Dec. 15, 2004

AM radio signal

I read the Reader's Forum today about using a low power AM radio signal to alert drivers as to current road conditions that would forewarn people off the hill of road blockages or tie-ups. Also, I read your response and you are correct; an AM signal of that type would not work because of the Lab's terrain. However, an FM signal with the transmitter (perhaps solar power) located somewhere around the Y, or on one of the bluffs working at 35 to 40 watts would work well. Amateur radio operators routinely communicate using FM 35-to-40 watts power in this terrain with little or no difficulty.

--Mike Kolb