WirelessAdvisor.com

WirelessGeo · 08-12-2009, 11:39 PM

OK. I'm new and my question may prove this out but why oh why do you folks hunt cell towers? Are they elusive? What's the purpose and what makes this so interesting to all of you?

thanks,

George

TnA2xXtReM · 08-12-2009, 11:46 PM

I guess it is a hobby and interesting to know what they are like from states to states

Me, personally, I have seen a couple of towers (especially the ones that beeps my radar detector in the car) but found it a little bit too dangerous to take a picture while driving on the highway.. but looking forward to snapping some soon

Jay2TheRescue · 08-13-2009, 12:54 AM

I can tell you, they can sometimes be very elusive... They can be disguised as flagpoles, trees, boulders, church steeples, clocktowers, bell towers, etc. It can be very challenging to find them at times.

convex20899 · 08-13-2009, 9:14 AM

Why ask why. Just do it!

lol

Rockhound · 08-13-2009, 10:20 AM

Guess cell tower hunting is kind of like geocaching or rock collecting or any other hobby. If it is enjoyable to you and you can enjoy the hobby with others and you are having fun, go for it.
I know I have my own "goofy" hobbies. For instance - astronomy. What person in their right mind would stay up all night to look at little fuzzy patches of light in the night sky with a 6" telescope? Stupid? yes, maybe. How about ham radio? Have you talked with somebody in all 50 states or in 100 countries? Oh yeah, I can do that with my cell phone but with the radio I don't have to worry about long distance charges or peak or night minutes etc.
Go ahead - lets get out there and find that next cell tower.

Der84 · 08-13-2009, 10:59 AM

There are all different designs in each province and state. As Jay mentioned they can be disguised to look like many things or look like an ordinary tower, (guyed, latticed, monopole, or located on a building or water tower). I just think it's interesting to see what you can find.

Tony E! · 08-13-2009, 5:37 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by convex20899

Why ask why. Just do it!

lol

Amen!!!!!!!!!

Der84 · 08-14-2009, 11:12 PM

So....when's the next cell tower hunting contest?

larry · 08-15-2009, 12:44 AM

I started doing this back in 1997 before the whole disguised towers/cell sites started happening. It was just something that interested me.

Jonathan Kramer · 08-15-2009, 4:01 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by WirelessGeo

OK. I'm new and my question may prove this out but why oh why do you folks hunt cell towers? Are they elusive? What's the purpose and what makes this so interesting to all of you?

thanks,

George

George, in my case I an a wireless planner and telecom attorney working for local governments. I know from 17+ years of wireless planning that planners are very visual people. That why I started hunting sites and taking photos. It's far better to show a picture to say 'this is like what's being proposed...and why its a [insert: good|bad|stupid] project design. My photos have appeared in countless planners' presentations, and in magazines (including the National Geographic!).

j

Jonathan Kramer · 08-15-2009, 4:04 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Jay2TheRescue

I can tell you, they can sometimes be very elusive... They can be disguised as flagpoles, trees, boulders, church steeples, clocktowers, bell towers, etc. It can be very challenging to find them at times.

Yes, Jay, that's the fun part... looking at something and thinking, 'Hummmm, I wonder if....' I've developed a decent 'eye' for spotting sites, but of course I also have a leg-up on most everyone because as a wireless planner, I see all sorts of new designs and know where to look for them.

Perhaps our motto should be "They hide; we seek!"

j

RadioRaiders · 08-15-2009, 2:51 PM

Hunting cellphone towers is humane as it helps to control the population. There's an overabundance of them, and many would starve to death alone in the woods if they weren't hunted...
....besides, there's no better feeling than driving home with one strapped to the front bumper after a weekend of drinking in the woods with your buds

Charlyee · 08-15-2009, 3:35 PM

RR, that's too funny!

I think we hunt cell towers because we are all geeks here & unless you are one, you would likely find most of our behavior rather weird.

One benefit for me is the challenge of explaining to my SO, why I am complaining about the gorgeous 6000 year old Luxor Temple partially obscuring the cell tower behind it (that picture is in the gallery).

Also why am I standing at the edge of a cliff aiming my camera at the cell tower right next to a defense radar spying on the neighboring country, with clearly posted signs of "Absolutely no photographs allowed", just because the arrangement on the tower was so unique.

Palm850/v0100 Mozilla/4.0 (compatible; MSIE 6.0; Windows CE; IEMobile 7.11)

Jonathan Kramer · 08-15-2009, 3:42 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Charlyee

<snip>Also why am I standing at the edge of a cliff aiming my camera at the cell tower right next to a defense radar spying on the neighboring country, with clearly posted signs of "Absolutely no photographs allowed", just because the arrangement on the tower was so unique. </snip>

Can't wait to see it!

j

Yankees368 · 08-15-2009, 5:01 PM

I'm not quite sure why I do it. I just find it fun. You find these things in the most unassuming places; like church steeples and on the roof of one building, pointing UP at another building because another carrier won't let them inside that building.

I've posted the most pics on the site, party because I have lived in 3 places since I started taking pictures of sites, and also just because I like doing it. And sure, winning an ipod and a cellular repeater have been fun too. :-)

Der84 · 08-18-2009, 11:24 AM

I'll admit, my friends gave me some strange looks when on vacation in El Salvador, I was taking pics of the towers...ha ha.

Gottachase · 08-18-2009, 5:53 PM

I guess the reason I hunt is because i want to add to the photo gallery on here. That and its just awesome to see a tall structure anywhere (well to me at least).

Gottachase · 08-18-2009, 5:54 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by RadioRaiders

Hunting cellphone towers is humane as it helps to control the population. There's an overabundance of them, and many would starve to death alone in the woods if they weren't hunted...
....besides, there's no better feeling than driving home with one strapped to the front bumper after a weekend of drinking in the woods with your buds

Interesting story...lol

convex20899 · 08-26-2009, 11:19 AM

Did you find any cell phone towers in Westlake, OH ?

08-12-2009, 11:39 PM	#1
WirelessGeo Shoulda joined long ago! Join Date: Aug 2009 Location: In a Faraday Cage Posts: 3 Thanks: 0 Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts	Why Hunt Cell Towers OK. I'm new and my question may prove this out but why oh why do you folks hunt cell towers? Are they elusive? What's the purpose and what makes this so interesting to all of you? thanks, George

08-12-2009, 11:46 PM	#2
TnA2xXtReM Junior Member Join Date: Aug 2009 Location: Boston/SoEas, MA Posts: 135 Phone(s): HTC Touch Pro 1, iPhone 3G 16GB (white), Nokia N95-8GB, HTC Mogul/Samsng Rant Provider(s): Sprint, T-Mobile (Previous: Cingular/AT&T) Devices: Dell Axim x50v, Garmin Nuvi 760, iPod's, PSP Thanks: 3 Thanked 3 Times in 3 Posts	Re: Why Hunt Cell Towers I guess it is a hobby and interesting to know what they are like from states to states Me, personally, I have seen a couple of towers (especially the ones that beeps my radar detector in the car) but found it a little bit too dangerous to take a picture while driving on the highway.. but looking forward to snapping some soon

08-13-2009, 12:54 AM	#3
Jay2TheRescue Drycleaner extraordinaire Join Date: Dec 2002 Location: Sterling, Virginia Posts: 10,914 Phone(s): V3, HTC Tilt, HTC Pure, Moto V551, iPAQ 6515, Western Electric 302, 500, Ericsson Ericaphone Provider(s): AT&Tingular 310-410 Devices: Zune 30gb & way too many BT devices to list Thanks: 38 Thanked 39 Times in 37 Posts Images: 157	Re: Why Hunt Cell Towers I can tell you, they can sometimes be very elusive... They can be disguised as flagpoles, trees, boulders, church steeples, clocktowers, bell towers, etc. It can be very challenging to find them at times. __________________ GET A FREE $25 AT&T GIFTCARD WITH ACTIVATION OF NEW AT&T SERVICE FROM ANY DEALER. PM ME FOR DETAILS

08-13-2009, 9:14 AM	#4
convex20899 Fresh Member Join Date: Jul 2009 Location: Martinsburg, WV Posts: 38 Phone(s): BlackBerry curve Provider(s): Sprint Thanks: 0 Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts Images: 25	Re: Why Hunt Cell Towers Why ask why. Just do it! lol

08-13-2009, 10:20 AM	#5
Rockhound Junior Member Join Date: Jan 2003 Location: Sandy, UT Posts: 73 Phone(s): Motorola V750 (myself), VZW Coupe (wife), Motorola W315 (grandma), BlackBerry 8830 (work) Provider(s): Verizon Devices: Garmin GPS60cx, Ham Radio equipment Thanks: 1 Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts Images: 17 My Auctions	Re: Why Hunt Cell Towers Guess cell tower hunting is kind of like geocaching or rock collecting or any other hobby. If it is enjoyable to you and you can enjoy the hobby with others and you are having fun, go for it. I know I have my own "goofy" hobbies. For instance - astronomy. What person in their right mind would stay up all night to look at little fuzzy patches of light in the night sky with a 6" telescope? Stupid? yes, maybe. How about ham radio? Have you talked with somebody in all 50 states or in 100 countries? Oh yeah, I can do that with my cell phone but with the radio I don't have to worry about long distance charges or peak or night minutes etc. Go ahead - lets get out there and find that next cell tower.

WirelessAdvisor.com

Cell Tower Hunting Club

Why Hunt Cell Towers in Wireless Topics; "OK. I'm new and my question may prove this out ..."

WirelessAdvisor.com

08-13-2009, 10:59 AM	#6
Der84 The Canadian Cheese Head Join Date: Jun 2008 Location: Ontario Posts: 319 Phone(s): Motorazr Provider(s): Rogers Wireless Thanks: 9 Thanked 14 Times in 12 Posts Images: 272	Re: Why Hunt Cell Towers There are all different designs in each province and state. As Jay mentioned they can be disguised to look like many things or look like an ordinary tower, (guyed, latticed, monopole, or located on a building or water tower). I just think it's interesting to see what you can find. __________________ If you can't see the bright side of life, polish the dull side. Last edited by Der84; 08-13-2009 at 11:45 AM.

08-14-2009, 11:12 PM	#8
Der84 The Canadian Cheese Head Join Date: Jun 2008 Location: Ontario Posts: 319 Phone(s): Motorazr Provider(s): Rogers Wireless Thanks: 9 Thanked 14 Times in 12 Posts Images: 272	Re: Why Hunt Cell Towers So....when's the next cell tower hunting contest? __________________ If you can't see the bright side of life, polish the dull side.

08-15-2009, 12:44 AM	#9
larry Go Angels! Join Date: Oct 2001 Location: Orange County, CA Posts: 13,384 Phone(s): LG Rumor 2, Sanyo Katana II Provider(s): Sprint Thanks: 29 Thanked 25 Times in 24 Posts Images: 154 My Auctions	Re: Why Hunt Cell Towers I started doing this back in 1997 before the whole disguised towers/cell sites started happening. It was just something that interested me.

08-15-2009, 2:51 PM	#12
RadioRaiders Telecom Evangelist Join Date: Apr 2007 Location: Undisclosed Posts: 1,360 Provider(s): GSM / WCDMA Thanks: 36 Thanked 43 Times in 33 Posts	Re: Why Hunt Cell Towers Hunting cellphone towers is humane as it helps to control the population. There's an overabundance of them, and many would starve to death alone in the woods if they weren't hunted... ....besides, there's no better feeling than driving home with one strapped to the front bumper after a weekend of drinking in the woods with your buds __________________ Understand communications. Visit Radio Raiders Plot your own cellular coverage maps at Cellumap

08-15-2009, 3:35 PM	#13
Charlyee Luv My Treo !!!!! Join Date: Dec 2002 Location: SE Wisconsin Posts: 6,235 Phone(s): Treo Pro, Nokia 6131, Moto i325 IS Provider(s): at&t/at&t/Nextel Devices: Assorted handheld & installed GPS Thanks: 67 Thanked 60 Times in 54 Posts Images: 168 My Auctions	Re: Why Hunt Cell Towers RR, that's too funny! I think we hunt cell towers because we are all geeks here & unless you are one, you would likely find most of our behavior rather weird. One benefit for me is the challenge of explaining to my SO, why I am complaining about the gorgeous 6000 year old Luxor Temple partially obscuring the cell tower behind it (that picture is in the gallery). Also why am I standing at the edge of a cliff aiming my camera at the cell tower right next to a defense radar spying on the neighboring country, with clearly posted signs of "Absolutely no photographs allowed", just because the arrangement on the tower was so unique. Palm850/v0100 Mozilla/4.0 (compatible; MSIE 6.0; Windows CE; IEMobile 7.11)

08-15-2009, 5:01 PM	#15
Yankees368 Compulsive Signal Checker Join Date: Oct 2003 Location: Lansing, MI & Long Island Posts: 3,555 Phone(s): Palm Pre Provider(s): Sprint PCS (since 2002), Voicestream (2001-2002) Devices: S9 HD, 30GB iPod 5g, 2GB nano, Dell XPS M1530 Thanks: 2 Thanked 20 Times in 13 Posts Images: 624 My Auctions	Re: Why Hunt Cell Towers I'm not quite sure why I do it. I just find it fun. You find these things in the most unassuming places; like church steeples and on the roof of one building, pointing UP at another building because another carrier won't let them inside that building. I've posted the most pics on the site, party because I have lived in 3 places since I started taking pictures of sites, and also just because I like doing it. And sure, winning an ipod and a cellular repeater have been fun too. :-) __________________ "'Current Sprint Service Can Not Be Used' What the hell does that mean?!?" Nokia 5190 > Samsung a460 > Sanyo 6200 > Sanyo 8100 > Sanyo 8200 > Sanyo 7400 > Samsung a900 > Samsung a900m > Motorola K1m > Sanyo M1> HTC Mogul > HTC Touch Pro > Palm Pre

08-18-2009, 11:24 AM	#16
Der84 The Canadian Cheese Head Join Date: Jun 2008 Location: Ontario Posts: 319 Phone(s): Motorazr Provider(s): Rogers Wireless Thanks: 9 Thanked 14 Times in 12 Posts Images: 272	Re: Why Hunt Cell Towers I'll admit, my friends gave me some strange looks when on vacation in El Salvador, I was taking pics of the towers...ha ha. __________________ If you can't see the bright side of life, polish the dull side.

08-18-2009, 5:53 PM	#17
Gottachase Junior Member Join Date: Jul 2009 Posts: 89 Phone(s): LG Xenon, Motorola RAZR, SE W580i Provider(s): AT&T Devices: Ipod Touch, sanyo hd100 camcorder Thanks: 6 Thanked 3 Times in 3 Posts Images: 16	Re: Why Hunt Cell Towers I guess the reason I hunt is because i want to add to the photo gallery on here. That and its just awesome to see a tall structure anywhere (well to me at least). __________________ -Steven Cingular -Raising The Bar

08-26-2009, 11:19 AM	#19
convex20899 Fresh Member Join Date: Jul 2009 Location: Martinsburg, WV Posts: 38 Phone(s): BlackBerry curve Provider(s): Sprint Thanks: 0 Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts Images: 25	Re: Why Hunt Cell Towers Did you find any cell phone towers in Westlake, OH ?

Currently Active Users Viewing This Thread: 1 (0 members and 1 guests)

Thread Tools	Search this Thread
Show Printable Version Email this Page	Search this Thread: Advanced Search

Similar Threads for: Why Hunt Cell Towers
Thread	Thread Starter	Forum	Replies	Last Post
Cool new way to Tower Hunt	Yankees368	Cell Tower Hunting Club	9	04-12-2007 11:03 PM
North NJ wants Cell Coverage But Cell Towers	jones	Northeastern US Wireless Forum	5	02-13-2007 1:13 AM
New cell towers?	Jerseyphoneguy	Northeastern US Wireless Forum	9	08-27-2004 7:25 PM
Cell Towers along Rte. 17 in NY	jcats001	Northeastern US Wireless Forum	1	08-29-2003 8:09 PM
Sanyo 5300 USB Data cable hunt	sampaul	Sanyo	31	12-28-2002 5:00 PM