Re:What 50,000 watts of RF energy sounds like through a jump...
by eknkc on Thursday February 11, 2016 @04:06AM
(#11079082)
Why isn't there a bird / bug / etc cemetary at the base of the tower?
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Re:What 50,000 watts of RF energy sounds like through a jump...
by gcb0 on Thursday February 11, 2016 @04:18AM
(#11079117)
there is. it's very, very noticeable on micro wave towers. the drum like cover on microwave antennas is just a lame regulation to try to save birds. they still die just by passing by. the building were i lived had one that required constant "maintenance" (dead bird cleaning)
Re:What 50,000 watts of RF energy sounds like through a jump...
by sathackr on Thursday February 11, 2016 @09:19AM
(#11080230)
I have never seen this, and I work with microwave towers nearly every day.
The 'drum like cover' is called a radome, and it's primary purpose is to reduce the wind loading of the microwave dish. It also serves to protect the usually sensitive feedhorn inside the dish, keep out bird nests, ice, water, etc...
The common cause of bird deaths around radio towers is collision, not RF energy. In Florida it is very common to see osprey nests build on/in/around towers. Microwave dishes are a common location because they provide a large horizontal surface to support the nest. See Wikipedia article 'Towerkill'
Re:What 50,000 watts of RF energy sounds like through a jump...
by gcb0 on Sunday February 14, 2016 @03:41AM
(#11097607)
uh. have a completely different experience. mostly with south america and 15+ years ago. i recall very well the impression of the row of dead birds in the roofs. granted, i only got near the towers 4 times in my life.