So, I was going to do this last festival and it's pretty feasible. If you made/bought a small transmitter (10W should do) and ran an aerial up the outside of the roof, you'd in theory be able to broadcast for about 10-15 miles (although in reality it will be less because there are taller buildings than us nearby). I started putting bits together for it, so if I can find where I packed them, I can donate them to the project.
One thing I would take care with (not to be a killjoy or anything) is that unless you have a license, broadcasting radio is illegal in the UK under several laws, but most recently the
Wireless Telegraphy Act 2006:Quote:
It is unlawful—
(a)to establish or use a wireless telegraphy station, or
(b)to install or use wireless telegraphy apparatus,
except under and in accordance with a licence (a “wireless telegraphy licence”) granted under this section by OFCOM.
With a lower power transmission, I doubt we'd have to worry about it, but I wouldn't put it past the authorities to be doing checks, especially during festival time and under
Chapter 4, you can be prosecuted just for having the equipment, whether or not you're actually using it. They can also prosecute the person responsible for the building being used as a transmission site as well as anyone who has helped:
Quote:
(2)A person commits an offence if—
(a)he participates in the management, financing, operation or day-to-day running of the broadcasting station knowing, or having reasonable cause to believe, that unauthorised broadcasts are made by the station;
(b)he supplies, instals, repairs or maintains wireless telegraphy apparatus or any other item knowing, or having reasonable cause to believe that unauthorised broadcasts are made by the station;
It's even breaking the law to advertise the station, which could include this thread (given that it's in a public area of the message board):
Quote:
(i)he publishes the times or other details of unauthorised broadcasts made by the broadcasting station, or (otherwise than by publishing such details) publishes an advertisement of matter calculated to promote the station (whether directly or indirectly), knowing, or having reasonable cause to believe, that unauthorised broadcasts are made by the station.
Penalties are up to 6 months and up to £250,000 fine.
Like I said, I don't think it will be an issue and I was going to have a go at doing something like this last year but ran out of time/energy so would love to help if it gets up and running as a viable idea.
Login
Register
FAQ
Search
