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?????? about HAM

Posted: Sat Feb 24, 2007 6:05 am
by hawkeye
Hello Everyone,

I am hoping someone could shed some light on the use of HAM radios for me. I am a Real Estate Appraiser in South Florida and have been asked to do an appraisal on a home where the adjoining neighbor has a HAM radio tower. Now, the reason for the appraisal is to determine if the neighbor’s HAM tower can possibly affect the property value of the homes in the immediate area. I would like to get some input to help aid in my appraisal.

First of all, let me describe the tower- When retracted it stands at about 22 feet. I have been told that when fully erected it stands at 72 feet. From what I am told, the owner is a licensed HAM radio operator and does have permits from the city to have such a tower. However, the neighbors are complaining that they can hear partial conversations emitted from the tower through their cordless telephones, TV’s and Radios. Due to the relatively small lots homes are built on in South Florida, the tower is close in proximity to the neighboring homes. The person who owns the tower, has gone to the neighbors and installed some type of filter on the TVs, however some neighbors complain that in does not help. Although, the case is in litigation, that is not my concern. My job is not to favor one side over the other. What I really need to know is if the proper filters are installed, will that eliminate the conversations coming off the tower completely and what are the average costs of each of these filters and approximate labor cost/fees. Also, can a filter be installed onto a cordless phone? Or is there maybe a better or newer type of phone that would not pick up the emitted signals from the tower. Any other information to help clarify this matter would be very helpful. I would also like to know if anyone knows of or has gone through a similar situation in other areas of the country and if a loss in property value was or was not established, any information or documentation given would be much appreciated. Thank You….

Caution!

Posted: Sat Feb 24, 2007 3:02 pm
by K4ICL
Most would agree assessing the value anything is a matter of perception. Quantifying a value is an art, if you will allow the use of the term. It is not a science. .

"Ham Towers" can be perceived as good or bad by neighbors depending on many unpredictable variables. For example, a neighbor with a inexpensive stereo, TV, etc. will be bitterly against hams and towers due to radio energy absorption his inadequately designed appliance is incapable of rejecting. The same anitham neighbor, in a Katrina-like situation, will support having the "tower" in his neighborhood and will feel comfortable for having the communication services of a ham near by. Same "tower", same neighbor, different situation.

Also all so-called "tower control" laws passed by city, county, and states have been superseded by Federal law with protects the right of hams to erect and use "towers". You may want to research this to determine if it is applicable to your appraisal needs.

Not all "towers" belong to hams. Thousands belong to CB enthusiasts. Unlike the amateur radio hobby, the CB hobby is not monitored or controlled adequately, opening the way for many illegal high power CB operations, many of which are truly creating severe radio interference.

Your question, in several forms, has been kicked around for decades with no definitive answer. For what it is worth, in general, "towers" exist in reasonable harmony with neighborhoods the world over, with no detriment of adjacent properties. This is likely to continue. Good luck on your quest.

Regards,

Dr. Al Link, K4ICL

Note: "...inadequately designed" refers RF rejection capabilities manufacturer are required to build into any receiving device be it a wireless telephone or a simple FM stereo receiver. The impossibility of monitoring all possible manufactures, models, etc. provides ample opportunity for appliance manufacturer to cut corners without detection. Of course the consumer ends up with an inferior product and interference is inevitable. The affected neighbor sees a "tower" in the area and, bingo, a conflict exists, harmony is destroyed and all involved get real cranky.

Posted: Tue Feb 27, 2007 3:58 am
by hawkeye
Hello Dr. Al Link, K4ICL

Thank you for your reply and time with this matter. Very helpful.


Regards,

L. Escobar