> As a Hobbist or Ham radio operator -- thinking on your feet -- and being able to > change elements or parts -- is ok. However -- any change to a Commercial radio > station, without FCC approval, is NOT allowed. If an AM CP or license calls > for 120 radials -- 90 degrees long --- by adding extra radials or any other metal > to the system -- makes that station illegal.
On a non-d station, all you'd need to do is file the right paperwork after measuring the base impedance. On a directional station you'd likely need to do what's called a partial proof. Ten measurements on every radial - at least eight - from 2 to 10 miles from the towers. That would be an excellent way as you could compare it to the buried radial system. See what the nulls were, and the peak reading of the major lobe(s). Knowing the Radio Disney engineering consultant, the 640 station was configured that way in their CP application and completely legal. If I had a station where the copper thieves struck, I would definitely set up the elevated radials as a temporary measure, and possibly file to make it permanent if it looked like it was working correctly. In the late 70's, copper thieves hit the 1380 station in Woonsocket, RI. They took maybe a five foot radius of copper from the immediate base of the tower. The transmitter wouldn't stay on until I connected a couple of wires with a pair of Vice Grips. Didn't take much to get it back on the air. In the course of the day I was able to reconstruct the system. No change in base current, nor in tuning so we didn't bother filing any paperwork. Craig Healy Providence, RI _______________________________________________ IRCA mailing list [email protected] http://montreal.kotalampi.com/mailman/listinfo/irca Opinions expressed in messages on this mailing list are those of the original contributors and do not necessarily reflect the opinion of the IRCA, its editors, publishing staff, or officers For more information: http://www.ircaonline.org To Post a message: [email protected]
