Out with the old
May 1, 2009 12:00 PM, By Susan Anderson
What can you do with your analog debris?
Ruck adds, “If it's a panel antenna, those are usually broadband, so you could pretty much move it someplace else. When we start talking about the slot antennas, you've got a really narrow market in which those can be used because they work on a particular channel. Most of those end up getting scrapped, assuming they take them down.”
Removal of large antenna systems and transmission lines requires careful coordination to ensure safety and to make sure that other systems on the tower aren't damaged. And, the costs can be considerable. In some instances, the cost of paying recyclers to scrap antennas for materials outweighs the benefits. This holds true for the copper in antenna lines.
“The price of copper has come down significantly from its peak,” Arnold says, “so broadcasters should not expect salvage sales to become a profit center for their company.”
As a result, many broadcasters are leaving their analog antennas and transmission line in place, as long as the tower can handle the load or until the tower space is needed.
Andrew Suk, vice president of engineering and operations for Cordillera Communications, says that several of its systems were designed for adjacent channel operations and that its new DTV antenna was actually designed for analog and DTV service.
“In those locations, there will be no need to remove the analog antenna or feed line,” Suk says. “In the locations that do have analog antennas and feed lines, we're not in a rush to spend the money required to remove those structures and will instead address them at opportunistic times.”
In a situation where an analog tower must be completely removed — for example, because of lease requirements — Arnold says it's important to ensure that your tower crew has the experience and credentials to safely remove these heavy items, which weigh between five and 10 tons. Also make sure they have adequate insurance.
“Because of the complexity, we only work with established tower crews that have an excellent safety record,” Arnold says. “Consider FAA notification requirements if the top-mounted antenna is removed. A lot of towers are in populated areas, so you can't be too careful.”
With cost an issue due to today's economy, Arnold suggests coordinating tower work with other broadcasters that may be on the tower in order to reduce cost. That's what the Sinclair Broadcast Group is doing in all of its markets, whenever possible.
“With dollars tight, we're just trying to think smart,” he says.
With the hurdles involved in the removal of analog equipment, don't expect to see broadcasters racing to take down their analog antennas on June 13.
Susan Anderson is the managing editor of Broadcast Engineering.
Send questions and comments to: don.markley@penton.com
| Want to use this article? Click here for options! |  |
