Blog

The Ultimate Radio Nerd House

The Ultimate Radio Nerd House

OK, technically, it’s not an actual house. But imagine if it was. This is an old communications building on one of the largest mountaintop transmitter sites in Los Angeles. It sits at an elevation of 5700’ and overlooks all of SoCal to the south. Yes, that gets you some pretty crazy LOS reception. The large windows are actually an RF transparent material, which allows them to try dishes from the inside. There are old Bell Telephone labeled dishes hanging from the ceiling. And notice that somebody has quite a view from their desk.

Read more →

Can Antennas Have Their Own Post Office?

Can Antennas Have Their Own Post Office?

Turns out, yes they can. This remote mountaintop just outside of Los Angeles, is the largest antenna/transmitter facility in the county. Large enough, that it actually has its own post office. The office isn’t manned full-time, but someone keeps it open for business a certain amount of time each day. Engineers and other people can conduct their postal business right at the site. I’m guessing some pretty interesting items have passed through there over the years.

Read more →

Desense? What's that?

Desense? What's that?

Call me crazy, but... I get the feeling somebody might be trying to make money at this site.

Read more →

Not Just Any Fire Station

Not Just Any Fire Station

If you're old enough, you'll probably remember this fire station. This is Los Angeles County Fire Station #127 in the City of Carson. But that's not what it's most known as. Need a hint? How about this sound? No? OK, how about this. Well if that doesn't do it, nothing will. LACoFD Station #127 was the exterior used as "Station 51" in the old TV show "Emergency". I took this shot myself a while back. The area has changed quite a bit, but the station hasn't much. Still pretty much looks the same as back in the 70s. A little...

Read more →

The Mother of All Discone Antennas

The Mother of All Discone Antennas

Stopped by the USS Iowa in the Port of Los Angeles a while back. Couldn't help but notice this behemoth on the bow. Think your neighbors are annoyed now, try putting this on your roof. You can learn more about the Iowa's radio equipment on the Battleship Iowa Amateur Radio Association site. In all fairness though, they do get bigger... Check out the discone at the Titan Missile Museum.

Read more →