[BC] RF absorption by foliage

[Alan Alsobrook]

Since their wasn't any degradation to the AM signal everything flew 
through the commision just fine. Since the change was an omni 
directional change I don't think they could have attributated it to the 
new tower.

Cowboy wrote:
>>>From: Alan Alsobrook <radiotech at bellsouth.net>
> 
> 
>>>I have an AM Combo here in Florida that had allowed pine trees to grow 
>>>in the near field of the tower. Our plan was to remove the trees and 
>>>replace the ground system. Money being tight this plan has stretched 
>>>out.  In the mean time I was building a new FM site (with a new tower) 
>>>nearby .8 miles. I asked the owner of the AM to hold up on any work 
>>>until I had completed the FM, which required before and after 
>>>measurements of the AM's. Despite my asking, the AM owner got a "great 
>>>trade" on the land clearing shortly after I had made the before 
>>>measurements. When I made the after measurements both of the AM's showed 
>>>a 20% increase in field in all directions. That was with NO ground 
>>>system left and we didn't even get 1/4 wave cleared. So I have no doubt 
>>>that pine trees suck up signal like a sponge.  The money still isn't 
>>>available to put in the new ground system and I know for sure after the 
>>>root rake went through there's nothing left of the old one which was 
>>>known to be in poor shape.
> 
> 
>  Well, THERE's a sticky wicket !
> 
>  Since you can easily prove that the AM made significant changes
>  during the time when no changes could be made, and that he HAD
>  been notified as the rules require, I'ld say the FM is completely off the hook.
> 
>  I'm no lawyer, but if it were my FM, it would take a finding by the
>  commission before I'ld pay for any damages, real or imagined.
> 

-- 
Alan Alsobrook CSRE AMD CBNT
St. Augustine Fl. 32086 904-829-8885
aalso at Bellsouth.net