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.
@grahamdewey4727
3 жыл бұрын
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.
@g4nsj
3 жыл бұрын
I remember the jamming. Great station! Happy days. Cheers, Ray.
@michealcade7313
Жыл бұрын
Your yesteryears and your story’s. Are great. Enjoy them all even two years later after you uploaded so glad KZitem recommended your channel. Till next time 73 SIR.
@g4nsj
Жыл бұрын
Thanks! Glad you enjoy the videos. Cheers, Ray.
@ViolonistaCanhoto
6 жыл бұрын
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!
@g4nsj
6 жыл бұрын
19 minutes... Blimey, I think that's a record. Nice to hear from you. Cheers, Ray.
@colinsmith4185
8 жыл бұрын
Please keep telling these stories,(since we are probably from the same era) they bring back fond memories of doing similar very things,brilliant!!!
@g4nsj
8 жыл бұрын
More coming soon! Cheers, Ray.
@dynacoman7363
2 жыл бұрын
Great story... Well told. Keep posting about the good years. Jim- General Class since 1958.
@g4nsj
2 жыл бұрын
Will do Jim. 👍
@coroamanicolai4527
Жыл бұрын
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.
@g4nsj
Жыл бұрын
I will be doing more soon. Glad you liked it. Cheers, Ray.
@abdullaex4119
6 жыл бұрын
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
@OH8STN
8 жыл бұрын
Excellent story :) please don't wait two months to tell us the next one!
@g4nsj
8 жыл бұрын
OK, more coming soon!
@hymanlipschitzmd6101
5 жыл бұрын
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!
@g4nsj
5 жыл бұрын
Harold Mandel I loved those great days.
@ponyboymidnight
8 жыл бұрын
What loads of fun, Ray! I'm always quite "chuffed" when I see a new post from you!
@electrolytics
3 жыл бұрын
Oh heck no. Drone on buddy. I just found your channel. Love your stories.
@g4nsj
3 жыл бұрын
Thanks!
@crisstryna_mma1622
Жыл бұрын
All this expertise and knowledge is much appreciated. Well worth listening in.
@acree3739
8 жыл бұрын
I really love your pirate radio storys! Thank you for sharing, and greetings from the state of Virginia!
@g4nsj
8 жыл бұрын
Hi from sunny Worthing UK. Thanks for the feedback. More stories coming soon! Cheers, Ray.
@battmann7089
4 жыл бұрын
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👍👍
@g4nsj
4 жыл бұрын
Batt Mann thanks, you’re very kind. Cheers, Ray.
@battmann7089
4 жыл бұрын
Radio Workshop A pleasure Ray, the channel is a real Gem!
@battmann7089
4 жыл бұрын
I’ve already bought a Retekess V115 following your advice. Very happy with it too.👍
@g4nsj
4 жыл бұрын
Batt Mann great!
@RobMacKendrick
5 жыл бұрын
No droning here. Keep it up, mate! Your stuff is magic.
@martbrighton2885
5 жыл бұрын
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))
@g4nsj
5 жыл бұрын
Hi Mart, I had a lovely Reece Mace transmitter which covered the lower end of medium wave. Great fun! Cheers, Ray.
@liambradymusic
4 жыл бұрын
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
@g4nsj
4 жыл бұрын
Liam Brady it might have been me... I can’t remember!
@bradh6185
3 жыл бұрын
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.
@g4nsj
3 жыл бұрын
Excellent, thanks!
@KarsonKimbrel
8 жыл бұрын
I love these stories, I hope you share more in the future!
@FrancoDX
3 жыл бұрын
Love these old stories Ray, thanks for sharing.
@g4nsj
3 жыл бұрын
Thanks!
@rtsphotography
8 жыл бұрын
Yes, those were the good ole days! Loved the story.
@GroundControl204
5 жыл бұрын
Awesome story, I could talk with you for hours buddy. Nice shack as well, 73 from the U.S.
@g4nsj
5 жыл бұрын
Thanks!
@RGC198
5 жыл бұрын
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.
@g4nsj
5 жыл бұрын
Happy new year!
@RGC198
5 жыл бұрын
Thanks, I have subscribed to your channel.
@RGC198
Жыл бұрын
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
Жыл бұрын
Haha, two inches... I like it!
@RGC198
Жыл бұрын
@@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!!!
@g4nsj
Жыл бұрын
@@RGC198 Haha, nice one!
@ATOMSHAMRADIO
2 жыл бұрын
Love the old stories i really enjoyed it very much👍📻⚛
@g4nsj
2 жыл бұрын
Thanks!
@RingwayManchester
8 жыл бұрын
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
@g4nsj
8 жыл бұрын
A book about the good old days. Yes, it might work. Cheers, Ray.
@SpeccyMan
Жыл бұрын
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.)
@g4nsj
Жыл бұрын
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.
@SpeccyMan
Жыл бұрын
@@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.
@raysrants
Жыл бұрын
@@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.
@rogair747
6 жыл бұрын
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
@FuzzyTekShow
4 жыл бұрын
This was a really funny and interesting story and great to listen to, thanks for sharing!
@g4nsj
4 жыл бұрын
FuzzyTek thank you!
@KD0LRG
8 жыл бұрын
Love the old stories
@g4nsj
8 жыл бұрын
More coming soon!
@brianfretwell3886
2 жыл бұрын
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.
@g4nsj
2 жыл бұрын
Thanks for the info, Brian. Sounds like an interesting job. Cheers, Ray.
@TRIPPLEJAY00
5 жыл бұрын
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.
@g4nsj
5 жыл бұрын
TRIPPLE JAY Glad you liked the story. Can’t meet at the moment due to ongoing family commitments. Sorry about that.
@TRIPPLEJAY00
5 жыл бұрын
@@g4nsj Family come 1st that ok I can enjoy your video's. All the best.
@junglejammer1
8 жыл бұрын
Great stories! It's always a treat, to hear from you. Cheers!
@g4nsj
8 жыл бұрын
Thanks Dave, more coming soon.
@Palifiox
7 жыл бұрын
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.
@g4nsj
7 жыл бұрын
There was some pirate TV here in Worthing back in the old days. Pretty good, too. Thanks for commenting. Cheers, ray.
@m.9243
4 жыл бұрын
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
4 жыл бұрын
Great times, indeed! Thanks for your comments. Cheers, Ray.
@m.9243
4 жыл бұрын
@@g4nsj Hi Ray, great to hear from you, as it's been a while since you've been active on KZitem. 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
@ado75
8 жыл бұрын
Good stuff Ray. You certainly did a lot of observing back then...
@g4nsj
8 жыл бұрын
A lot of observing, indeed! Haha! Cheers, Ray.
@MyNikolaas
7 жыл бұрын
I love your channel, all these wonderful stories! please stay on the air!!
@g4nsj
7 жыл бұрын
Thanks!
@jonjuliecat
Жыл бұрын
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.
@g4nsj
Жыл бұрын
Yes, top band power was limited to 10 Watts. I'm not sure what the limit is now.
@AntiqueRadioandTV
8 жыл бұрын
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
@g4nsj
8 жыл бұрын
It is rather odd that I recall so much detail. Hmm... I can't think why!
@sabeehwahyly9725
4 жыл бұрын
Noce very nice im iraqi in Bassra
@bradh6185
3 жыл бұрын
It's like he was right there.
@markosparko7873
6 жыл бұрын
Loved this, it's like the David Icke electronics.
@g4nsj
6 жыл бұрын
Thanks!
@frankm7490
4 жыл бұрын
great story ray those were the days my friend i thought would never end alas internet killed the radio star
@m0dad
8 жыл бұрын
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
@g4nsj
8 жыл бұрын
Him David, thanks for your kind comments. A true Elmer... I love it! Cheers, Ray.
@madrad999
8 жыл бұрын
Thanks Ray, I look forward to your stories of past times, I only wish I could have been there with you.
@g4nsj
8 жыл бұрын
They were great days. Glad you like the videos. Cheers, Ray.
@MrSuperheterodyne
8 жыл бұрын
Fantastic as always. Enjoy your vids and your website a great deal. Looking forwards to the next. 73
@g4nsj
8 жыл бұрын
More coming soon. Thanks for your comments. Cheers, Ray.
@alancordwell9759
8 жыл бұрын
Great tale Ray, well told! Thanks :)
@g4nsj
8 жыл бұрын
Thanks, Alan.
@davyhenry8985
2 жыл бұрын
Thanks for sharing the interesting story.
@big_b_radical3985
7 жыл бұрын
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.
@g4nsj
7 жыл бұрын
Yes, good point.
@brettcooper3893
6 жыл бұрын
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.
@43duelly
2 жыл бұрын
I always love your stories
@g4nsj
2 жыл бұрын
Thanks!
@miguelsalami
4 жыл бұрын
JOLLY GOOD MATE👍👍SMASHING🎶
@butterbean4195
7 жыл бұрын
great story reminds me of the 70`s pirate stations here in America and all over the world
@ATOMSHAMRADIO
2 жыл бұрын
I would love to talk to you for hours about radio love old war stories 👍👍⚛
@Wyowanderer
8 жыл бұрын
Great story, Ray, thanks for sharing it.
@G4MOF
8 жыл бұрын
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..
@g4nsj
8 жыл бұрын
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.
@ChoppingtonOtter
2 жыл бұрын
Really enjoyed that story.
@g4nsj
2 жыл бұрын
Excellent!
@LeeLocke
7 жыл бұрын
Watched all the way through Ray, enjoyed your story mate.
@g4nsj
7 жыл бұрын
Excellent, glad you enjoyed it. Cheers, Ray.
@hunter00047
7 жыл бұрын
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.
@ChaplainDaveSparks
7 жыл бұрын
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.
@g4nsj
7 жыл бұрын
He did, indeed.
@joej6254
3 жыл бұрын
Pirate radio at its best!
@pegbars
4 жыл бұрын
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. :)
@984francis
4 жыл бұрын
You don't so much drone on as wobble on! Still, it's about an era that I miss, a lot.
@johnwmacdonald994
8 жыл бұрын
Thank you, Ray.
@radioham2387
8 жыл бұрын
Hi Ray Thanks for the great stories go on do a teardown and repair of that nice amp!!
@g4nsj
8 жыл бұрын
It's a lovely amp. I hope to be working on it soon.
@RingwayManchester
7 жыл бұрын
Ray can we have more stories please, having withdrawals over here.
@g4nsj
7 жыл бұрын
Yes, more coming soon. Sorry for the delay. Cheers, Ray.
@brandonkellner2920
7 жыл бұрын
I don't know anything about radio broadcasting, but this was still a great story.
@g4nsj
7 жыл бұрын
Thanks, Brandon.
@mikedennington8856
8 жыл бұрын
Another great video, love the stories, thanks Ray...
@g4nsj
8 жыл бұрын
Thanks,. Mike.
@SpectreOZ
7 жыл бұрын
Great smoke and mirrors story Ray or should I say cat and mouse? LOL
@g4nsj
7 жыл бұрын
Haha, love it! Cheers, Ray.
@ooocrowooo
7 жыл бұрын
Great story time, thank you.
@mraudiommn7612
7 жыл бұрын
Excellent story! Great game of cat and mouse...
@g4nsj
7 жыл бұрын
Thanks!
@Scotscan
8 жыл бұрын
Nice story. Almost felt like I was in the room sharing a coffee too
@g4nsj
8 жыл бұрын
That's great, thanks for the feedback.
@davidsradioroom9678
3 жыл бұрын
Great story!
@TheRadiogeek
8 жыл бұрын
Very interesting story! Keep them coming. Thanks.
@g4nsj
8 жыл бұрын
More coming soon.
@davidflamee
8 жыл бұрын
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.
@g4nsj
8 жыл бұрын
Hi David, everything's fine in Worthing. Nice to hear from you. Cheers, Ray.
@wilwad
8 жыл бұрын
Good story bro.
@MegaBuckfast
8 жыл бұрын
Brilliant stuff. Love your stories, thank you.
@g4nsj
8 жыл бұрын
Thanks :-)
@dirkbergstrom9751
2 жыл бұрын
Good stuff, love it!
@g4nsj
2 жыл бұрын
Thanks!
@Frank55
6 жыл бұрын
Nice story! (A bit long though...)
@DJVybeBeats
7 жыл бұрын
Very interesting story. You made me laugh!!! :) :) :)
@g4nsj
7 жыл бұрын
Glad you enjoyed it. Cheers, Ray.
@Exsugarbabe1
7 жыл бұрын
Wow, you must be the fun grandpa ever.
@g4nsj
7 жыл бұрын
Ruth Barr haha, thanks!
@AndrewBryantPianoTuner
8 жыл бұрын
Bloody good video! Yeah E is a bit gobby though :)
@g4nsj
8 жыл бұрын
Thanks for commenting Andrew.
@AndrewBryantPianoTuner
8 жыл бұрын
just teasing enjoyed every minute mate
@g4nsj
8 жыл бұрын
:-)
@thechetjr
3 жыл бұрын
Damn, it's windy in here.
@denisagar8915
3 жыл бұрын
absolutely loved it brand back memories tell us some more and how do you get a amateur pirate radio licence
@kkristopher7413
3 жыл бұрын
Great stuff
@control5835
7 жыл бұрын
Radio sea-gull very recent, if there's space in the spectrum someone will always use it!
@RadioHamGuy
8 жыл бұрын
Always enjoyable, thanks again! 73
@g4nsj
8 жыл бұрын
Thanks, glad you enjoyed it.
@MrFergusferret
8 жыл бұрын
Always look forward to your videos many thanks
@g4nsj
8 жыл бұрын
Excellent, thanks for posting.
@ofthechase8783
6 жыл бұрын
Thanks that was very good keep up the drone sir
@g4nsj
6 жыл бұрын
I'll keep droning!
@charlesparks7267
7 жыл бұрын
The good old days I ran a station in Harlow in the 70s the !st radio Essex
@g4nsj
7 жыл бұрын
Charles Parks Excellent! Long live pirate radio!
@umajunkcollector
8 жыл бұрын
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
@umajunkcollector
8 жыл бұрын
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
@g4nsj
8 жыл бұрын
Ah, er, no... Actually, it's not my amp. I wish it was!
@g4nsj
8 жыл бұрын
No, they didn't check the neighbour. I don't think they knew what to do!
@user-su5sq5ib3i
3 жыл бұрын
great story!!
@g4nsj
3 жыл бұрын
Thanks!
@mattdalby1210
4 жыл бұрын
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?
@g4nsj
4 жыл бұрын
Matt Dalby yes, it will swamp the radio if it’s too close.
@SarahJane148
8 жыл бұрын
Great story ,Did any of your mates work for the offshore stations ?
@g4nsj
8 жыл бұрын
Sadly, no. Otherwise I'd have more stories to tell. Cheers, Ray.
@dm.2023
5 жыл бұрын
its after 2am but I really want a coffee
@bee5kree
8 жыл бұрын
thanks for another great story..make some more...I am in saint pete florida
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