TV station interference

[dreslism]

I got a great opportunity to obtain a client today.

We ping'd emails back and forth, then the guy says the first job is a location with 3 buildings. Just shoot a N,S, E,W shot and get all 3 building in an oblique shot, and fill the frame with the property lines.

Then he says the site is a local detroit TV station.

:(

They put out 5Million watts of power.

I had a bad experience before with TV stations being in the area, so I am inclined to not even bother with this shoot.

Anyone else have any experience with flying in the vicinity of a broadcasting TV station?

Thanks,

[AZ ChopperCam]

is their tower on site? many TV stations have a tower elsewhere and microwave their feed to it or use a land line.

[dreslism]

Good point. I did not know that.

I'm waiting for an answer back on that.

I tried to see from a google satellite view, but could not tell with it being a straight vertical.

[dreslism]

Well, I got the word back that the site is live and they are transmitting from there. I can now see one giant tower and several "dishes" around the property.

I'm gonna head out there and do a walk around and check things out over lunch tomorrow or Friday, but I think my better judgement is gonna make me decline this one.

This station is UHF based, so they should be far away from our 72Mhz, but there are many other TV stations in the area, and some of those will be putting out at VHF lowband which is very near our 72Mhz. Regardless, I am concerned about just being swamped by all the power in the area.

So, no one else has any comments or experience in this area?

Thanks,

[d-bledsoe]

Well i dont know if it would interfere, but there is one easy way to find out. take the heli out there and do a through range check. That will give you the answers you want, then decide if its safe to fly
-Derek

[dreslism]

Thanks Derek,

I already plan to take the heli's out and do range checks when I go, but those would be ground checks.

I think things could change when it gets in the air. I may be fine one minute, then the next be in it's "path of transmission." They are putting out 5 million watts.

Because of this I a am strongly leaning towards passing on this one, but will no more after I get out there.

Thanks,

[bat1]

time to try your hand at kite AP :wink:

[dreslism]

time to try your hand at kite AP :wink:

Actually....

Been down that road.

Kite AP blows... , but that is just my personal opinion.

Just to get one shot takes forever. Wrestle with a kite for 20-30 minutes to get it up, hope it stays up, and hope you can get your shot, then bring it down. An hour later you might get your shot.

With my heli or airplane, pull up, 10-15 minutes later I am gone with the shot I wanted.

Funny how kite did not even pop into my head! It was that bad of an experience for me!

Hey, anyone want to buy a kite? :mrgreen: