Odd Antenna Installation - Schenectady

[vannossc]

Anyone know what the large antenna is for on top of the First National Bank on Erir Blvd? Fiberglass stick, maybe 10 feet tall.Odd place for that type of an antenna...on a bank roof.

12345 - Google Maps

Been there for some time. I think I'll go around back and see what else may be in there but

 

[voxiso]

Do not know but here is a better link.

12345 - Google Maps

 

[kb0nly]

Could be almost anything but... I tried every database i know, antennasearch, FCC, nothing shows an antenna at that location. So its not likely a registered installation, could be private or otherwise being kept under the radar.

 

[W1KNE]

It could also be a remote receive site for an area department.

 

[pjtnascar]

There is a bank near here in Byram, NJ with an antenna on the roof similar to that. I wonder if they could be for some type of alarm designed to work if the phone line is cut?

 

[KD2DXF]

There is a bank near here in Byram, NJ with an antenna on the roof similar to that. I wonder if they could be for some type of alarm designed to work if the phone line is cut?

Ive searced some too and came up with nothing. As you just said it could very well be connect to the banks alarm system. I guess you could call them up and ask them?

 

[GTR8000]

Ive searced some too and came up with nothing. As you just said it could very well be connect to the banks alarm system. I guess you could call them up and ask them?

Yeah, because that wouldn't raise too many red flags..."Oh hey so umm, that big antenna on top of your bank building, is that like for your security system or something? I'm just curious, I'm not planning on robbing you or anything haha." :roll:

 

[nd5y]

I wonder if they could be for some type of alarm designed to work if the phone line is cut?

You wouldn't use a fiberglass omni antenna for something like that. In that case It would most likely be a yagi or other type of directional antenna pointed at the alarm company's tower or the nearest cell site. FCC rules normally require fixed point-to-point stations to use directional antennas.


If you can't find a license in the FCC database it could be a Part 22 paging or wireless service market-based license with no particular site locations, a ham repeater or it could be left over from the building's previous occupants.

 

[KD2DXF]

Yeah, because that wouldn't raise too many red flags..."Oh hey so umm, that big antenna on top of your bank building, is that like for your security system or something? I'm just curious, I'm not planning on robbing you or anything haha." :roll:

ROFL its just *67 the call. whats the worst that could happen, they hang up?

 

[W1KNE]

Here are the probabilities
1) It's a receive only site (a voting receive site) = No License Needed
2) It's an abandoned transmitter = No License Found
3) It's an unlicensed transmitter = No License Found

Those security systems that wirelessly transmit if there is a wirecut, typically use cell service, and a cell adaptor, which is concealed within the building.

 

[W1KNE]

Yeah, because that wouldn't raise too many red flags..."Oh hey so umm, that big antenna on top of your bank building, is that like for your security system or something? I'm just curious, I'm not planning on robbing you or anything haha." :roll:

Oh brother! LOL.

 

[Alarmguy]

Definitely not used for backup communications for an alarm system. I've installed plenty of those through out the years and if an outside antenna was used it was definitely not that type.

 

[62Truck]

What is weird where I work.. The fire alarms have a back up radio box and all attached to it is a rubber duck antenna.

 

[Alarmguy]

What is weird where I work.. The fire alarms have a back up radio box and all attached to it is a rubber duck antenna.

Sounds like an AES Intellinet radio. They are usually on a dealer or Central Stations private network on a UHF Frequency licensed to them. Each radio acts as a repeater.