WWW.KBFR.ORG

How do we run Boulder Free Radio? We use technology to the fullest to create a semi-safe environment to broadcast a 150 watt 'unlicensed' signal to 95.3FM in Boulder, CO.


We work out of several 'fixed' studio locations. We also operate out of a mobile van setup. The van has the ability to 'plug in' to antenna sites setup around Boulder (antenna's in tree's and power cords running from houses/business of listeners who support us).

We also use STL (Studio Transmitter Link) setups that use internet streaming.

The STL consists of a computer, mixer, transmitter and wireless (WiFi) connector that allows us to pick up a high speed internet connection. We log into the www.kbfr.org site and start the 'stream' that comes out of one of our fixed studios. This stream is sent to the mixer, which is hooked into the transmitter, which goes to an antenna (usually in a tree, or on a tripod in the back yard of the STL 'host' site).

This keeps the studio sessions 'safe'. The STL host site is someone who's agreed to host a "ham radio re-transmitter'. When the FCC comes and 'busts' the STL site, the host simply tells the FCC that they understood it to be a ham radio setup... they agree to turn it off, and they don't let them take the equipment (saying: it's not mine so I can't give you permission to take it).

That satsify's the FCC (it get's turned off) and since all first contacts are 'warnings', the STL host is only warned. As long as they aren't warned a second time, chances of a fine are almost zero. We then come and take the STL setup away (it's in an outdoor enclosure that's easy to dismantle and move in about 10 minutes).

We then set it up at a different location (with wifi wireless access) and start the process over again.

And, in between, we use the van from the various antenna sites and from a magnet mounted antenna on the roof when we want to be mobile (often broadcasting from the side of the mountains that Boulder is nestled up against).