or you will
detect their physical presence.  In the former case, you probably have
plenty of time to pack up your equipment and make a careful escape.  You
may want to leave incriminating evidence such as your equipment hidden
somewhere and come back later for it when the heat is off.  Plastic
garbage bags are ideal for protecting equipment left in the woods for a
few days.  In the latter case, remaining calm and using your head could
will make the difference between being caught with your pants down and
just having a close call.

The instinctive reaction to the presence (impending or actual) of the
authorities is to flee.  The authorities know this and if they are even
marginally competent will have taken steps to maximize their chances of
capturing individuals mindlessly running away.  Unless they have obviously
seen you and are actively pursuing you, you should stop and force yourself
to look around and consider what options are open to you.  Approximately
how many people are after you?  Are they far enough away that you can move
away from them without them seeing or hearing you?  Perhaps it would be
best to try to remain hidden until they are far enough away that you can
more safely risk slipping away?

Unless you are certain that your vehicle has not been detected by the
authorities (because it was extremely well hidden, or parked with a
number of other vehicles, for instance), then do not approach it after
your presence has been detected.  It is very likely that the authorities
will have discovered it and left someone behind to watch it.  By itself,
the vehicle is little more than weak circumstantial evidence to connect
you with any wrongdoing, but if you are caught returning to it (especially
with equipment), you will probably live to regret it.  You should have
previously considered other means of getting home if there was trouble
and follow those plans.


III.  DEALING WITH THE AUTHORITIES

(What to do when you get caught with your pants down)

There are at least two different ways of getting caught.  The FCC could
catch you and send you a notice of violation or the police could catch
you while broadcasting or while attempting to flee them after broadcast-
ing.  Two entirely different methods are called for when dealing with
each of these.

If you receive a FCC notice of violation, you are probably best off
ignoring it.  If they start getting serious about trying to collect fines
from you, I'd suggest picking up a copy of "How to File for Bankruptcy"
by Nolo Press.  It details a number of different strategies for keeping
bill-collectors out of your pockets, and if necessary, tells you how to
file for protection from creditors (it helps if you don't have a lot
of obvious assets -- a house or expensive car, for instance).  You may
also wish to discuss your options with an experienced attorney.

If you are apprehended by the police during a broadcast or after an
unsuccessful attempt at fleeing from them, remain calm.  They will ask
you questions related to the incident for which you have been apprehended.
It is ok to answer questions about your identity, but do not answer any
questions related to any illegal activities you have been involved with.
If you can get away with telling them you don't know the answer to their
question(s), do this, otherwise answer politely but firmly that you cannot
help them.  If it isn't obvious (e.g. you have not been read your Miranda
rights), ask them if you are under arrest.  If not, you are free to go.
If so, tell them you would like to speak with your attorney before
answering any further questions and then KEEP YOUR MOUTH SHUT.  They may
try to trick you into incriminating yourself or providing them with info-
rmation that will assist them in building a case against you.  Do not
help them!  Make sure any and all people that are with you are thoroughly
familiar with these procedures as one person slipping up could have devas-
tating results for everyone involved.

It's probably a good idea to carry the name and phone number of an attorney
specializing in criminal law with you whenever you are involved in such
activities.  Attorneys are very useful when it comes to reducing the police's
likelihood of violating your civil rights and they can arrange to have you
bailed out promptly as well.


Appendix A -- Suggested Equipment

Power:

Motorcycle batteries make ideal power sources.  They are available in a
number of different sizes.  A 12-14AH battery will power a typical 25-
35 watt station for at least two hours before needing to be recharged.
These batteries are light enough to be carried in a backpack along with
other equipment for several miles by a single person if necessary.

You will also need to purchase some wire to connect the motorcycle
battery with the transmitting equipment.  For the power amplifier,
especially, make sure you don't use thin wire.  It could draw 5 amperes
or more which will not only cause thin wires to get hot, but will also
result in a substantial voltage drop across the wires as a resulting
loss of power output.  In general, 18-gauge wire should be sufficient
for amps up to 25-35 watts.

It is advisable to buy a cheap analog voltmeter that can be clipped onto
the battery during a broadcast to monitor its condition.  Any sudden
drop in voltage across the battery indicates it is discharged, and
measures should then be taken to switch to another power source or end
the broadcast.  Digital voltmeters are harder to read from a distance or
at night and are more expensive.

Transmitting Equipment:

Obviously, you'll need an FM transmitter.  A number of kits are available.
Any kit that runs off of 12VDC will do.  If you want your signal to prop-
ogate more than a few miles, you should get a power amplifier, too.
Power outputs around 25-35 watts are ideal for portable operation with a
motorcycle battery as the power source.

Antennas:

Most FM antennas have 300 ohms of impedance.  Most FM transmitters and
amplifiers expect a load of 50 to 75 ohms.  It is important to match
the load the transmitter/amplifier sees to the antenna in order to get
as much signal out as possible and in order to prevent damage to the
transmitter/amplifier.  For low-power setups (under 5 watts or so), one
way to do this is with a common 75/300 ohm transformer.  These are sold
at Radio Shack.  They mate to a female F-connector, so it would be
advisable to get whatever adapter you need to mate your coax to the
transformer (most coax has BNC or UHF connectors on it).  Running more
power through this small transformer will probably saturate it and cause
the output signal to be distorted.

For higher power setups, you can make a 1/2-wave dipole with two 1/4-
wave lengths of wire and some coax.  The J-Pole antenna is also relatively
easy to make and very portable.  See, for example, the ARRL Handbook
(available at most libraries and many bookstores) for instructions on
making these and other antennas.  It should also be possible to build
a 50 or 75/300 ohm transformer to enable you to use commercial FM antennas
with your transmitter.  Once again, the ARRL Handbook is an ideal source
of information for how to do this.

An SWR meter is an invaluable aid to checking the performance of your
FM antenna.  They should always be used anytime you are transmitting
with more than a watt or so of power in order to detect a bad match
between the transmitter and the antenna before the transmitter becomes
damaged.  Once again, Radio Shack sells relatively inexpensive SWR meters
that are adequate.  Better ones can be obtained at your local amateur
radio store.

Make sure you purchase enough coax cable to allow you to place your
antenna a reasonable distance from your transmitting equipment.  50
feet is a good compromise between signal loss and flexibility in antenna
placement.  RG/58 is adequate for such short runs of cable, but you
should consider using RG/8X or RG/8 if you need longer runs of cable.

Audio:

Many radio stations will want the ability to broadcast pre-recorded
material from a tape or CD as well as live material from a microphone.
A mixer is an essential piece of equipment for such operation.  Small,
battery powered mixer decks are inexpensive and available from Radio
Shack.  By connecting them between your microphone, CD player, tape
player, and transmitting equipment you will be able to switch between
any of several sources or mix them together.

If you want to use a portable CD player, bear in mind the expected
battery life of a fully charged cell, and make sure you bring an extra
if you plan a long broadcast.  Likewise for a walkman.  Also, you will
need an assortment of patch cables to connect your CD player, walkman,
microphone, and mixer together.  Once again, Radio Shack is a good source
for pre-made cables of this type.

Miscellaneous:

It is advisable to bring along an FM radio.  This will allow you to
monitor your transmissions to make sure you are getting good modulation
and you are tuned to the frequency you want to be.

A piece of foam or other material upon which to place electronic
equipment to keep it away from dirt and rocks is advisable.  It is
also good for sitting on.

Strong, thin cord is handy for tying up your antenna in a nearby tree
or other tall structure.

Headlamps (head-mounted flashlights) are invaluable for nighttime
broadcasting.  Purchase some red taillight-repair tape at your local
auto supply store and cover the lens with it to turn the beam red and
thus preserve your night vision.

Don't forget to bring along a bottle of water and some snacks to eat
during your broadcast.

Security:

Buy yourself a decent scanner.  Next, get a copy of local, state, and
federal frequency assignments for your area.  Program the scanner with
the local police, sheriff's department, mutual aid frequencies, and
anything else you think might be relevant.  Spend some time monitoring
the authorities to become familiar with the operating practices of them.

A partner can be an invaluable aid during a pirate radio broadcast.  Make
sure he is someone you can trust!  While one person operates the radio
equipment, the other person can monitor the scanner and watch the peri-
meter for intruders.  Walkie Talkies are an ideal way for the DJ to stay
in touch with his security.


Appendix B -- Further Reading

o  Barnett, Richard; Monitor America, SMB Puslishing, 1992,
   ISBN #0-939430-19-3

Contains lists of frequencies used by the local, state, and federal
government for the entire United States.

o  Hughes, Gene; Police Call, assorted volumes, Hollins Radio Data, 1991

Available at Radio Shack.  Various volumes cover local, state, and some
federal government frequencies for various regions in the United States.

o  ARRL; ARRL Handbook, ARRL, 1992

Available at many bookstores and Amateur Radio stores.  Contains a wealth
of information about amateur radio station operation much of which is
applicable to pirate radio as well.  Contains information on constructing
transmitters, amplifiers and antennas, among other things.

o  Swanson, Chamelin & Territon, Criminal Investigation, Harcort Brace,
   1992, ISBN # 0-07-062618-9

If you want to become familiar with police investigative techniques, this
is an excellent place to start.  Contains a wealth of information which
when applied appropriately will better enable you to avoid undesirable
run-ins with the authorities when involved in questionable activities.


