"What is Anarchy One?"
Anarchy One is a member of the growing number of radio stations that have taken back the airwaves. These unlicensed stations sometimes called Pirate Radio. The movement of people towards operating unlicensed stations is known as Microbroadcasting. This is to define what they are doing, which is broadcasting to members of the community, usually with low power transmitters. It also tells about what they are NOT, which is Outbanders, Jammers, CBers or two way communications.
"Where can I hear Microbroadcast stations?"
On your radio dial, there are different frequency bands where Microbroadcasters can be found.
Medium Wave or AM - Typically Microbroadcast stations in Europe and North America have operated in the high end of the AM band, or right above it, 1610 kHz to 1700 kHz or so. This band is mostly used near towns and large cities.
Short Wave - The bulk of Microbroadcast activity is found near 43 Meters in the range of 6875-6975 kHz with most of the broadcasts taking place around 6955 kHz. Single Sideband (SSB) is used more and more along with a few stations using Amplitude Modulation (AM) so if one is DXing SW Microbroadcast stations, a receiver with a Beat Frequency Oscilator (BFO) is a must. Other frequency ranges used by North American SWBC Microbroadcast Stations include, 3400 kHz, 5800-5900 kHz, 6200-6300 kHz and other places between 6300 kHz and 43 Meters, 9900 kHz, 13900 kHz, 14400 kHz, 15050+/- kHz and around 21500 kHz. Many of the broadcasts take place on Friday night, anytime on Saturdays with the bulk of the activity on Saturday evenings and Sunday during the early morning hours and some sporadic activity on Sunday evenings. Holiday weekends are especially productive with Halloween, April Fools and New Year ranking among the most popular.
FM - Often, if you live in a larger city, chances are there is at least one Microbroadcast or Part 15 station operating in your area. Simply tune your FM band and become familiar with the legal stations that are already there and keep an ear on the "Holes" for potential activity.
"I want to start a Microbroadcast Station, How do I start?"
My first advice is to ask yourself the question "Why?". If you feel like your reason is worth the risk of getting caught and you are prepared to deal with the consequences of a bust, fines and loss of equipment, READ EVERYTHING you can get your hands on that deals with radio. One particular GREAT read is almost any year of the ARRL's Handbook, it's all there, propagation, antennas, transmitters, radio fundamentals. After that, if you think you have the technical skills, decide what you want to offer your potential audience. A production studio with a mixer, some tape decks, some CD players, microphones and all the rest will get you started. There is ALOT to learn, and Microbroadcast broadcasting covers ALOT of territory. Don't expect to start a Microbroadcast Station in a week from nothing. Above all else, PROTECT your identity! Assume a false name, rent a PO Box for correspondance, try to broadcast away from where you live, this may sound like alot of hassle but in the long-run and if the FCC ever starts taking an interest in you, these things will help!
(Excerpted from the Free Radio FAQ)
