Back in the 1960's a friend of mine took the service door off a lamppost that was on a bridge over a main road. He hooked up a twenty watt transmitter to the mains and used a surplus US military UHF transmitter to transmit the audio to it from his house a mile away. The lamppost was not grounded worth a damn as it was attached to a concrete base. My friend used an L match to match the transmitter to the lamppost using the lamppost as the antenna and the mains power ground as the RF ground. It worked great and his transmitter could be heard for miles. It took over two years for the GPO to actually find it. Eventually they finally put in a maximum effort to locate the transmitter. They ended up driving from one side of the bridge to the other until they finally figured out where it was. Being remote with UHF linked audio, my friend was never caught.
Great stuff, brought back many memories. I remember listening to RNI - Radio North Sea International - when they were being jammed by the government from a transmitter in Rochester. It was a strong beeping sound but the station kept going and we kept listening in defiance. One night they closed down, as usual at about 1 am, and the jamming also stopped about 10 minutes later. Then, after a while, RNI came back on the air again having left enough time for the bloke on shore to pack up and go home! I listened for an hour or more but the jamming didn't start again until the next morning so we chalked that one up as a point to us.
Your yesteryears and your story’s. Are great. Enjoy them all even two years later after you uploaded so glad TH-cam recommended your channel. Till next time 73 SIR.
I can't believe I spent 19 minutes listening ... but you are a great storyteller! Pure fun, especially for anyone who has been in radio for many years. Thank you!
Thanks Ray. Always loved being surrounded by my electronic equipment. An Extra class ham for many years. Working on and listening to the tube amps and FM receivers. All the joys I have had with electronics in my life, I still can't understand why someone pirates the air ways? How one person can be so destructive.. Thanks again Ray
A wonderful posting and a good story. I grew up with valves and operated a VHF station on 50Mc's in the 'Sixties. The trouble was just about everyone had a telly that was basically unshielded and in a wooden cabinet. The I-F's would just be swamped when I threw on the A-M carrier wave, and it was just like Pirating, except when I imagined the villagers marching up to the castle with pitchforks and torches!
Ah go on admit it, it was you Ray wasn't it! The Statute of limitations doesn't go back that far! you are safe. Loved your story! I used to charge 10 bob to tweek the local osc to get Radio Caroline back in the 60's 73's EI9DVB
Excellent video, I love this channel. I can’t believe people whinge and whine about ‘droning on etc’ I love the detail, the memories, you could treble the length of the videos and I’d still love them. There is absolutely nothing wrong with long videos when the content is this good. Long live Ray and his magic coffee cup👍👍
Nice story. My grandad was one of two original directors of Reece Mace from 1926 ... (& my MW rig in the 70s was a pair of KT88s driven via a 5763 from a EF91 VFO, with a 125W Bi-Pak solid state modulator ;o))
Using a converted car radio years ago, I managed to run a low power AM transmittion with a range of about 2 inches. With a range that small, the authorities would have had to be living in my house to hear it!!! LOL.
@@g4nsj I told a friend working in the Dept of Communications at the time and he told me that if he had a 2 inch truck I would cop it!!! LOL. Maybe, he could have used a Matchbox Car!!!
I'm studying for my technicians license here in Texas. Meanwhile, I'm soaking up all the information that I can. The local club hasn't responded to any of my emails, so I'm on my own. This story was fascinating. I plan to watch more of your videos.
Interesting story. I live in Melbourne Australia and during the 1980's, we heard several pirate radio broadcasts on both AM and FM bands. We also received some pirate TV broadcasts, with one of them, even transmitting Christmas wishes in December one year.
I've been waiting weeks for a new story Ray and this one certainly didn't disappoint! Great stuff, looking forward to the next one. You should write a book. 73
Came across this by accident. I certainly will watch all your videos. We could spend a good night chatting in the pub together. John Downtown Radio Dublin from the mid 70’s
The penny dropped for me when you were about half way though the story. I'm shouting at my screen "He's a HAM" hehe Life would be so much simpler for we electronics enthusiasts here in the UK if we had the equivalent of America's FCC part 15. Just for us to experiment without having to go for a HAM licence. (My nearest examination centre is too far away and I have limited mobility.)
Hi Nick, I've been sussed! Yes, I am a ham but I like all aspects of radio. CB radio or the 11 metre band is full of SSB stations so it might be worth having a go there. Cheers, Ray.
@@g4nsj I'm just a humble SWL myself but with probably at least sufficient technical know how to pass the intermediate exam including the practical stuff. I'd just need tutoring on the operating procedures and licence conditions stuff. However, I am happy enough as an electronics hobbyist but would love a 100mW rule like the Americans have to be able to play about with low power transmitters.
Yes, I remember it was the radio interference division of the Post Office that did the groundwork for finding pirates. I worked in the same building as one lot in Farringdon but on the international Telegraph side of the company.
What a great story mate, I pirate broadcast on FM on and of. Im going to build my own AM transmitter using ocilator and old transformer. I live in Crawley, and was wondering if you like to meet for a coffee one day. Would love to hear more stories.
I.m pretty sure that AM was limited to 10w on top band. I pirated on there very occasionally. Some of the net on there were G2 two letter call signs which were probably issued in the 1930's.
Very good yarn. Pirate television. About 1986, there was no TV transmitter for SBS television in Rockhampton in VK4 land. Some character who was an amateur and owned an electronics shop used to take the SBS feed off the satellite and re-transmit it locally on one of the VHF TV channels at about 10 W. I was a kilometre or two away and could receive it, but it wasn't so good. Maybe if I'd swung the antenna about, but never did. I'm pretty sure the radio inspectors knew but they were not bothered.
Lol! They never got me! They were trying for 3 years and I always managed to evade them, but this was not in the UK. The long wire antenna was going up during transmission and then disappear from sight as it was replaced by a thin fishing line that was tight up at one end! So, during the day the hardly visible fishing line was hanging between the two buildings while at night the antenna wire was taking its place, just by pulling the nylon line at one end! Great times c. 1967
@@g4nsj Hi Ray, great to hear from you, as it's been a while since you've been active on TH-cam. I trust all's well and hope the new year is kind to all of us as we started to 'get on' with age.. LOL! Best wishes my friend from 'down under' (..a very hot and smokey place at the moment!..) 73's
Love the old story Ray! Funny you remember so much detail although it wasn't you? Hmm... I love the way you explained it so that we can picture the scene as if we were there also. Great story telling. More... Bravo 73 Tom
Great stuff RAY, I`ve been waiting for this video and looking forward to the next one. I like the relaxed atmosphere like being in the shack with a true radio Elmer. Take care. Best wishes from David M0DAD
That could work back in the day, but so few have RF knowledge these days that they probably go to the amateur records early on in the tracking process.
That's how the FCC found my physical address back in high school as I was/am a licensed amateur. I was running a 1/2 watt FM station back then. Oopsie.
Thanks for sharing Ray love these story's I really would like to go back to those days !! That looks like a nice Amp you have there KT66's ? Please when you get time can you tell the G.W.M Worthing story ..Mr Grout? I brought so much from that place back in 1970,s What a gold mine that place was !! Cheers mate take care ..Mel..
Hi Mel, it's nice to hear from you. GWM Radio... Blimey,. those were the days! The shop has gone now but I have many happy memories of that amazing place and, maybe, I'll make a video. The valves in the amp were KT88s. Cheers, Ray.
We have all done it, just keep transmissions short. Old barbed wire fences worked well on MW.The 70s were great times. Had a close call via GPO funny I worked for them later. Mr Moxey in Cheltenham was on the ball, just watchout.
Oh, yes... I'm afraid you do drone on a bit, mate. You took 20 minutes to tell a 5-minute story. Haha... just like an American truck driver telling stories... they take forever to get to the point! Fortunately, you are pleasant to listen to, so not too difficult an endurance. :)
A few details, perhaps: 1.) He DID have a suitable mic or key next to the transmitter, right? 2.) He did have a history of 160 m contacts? Back then, at least in the USA, you had to maintain a logbook of every QSO, and keep it for FCC inspection. 3.) The antenna was properly tuned for decent SWR on 160 m. 4.) If the inspectors had asked him to make a 160 m contact right then and there, he could do so.
Sooo Ray, was that your hifi amplifier that was in your lounge back in the day? you know, with the reel recorder and phonograph connected to it... LOL on
BTW, did they check out the neighbor? That was the era of radio free Europe and the IRON CURTAIN, when the commies jammed radio. So there was some politics to pirate radio too. Don
![🎤 ไปกันต่อออ! จับฉลากร้องเพลง x P’ #XXSIVK [EP.2] (1/2) เพลงของใครจึ้งสุดน้าา 💓🎤 #MXFRUIT](http://i.ytimg.com/vi/mLI_K0sAS4o/mqdefault.jpg)
Back in the 1960's a friend of mine took the service door off a lamppost that was on a bridge over a main road. He hooked up a twenty watt transmitter to the mains and used a surplus US military UHF transmitter to transmit the audio to it from his house a mile away. The lamppost was not grounded worth a damn as it was attached to a concrete base. My friend used an L match to match the transmitter to the lamppost using the lamppost as the antenna and the mains power ground as the RF ground. It worked great and his transmitter could be heard for miles. It took over two years for the GPO to actually find it. Eventually they finally put in a maximum effort to locate the transmitter. They ended up driving from one side of the bridge to the other until they finally figured out where it was. Being remote with UHF linked audio, my friend was never caught.
Great stuff, brought back many memories. I remember listening to RNI - Radio North Sea International - when they were being jammed by the government from a transmitter in Rochester. It was a strong beeping sound but the station kept going and we kept listening in defiance. One night they closed down, as usual at about 1 am, and the jamming also stopped about 10 minutes later. Then, after a while, RNI came back on the air again having left enough time for the bloke on shore to pack up and go home! I listened for an hour or more but the jamming didn't start again until the next morning so we chalked that one up as a point to us.
I remember the jamming. Great station! Happy days. Cheers, Ray.
Your yesteryears and your story’s. Are great. Enjoy them all even two years later after you uploaded so glad TH-cam recommended your channel. Till next time 73 SIR.
Thanks! Glad you enjoy the videos. Cheers, Ray.
Please keep telling these stories,(since we are probably from the same era) they bring back fond memories of doing similar very things,brilliant!!!
More coming soon! Cheers, Ray.
I can't believe I spent 19 minutes listening ... but you are a great storyteller! Pure fun, especially for anyone who has been in radio for many years. Thank you!
19 minutes... Blimey, I think that's a record. Nice to hear from you. Cheers, Ray.
I think I watched this video at least 4 times last year with all the others about pirate radio you posted. Really good stories. Please, do more.
I will be doing more soon. Glad you liked it. Cheers, Ray.
Excellent story :)
please don't wait two months to tell us the next one!
OK, more coming soon!
Great story... Well told. Keep posting about the good years.
Jim- General Class since 1958.
Will do Jim. 👍
Thanks Ray. Always loved being surrounded by my electronic equipment. An Extra class ham for many years. Working on and listening to the tube amps and FM receivers. All the joys I have had with electronics in my life, I still can't understand why someone pirates the air ways? How one person can be so destructive.. Thanks again Ray
A wonderful posting and a good story. I grew up with valves and operated a VHF station on 50Mc's in the 'Sixties. The trouble was just about everyone had a telly that was basically unshielded and in a wooden cabinet. The I-F's would just be swamped when I threw on the A-M carrier wave, and it was just like Pirating, except when I imagined the villagers marching up to the castle with pitchforks and torches!
Harold Mandel I loved those great days.
All this expertise and knowledge is much appreciated. Well worth listening in.
What loads of fun, Ray! I'm always quite "chuffed" when I see a new post from you!
Oh heck no. Drone on buddy. I just found your channel. Love your stories.
Thanks!
I really love your pirate radio storys! Thank you for sharing, and greetings from the state of Virginia!
Hi from sunny Worthing UK. Thanks for the feedback. More stories coming soon! Cheers, Ray.
Ah go on admit it, it was you Ray wasn't it! The Statute of limitations doesn't go back that far! you are safe.
Loved your story! I used to charge 10 bob to tweek the local osc to get Radio Caroline back in the 60's 73's EI9DVB
Liam Brady it might have been me... I can’t remember!
Excellent video, I love this channel.
I can’t believe people whinge and whine about ‘droning on etc’ I love the detail, the memories, you could treble the length of the videos and I’d still love them. There is absolutely nothing wrong with long videos when the content is this good.
Long live Ray and his magic coffee cup👍👍
Batt Mann thanks, you’re very kind. Cheers, Ray.
Radio Workshop
A pleasure Ray, the channel is a real Gem!
I’ve already bought a Retekess V115 following your advice. Very happy with it too.👍
Batt Mann great!
No droning here. Keep it up, mate! Your stuff is magic.
Nice story. My grandad was one of two original directors of Reece Mace from 1926 ... (& my MW rig in the 70s was a pair of KT88s driven via a 5763 from a EF91 VFO, with a 125W Bi-Pak solid state modulator ;o))
Hi Mart, I had a lovely Reece Mace transmitter which covered the lower end of medium wave. Great fun! Cheers, Ray.
Using a converted car radio years ago, I managed to run a low power AM transmittion with a range of about 2 inches. With a range that small, the authorities would have had to be living in my house to hear it!!! LOL.
Haha, two inches... I like it!
@@g4nsj I told a friend working in the Dept of Communications at the time and he told me that if he had a 2 inch truck I would cop it!!! LOL. Maybe, he could have used a Matchbox Car!!!
@@RGC198 Haha, nice one!
I'm studying for my technicians license here in Texas. Meanwhile, I'm soaking up all the information that I can. The local club hasn't responded to any of my emails, so I'm on my own. This story was fascinating. I plan to watch more of your videos.
Excellent, thanks!
Love the old stories i really enjoyed it very much👍📻⚛
Thanks!
Yes, those were the good ole days! Loved the story.
Awesome story, I could talk with you for hours buddy. Nice shack as well, 73 from the U.S.
Thanks!
Interesting story. I live in Melbourne Australia and during the 1980's, we heard several pirate radio broadcasts on both AM and FM bands. We also received some pirate TV broadcasts, with one of them, even transmitting Christmas wishes in December one year.
Happy new year!
Thanks, I have subscribed to your channel.
Love these old stories Ray, thanks for sharing.
Thanks!
Love the old stories
More coming soon!
I've been waiting weeks for a new story Ray and this one certainly didn't disappoint! Great stuff, looking forward to the next one. You should write a book. 73
A book about the good old days. Yes, it might work. Cheers, Ray.
This was a really funny and interesting story and great to listen to, thanks for sharing!
FuzzyTek thank you!
I love these stories, I hope you share more in the future!
Came across this by accident. I certainly will watch all your videos. We could spend a good night chatting in the pub together. John Downtown Radio Dublin from the mid 70’s
The penny dropped for me when you were about half way though the story. I'm shouting at my screen "He's a HAM" hehe
Life would be so much simpler for we electronics enthusiasts here in the UK if we had the equivalent of America's FCC part 15. Just for us to experiment without having to go for a HAM licence. (My nearest examination centre is too far away and I have limited mobility.)
Hi Nick, I've been sussed! Yes, I am a ham but I like all aspects of radio. CB radio or the 11 metre band is full of SSB stations so it might be worth having a go there. Cheers, Ray.
@@g4nsj I'm just a humble SWL myself but with probably at least sufficient technical know how to pass the intermediate exam including the practical stuff. I'd just need tutoring on the operating procedures and licence conditions stuff. However, I am happy enough as an electronics hobbyist but would love a 100mW rule like the Americans have to be able to play about with low power transmitters.
@@SpeccyMan I'm short wave listener as well as a ham. In fact, I spend more time tuning around HF than I do chatting to people. It's a great hobby.
Yes, I remember it was the radio interference division of the Post Office that did the groundwork for finding pirates. I worked in the same building as one lot in Farringdon but on the international Telegraph side of the company.
Thanks for the info, Brian. Sounds like an interesting job. Cheers, Ray.
Loved this, it's like the David Icke electronics.
Thanks!
What a great story mate, I pirate broadcast on FM on and of. Im going to build my own AM transmitter using ocilator and old transformer. I live in Crawley, and was wondering if you like to meet for a coffee one day. Would love to hear more stories.
TRIPPLE JAY Glad you liked the story. Can’t meet at the moment due to ongoing family commitments. Sorry about that.
@@g4nsj Family come 1st that ok I can enjoy your video's. All the best.
Good stuff Ray. You certainly did a lot of observing back then...
A lot of observing, indeed! Haha! Cheers, Ray.
I.m pretty sure that AM was limited to 10w on top band. I pirated on there very occasionally. Some of the net on there were G2 two letter call signs which were probably issued in the 1930's.
Yes, top band power was limited to 10 Watts. I'm not sure what the limit is now.
Very good yarn.
Pirate television. About 1986, there was no TV transmitter for SBS television in Rockhampton in VK4 land. Some character who was an amateur and owned an electronics shop used to take the SBS feed off the satellite and re-transmit it locally on one of the VHF TV channels at about 10 W. I was a kilometre or two away and could receive it, but it wasn't so good. Maybe if I'd swung the antenna about, but never did. I'm pretty sure the radio inspectors knew but they were not bothered.
There was some pirate TV here in Worthing back in the old days. Pretty good, too. Thanks for commenting. Cheers, ray.
Lol!
They never got me! They were trying for 3 years and I always managed to evade them, but this was not in the UK.
The long wire antenna was going up during transmission and then disappear from sight as it was replaced by a thin fishing line that was tight up at one end!
So, during the day the hardly visible fishing line was hanging between the two buildings while at night the antenna wire was taking its place, just by pulling the nylon line at one end!
Great times c. 1967
Great times, indeed! Thanks for your comments. Cheers, Ray.
@@g4nsj
Hi Ray, great to hear from you, as it's been a while since you've been active on TH-cam.
I trust all's well and hope the new year is kind to all of us as we started to 'get on' with age.. LOL!
Best wishes my friend from 'down under' (..a very hot and smokey place at the moment!..)
73's
Great stories! It's always a treat, to hear from you. Cheers!
Thanks Dave, more coming soon.
great story ray those were the days my friend i thought would never end alas internet killed the radio star
Fantastic as always. Enjoy your vids and your website a great deal. Looking forwards to the next. 73
More coming soon. Thanks for your comments. Cheers, Ray.
I always love your stories
Thanks!
I love your channel, all these wonderful stories! please stay on the air!!
Thanks!
Thanks for sharing the interesting story.
Love the old story Ray!
Funny you remember so much detail although it wasn't you? Hmm...
I love the way you explained it so that we can picture the scene as if we were there also. Great story telling.
More... Bravo
73
Tom
It is rather odd that I recall so much detail. Hmm... I can't think why!
Noce very nice im iraqi in Bassra
It's like he was right there.
great story reminds me of the 70`s pirate stations here in America and all over the world
Great tale Ray, well told! Thanks :)
Thanks, Alan.
Thanks Ray, I look forward to your stories of past times, I only wish I could have been there with you.
They were great days. Glad you like the videos. Cheers, Ray.
Great stuff RAY, I`ve been waiting for this video and looking forward to the next one. I like the relaxed atmosphere like being in the shack with a true radio Elmer. Take care. Best wishes from David M0DAD
Him David, thanks for your kind comments. A true Elmer... I love it! Cheers, Ray.
JOLLY GOOD MATE👍👍SMASHING🎶
That could work back in the day, but so few have RF knowledge these days that they probably go to the amateur records early on in the tracking process.
Yes, good point.
That's how the FCC found my physical address back in high school as I was/am a licensed amateur. I was running a 1/2 watt FM station back then. Oopsie.
Pirate radio at its best!
Great story, Ray, thanks for sharing it.
Really enjoyed that story.
Excellent!
I would love to talk to you for hours about radio love old war stories 👍👍⚛
Thanks for sharing Ray love these story's I really would like to go back to those days !! That looks like a nice Amp you have there KT66's ? Please when you get time can you tell the G.W.M Worthing story ..Mr Grout? I brought so much from that place back in 1970,s What a gold mine that place was !! Cheers mate take care ..Mel..
Hi Mel, it's nice to hear from you. GWM Radio... Blimey,. those were the days! The shop has gone now but I have many happy memories of that amazing place and, maybe, I'll make a video. The valves in the amp were KT88s. Cheers, Ray.
We have all done it, just keep transmissions short. Old barbed wire fences worked well on MW.The 70s were great times. Had a close call via GPO funny I worked for them later. Mr Moxey in Cheltenham was on the ball, just watchout.
Thank you, Ray.
Ray can we have more stories please, having withdrawals over here.
Yes, more coming soon. Sorry for the delay. Cheers, Ray.
Oh, yes... I'm afraid you do drone on a bit, mate. You took 20 minutes to tell a 5-minute story. Haha... just like an American truck driver telling stories... they take forever to get to the point! Fortunately, you are pleasant to listen to, so not too difficult an endurance. :)
Hi Ray
Thanks for the great stories
go on do a teardown and repair of that nice amp!!
It's a lovely amp. I hope to be working on it soon.
Watched all the way through Ray, enjoyed your story mate.
Excellent, glad you enjoyed it. Cheers, Ray.
Good story bro.
Great story time, thank you.
A few details, perhaps:
1.) He DID have a suitable mic or key next to the transmitter, right?
2.) He did have a history of 160 m contacts? Back then, at least in the USA, you had to maintain a logbook of every QSO, and keep it for FCC inspection.
3.) The antenna was properly tuned for decent SWR on 160 m.
4.) If the inspectors had asked him to make a 160 m contact right then and there, he could do so.
He did, indeed.
Great smoke and mirrors story Ray or should I say cat and mouse? LOL
Haha, love it! Cheers, Ray.
Nice story. Almost felt like I was in the room sharing a coffee too
That's great, thanks for the feedback.
Excellent story! Great game of cat and mouse...
Thanks!
You don't so much drone on as wobble on! Still, it's about an era that I miss, a lot.
Good stuff, love it!
Thanks!
I don't know anything about radio broadcasting, but this was still a great story.
Thanks, Brandon.
Another great video, love the stories, thanks Ray...
Thanks,. Mike.
Great story!
Damn, it's windy in here.
Brilliant stuff. Love your stories, thank you.
Thanks :-)
Very interesting story! Keep them coming. Thanks.
More coming soon.
Wow, you must be the fun grandpa ever.
Ruth Barr haha, thanks!
absolutely loved it brand back memories tell us some more and how do you get a amateur pirate radio licence
Always look forward to your videos many thanks
Excellent, thanks for posting.
Is it normal for an fm transmitter to be all over the radio at a few yards? But after say 20 to 30 yards to be a clean signal?
Matt Dalby yes, it will swamp the radio if it’s too close.
Sooo Ray, was that your hifi amplifier that was in your lounge back in the day? you know, with the reel recorder and phonograph connected to it... LOL on
BTW, did they check out the neighbor? That was the era of radio free Europe and the IRON CURTAIN, when the commies jammed radio. So there was some politics to pirate radio too. Don
Ah, er, no... Actually, it's not my amp. I wish it was!
No, they didn't check the neighbour. I don't think they knew what to do!
Raydio workshop-I think it's got a nice ring to it, and your name in there too. Hope everything is ok there in Worthing Ray. :-) Nice story.
Hi David, everything's fine in Worthing. Nice to hear from you. Cheers, Ray.
Radio sea-gull very recent, if there's space in the spectrum someone will always use it!
Very interesting story. You made me laugh!!! :) :) :)
Glad you enjoyed it. Cheers, Ray.
Bloody good video! Yeah E is a bit gobby though :)
Thanks for commenting Andrew.
just teasing enjoyed every minute mate
:-)
its after 2am but I really want a coffee
Thanks
that was very good
keep up the drone sir
I'll keep droning!
Nice story! (A bit long though...)
Great stuff
Wow what a waffle
The good old days I ran a station in Harlow in the 70s the !st radio Essex
Charles Parks Excellent! Long live pirate radio!
Always enjoyable, thanks again! 73
Thanks, glad you enjoyed it.
keep droning mate!!!!! love it
johnny mac thanks!
Great story ,Did any of your mates work for the offshore stations ?
Sadly, no. Otherwise I'd have more stories to tell. Cheers, Ray.
great story!!
Thanks!
thanks for another great story..make some more...I am in saint pete florida
More stories coming soon!
grand parameter optimization
ah...m the good old days!
Happy days!
Very fun!! Love the videos. Thank you! 73 KE8EAS.
Glad you enjoyed it. Cheers, Ray.
Great story 😂😁