What kind of antennao

[FireBall517]

Wirelessly posted (LGE-VX9900/1.0 UP.Browser/6.2.3.2 (GUI) MMP/2.0)

Ok, I was watinng to know what the antennas do and are specifically called on this tower. I've been up on Sharps Ridge before looking at the towers and noticed a antenna that looked like a drum mounted on the side of the tower. The antenna was white and had a little lightening bolt on the side (for a logo) if anyone knows what this is could you tell me. I've been intrested in tower for a while and was wanted to know what the(drum) was? Thanks in advance..

 

[wyomingmedic]

Well, I have no idea where "Sharps Ridge" is, or where you are, but the big drum looking things are microwave antennas for SHF (Super High Frequencies). Frequencies above 1500 MHz usually use these as they provide a LOT of gain. They have covers on them so snow and ice does not build up inside and detune them.

They are very directional and have to be aimed at a receiving setup wherever they go. So if you could climb up the tower with a pair of binoculars, I bet you could see what they are aimed at.

WM

 

[rvholland]

Sounds like you're looking at an Andrew terrestrial microwave antenna. Typical use is a point-to-point rf link. The antenna is commonly a parabolic dish with a weather cover or radome. The radome gives it that drum-like apearance.

There is a tower near me that has about 6 of these drum-like antennas on it at various heights and pointed in different directions.

 

[FireBall517]

Wirelessly posted (LGE-VX9900/1.0 UP.Browser/6.2.3.2 (GUI) MMP/2.0)

Alright, thank you guys for for answering this question. I have always thought that they were directional antennas pointing to another antenna. By the way Sharps Ridge is in Knoxville, Tennessee. It is an antenna farm with quite a few. But anyways thanks.