Can anyone share information on interference from cell tower to am tower that is less than 100' away.FCC rules .I believe a new cell tower that is built is already causing me issues. WEBR Radio tower located at 3941 Buffalo Ave N.Falls.Not turn on yet but the tower is up.And interference already.Any help would be appreciated.Thanks
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New Cell tower next to my radio Tower
- Thread starter Bill Yuhnke
- Start date
Since WEBR is non-directional, the FCC does not provide any legal recourse for you, as far as I know.
What kind of interference do you get from a tower whose tenant is not yet active? You might get some distortion of your non-directional signal, but other than that a cell tower generally does not even approach quarter wave height, and usually are grounded.
Today the cell tower lawyer will be calling about there plans including DTUNNING .I guess I have to see where this goes.Thanks for your input
Thanks for your input
Proper detuning of the cell tower will minimize the potential distortion to your signal.
A tower that close will reradiate in a direction that will make your pattern non compliant. Essentially it causes your signal to be directional. It is up to the cell company to correct for this and it involves de-tuning which will be at their expense due to them causing the issue. Make sure you broadcast attorney is aware of this.
What kind of interference do you get from a tower whose tenant is not yet active? You might get some distortion of your non-directional signal, but other than that a cell tower generally does not even approach quarter wave hieght, and usually are grounded.
As mentioned, the tower becomes a parasitic element on your tower unless detened. That will alter your non-directional pattern.
There's a few loopholes and some cell/Wisp providers are ignorant of the FCC rules or just roll the dice that nobody will complain. I thought that a non-directional AM still needs to be notified like a directional but the distance is much closer. Time to get a consultant involved.
Bill- I suggest hiring an engineer who is experienced in filing FCC applications to look at your situation and the rules and recommend a course of action. I believe Scott Fybush is not far from you. I think major cell site operators are aware of AM station rules, and this implies that if de-tuning is required, the tower may have been constructed by a relatively small operator. WEBR tower is just over one half wavelength tall, that's nice. Cherish it and keep your ground system in good shape.
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I have my engineers local and national on it as well my fcc lawyer.
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